About Chamartin Station
Chamartin Station is one of Madrid's two main railway stations along with Atocha. Chamartin sits on the north side of the city and connects with both local and long-distance train services. Because of its northern location, Chamartin handles train traffic from Lisbon, Paris, and other European cities. It also receives travelers from all over Spain, making it one of the country's busiest train stations.
Chamartin was built in the mid-1970s and superseded the more central Atocha at the time. However, when Atocha was rebuilt in the 1990s, Chamartin lost some of its importance. Still, with close to 33 million passengers per year, Chamartin remains a crucial part of the country's rail network. It hosts the high-speed train line to Leon and the international route to Lisbon, and so it remains the station where many travelers to Madrid first arrive.
As a large station, Chamartin offers plenty of amenities for travelers. As well as the usual coffee shops and restaurants, Chamartin station has a hotel, a bowling alley, and a large leisure center that contains a rollerskating rink. In many ways, Chamartin station is a hub not just of public transport but of recreation in the north part of the city.
Things to do near Chamartin Station
Chamartin station is outside the center of Madrid, but that doesn't mean it lacks things to do. The less-touristed northern part of the city still has plenty to offer visitors, and your exploration can start just outside the doors of the train station itself.
- See one of the seats of Spanish power at El Pardo Royal Palace. To the north of the city, this palace is not the main residence of the Spanish royal family. However, it remains a residence for visiting heads of state. Furthermore, following the Spanish Civil War, it became the home of dictator Francisco Franco. When not in use, the palace is open to the public.
- Visit a shrine to Spain's national obsession at the Bernabeu stadium. Home to Real Madrid, one of Europe's most successful soccer clubs, the stadium offers tours where you can visit the crowded trophy room of this legendary team. Even better, if you can manage to get tickets for a game, the atmosphere of this stadium is something you won't soon forget.
- Learn about the world we live in at the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales. This natural history museum, established in 1771, is dedicated to teaching visitors more about the natural world through interactive exhibits and displays.
- Come across something unexpected at Berlin Park. You might think you would need to go to Germany to see the remnants of the Berlin Wall, but this park contains pieces of the famous monument donated to Madrid by Germany. The park also makes a great place to relax and stretch your legs away from the bustle of the city.
- Explore the richness of Spain's past at the National Archaeological Museum. This institution uses artifacts from the distant past to explain the country's long history, from prehistoric times up until the Industrial Revolution.
Transit options at Chamartin Station
- Madrid airport is to the north of the city close to Chamartin. The station and the airport are connected by the Metro, with only one change of line needed.
- Chamartin Station is connected to Chamartin Metro, served by lines L1 and L 10, which can take you to many points of interest throughout the city.
- Bus lines 5, 66, 67, 124, 134, and many others stop at Chamartin station.
Luggage storage at Chamartin Station
Madrid is a large city full of interesting attractions. It’s easy to get lost in the grandeur of the Spanish capital. The excellent transit links at Chamartin and throughout the city make it easy to explore. But you won’t have nearly as much fun if you’re carrying unnecessary baggage with you.
That's why Bounce makes travel easy by giving you a place to store your needed belongings while you explore. Drop off any size bags for as long as you like so you can have fun in the city without worrying about your possessions.
Activities and attractions near Chamartin Station
- Plaza Mayor: Visit the vibrant heart of Madrid at Plaza Mayor. This huge public square was first laid out in 1617, and is the heart of old Madrid. The elegant stone arcades around the square are the perfect place to shelter from the sun and enjoy a drink or a meal from the many bars and cafés set up around the square. As the heart of the Old Town, it's the perfect place to begin your exploration of Madrid. And it's also a great place to relax and soak up the atmosphere of the city. Note that the square can get very crowded, so be sure to leave any large bags at a luggage storage service in Madrid before you visit.
- The Prado: Madrid is home to one of Europe's most famous art galleries. The Prado contains masterpieces of art from around the world, and is an absolute must-visit for art lovers. Plus, you may well find some new favorites in the seemingly endless galleries of this impressive institution. The Prado is best known for its huge collection of art by Spaniard Francisco Goya, but also contains masterpieces by Rubens, Titian, Bosch, Rembrandt, and many other huge names in European art. Note that large bags aren't allowed in the museum, so make sure you drop them off at a Madrid luggage storage before you visit.
- Temple of Debod: You probably weren't expecting to visit an Egyptian temple in Spain, but that's exactly what the Temple of Debod offers. This authentic temple dates back to 200 BC, but was threatened by the building of a dam in 1960. The Spanish government stepped in to save the temple, carefully dismantling it and moving it piece by piece to Madrid to reassemble it in a city park. The temple is one of very few examples of ancient Egyptian architecture that can be seen outside Egypt itself.