How to Get MADRID by Train: Your Comprehensive Guide

How to Get Madrid by Train: Exploring Transportation Options, the capital city of Spain, holds a significant position within the country’s railway transportation system. Its strategic location in the heart of the Iberian Peninsula makes it a central point for rail communication throughout Spain. The two main stations, Atocha and Madrid-Chamartín, serve as hubs for railway activities, offering various types of services including medium-distance, long-distance, high-speed, and commuter Cercanías trains.

Renfe, a public business entity under the Ministry of Transport, Mobility, and Urban Agenda, has long been the primary railway operator in Spain. However, in recent years, the railway network has been liberalized, allowing several private companies such as OUIGO and IRYO to enter the market and offer their own services.

The presence of these companies has opened up new opportunities for passengers by providing more diverse travel options. The liberalization of the railway network has also paved the way for healthy competition within the industry, ultimately enhancing the quality of services and fostering innovation in the Spanish railway transportation sector.

With an expanding railway network and diversified operators, Madrid remains a key hub playing a pivotal role in rail connectivity across Spain. Its presence as a vital transportation center not only benefits the residents of Madrid but also the entire Spanish state. All of these factors make Madrid not just a metropolitan city but also a crucial axis in the continually evolving Spanish railway transportation system.

Map of AVE and Long Distance Lines in Spain

Spain boasts an advanced high-speed rail network spanning nearly 4000 km, linking forty cities with the AVE train, which operates at an average speed of 222 km/h. Additionally, eighteen cities have connections with Alvia trains, combining high-speed sections with lower-speed segments.

Main High-Speed Railway Lines to or from Madrid:

1. Madrid – Zaragoza – Lleida – Tarragona – Barcelona – Girona – Figueras: Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to Zaragoza, 2 hours and 10 minutes to Lleida, 2 hours 40 minutes to Tarragona, and around 3 hours to Barcelona.
2. Madrid – Cuenca – Albacete – Villena – Alicante: Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes to Alicante.
3. Madrid – Cuenca – Requena – Valencia: Around 50 minutes to Cuenca, 1 hour and 15 minutes to Requena, and 1 hour and 35 minutes to Valencia.
4. Madrid – Córdoba – Antequera – Granada: Around 3 hours and 20 minutes to Granada.
5. Madrid – Córdoba – Antequera – Málaga: Approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes to Córdoba and 2 hours and 30 minutes to Málaga.
6. Madrid – Ciudad Real – Córdoba – Seville: About 1 hour to Ciudad Real, 2 hours to Córdoba, and 2 hours and 40 minutes to Seville.
7. Madrid – Segovia – Valladolid – Palencia – León: Around 26 minutes to Segovia, 1 hour to Valladolid, 1 hour and 20 minutes to Palencia, and 2 hours to León.
8. Madrid – Zamora – Ourense: Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes to Ourense.

This comprehensive network underscores Spain’s commitment to efficient and rapid railway transportation, enhancing connectivity between major cities and regions across the country.

Middle Distance Lines Originating or Terminating in Madrid

1. Madrid – Ciudad Real – Puertollano: This line connects Madrid, the bustling capital of Spain, with Ciudad Real and Puertollano, two significant cities in the Castilla-La Mancha region. The journey along this route offers passengers a glimpse into the heartland of Spain, with its vast plains and historic towns. Ciudad Real, with its rich cultural heritage and modern amenities, serves as a gateway to the region, while Puertollano, known for its industrial heritage, provides a vital link to the surrounding areas.
2. Madrid – Toledo: The line between Madrid and Toledo connects the vibrant capital with one of Spain’s most iconic and historically significant cities. Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its medieval architecture, including the imposing Alcázar fortress and the stunning Cathedral. The train journey from Madrid to Toledo takes passengers through the scenic landscapes of the Castilla-La Mancha region, offering breathtaking views of the countryside dotted with olive groves and vineyards.
3. Madrid – Segovia – Valladolid: This railway line connects Madrid with Segovia and Valladolid, two historic cities in the Castile and León region of Spain. Segovia is famous for its ancient Roman aqueduct, medieval Alcázar, and Gothic cathedral, while Valladolid is known for its Renaissance architecture and vibrant cultural scene. The train journey from Madrid to Segovia offers passengers stunning views of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains, while the route to Valladolid passes through picturesque landscapes and charming villages.
4. Madrid – Cuenca: The railway line between Madrid and Cuenca provides travelers with access to the stunning landscapes and cultural treasures of the Castilla-La Mancha region. Cuenca, with its dramatic cliffs, medieval old town, and famous hanging houses, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts visitors from around the world. The train journey from Madrid to Cuenca offers passengers panoramic views of the rugged countryside and the majestic Júcar River gorge.
5. Madrid – Avila: This railway line connects Madrid with Ávila, a picturesque medieval city renowned for its well-preserved city walls, Romanesque churches, and historic center. The journey from Madrid to Ávila takes passengers through the scenic landscapes of the Castile and León region, offering glimpses of rolling hills, expansive plains, and charming villages along the way.
6. Madrid – Segovia: The railway line between Madrid and Segovia provides travelers with convenient access to one of Spain’s most beautiful and historic cities. Segovia is famous for its ancient Roman aqueduct, fairy-tale castle, and charming medieval streets. The train journey from Madrid to Segovia offers passengers stunning views of the Spanish countryside, including the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains.
7. Madrid – Soria: This railway line connects Madrid with Soria, a picturesque city located in the Castile and León region of Spain. Soria is known for its stunning natural landscapes, historic monuments, and rich cultural heritage. The train journey from Madrid to Soria takes passengers through scenic countryside, including rolling hills, verdant valleys, and dense forests.
8. Madrid – Zaragoza: The railway line between Madrid and Zaragoza provides travelers with a convenient and efficient mode of transportation between two major cities in Spain. Zaragoza, the capital of the Aragon region, is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. The train journey from Madrid to Zaragoza offers passengers panoramic views of the Spanish countryside, including olive groves, vineyards, and rugged mountains.
9. Madrid – Salamanca: This railway line connects Madrid with Salamanca, a historic city renowned for its well-preserved Renaissance architecture, ancient university, and vibrant cultural scene. The journey from Madrid to Salamanca takes passengers through the scenic landscapes of the Castile and León region, offering glimpses of rolling hills, expansive plains, and charming villages along the way.
10. Madrid – Valladolid – León: This railway line connects Madrid with Valladolid and León, two historic cities in the Castile and León region of Spain. Valladolid is known for its Renaissance architecture, historic monuments, and vibrant cultural scene, while León is famous for its Gothic cathedral, Romanesque churches, and lively atmosphere. The train journey from Madrid to Valladolid and León offers passengers stunning views of the Spanish countryside, including vineyards, olive groves, and picturesque villages.
11. Madrid – Cuenca – Valencia: The railway line between Madrid and Valencia passes through the scenic landscapes of the Castilla-La Mancha and Valencia regions, offering passengers panoramic views of the Spanish countryside. Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city, is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant cultural scene, and futuristic architecture, including the City of Arts and Sciences complex.
12. Madrid – Alcázar – Albacete – Valencia: This railway line connects Madrid with Albacete and Valencia, two important cities in the Castilla-La Mancha and Valencia regions of Spain. Albacete is known for its historic center, lively atmosphere, and cultural events, while Valencia is famous for its stunning architecture, vibrant markets, and lively festivals.
13. Madrid – Ciudad Real – Jaén: This railway line connects Madrid with Ciudad Real and Jaén, two historic cities in the Castilla-La Mancha and Andalusia regions of Spain. Ciudad Real is known for its historic center, lively atmosphere, and cultural events, while Jaén is famous for its stunning architecture, historic monuments, and vibrant cultural scene.
14. Madrid – Ciudad Real – Badajoz: This railway line connects Madrid with Ciudad Real and Badajoz, two important cities in the Castilla-La Mancha and Extremadura regions of Spain. Ciudad Real is known for its historic center, lively atmosphere, and cultural events, while Badajoz is famous for its stunning architecture, historic monuments, and vibrant cultural scene.
15. Madrid – Cáceres – Badajoz: This railway line connects Madrid with Cáceres and Badajoz, two historic cities in the Extremadura region of Spain. Cáceres is known for its well-preserved medieval old town, historic monuments, and vibrant cultural scene, while Badajoz is famous for its stunning architecture, historic monuments, and lively atmosphere.

The middle-distance railway lines originating or terminating in Madrid exemplify Spain’s strong commitment to regional and national connectivity. These lines not only facilitate travel between the capital and various important cities in Spain but also allow tourists and local residents to explore the natural beauty and cultural richness of different regions within the country.

From journeys linking Madrid with historic cities like Toledo, Segovia, and Avila, which are rich in cultural heritage, to routes taking passengers through the breathtaking landscapes of Castilla-La Mancha, Castile and León, and the beautiful Valencia region, these middle-distance railway networks open doors to diverse adventures and experiences in Spain.

Moreover, these lines provide crucial access for local residents to travel between cities and regions, enhancing mobility and connectivity nationwide. Through increased accessibility, Spain can strengthen its cultural, economic, and social diversity while providing opportunities for travelers to explore the country’s rich natural landscapes and cultural heritage.

Thus, the middle-distance railway network connecting Madrid with various destinations across Spain serves not only as vital transportation infrastructure but also as a symbol of the country’s unity and diversity. By continuing to invest in and improve railway infrastructure, Spain can reinforce its position as one of Europe’s top tourist destinations and major business centers while preserving its invaluable cultural and natural heritage.

IRYO

IRYO, the first Spanish private operator, is a collaboration between Trenitalia, Air Nostrum, and Globalvía. It operates as the second high-speed operator in Spain, offering 70 daily connections across the five main high-speed corridors. The IRYO high-speed trains serve the following routes:

1. Madrid-Zaragoza-Barcelona
2. Madrid-Cuenca-Valencia
3. Madrid-Cuenca-Albacete-Alicante
4. Madrid-Córdoba-Seville
5. Madrid-Córdoba-Málaga

These corridors represent key connections between major cities and regions in Spain, facilitating efficient and rapid travel for passengers. The introduction of IRYO as a private operator reflects the increasing liberalization and diversification of Spain’s railway network, providing passengers with more options and potentially fostering competition in the industry. Through its operations, IRYO contributes to enhancing connectivity and accessibility within Spain’s high-speed rail network, ultimately benefiting travelers and promoting economic development across the regions it serves.

AVLO TRAIN

The AVLO train service, offered by Renfe, provides passengers with a low-cost travel option while maintaining a high level of comfort and convenience. With over 400 seats available, passengers can enjoy reclining seats, individual plugs at each seat for charging electronic devices, reading lights, ample luggage storage space, and accessible toilets for passengers with reduced mobility.

One of the key features of the AVLO train service is its affordability, with tickets starting from as low as 7 euros for high-speed travel. This competitive pricing makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers seeking to explore popular destinations across Spain.

The AVLO train service operates between major cities such as Barcelona, Calatayud, Camp de Tarragona, Figueres, Girona, Guadalajara, Lleida, Madrid, and Zaragoza. By connecting these key destinations, AVLO enables passengers to easily access various regions of Spain while enjoying a comfortable and efficient travel experience.

The introduction of the AVLO service reflects Renfe’s commitment to providing accessible and affordable transportation options for travelers of all budgets. By offering a balance between cost-effectiveness and passenger comfort, AVLO contributes to enhancing mobility and connectivity within Spain, ultimately making travel more accessible and convenient for everyone.

OUIGO

OUIGO is a low-cost high-speed train service that offers affordable travel options to various destinations across Spain. With its emphasis on providing budget-friendly fares, OUIGO enables passengers to experience fast and comfortable journeys between major cities and regions.

Currently, OUIGO operates routes to key destinations such as Madrid, Barcelona, Zaragoza, Valencia, Tarragona, Alicante, and Albacete. These routes cover significant urban centers and popular tourist destinations, allowing travelers to explore Spain’s diverse landscapes and cultural attractions without breaking the bank.

In addition to its existing routes, OUIGO plans to expand its services to include routes to Córdoba, Seville, and Málaga in the near future. This expansion reflects OUIGO’s commitment to increasing accessibility and connectivity across Spain, providing passengers with more options for affordable high-speed travel.

By offering low-price tickets and pleasant travel experiences, OUIGO aims to make high-speed rail travel accessible to a wider audience. Whether for business or leisure, OUIGO provides an attractive alternative for travelers seeking affordable and efficient transportation options within Spain’s extensive rail network.