Atocha

Terrible train station compared to other big city train stations. Once passing through the luggage scanning there's not enough seats for passengers who are waiting for board. Very few and overpriced food and drink places. Another problem, thought not specifically about this station, is that there's no one stop vending machine for train tickets. Different companies offer their own machine and customer service points.

The station is attractive and easily maneuvered. It was my first time at this station. From walking in to arriving at my platform took about 15 minutes. Note you should buy your ticket ahead of time. You do need to pass through security where they scan your bags, but can have liquids and you don't remove shoes or electronics. The place runs like clockwork.

Atocha Cercanías is a key commuter rail station in Madrid, well-organized and conveniently located near many of the city's main attractions. The station is clean and generally well-maintained, with clear signage that makes navigating between platforms easy. There are plenty of amenities, including shops, cafes, and restrooms, which make waiting for a train more comfortable. The trains run frequently and are a great way to get around Madrid and its suburbs. However, it can get very crowded during peak hours, so plan accordingly. Overall, a reliable and efficient station for commuters and tourists alike.

An ugly station. Very old and small for the number of passengers. Not enough seats in the waiting area (seriously only like 50 seats). The indoor garden is nice but you can enter and the poor plants are covered with dust. This station urgently needs a renovation.

As a traveller who had never been to Madrid the name of this station really confused me when I was planning my trip and trying to buy my tickets on the Renfe site. I finally realised when I was reading reviews, etc. that the station is close to Madrid de Atocha and when I actually arrived at the Madrid station I realised exactly how close the Cercanias really is. It's basically the same building and there are a few entrances you can use. When I had to take the train to Almeria I used the entrance on the lower level. There's only one train per day from what I saw when I was buying my ticket online and it isn't possible to buy your ticket via eurail and there is no discount either if you have a Global Pass. Tickets are cheap and I'd advise buying your ticket in advance (particularly in summer). My train was leaving at 8:20am and there was just one (bored) staff member that I was able to ask to find out which way I had to go to wait for my train. The station isn't air conditioned except for a waiting area at my gate. Platform number is confirmed around 15 mins before departure and there was no lift to get down to the platform. I don't think it's safe to be on an escalator with your luggage so lifts should be installed for each platform. I didn't use the bathroom but pretty sure it will cost you €1.00. I already had my food for the train but there are a few cafes, eateries and vending machines at the station but you can also just cross the road to have access to even more eateries (although perhaps not all the shops are open at dawn!). Great location.

Throughout the station, digital screens display real-time updates, guiding passengers efficiently to their platforms. An air of purposeful movement prevails, yet the station remains a space of convergence—where professionals, families, and tourists alike find moments of interaction amidst their journeys. Clean, well-marked pathways, spacious waiting areas, and a clear organizational flow make the station not just a point of transit but a thriving microcosm of urban life. It is a place alive with purpose, seamlessly blending functionality with an enriched travel experience.

Large station, easy directions. But passengers here are with poor quality and love to have their legs wide spread throughout the train to disturb other passengers to pass through. Education is needed for these people.

Beautiful train station! But as my first stop after a flight into MAD, it was a little confusing to navigate and the staff was not super helpful. If you have more experience with train stations and the Spanish language, maybe it’s a little less confusing!