Airport timing advice

Anamiri

Veteran Member

Time of past OR future Camino

2016, 2017, 2019 Camino Frances

• Jul 21, 2019

• #1

We fly into Madrid at 12.15pm. I see there are two Alsa options for Leon, one leaving at 13.30 and the next at 14.45. Do you think we have time to arrive, clear customs and walk to T4 for 13.30, or should I buy for 14.45?

 

D

Deleted member 67185

Guest

• Jul 21, 2019

• #2

Do you need to recover checked baggage, or do you just have carry-on?

 

Rick of Rick and Peg

Veteran_Member

Donating Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Us:Camino Frances, 2015 Me:Catalan/Aragonese, 2019

• Jul 21, 2019

• #3

You could try for the earlier bus. If you miss it then you are out the fare but it is a drop in the bucket compared to the air fare.

I'm pretty sure I would buy tickets for the 14:45 bus. Don't forget that you also have to go though immigration in addition to customs.

 

Bala

Veteran Member

Donating Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Frances 2015, 2018, 2022

• Jul 21, 2019

• #4

If all goes perfectly, you could make it. But keep in mind 12:15 is when the plane arrives, not when you are getting off. Factor in some time for that. And if you arrive close to other international flights that will means lines at immigration, although my experience is that they tend to move quickly in Madrid.

There are some very long walks, a tram to catch from T4-S to T4, and an escalator or elevator ride before you get to baggage claim and exit arrivals. However, the good news is the Alsa ticket booth and buses will be almost directly in front of you as you come out. All the best, and happy walking.

 

A

andycohn

Active Member

Donating Member

Time of past OR future Camino

See signature

• Jul 22, 2019

• #5

The 14:45 bus is much faster, so if you take that, it gets you to Leon only 1/2 hour later than the earlier bus. It's 10 euros more expensive, though.

 

Anniesantiago

Veteran Member

Donating Member

Time of past OR future Camino

2006 to date: Over 21 Caminos. See signature line

• Jul 22, 2019

• #6

Personally I would buy the later ticket and not be so stressed

 

VNwalking

Out walking

Donating Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Yearly and Various 2014-2019
Via Monastica 2022

• Jul 22, 2019

• #7

Definitely later.
Why start your camino with a nail-bitingly close connection? Even without bags, there are queues, possible late flights, getting to T4, etc, etc...

 

Anamiri

Veteran Member

Time of past OR future Camino

2016, 2017, 2019 Camino Frances

• Jul 22, 2019

• #8

Thanks I'll buy for the later one. Much safer, and we do have checked luggage. Last time I took the train, and had half a day in Madrid, so I've never taken the Alsa bus from Madrid before.

 

Anamiri

Veteran Member

Time of past OR future Camino

2016, 2017, 2019 Camino Frances

• Jul 22, 2019

• #9

andycohn said:

The 14:45 bus is much faster, so if you take that, it gets you to Leon only 1/2 hour later than the earlier bus. It's 10 euros more expensive, though.

Click to expand...

Thats a good idea, I didnt know that.

 

Bodi

For this breath, I am present.

Donating Member

Time of past OR future Camino

SJPP - Najera Sep 2017; Najera to Astorga Oct 2018

• Jul 22, 2019

• #10

You might want to grab a bite to eat as well. I vote for the later bus too.

 

Moorwalker

RIP 2022

Time of past OR future Camino

The Saint's Way, Cornwall

• Jul 22, 2019

• #11

I'd go for the later bus, I hate the stress of rushing for connections, always have. I'd much rather have an hour to spare, I always have my kitting or Kindle if there is nothing else interesting to do while waiting.