Navigating Barajas Airport for a Timely Train Departure

[crhutch]

For those of you who recently flown into Madrid, how long did it take to go through immigration & customs? I get into Madrid at 10:15 am and would like to make my way to Atocha for a 1:15 train in ample time.
Thanks!

 

[Margaret Butterworth]

There is a shuttle bus from the airport to Atocha which takes about an hour, depending on traffic. It took me a while to find the bus stop at Barajas though - its not with the main intercity stops.

 

[Corned Beef]

Just done the reverse (Atocha - Barajas) today. Buses ironically face mask to face mask. Try a taxi. Fixed price €30 and less than 30 minutes.

Taxi drivers don’t hang about

 

[Sparrow in Texas]

I have flown through Barajas 5 times as recently as 4 months ago, arriving at T-4. Each time it has taken me just about an hour to get off the plane, go through immigration and baggage claim. From T-4 I take the Cercanias train to Atocha, one leaves approximately every 15 minutes. The trip takes 29 minutes (which is 10 minutes less than the Metro). Check your train ticket because usually there is a code to use to get your Cercanias ticket. A tidbit from a pilot friend, international flights from the US are always on time.

 

[Peregrina 2013]

Flying AA from US and arriving at Barajas 9:05 terminal T4 and on to Oviedo on Iberia at 11:40 also from T4. Hopefully, enough time? Purchased tickets separately, so, will I have to check in again at the main terminal or simply go to the departure gate and check in there?

 

[dutchwalkagain]

I did this 4 times. However NOT recently (last time was 3 1/2 years ago) So I am not sure if the process to get through customs is different due to covid. If not, 3 hours should be enough. Take the cercanias train from Barajas to Atocha. (30 minutes) .

 

[JerryStroebele]

I have taken the train and the metro. But the last time (late September) I took a taxi. Jet lagged, it is nice to just sit back in the cab. 30 euros and fast. Buen Camino