Atocha cercanias

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.

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.

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.

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!

Such a beautiful station and place to wait for the train! The interior garden is a pleasure to sit in. I wish more stations would maintain interior gardens like this one :)

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.

This station is massive so don’t mistake it as you typical metro. If your travelling out of Madrid make sure to know which out of Madrid. There’s three sections to this station, there’s your different zone section which is not local but just outside of Madrid (B1, C1 etc). If your leaving to go (or returning) you’ll more likely to follow the “fast train” section of the station. This place is busy and crowded but they have loads of helpers to guide you if you need help. The country section has restaurants, bars and commercial areas to set and wait for your train. You can see the board from the bottom but best to get closer to the check in /check out to have a better view. The blue line is not working so if you need a taxi there’s lots of them waiting but I suggest to walk a couple of k’s up and you’ll find a metro then grab a taxi because the taxis have problems getting out so you’ll probably wait too long to get out. The taxi lines runs down to the street coming to pick up customers and to get out is longer. Enjoy your travels