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Travel From Madrid To Burgos

anacheka

New Member
Time of past OR future Camino
April 20-June 8 2017
I'm flying into Spain via Madrid and then plan to travel to Burgos by either bus or train and find an auberge for the night. Do I need to book the bus or train ticket in advance, or can I get to Madrid and take care of it all once I've arrived? Also, is there more than one bus stop in Burgos & are there auberges that are convenient to either the bus or train station?

Thanks!
 
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Trains are rarely full. Buses are not normally full. So I think you can wait until you get there to book. There is a train ticket sales office in T-4 at Barajas Airport. Bus tickets are available from the bus driver, who will have a list of reservations. The bus stop is at T-4. For the train you take the Cercanias from T-4, the price is included in your Renfe ticket, to Chamartin, then catch the train to Burgos Rosa de Lima. Allow an hour to get from baggage pickup to Chamartin.

The bus station in Burgos is downtown, about a five minute walk to the Cathedral. The train station is on the north edge of town, so you will need to catch a 1 Euro bus to Plaza Espana, which is a long five minutes from the Cathedral. The main albergue in Burgos is about the same distance from the bus station and Plaza Espana. Buen camino.
 
I do not think there is a need to book in advance but I have never done it - others can confirm. I would take the bus because once you get to Burgos the bus station is a very short distance from the Cathedral and the municipal albergue (which generally has good reports). The train station is a long way out of the centre of town.
 
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You might get a price advantage if you book ahead.

If your plane arrives late (a likely occurance) then you eat the fare.

Sometimes there is a lineup for tickets. There are unused automated ticket machines.

Sometimes a train or bus is full (particularly if you travel during holidays). Usually, the worst case scenario is you wait for the next one.

Travel time to Burgos is about the same for train or bus. As pointed out, Burgos bus station is centerville while Burgos train station is in the boonies. Some buses call at the Airport T4. Bus is usually cheaper. Train is more comfortable.
 
You can catch a Bus to Burgos from the Airport. Tickets can be bought online or at the Airport. The municipal albergue in Burgos is a short walk from the bus terminal.
 
.....As pointed out, Burgos bus station is centerville while Burgos train station is in the boonies ....

Yes, the train station is way outside the city centre area but there is a good bus service to the centre and easy availability of taxis so I'd opt for the train for the comfort.
 
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We took the bus from Madrid airport to Burgos and it couldn't have been easier. We didn't find the bus to be uncomfortable - not as comfy as the train, but not bad - and it's only a 2.5-3 hour trip anyway.

You can find the bus schedule on:

https://www.alsa.es/

I've also taken trains various places after arriving in Madrid. It's pretty easy too, although you do have the extra step of taking the Cercanias commuter train to the train station - not a big deal, but not quite as convenient as getting the bus straight from the airport.
 

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