When we stepped inside the Madrid Atocha Train Station, from the ground level (we were coming from Calle de Atocha), we were like—WOW.
The Atocha Railway Station is MASSIVE. There is so much space in this station and the height of the ceiling reminds me of a stadium. So high and very impressive.
The train station was inaugurated in 1851, but it was remodelled in the 1980’s through the 1990’s into a concourse with a tropical garden that is now home to many turtles. The turtles are an attraction on their own and you can see a lot of baby turtles here as well. They have formed a community I guess.
So we are here at the station because we are going to Toledo. We bought our day tickets here as well which was quite quick and easy. The platforms, however, are located quite a bit far from this main railway hall. They have expanded Atocha and our experience is like being in an airport than in a railway station. The boarding to the trains is strictly regulated and we have to go through proper security checks. I was already wondering if they also wanted to see our passports, like they usually ask at the airport gate, haha. Well, they did not, they just wanted to scan the tickets.
Well, it looks like the Spaniards have really been busy spending lots of money on infrastructure, and well, going into debt as well. I know, I am being sarcastic. Punch me.
Thus, when in Madrid, I highly recommend checking out this beautiful railway station. It is an attraction on its own and definitely worth the time. For train tickets and information check out Spain’s Railway website: RENFE
Trivia: Did you know that in June 2004, Madrid was rocked by the Al-Qaeda related bombings in Atocha killing 191 people?
Anyway, see you in Toledo in my entries soon!
Travel Period: June 2011
Destination: Madrid, Spain
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