Through Madrid airport with only handluggage

[Ekajati]

Hi - I'm trying to decide on a train time from Madrid Atocha station. How long should I allow from plane landing at Madrid (handluggage only) and getting onto the Renfe train at the airport to Atocha?

Depends how long immigration takes. That is hard to predict.

The station is about 40mins by bus from the airport and the buses leave (I think) every 15 mins, but the journey can be longer if traffic is busy.

If you are buying a Básico ticket then I would allow at least 3 hours.

I was going to take the train - I believe it's right in the airport and takes 30 mins? I was thinking of an AVE elige or an Iryo inicial

Immigration was quick when we visited. We went with Ryanair and it's the only time I've ever used an air bridge to disembark when flying with them. This of course meant everyone had to disembark from the front and it took a bit longer than normal. I would allow an hour for the airport, should be more than enough. Of course you can't be sure your plane will land on time, which you need to factor into onward travel plans.

It can depends on which terminal your plane lands at. When we went we had to wait for a metro to take us from the terminal to where our baggage was! Madrid airport is really big.