If you are in a budget, there is a faster way to go from Barajas to Atocha than just taking the subway. You can go on line #8 (there are elevators both at Barajas and Nuevos Ministerios). Then, take the commuter train from Nuevos Ministerios to Atocha (just two stops).
Unfortunately, you have to buy two different tickets because the ticker for the subway is not valid for the train. However, this is much faster than taking only the subway and changing 3 times.
_________________________
The best tips from your favourite hostal in Madrid.
Hostal Chelo at
http://www.chelo.com