My first Camino in May

[Dee70]

Hello kind people, I'll be doing my first Camino in May and I'm looking for some advice. We have a tight schedule due to work and we need to leave SDC to reach the airport in time for our flight at 4pm. Essentially, we hope to take the train into Madrid, and then make our way to the airport. There's a 7.40am train which gets us in the city around 11am. Someone suggested we take the earlier train that leaves around 5am to be safe. I'm wondering if anyone has any experience or advice? Thank you.

 

[J Willhaus]

It takes about 30 minutes by Cercanías train to get from the Chamartín train station to the airport. There is a train every 10 minutes or so. I think you would have enough time if you arrive at 11 am but you should do what you feel most comfortable with.

 

[jsalt]

I NEVER travel on the day I have to get a long haul flight home. It’s just not worth the risk of missing the flight. I see you are from Malaysia. To buy another long-distance-one-way-flight home at the last minute costs a small fortune. 99% of the time you will be fine, but I have been caught out too many times by European strikes just when you really don’t need it. So, if I was you, I would get from Santiago to Madrid the evening before. But I am me. Take the 5am train and give yourself a bit more leeway at the other end.

 

[BRSmith13]

Hi - have you considered flying? Flights seem fairly affordable and lots faster to get to the airport

 

[henrythedog]

If you arrived into Madrid at 1100 - probably into Chamartin - for a 1600 flight from Barajas, you’ll be fine. It’s a simple ride on the Cercanias train between the two.

The variable is whether the train gets in at 1100’ish - although they usually do run to time.

Of course as others will point out there could be an earthquake, alien invasion, train strike etc etc.

 

[Dee70]

It takes about 30 minutes by Cercanías train to get from the Chamartín train station to the airport. There is a train every 10 minutes or so. I think you would have enough time if you arrive at 11 am but you should do what you feel most comfortable with.

Thank you for the information. It's something I need to consider.

 

[Dee70]

If you arrived into Madrid at 1100 - probably into Chamartin - for a 1600 flight from Barajas, you’ll be fine. It’s a simple ride on the Cercanias train between the two.

The variable is whether the train gets in at 1100’ish - although they usually do run to time.

Of course as others will point out there could be an earthquake, alien invasion, train strike etc etc.

I'm usually so good at making decisions so I don't know why I'm dithering so much on making a decision. Perhaps it's the possibility of an alien invasion

 

[trecile]

I'm usually so good at making decisions so I don't know why I'm dithering so much on making a decision. Perhaps it's the possibility of an alien invasion

I just told my husband today that I'm in the indecision phase of my planning - and I've already done 7 Caminos!

 

[Dee70]

I NEVER travel on the day I have to get a long haul flight home. It’s just not worth the risk of missing the flight. I see you are from Malaysia. To buy another long-distance-one-way-flight home at the last minute costs a small fortune. 99% of the time you will be fine, but I have been caught out too many times by European strikes just when you really don’t need it. So, if I was you, I would get from Santiago to Madrid the evening before. But I am me. Take the 5am train and give yourself a bit more leeway at the other end.

Truth be told, I tend to be of a 'better safe than sorry' mindset, so I'm inclined to agree with you. I believe that's what I'll do. Thank you.

 

[Dee70]

Hi - have you considered flying? Flights seem fairly affordable and lots faster to get to the airport

Thanks, I'll check out prices and flight times as well.