Can anyone direct me to where I can get information on bus /train services from Madrid to Carceres. Any update on the AVE works and availibilty of accommodation on this section of the Via de la Plata would also be appreciated. I plan to start from Casar de Carceres on April 11th.
I am also taking the bus from Madrid to Caceres on May 2.
The AVANZA bus leaves from the bus station.
There are buses at 9 am, 11:30 am, 14:30, and 15:30.
It is an approximately 5 hour ride.
The price (for me at 61) is around €22 one way.
I hope this helps.
Getting to the Madrid bus station from the airport: I've done this before. There is a shuttle, as someone mentioned, that lets you off about 2 blocks from the station. Not difficult and very inexpensive.
There is also a train to Caceres from Atocha at 10;18, 2:30, 4:19 for €41-€49.
You can take the Circanius (downstairs in T4 Madrid) for a few euros to Atocha to get your ticket.
I found an affordable room at Albergue las Veletas - I've stayed there before and liked the location.
I prefer the bus.
Regarding updates on the AVE, I'm just going to play it by ear… I'm only going as far as Salamanca and I think the only problem may be right after the embalse.
Buen Camino!