Alicante to Madrid train with Ouigo

Trains from Alicante to Madrid

For a direct route from the coastal city of Alicante to Madrid, Spain’s beautiful capital, book a seat on a train. Trains from Alicante to Madrid run regularly weekdays and through the weekends; however, as it gets close to major holidays, be sure to check train times, as the frequency may change. The 260 miles (420 km) journey takes less than about 2 hours and 45 minutes. Once in Madrid, spend the day visiting beautiful architectural sites, and the evening enjoying tapas and the great nightlife.

Which train companies travel from Alicante to Madrid?

Throughout the year, trains from Alicante to Madrid operate on a regular schedule, Renfe (Red Nacional de Ferrocarriles Españoles), which is the very well established Spanish state railway, provides travelers with several different options all throughout the day—weekdays and weekends. Some of the routes that the train company runs are with their Renfe AVE trains, which are modern, high-speed intercity options; they, too, operate throughout the day and are the most commonly selected travel option for long distance railway rides in the country of Spain.

Renfe trains from Alicante to Madrid

Renfe’s services for trains from Alicante to Madrid typically offer several journey options with variant speeds and prices. Whether customers hope to depart in the morning, afternoon or evening, departure times are set to support the riders’ schedules and needs. All trains are direct routes for this long-distance trip, no matter which of the two train types you choose; the traditional Renfe option will get a traveler from Alicante Terminal to Madrid-Puerta de Atocha in about 2 hours and 45 minutes, with high-speed Renfe AVE services running approximately 2-and-a-half hours—give or take a few minutes depending on the time of day. Renfe also has policy structures for each of its ticket categories, offering riders the opportunity to purchase greater flexibility with their ticket, such as selecting a different departure time, making a cancellation or changing seat assignments. However, if ticket flexibility is unnecessary, riders can purchase a ticket that locks them in to a specific train and departure time at a lesser cost.

Train Alicante to Madrid: Services on board

Wherever you sit on your journey from Alicante to Madrid, Renfe provides passengers with allowances and services to accommodate their needs. On the train, there are 2nd Class and 2nd+ Class seats, the former accommodates passengers with standard seating, while the 2nd+ option offers improved comfort and power outlets to help keep devices charged. For individuals with reduced mobility, Renfe provides a free service called Atendo, which supports travelers as they navigate the station, board the train and disembark. For riders with baggage in tow, Renfe’s travel policy allows for up to three luggage items of a specified size per traveler; Renfe AVE and long-distance journeys, like trains from Alicante to Madrid, have the added benefit of accommodations for folded bicycles, musical instruments and strollers. Passengers can also bring a pet along for the trip—pets must be in enclosed containers and cannot weigh more than 22 pounds (10 kg). Other facilities offered on some trains is PlayRenfe, for riders who need Wi-Fi or access to entertainment options, as well as café cars on long-distance trains. Specific details about each policy can be found on the Renfe page of the Omio website.

Alicante to Madrid Train Time: Daily Departures

Renfe runs trains from Alicante to Madrid on a regular timetable that includes seven departures a day during the week and at weekends. The schedule starts with the first departure of the day around 7:00 a.m.; the final departure is around 8:00 p.m. in the evening. Train services operate consistently through most national holidays, with the exception of dates around Christmas and New Year’s Day. To confirm train times, travelers should consult the Omio website.

How long is the journey by train from Alicante to Madrid?

Renfe’s trains from Alicante to Madrid are non-stop. With a direct route, the duration for high-speed AVE trains is between 2 hours and 22 minutes, and 2 hours and 37 minutes. Renfe’s traditional trains take 2 hours and 45 minutes. For cost-conscious travelers with flexible schedules, avoid peak hours (mid-to-late morning) when prices are higher; off peak options—first and last trains of the day—are cheaper.

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Alicante to Madrid?

Departure train station: The departure train station in Alicante is Alicante Terminal. Less than a half mile (0.8 km) from the city center, the station can be reached by foot in 7 minutes; travelers with luggage can take a taxi, which loops around the park and takes about 6 minutes. Facilities at the train station include helpful customer service desks, restrooms and a café.

Arrival train station: The arrival train station in Madrid is Puerta de Atocha. Madrid’s city center is a 1.2 miles (1.9 km) walk from the station. For travelers who take a taxi, the drive takes 10 minutes; however, there are also public transport options, including Metro lines and public buses. The beautiful station is home to restaurants, cafés and even turtles.

How to find cheap train tickets from Alicante to Madrid?

Railway passengers who are researching cheap train tickets from Alicante to Madrid can affect the cost of their tickets in a number of ways. If you don’t have any time restraints, you can book a ticket for Renfe’s AVE trains at economical prices—typically the first train in the morning or the last train at night; leverage the Omio website’s filtering tool when searching for your ride to help you review the options and identify the best cheap train tickets. However, if you have the advantage of being able to book your ticket ahead of time, this also provides customers with lower-cost options. Along the booking process, you’ll also find a number of options, including seat class and various flex or promo designations which give customers discounts. Individuals who are students or senior citizens benefit from additional discounts, and children under the age of four who don’t require a seat travel free.