Warning! Don't go to Atocha station in Madrid without coins in your pocket if you have to pee!

Damien Reynolds · May 12, 2016

So I arrived in Madrid Barajas about 2:15, and immigration took a while. I was finally free to continue my travels around 3:15. Now I was a little nervous about catching my train at Atocha at 4:23, so I skipped the bathroom at the airport, deciding I better get to the train station first.
I made it to the train station by 3:45, giving me plenty of time... But I really had to pee! Turns out, now the bathrooms at the station are "pay as you go" 60 cents. I had no monedas in my pockets, staring at my 50 euro bills futilely in the aseo. I left, still having to pee, and was forced to buy a beer so I had change for the bathroom. Still had plenty of time and I enjoyed my beer. The moral of the story is I never remember the importance of the coins until I really really need some. (laundry, vending, needing to pee st Atocha.)

peregrina2000 · May 12, 2016

The other moral of the story is to never pass up the opportunity to pee in an open bathroom. Older people learn that really quickly as the bladder starts to torture us.

So did you take Cercanias from the airport to Atocha? Any reports on how that went? Buen camino, Laurie

whariwharangi · May 12, 2016

I am often tempted to pee on the doorpost of pay-as-you-go public washrooms. Je ne sais pas pourquoi.

I am glad Ryan Air abandoned this line of thought.

Albertagirl · May 12, 2016

I went to use a pay washroom in the bus depot at Burgos and a woman coming out of a stall held the door for me so I would not have to pay. Much appreciated.

Damien Reynolds · May 12, 2016

peregrina2000 said:
So did you take Cercanias from the airport to Atocha? Any reports on how that went?

Um. They have this line of little white cars right outside the baggage claim area that take you wherever you tell them to. Next time and with more time maybe I'll be more adventurous. The taxi was 30 euro flat rate.

Angie94 · May 12, 2016

Damien Reynolds said:
The moral of the story is I never remember the importance of the coins until I really really need some. (laundry, vending, needing to pee st Atocha.)

Thank you SO much for this post as I will be at that very train station on Monday the 16th. I don't currently have any change so guess I will have to get some!
Wow 30 Euros for a taxi - I will try to get a cheaper means to get over there if I can. Hope your camino is wonderful!

Ang

GreatDane · May 12, 2016

I used the Cercanias from T4 to Charmartin last month on my way to Burgos. I bought my Renfe ticket at the Renfe office at T4 rather than ordering it on line because I didn't know if I'd make the connection time wise. I ended up having plenty of time. The Renfe ticket seller apologized numerous times that I would have to change trains in Valladoid. I assured her no problem as I wanted to get to Burgos as early as possible!! She issued the Cercanias ticket at the same time and her assistant even walked me over to the entrance to the Cercanias portal - him chatting away in Spanish the entire time even though I could only understand every 10th word...

Dutchwalk53 · May 12, 2016

Damien Reynolds said:
Um. They have this line of little white cars right outside the baggage claim area that take you wherever you tell them to. Next time and with more time maybe I'll be more adventurous. The taxi was 30 euro flat rate.

I took the Cercanias last year there we had 5 hours to get to Atocha. This year I only have 2 hrs and 15 min. I know the Cercanias takes about 25 min. How long did the Taxi take ? If I just miss the Cercanias I will have to wait 30 min for the next one so I may end up taking a taxi ( also just in case I am delayed and need to get to Atocha asap) I have a European Passport so will hopefully get through customs fast. I do have to get my checked poles.

Angie94 · May 12, 2016

GreatDane said:
Cercanias

is this the train that goes from the airport to the train station? I have already purchased my train ticket...so I could catch this over to the train station? is that correct?

Dutchwalk53 · May 12, 2016

Angie94 said:
is this the train that goes from the airport to the train station? I have already purchased my train ticket...so I could catch this over to the train station? is that correct?

Yes you have to go to T4 and it will leave from there. It takes about 25 minutes and leaves every 1/2 hour I believe.

Angie94 · May 12, 2016

Dutchwalk53 said:
Yes you have to go to T4

I believe I have to take an underground rail from T4s (where American Airlines lands) over to T4 - is that correct? and if I already have my train ticket where or how do I get the ticket for the cercanias?
thank you for your help!

Dutchwalk53 · May 12, 2016

Angie94 said:
I believe I have to take an underground rail from T4s (where American Airlines lands) over to T4 - is that correct? and if I already have my train ticket where or how do I get the ticket for the cercanias?
thank you for your help!

I think you do indeed. Last year I flew in from Lisbon so I arrived at a different terminal and had to take a 10 min bus shuttle. This year I also arrive at T4s which is from what I read only a few minutes from T4

Dutchwalk53 · May 12, 2016

Angie94 said:
I believe I have to take an underground rail from T4s (where American Airlines lands) over to T4 - is that correct? and if I already have my train ticket where or how do I get the ticket for the cercanias?
thank you for your help!

If I recall there are ticket machines next to where you board the Cercanias. And also a ticket sales booth. Show them your renfe ticket and they will give you the Cercanias ticket. If you use the ticket machine there is a code on your Renfe ticket you must enter for a free ticket

GreatDane · May 12, 2016

Angie94 said:
I believe I have to take an underground rail from T4s (where American Airlines lands) over to T4 - is that correct? and if I already have my train ticket where or how do I get the ticket for the cercanias?
thank you for your help!

I would think you could just go to the Renfe office in T4 (which is inside and directly in front of the cercanias portal entrance), show them your pre-paid Renfe ticket and ask for the free cercanias ticket. They should then issue you the correct cercanias ticket for the train station you'd be leaving out of.

Angie94 · May 12, 2016

Great info...thanks so very much! Sunday will be here before I know it.

peregrina2000 · May 12, 2016

Angie94 said:
I believe I have to take an underground rail from T4s (where American Airlines lands) over to T4 - is that correct? and if I already have my train ticket where or how do I get the ticket for the cercanias?
thank you for your help!

Hi, Angie,
Yes, there's a rail link between T4S and T4. Cercanias is well indicated as you head towards the exit -- it's a white "backwards" C on a red background. There is a RENFE office there (Cercanias are also part of the larger national train system RENFE, they are just the commuter rail part of the system).

peregrina2000 · May 12, 2016

Dutchwalk53 said:
I took the Cercanias last year there we had 5 hours to get to Atocha. This year I only have 2 hrs and 15 min. I know the Cercanias takes about 25 min. How long did the Taxi take ? If I just miss the Cercanias I will have to wait 30 min for the next one so I may end up taking a taxi ( also just in case I am delayed and need to get to Atocha asap) I have a European Passport so will hopefully get through customs fast. I do have to get my checked poles.

I also use a European passport going through immigration in Barajas and it can save you a LOT of time depending on flight arrivals. But all the time you save in passport control may be eaten up waiting for luggage. I think the time between the plane's landing and the first bag coming off the conveyor belt in T4 is the longest of any airport I have ever used. (But I will bite my tongue here and resist suggesting an easy way for you to avoid that problem. ). Good luck with the transfer. I think the taxi will take you about a half hour if traffic cooperates. The route doesn't require going through Madrid north to south, because of all the M routes (kind of beltways) that have been built around Madrid.

Buen camino, Laurie

Peregrinopaul · May 12, 2016

I've always taken the express bus from Barajas to Atocha station. I think it cost 5 euros. About 40 minutes. It makes one stop at the north end of the Prado.

Damien Reynolds said:
I made it to the train station by 3:45, giving me plenty of time... But I really had to pee!

And thanks for the reminder about this Damien. I'd forgotten this crucial information about pay-toilets.

peregrina2000 · May 12, 2016

Peregrinopaul said:
I've always taken the express bus from Barajas to Atocha station. I think it cost 5 euros. About 40 minutes. It makes one stop at the north end of the Prado.

Yes, that express airport bus is another good option. I think Madrid Man's blog gives one of the best explanations of how it works. http://madridman.com/blog-madrid/2012/01/madrid-airport-express-shuttle-bus/

But here is the official airport link as well. http://www.aeropuertomadrid-barajas.com/transportation/madrid-airport-bybus.htm

Castilian · May 12, 2016

peregrina2000 said:
Yes, that express airport bus is another good option.

Specially for those arriving to Terminal 1 or to Terminal 2. The downside is that it's more expensive than the Cercanías. And it's useful for those with trains out of (Puerta de) Atocha but not for those with trains out of Chamartín.

peregrina2000 said:
But here is the official airport link as well.

That's not the official web of the airport. This is the official web of the airport: www.aena.es/csee/Satellite/Aeropuerto-Madrid-Barajas/en (click on Transport and Access on the left hand menu and, later, on city buses on the central menu to get info about the Express bus).

The web of the EMT (Madrid's Municipal Transport Enterprise) has also info about the Express bus from the airport to Atocha train station: www.emtmadrid.es/Bloques-EMT/Aeropuerto.aspx?lang=en-GB

KinkyOne · May 12, 2016

peregrina2000 said:
The other moral of the story is to never pass up the opportunity to pee in an open bathroom. Older people learn that really quickly as the bladder starts to torture us.

So did you take Cercanias from the airport to Atocha? Any reports on how that went? Buen camino, Laurie

The other moral of the same story is to never pass up the opportunity to drink a beer if you have enough time
You won't be thirsty and you'll end up with plentiful od spare coins for a toilet.

november_moon · May 12, 2016

KinkyOne said:
The other moral of the same story is to never pass up the opportunity to drink a beer if you have enough time

"Other" moral? That's the only moral that I got out of the story

But yes, carrying change for the bathroom is important. My husband loves to pay for things in exact change, so he'll use up all the spare change - I have to keep my own stash specifically for bathrooms or I will find myself without when I need it.

KinkyOne · May 12, 2016

november_moon said:
"Other" moral? That's the only moral that I got out of the story

But yes, carrying change for the bathroom is important. My husband loves to pay for things in exact change, so he'll use up all the spare change - I have to keep my own stash specifically for bathrooms or I will find myself without when I need it.

Well, you know Brian...
Just trying to be a bit more correct in case minors are reading this too. Had problems with mods before

koilife · May 12, 2016

Damien Reynolds said:
I had no monedas in my pockets, staring at my 50 euro bills futilely in the aseo. I left, still having to pee, and was forced to buy a beer so I had change for the bathroom. Still had plenty of time and I enjoyed my beer. The moral of the story is I never remember the importance of the coins until I really really need some. (laundry, vending, needing to pee st Atocha.)

I think you're missing the real life lesson here . . . beer makes everything better.

Angie94 · May 12, 2016

I will be checking my bag, so with that in mind is the bus or commuter train closer to where you pick up luggage?
This is the only transportation part I don't have lined out in my mind as to how and get to the train station. Definitely don't want to miss that train, as I will be quite tired and still need to get to Pamplona. I have 3.5 hours from when my plane land until the train leaves for Pamplona.

thanks!

Dutchwalk53 · May 13, 2016

peregrina2000 said:
I also use a European passport going through immigration in Barajas and it can save you a LOT of time depending on flight arrivals. But all the time you save in passport control may be eaten up waiting for luggage. I think the time between the plane's landing and the first bag coming off the conveyor belt in T4 is the longest of any airport I have ever used. (But I will bite my tongue here and resist suggesting an easy way for you to avoid that problem. ). Good luck with the transfer. I think the taxi will take you about a half hour if traffic cooperates. The route doesn't require going through Madrid north to south, because of all the M routes (kind of beltways) that have been built around Madrid.

Buen camino, Laurie

Thank you Laurie. Well I have a "back up plan" . I will try the Cercanias.....if I just miss it I will take a taxi.....and worst case....if I miss the train all together.....I try to take the next one LOL....I am not too worried about all. I gave myself a full day between arriving in Madrid (June 10th ) and going to SJPP (June 11th) . Either way, I will start walking June 12th. and oh ps......to go back to Damien's original post ha ha, I will try to make a bathroom stop shortly before landing so I am good for awhile I also have some coins from last year and will bring those too !!!!

whariwharangi · May 13, 2016

Angie94 said:
I will be checking my bag, so with that in mind is the bus or commuter train closer to where you pick up luggage?
This is the only transportation part I don't have lined out in my mind as to how and get to the train station. Definitely don't want to miss that train, as I will be quite tired and still need to get to Pamplona. I have 3.5 hours from when my plane land until the train leaves for Pamplona.

thanks!

This is Aena Madrid Airport official website.
http://www.aena.es/csee/Satellite/Aeropuerto-Madrid-Barajas/en/Adolfo-Suarez-Madrid-Barajas.html

On the right side of the page there is a button marked 'Airport Maps'

If you clik on the link you get to this page:
http://www.aena.es/csee/Satellite?Language=EN_GB&ca=MAD&pagename=cartografia&ps=e&utm_source=Web+Aeropuerto&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=MAD-Banner+Cartografï¿½a

There are three tabs upper left. One is marked 'Terminals'

Clik Terminal T4 and there is a list of options.

If you clik 'Arrivals' You will find a button marked 'Baggage claim' and an icon will appear on the map indicating the location.

If you clik 'Transport' You will find a button for buses, local Renfe trains (aka Cercanias), Underground (Metro) and connections between terminals.

It is suggested that you make a sketch or a print out so that you won't waste time trying to get oriented.

The EMT express #203 bus to Puerta de Atocha can be boarded at any of the local bus stops.

The boarding locations for Cercanias train and Metro are self explanatory.

Dutchwalk53 · May 13, 2016

Angie94 said:
I will be checking my bag, so with that in mind is the bus or commuter train closer to where you pick up luggage?
This is the only transportation part I don't have lined out in my mind as to how and get to the train station. Definitely don't want to miss that train, as I will be quite tired and still need to get to Pamplona. I have 3.5 hours from when my plane land until the train leaves for Pamplona.

thanks!

3.5 hrs will be plenty. I thought last year that I would be exhausted after arriving in Madrid (2 hour car ride to Miami airport, flight to Lisbon, 2 hr layover in Lisbon then flight to Madrid) My son and I arrived at our Pamplona hotel and freshened up and walked to the square and sat there for at least 3 hrs enjoying the food and wine and "being in Spain" . We had a great night of sleep and then a rest day in Pamplona........then we started walking. This year I will not have a rest day in Pamplona but use that day to get to SJPP and relax a bit.

Angie94 · May 13, 2016

Dutchwalk53 said:
and worst case....if I miss the train all together.....I try to take the next one LOL

you are quite right. If I also miss the train...I'll just take the next one. Not a big deal. Thanks for that reminder

Angie94 · May 13, 2016

Dutchwalk53 said:
3.5 hrs will be plenty. I thought last year that I would be exhausted after arriving in Madrid (2 hour car ride to Miami airport, flight to Lisbon, 2 hr layover in Lisbon then flight to Madrid) My son and I arrived at our Pamplona hotel and freshened up and walked to the square and sat there for at least 3 hrs enjoying the food and wine and "being in Spain" . We had a great night of sleep and then a rest day in Pamplona........then we started walking. This year I will not have a rest day in Pamplona but use that day to get to SJPP and relax a bit.

so good for me to hear of this experience! I hope I am not totally wiped out and from your post maybe I will be as lucky and feel pretty good once I get to Pamplona! I have never taken a train before...so that will be new! Do they make you stow your backpack in a cargo area or do you get to keep it with you??

whariwharangi · May 13, 2016

Dutchwalk53 said:
I took the Cercanias last year there we had 5 hours to get to Atocha. This year I only have 2 hrs and 15 min. I know the Cercanias takes about 25 min. How long did the Taxi take ? If I just miss the Cercanias I will have to wait 30 min for the next one so I may end up taking a taxi ( also just in case I am delayed and need to get to Atocha asap) I have a European Passport so will hopefully get through customs fast. I do have to get my checked poles.

You are pretty tight for time. I would estimate the taxi to be about forty minutes ... that based on the time of journey for the airport express bus #203. Don't forget there is time required to board the train too ... it leaves at the time on the ticket.

The other alternative is the Metro ... it takes up to an hour with transfers but it leaves every 6 minutes or so. It might be faster than Cercanias because it runs more frequently.

whariwharangi · May 13, 2016

Angie94 said:
so good for me to hear of this experience! I hope I am not totally wiped out and from your post maybe I will be as lucky and feel pretty good once I get to Pamplona! I have never taken a train before...so that will be new! Do they make you stow your backpack in a cargo area or do you get to keep it with you??

There is a baggage stowage area at the end of the car at the entrance. You leave your pack there and take your shiny stuff with you. You can access your pack anytime during the trip.

Dutchwalk53 · May 13, 2016

Angie94 said:
so good for me to hear of this experience! I hope I am not totally wiped out and from your post maybe I will be as lucky and feel pretty good once I get to Pamplona! I have never taken a train before...so that will be new! Do they make you stow your backpack in a cargo area or do you get to keep it with you??

You simply keep it with you. At least that is what we did !!!! Our excitement just kept us going. I have traveled to Europe very often and always have a jet leg except last year starting the Camino There is some nice scenery along the ride. You will see 1 or 2 castles, hills etc. You can buy some snacks, wine, beer, soda or coffee on the train. Once you get to (lovely) Pamplona you can take a taxi to where you stay (we did last year) This year I will walk to the hotel because I am familiar with the city now.

Angie94 · May 13, 2016

Istvan from Corazon Puro will meet me at the train station and then I will stay at their pension and the next morning he will transport all his guests to St. Jean.
Thanks for providing me a bit of info about the train.

Dutchwalk53 · May 13, 2016

whariwharangi said:
You are pretty tight for time. I would estimate the taxi to be about forty minutes ... that based on the time of journey for the airport express bus #203. Don't forget there is time required to board the train too ... it leaves at the time on the ticket.

The other alternative is the Metro ... it takes up to an hour with transfers but it leaves every 6 minutes or so. It might be faster than Cercanias because it runs more frequently.

I know it's tight . I just hope my plane will be on time, if not......I will just relax and get to Atocha as fast as I can. If I miss my train, I'll try the next one ( too bad for the extra $ but so be it) If I can't get on a train that night ....I'll find a hotel near Atocha and get a train the next morning . As soon as I arrive in Madrid I am in "Camino mode" meaning........relax, take one step at the time and all will work out

Arn · May 13, 2016

Great AND valuable info for all.
Though I am confused about the OP's "coins in the pocket" suggestion.
If you are standing: should you even out the number of coins in each pocket? Too many, or too few may cause you to list to one side, or the other. Thus causing the zipper to possibly pinch the extension.
If you are a squatter...there is the possibility your coins may pour out onto the floor. And who knows where that floor has been

peregrina2000 · May 13, 2016

KinkyOne said:
The other moral of the same story is to never pass up the opportunity to drink a beer if you have enough time
You won't be thirsty and you'll end up with plentiful of spare coins for a toilet.

Only problem with that strategy, IMO, is that drinking beer in order to get change to go pee creates a never ending cycle of having to drink more beer to get more coins to go to the bathroom more often.

Peregrinopaul · May 13, 2016

whariwharangi said:
This is Aena Madrid Airport official website.
http://www.aena.es/csee/Satellite/Aeropuerto-Madrid-Barajas/en/Adolfo-Suarez-Madrid-Barajas.html
If you clik 'Arrivals' You will find a button marked 'Baggage claim' and an icon will appear on the map indicating the location.
It is suggested that you make a sketch or a print out so that you won't waste time trying to get oriented.

The best laid plans can go wrong, though.
I flew into Barajas Terminal 4 a couple of years ago, with a folding bike to ride the Camino de Madrid. I had intended to unpack the bike at the airport and ride into the city. (Possibly a crazy idea). I had completely memorised the route from the airport entrance to my Hostal in Sol. Unfortunately, on arrival, we were put on a train which took us to baggage collection, but when I wheeled the bike out of the entrance doors, it turned out I was at Terminal 4S, which trust me is nowhere near Terminal 4. I don't know if this is normal practice at Barajas.
Needless to say, I refolded and bagged the bike and caught the bus!

Damien Reynolds · May 13, 2016

peregrina2000 said:
Only problem with that strategy, IMO, is that drinking beer in order to get change to go pee creates a never ending cycle of having to drink more beer to get more coins to go to the bathroom more often.

Sounds like a good plan to me.

Angie94 · May 14, 2016

whariwharangi thank you very much for this information
(you are quite helpful as I know you have repeatedly posted this info for newbies)

whariwharangi · May 14, 2016

Angie94 said:
whariwharangi thank you very much for this information
(you are quite helpful as I know you have repeatedly posted this info for newbies)

You are welcome.

Buen Camino

ktchnofdngr · May 14, 2016

It is funny, because I have 1,70 in euros left over from my last Camino....I couldn't find anywhere to exchange it back to American $--they only took bills. So, I have my emergency potty money at hand!

only 19 more days!

Frankybaby66 · Monday at 9:57 PM

Hi I'm travelling to Burgos to walk part of the Camino Frances next year and my options seems to be fly into Santander and coach to Burgos, or fly into Madrid, then coach to Burgos. Don't think...

bryan138 · Thursday at 10:24 PM

Hello! I’ve been browsing the forum and there’s plenty of info for baggage transfers from stage to stage, where you pick it up daily, give it back and move on, however what I’m after is a service...

Warning! Don't go to Atocha station in Madrid without coins in your pocket if you have to pee!

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