Is it possible to land at MAD at 7:10am and get to Chamartín to catch a 10am train? Other options??

[KarinaH]

So, we are en route from Belize to Santiago, then on to Ferrol to start our Camino. We had a flight diverted for weather, which has caused a ripple effect through the rest of our travel plans. Instead of being in Madrid already, we are sitting in Chicago all day today. We now land at 7:50 Friday morning, missing our scheduled 8am train to Santiago.

It's been years since I flew into Madrid, and I have never been to Chamartín. Is it feasible to land at 7:50 and make a 10am train?

If not, can anyone suggest some alternatives? Our plan has been to drop off luggage in Santiago and then go on to Ferrol, to start walking the next day. It looks like later trains don't reach Santiago until evening, and all reasonably priced flights that I see leave before we land.

What about renting a car and driving to Santiago?. Does anyone have experience with that?

 

[SabsP]

So, we are en route from Belize to Santiago, then on to Ferrol to start our Camino. We had a flight diverted for weather, which has caused a ripple effect through the rest of our travel plans. Instead of being in Madrid already, we are sitting in Chicago all day today. We now land at 7:50 Friday morning, missing our scheduled 8am train to Santiago.

It's been years since I flew into Madrid, and I have never been to Chamartín. Is it feasible to land at 7:50 and make a 10am train?

If not, can anyone suggest some alternatives? Our plan has been to drop off luggage in Santiago and then go on to Ferrol, to start walking the next day. It looks like later trains don't reach Santiago until evening, and all reasonably priced flights that I see leave before we land.

What about renting a car and driving to Santiago?. Does anyone have experience with that?

So sorry to hear about this delay.

No idea if the timeschedule is doable but a taxi is probably the quickest way to get from the airport to Chamartin.

There are Alsa buses but most of them are sold out for the daytime.
Still one available at midnight but I guess you will be knackered by then.

Checkout - Alsa

www.alsa.com

Tiredness might also be an issue for renting a car , but maybe you are ok with jetlag?
I do know that prices tend to be higher when point of pick up and delivering is not in the same town.


Good luck!

 

[henrythedog]

It’s possible; but you’re at the mercy of flight arrival, immigration and baggage handling as you’ll know. Switch your phones on and one of you wait for the bags, the other (whomsoever speaks most Spanish) get the train tickets. Take the Cercanias train from the airport straight to Chamartin. They’re frequent and fast. When you get to Chamartin go straight to departures - at the far end of the passenger concourse and through airport-type security. You have to be through that a good 10-15 minutes before departure.

As @SabsP says a taxi may be better at some times but at that time of day, with the rush-hour, I’d take the train.

 

[Grousedoctor]

By the time you deplane, if you arrive on time, you’ll have less than two hours to catch your train at Chamartin. That’s cutting it closer than I personnally like since, an arrival delay could happen and you don’t know how long it will take you to clear customs and immigration. Hopefully, you don’t have any checked bags so as to save you a bit of time there. The metro system is fast and efficient in Madrid, but I like @henrythedog suggestion of the direct train due to your time limitations.

It looks like later trains don't reach Santiago until evening,

When we arrived in Santiago to walk the Inglés, we got there in the evening and were still able to catch a bus to Ferrol. As the train and bus stations are now in the same complex, you might get lucky with your timing even with an evening arrival.

A tough couple days of travel will make your Camino all that much more welcomed. You have some great towns along The Way: Ferrol, Pontedueme, and Betanzos. Be sure to sample the delicious omelettes in Betanzos. I highly recommend trying them at Casa Miranda.

 

[J Willhaus]

Quickest way to Chamartin if you land at T4 is the Cercanias train. Takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Otherwise you need to take the transfer bus to T4 to catch it. Go to the bottom level of T4. If you have tickets already, look for Cercanias Combinado on the ticket. It gives you a free C train ticket to Chamartin.

 

[KarinaH]

Looks like we're going to rent a car. Not ideal, but we'll get there!

 

[KarinaH]

Thanks for all the responses!

 

[Bill's_Walking]

According to the Renfe web site there are also trains tomorrow at 11:30 and 1:15 from Charmartin to SdC: Elige Seating only. 3.5 to 4 hour rides.

 

[KarinaH]

According to the Renfe web site there are also trains tomorrow at 11:30 and 1:15 from Charmartin to SdC: Elige Seating only. 3.5 to 4 hour rides.

You're Our Hero! Those trains weren't showing on the Trainline site! We are all set!!!! You have saved the day!

 

[Bill's_Walking]

Glad to help! And Buen Camino!

 

[KarinaH]

Update: our flight was delayed over an hour leaving Chicago, so we would have never made that 10am train. We *DID* however make the 11:20, and are FINALLY on our way to Santiago! And we are exhausted - I am so relieved to not be driving a rental car.

 

[Sharpy]

So, we are en route from Belize to Santiago, then on to Ferrol to start our Camino. We had a flight diverted for weather, which has caused a ripple effect through the rest of our travel plans. Instead of being in Madrid already, we are sitting in Chicago all day today. We now land at 7:50 Friday morning, missing our scheduled 8am train to Santiago.

It's been years since I flew into Madrid, and I have never been to Chamartín. Is it feasible to land at 7:50 and make a 10am train?

If not, can anyone suggest some alternatives? Our plan has been to drop off luggage in Santiago and then go on to Ferrol, to start walking the next day. It looks like later trains don't reach Santiago until evening, and all reasonably priced flights that I see leave before we land.

What about renting a car and driving to Santiago?. Does anyone have experience with that?

I landed at Madrid for the Madrid Camino at 8.00am on Monday and took the RENFE train to the city that goes through Chamartin and would've easily been there before 10.00am. I trust this also worked well for you.

 

[Kathie63119]

So, we are en route from Belize to Santiago, then on to Ferrol to start our Camino. We had a flight diverted for weather, which has caused a ripple effect through the rest of our travel plans. Instead of being in Madrid already, we are sitting in Chicago all day today. We now land at 7:50 Friday morning, missing our scheduled 8am train to Santiago.

It's been years since I flew into Madrid, and I have never been to Chamartín. Is it feasible to land at 7:50 and make a 10am train?

If not, can anyone suggest some alternatives? Our plan has been to drop off luggage in Santiago and then go on to Ferrol, to start walking the next day. It looks like later trains don't reach Santiago until evening, and all reasonably priced flights that I see leave before we land.

What about renting a car and driving to Santiago?. Does anyone have experience with that?

You can easily cab from the airport with time to spare. Might even be a bus or train from the airport.

 

[KarinaH]

I landed at Madrid for the Madrid Camino at 8.00am on Monday and took the RENFE train to the city that goes through Chamartin and would've easily been there before 10.00am. I trust this also worked well for you.

We were supposed to land at 7:50, but didn't reach until well after 9, and it was nearly 10:30 before we left the airport. Fortunately I booked the 11:20 train, so we grabbed a cab and made it to the train with time to spare!