Located in the the district of Arganzuel, Madrid Atocha is the largest railway station in Spain, operating services around the country to cities like Cadiz, Barcelona, Malaga, Seville and Valencia. The station is also international and from Madrid Atocha you can get to the likes of Marseille. The second station on this site, the current building was built in 1892, named after a nearby basilica dedicated to Our Lady of Atocha and featuring a grand steel and glass design. Inside you’ll find a sun-lit plaza housing a verdant tropical garden with turtle pool and plenty of restaurants with outdoor seating to visit before boarding your train.
Address: 28045 Madrid, Spain
Madrid Atocha opening hours
The station is open from 05:00 to 01:00, seven days a week.
Platforms at Madrid Atocha
Madrid Atocha is big, and technically three stations in one. There are 15 high-speed terminus platforms known as ‘Madrid Puerta de Atocha’ on the east side and 10 platforms on the level below referred to as Madrid Atocha-Cercanías.
Madrid Atocha toilets and showers
The station has what it describes as ‘luxury public toilets’, located the upper level near the metro entrance and on the Ground floor of the station at the edge of the Embarcadero area (where the tropical gardens are). Using these facilities costs €0.60.
Left luggage
Madrid Atocha has luggage lockers (consigna in Spanish) near the tropical gardens, open daily from 05:30 to 22:00. Prices start at €3.10 for a small locker.
Information desk
A tourist information desk is located just in the entrance hall of the station and is open daily from 09:00 to 21:00.
Where to eat near the station
Bar Fomento £
Just a five-minute walk from the station you’ll find the lively neighbourhood cafe known as Bar Formento, a cosy, super local joint serving up delicious Spanish bocadillos. Locals flock to this hole in the wall for said bocadillos (baguettes), which come packed with jamon, chorizo, Spanish tortilla, sardines and cheese.
Mesón Restaurante As Fontes ££
For one of Madrid’s hidden gems, head to Mesón Restaurante As Fontes, a Galician restaurant specialising in the delicious cuisine of north-western Spain. The restaurant is seriously understated but the food is incredible, especially the seafood. Dine on Galicia’s famous pulpo a feira (ocotpus) and steaming empanadas along with tapas and traditional dishes like Spanish tortilla. Wash down with an ice-cold pint of Estrella or juicy glass of Rioja.
Other facilities
- Shops
- Cash machines
- Police office
- Post office
- Parking
- Club lounges for 1st class ticket holders.