The building is currently under construction and definitely hard to navigate if you don't speak…read moreSpanish. Part of the issue is that there are multiple train companies and they are not easily identified. We waited in line 3 times.. and each one was the wrong one. But 4th time was the charm.

I ended up in the train station a few times and wowwww is this station massive! I mean, I should…read morehave expected it, seeing as how it's in a major city, but it's even bigger than you expect, especially when it's 6 am and you're trying to find a train. Everyone who worked here that I encountered was super nice and helpful if I asked for directions. The bathrooms were really clean too, you have to pay 1€ to use them so have change or your credit card ready. Also if you're American, prepare to go through security. I hadn't seen that before and for a moment worried I was in the wrong place instead of the train station, but nope, they just take precautions here.

Metro Gran Vía was very clean & easy to navigate. We took…read morethe train from here twice to get to and from Madrid Atocha station. Tickets were easy to purchase from the kiosks & Apple Pay, card, + cash are payment options. To go to Madrid Atocha station, take the Valdecarros train 5 stops. From Madrid Atocha to Metro Gran Vía take the train towards Pinar de Chamartín 5 stops.

Metro stations are spaced close to each other with 13 different colored lines, 276 stations & 182…read moremiles of tracks. I was impressed with all of the working elevators & escalators; 1,705 escalators & 529 elevators. It's hard to believe the system began over a hundred years ago in 1919. All of the stations we visited were well marked in Spanish? English & braille, we're Immaculate, looked new station had elevators, escalators and helpful people. The metro staff wear badges Identifying themselves and speak English. It was very easy to navigate the city from the station. Rides are €1.50, we bought a 10 ride pass for €8.50. Masks were required & they were worn.

Lord of the Flies from start to finish. Enough said, and if I ever come back to Spain, I will spend…read morethe extra money for taxis.

This is the local station that gets you to destinations within the country. Within close proximity…read more This is how I went from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela. It's a fairly small station with lots of construction currently happening so give yourself some time in case you need to go from one end to another. My hotel was located close enough so I walked over after checking out. I had more than enough time so I was able to have a proper meal while I waited for my gate number to be announced. I went through security as soon as my gate was announced then they let us board. I'm hoping the current construction is allowing them to add food options cos there wasn't much to choose from.

A decent train station if not great. The station itself is a little hard to navigate and feels…read morepretty old. The renfe club was an unexpected treat though, so if you book a ticket that includes access, don't hesitate to visit the lounge. They have a wide variety of treats including gluten free and vegan food and beers. As we had a long flight coming in and a long train ride ahead of us, that was a nice respite. Boarding at the station is similar to pretty much any other and for us, the walk was not far at all, although it did look like some trains could be more difficult to get to. We also took another train to Toledo a bit later in our trip and the experience was very similar. That platform was a bit more of a walk into the station and it was considerably more difficult to find out platform, but after having done it once, it would be simple the next time.

Went from Madrid to Barcelona. Took about 3 hrs with 3 stops enroute…read more We purchased their version of First Class which was definitely worth it! More leg room,quiet coach car,comfortable seating and hot meal with beverage service all included. You also get access to their Club Room in the train station which we were not aware of until it was too late. Train travel in Spain is definitely a fun experience and a lot different than in the US.

I hadn't originally planned to visit Toledo, but I'm glad I chose to take the train when I did add…read morethis side trip for Madrid. My mouth kind of dropped when I entered the train station. I've never been in one so beautiful, and spent probably 30-45 minutes taking photos. While it looks quite old this station is only a little over a century old (rail travel isn't a medieval mode of travel, of course). But the station is constructed in a neo-mudejar style, a reflection of the Spanish, Arabic history of this city. There is colored glass--I'm not sure if it's true stained glass or art glass--throughout. Though you don't need to take nearly as much time as I did, it's certainly worth a loop around the station to admire its beauty. It's a one-room building, so it won't take very long.

I don't know that I've ever seen a more beautiful train station. Really worth the time to…read moreexperience as a travel site in its own right. No need to hire the 6 Euro taxi, the bus comes often to take you up to Toledo, but it's also only a 30 minute walk if you're fit. The cafeteria is pleasant, there are a couple of restaurants including a Chinese joint across the street. Weekend trains are usualy sold out, but if you get back early than your return ticket you can sometimes rebook for the earlier train. Get back 20 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart, they have you line up and wait a bit before boarding.

Get a Madrid Card if you go on the Metro. It is very handy if you are visiting as a tourist!!!!read more