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Train from Madrid to Leon

S

Susanna Nel

New Member
Time of past OR future Camino
May/June 2018
He all. I'm arriving at Madrid airport 8h30 on Wednesday, 23 May and am taking the train to Leon. Is it necessary to pre-book? And if so, which is the best way to do it? How easy is it to navigate the station if i speak no Spanish? Thanks for any advice!!
 
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Is there a specific reason why you would prefer the train?
The Alsa bus leaves Madrid airport for Leon different times a day and will be less of a hassle.
Just a thought.
 
SabineP said:
Is there a specific reason why you would prefer the train?
The Alsa bus leaves Madrid airport for Leon different times a day and will be less of a hassle.
Just a thought.
Click to expand...
I thought the train will be quicker and easier, but it the bus is better, the bus i will take! How long does it take and do i have to buy a ticket before the time?
 
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Hi Susanna,
You shoul pre book, if for nothing else than to get a promotional fare, which, for me, ended up cheaper than the bus.
It’s a high speed train that will get you to León faster than the bus will.
You’ll need to get to Chamartin Station from the airport, but the cercanias (local) train fare is free with the Renfe ticket

I just took this train a few days ago and (as you can see) was pretty impressed.
All the best,
Paul
 
I found the train to be really easy-- It's about an hour quicker than the bus. And I get to walk around or stand up-- which is important to me after being squished on a plane.

You do have to go to Chamartin,-- there is train linking Chamartin to Airport T4 every half hour. It is an 11 minute ride and it's free if you have a ticket to Leon. Details here: http://www.aeropuertomadrid-barajas.com/transportation/madrid-airport-bytrain.htm

There are promo tickets from Madrid Chamartin to Leon listed on Renfe for about 20-25 euros, and the trains run every hour or so. You might also try petrabox.com if you run into difficulties with RENFE. Definitely prebook.


Kate
 
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It shows how different everyone is.
I found the transport with the Cercania and waiting in Chamartin for the train ( total of an hour ) more tiring than the direct Alsa bus from the airport.
 
SabineP said:
It shows how different everyone is.
I found the transport with the Cercania and waiting in Chamartin for the train ( total of an hour ) more tiring than the direct Alsa bus from the airport.
Click to expand...

I think a lot depends on flight and train timing.
A bonus of the bus is that you can go right to sleep.
 
Good information, thank you. I'm planning to do the same trip Madrid to Leon in September. I really appreciate everyone's input.
 
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Thank you! I am doing the exact same this coming Sunday!
 
If you decide on the train it is at Chamartin station which is 2 transfers on the metro from the airport but generally 45 - 55 minutes including a 10-15 minute walk in the airport to the terminal if you arrive in terminal 1 as most int'l flights. If you want to buy in advance the easiest way is Petrabax. Just google that. They will email ticket and have many promo options.
 
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Easy to do, but I had to take a train from airport to the station for Leon. It is a long ride. But ticket in advance.
 
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