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Chamartin Railway St.

About the Station

Chamartín Station. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars
The Madrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor Railway Station is the second most important transport hub in the Spanish capital. Located in the northern part of the city, it serves trains heading to the north and north-west of Spain (to the Basque Country, Galicia, and Asturias), as well as international routes to France and Portugal. It is a modern, spacious complex that plays a key role in the high-speed AVE network and suburban commuter services.

CityMadrid
CountrySpain
TypeRailway Station

It is important for passengers to know that the station is a multi-level structure. The main concourse, featuring ticket counters, shops, and waiting areas, is located above the railway tracks. Access to the platforms (of which there are more than 20) is available via escalators or lifts. The station is integrated with a major transport interchange, including the Chamartín Metro station (Lines 1 and 10) and stops for Cercanías commuter trains, making it a convenient starting point for traveling around the region.

Contact Information

  • Official Website: adif.es (infrastructure manager) or renfe.com (main operator).
  • Information Service Phone (Adif): +34 912 432 343 (station information).
  • Address: Calle de Agustín de Foxá, s/n, 28036 Madrid, Spain.
  • Opening Hours: The station is open daily from 04:30 to 00:30 (times may vary depending on the schedule of the first and last train).
  • Luggage Storage: A consigna service is available, usually operating from 07:00 to 23:00.
  • Accessibility: The "Adif Acerca" assistance service for passengers with reduced mobility is available (booking in advance is recommended).

Getting There

Getting to Chamartín Station in Madrid is very simple thanks to its excellent transport accessibility. The most popular method is the Metro. The Chamartín station serves Line 1 (Light Blue) and Line 10 (Dark Blue), connecting the railway station with both the historical centre and the business districts.

You can also reach the station quickly via the Cercanías commuter trains (lines C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, C-7, C-8, C-10). This is particularly convenient if you are travelling from Barajas Airport (Line C-1 or C-10, travel time approximately 15–20 minutes) or from Atocha Station (travel time approximately 10–15 minutes via the tunnel).

For those who prefer road transport, city buses stop near the station (for example, route No. 5). A trip by taxi from the city centre (Puerta del Sol area) will take about 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. Walking from the centre is too far (over 6 km), so tourists with luggage are advised to use transport.

Services and Amenities

Chamartín Station offers a wide range of services to ensure a comfortable wait for your journey. The main hall features numerous ticket counters and self-service machines from Renfe. For passengers travelling in first class or holding loyalty cards, the comfortable Sala Club VIP Lounge is available, offering refreshments and newspapers.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the complex (registration required). Power outlets are provided in waiting areas for charging devices, though they may be occupied during peak hours. Travellers can make use of automated luggage lockers of various sizes. The station also has clean washrooms (entry may require a fee if you do not have a train ticket), a pharmacy, a car rental desk, and a police station. Facilities such as ramps, lifts, and dedicated restrooms are equipped for citizens with reduced mobility.

Dining Options

It is difficult to stay hungry at Chamartín Station, although the selection of establishments is focused on quick bites. In the main hall and on the upper level (leisure zone), you will find popular chain cafes such as Burger King, Rodilla (famous for Spanish sandwiches), and various coffee shops. Here you can grab a coffee with pastries or a full meal; the average cost for a combo set is around 8–12 Euros.

If you have an hour or more to spare, we advise exiting the station building onto Agustín de Foxá street. There, you will find many restaurants with higher quality food and a calmer atmosphere, where you can try traditional Spanish tapas. Please note that there are usually no 24-hour restaurants inside the station itself; most outlets close around 22:00–23:00.

Station History

The history of Chamartín Station is closely linked to the development of Madrid in the second half of the 20th century. The idea of creating a major station in the north of the capital arose as early as the 1930s to relieve Atocha Station and connect Madrid with France. However, due to the Civil War and economic difficulties, construction was delayed for decades.

The official opening took place in 1967, but the complex acquired its modern appearance by 1975. In the 1980s, during a massive reconstruction of Spain's railway network, Chamartín became the capital's main station while Atocha was under renovation. A crucial stage in its recent history was the opening of tunnels connecting Chamartín and Atocha for high-speed trains, and the renaming of the station in 2020 in honour of Clara Campoamor, a renowned Spanish politician and women's rights activist.

Passenger Tips

When planning a trip from Chamartín Station, please consider that boarding high-speed trains (AVE, Alvia) requires passing through a security check (luggage scanning). It is recommended to arrive at the station at least 30–40 minutes before the train departs, especially on weekends and public holidays.

Watch the information screens closely: the platform number is often announced 15–20 minutes before the train arrives. If you have a ticket for a long-distance train (AVE or Larga Distancia), it often includes the right to free travel on Cercanías commuter trains (including transfers to Atocha or the airport) — look for the "Combinado Cercanías" code on your ticket.

The station is generally safe, but as in any crowded place, keep an eye on your belongings to avoid becoming a victim of pickpockets. The station closes for several hours at night, so staying overnight in the waiting hall is not possible.

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