Trains

Madrid's Major Train Stations

Madrid has two main train stations: Puerta de Atocha and Madrid-Chamartin Clara Campoamor. Both are operated by Renfe (Red Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Espanoles), the Spanish national railway.

Puerta de Atocha

Puerta de Atocha is Madrid's largest and busiest station, located in the south-central part of the city. The station complex has two distinct parts:

• Atocha AVE (high-speed terminal): The modern section handles AVE high-speed trains to Barcelona, Seville, Malaga, Valencia, and other cities. It is fully accessible with elevators, ramps, and wide corridors. The famous tropical garden inside the old terminal building is at ground level and wheelchair accessible.
• Atocha Cercanias: The commuter rail section is connected to the AVE terminal but has its own entrance and platforms. Elevators connect the concourse to all Cercanias platforms.

The two parts are connected by accessible corridors and elevators. Allow 10 to 15 minutes to transfer between the AVE terminal and Cercanias platforms.

Accessible toilets are available on the main concourse of both sections. Shops and restaurants at concourse level have step-free access.

The station connects to Metro Line 1 (Atocha station) via elevator. The Reina Sofia Museum is about 200 meters from the Cercanias entrance.

Madrid-Chamartin Clara Campoamor

Chamartin is the second major station, located in the northern part of the city. It handles AVE trains to the north (Valladolid, Leon, Asturias) and some international connections.

• All platforms are accessible with elevators.
• The main concourse is at street level with step-free access.
• Accessible toilets are available.
• The station connects to Metro Lines 1 and 10 via elevator.

A major expansion and renovation project has modernized the station with improved accessibility throughout.

Renfe Atendo Service

Renfe Atendo is a free assistance service for travelers with disabilities or reduced mobility. A trained Atendo staff member will meet you at the station, help you navigate to your platform, board the train using a portable ramp, and assist you at your destination station.

How to Book

1. Online: Visit atendo.renfe.com and complete the assistance request form.
2. By phone: Call 912 320 320 (available 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM daily). English-speaking operators are available.
3. Through the Renfe app: You can request Atendo assistance when booking your train ticket.

Advance Notice Requirements

When booking, provide your travel date, departure and arrival stations, the type of wheelchair or mobility device you use, and your contact phone number. Atendo staff will confirm your booking and provide a meeting point.

Wheelchair Spaces on Trains

All Renfe long-distance and AVE trains have designated wheelchair spaces in accessible carriages.

Train Types and Accessibility

The wheelchair space on AVE trains includes a flat area to park your wheelchair, securing straps, a companion seat next to you, and an accessible toilet in the same car with grab bars, wide door, and enough turning space. Power outlets are available at the wheelchair space.

Platform-to-Train Boarding

AVE platforms at Atocha and Chamartin are at a different height than the train floor. Atendo staff use a portable ramp or mobile lift to bridge this gap. You cannot board independently on most long-distance trains. This is why booking Atendo in advance is important.

Cercanias commuter trains at newer stations have near-level boarding, and many wheelchair users can board independently. At older stations, there may be a small step or gap.

Cercanias Commuter Trains

Madrid's Cercanias network has 9 lines connecting the city center to suburbs, nearby towns, and the airport (T4). Key details:

• Cercanias C1: Runs from Atocha to the airport T4 station (about 25 minutes, 2.60 euros).
• Cercanias to Toledo: There is no direct Cercanias to Toledo, but a Media Distancia or AVE train from Atocha reaches Toledo in 30 to 33 minutes.
• Most Cercanias stations in central Madrid have elevators. Some outer stations are still being upgraded.
• Trains run every 5 to 20 minutes depending on the line and time of day.

Buying Tickets

Online: Book through renfe.com or the Renfe app. Wheelchair spaces must be specifically reserved during the booking process - select the accessibility option.

At the station: Ticket counters at Atocha and Chamartin have accessible-height windows. Ticket machines are also accessible with screens at seated height and contactless payment options. Machines offer English language.

Disability discounts: Passengers with a recognized Spanish disability card (33% or higher) receive a discount. International visitors with equivalent disability documentation should ask at the ticket counter. A companion traveling with a wheelchair user may qualify for a reduced fare.

Tips for Train Travel

• Always confirm your Atendo meeting point when you arrive at the station. Go to the Atendo desk or information point, not directly to the platform.
• Platform assignments can change. Atendo staff will guide you to the correct platform and car.
• Spain uses standard European power plugs (Type F, 230V, 50Hz). Power outlets are available at wheelchair spaces on AVE trains.
• AVE trains have a cafeteria car, or you can buy food and drinks at station shops before boarding.
• The tropical garden inside old Atocha terminal is free to visit and fully wheelchair accessible. It is a pleasant place to wait before your train.