It's some time away yet (September) but it's never too early to start planning I've got the flights booked, we'll be landing at 1215 - wednesday 16th sept.
Need to get from Madrid Airport to Avila, I'm assuming we'll have to go Chamartin and get a train from there. But wondered if there's maybe any other practical options? Thanks

I think your way is the easiest. There are train services from Nuevos Minesterios which would involve no changing on the metro from the airport, but they are less frequent and slower.

If I were arriving with luggage, given that Chamartin is on the same side of Madrid as the airport, I would consider a taxi from the airport to Chamartin. It would save a lot of leg work for not too dear a price.

Thanks.... Would you have a rough idea of the taxi cost?

A rough idea of how much a taxi would cost from Madrid Barajas airport to Madrid Atocha Train Station would be around 33 Euros with the supplement added at the end. (give or take a couple Euros, probably, depending on traffic)

Saludos, MadridMan

eek!! €33 should just about buy two nights dinners at Vivares !!!
It looks as if the metro fare will only be €3 each to Chamartin. So we'll probably take the cheaper option.