as I prepare to arrive soon.....

whariwharangi said:

Given your time appreciation I would recommend you buy them at the station. 4 hours should be enough, however I have been on flights delayed longer than that. Often enough to call it this way.

The tactic might result in a problem at the ticket line at the train station. It can get long. However, there are ticket machines that go unused ...

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jsalt said:

Hi, another option, if you have the time and inclination: book an advance ticket for the next day, and enjoy a full 24 hours exploring Madrid. Jill

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falcon269 said:

You can buy a train ticket in terminal T-4 in Madrid at the entrance to the Cercanias train, which is a free train connection to Atocha or Chamartin when you buy your Madrid to Pamplona ticket. I bought an advance ticket, and my plane was late. No refunds!! It is very rare that a train is sold out, so you have to balance that remote chance against the chance that your plane or luggage will be late (almost a certainty these days).

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Castilian said:

If your flight arrives on time, you should have enough time to make the connection.

If you book your train ticket from Madrid to Pamplona online well in advance, you might get one of the discounted fares available. But, as it seems you are already aware, they are non-refundable or non-fully-refundable, depending on the specific fare.

You can book the train ticket once in Madrid but you'll have to pay full fare and wait the queue.

There are several daily direct trains from Madrid to Pamplona as well as some options changing trains along the route so if the train you planned to take was full, you shouldn't have problems to make it in other train(s).

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