- Must visit
Museo Nacional del Prado
Madrid’s premier art museum, famed for masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, Rubens, and Bosch. A cornerstone of the city’s Golden Triangle of Art.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Basel to Madrid
Showing times and prices for May 31
Cheapest price
$355
Average price
$355
Fastest journey
23 h 44 m
Average duration
23 h 44 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
1200 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Basel to Madrid is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Basel to Madrid will cost around $355 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $355.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Basel to Madrid without transferring at least 2 times.
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4:34 PM23h44Basel4:18 PMMadrid$3551One-way2 transfers
- 4:34 PM23h44Basel4:18 PMMadrid$3551One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Basel to Madrid
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Basel to Madrid among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $65. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 15m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.4 - 1.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $65, and a train costs an average of $355.
Distance: 745 miles (1200 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$355 Average price | $244 Average price | $176 Average price Cheapest | $533 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 31m Average total duration 11h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 15m Average total duration Fastest 3h 15m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 25h 44m Average total duration 25h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 15h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 3.6 - 7.2kg CO2 emissions | 1.2 - 3.0kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Basel to Madrid is a bus with an average price of $176 (€142).
This is compared to other travel options from Basel to Madrid:
A bus is $68 (€55) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Basel to Madrid costing on average $244 (€197).
A bus is $179 (€144) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Basel to Madrid costing on average $355 (€286).
The fastest way to travel from Basel to Madrid is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 15m.
Other travel options to Madrid take longer:
Train takes on average 11h 1m.
Bus takes on average 25h 14m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Basel and Madrid including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Basel to Madrid among Omio's users.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.
The journey is about 4h 4m faster (11h 1m by train vs 15h 5m by car) and roughly $178 (€143) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($355 (€286) vs $533 (€429)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Basel to Madrid train times
The table below shows live departures for Basel to Madrid trains for today, Saturday, May 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4:34 PM Basel | 23h44 | 4:18 PM Madrid | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Basel to Madrid by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Why should you book Basel to Madrid trains with Omio?
AVE as well as Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) offer trains services from Basel to Madrid.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Basel to Madrid.
Why book with Omio vs AVE?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for AVE, but also compare tickets for the likes of Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) to find the best option for your trip from Basel to Madrid.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare AVE with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Basel to Madrid.
Why book with Omio over Rome2rio, Raileurope or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Basel to Madrid.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Basel to Madrid
Switzerland
Spain
Trains from Basel to Madrid run on average 1 times per day, taking around 11h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $355 (€286) but you can travel from only $41 (€33) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 01:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 745 miles (1200 km) distance in 23h 44m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $41 (€33)
Distance 745 miles (1200 km) |
Average train duration 11h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price $355 (€286) |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 23h 44m |
First train 1:05 AM |
Last train 11:55 PM |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 21 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $41 (€33)
Train companies: AVE, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) from Basel to Madrid trainsAVE, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) trains will get you between Basel and Madrid from $41 (€33). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
AVE
About
Travel comfortably with AVE, Renfe’s high-speed trains. AVE connects major cities across Spain at speeds of up to 310 km/h (193 mph), offering a fast and smooth travel experience. Ticket options include Promo, Promo+, and Flexible fares to suit different budgets, along with discount cards such as the Gold Card and +Renfe Youth 50 Card for eligible travelers. AVE trains feature modern amenities including comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard catering, making them a convenient and enjoyable way to travel across Spain.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 3 pieces of luggage free of charge
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, end of carriages, and designated areas between seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund conditions depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages. At-seat service in Preferente (First) Class
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for all classes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance services available
Pets
Small pets under 10kg in carriers allowed free. Larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle. Guide dogs free.
Quiet zone
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
23h 44m
Cheapest Price
$355 (€286)
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Madrid
Things to do in Madrid
Discover the best of Madrid — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Madrid trip today.
- Must visit
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
Spain’s national museum of 20th-century and contemporary art, best known for Picasso’s Guernica and strong collections by Dalí and Miró.
- Must visit
Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza
A major art museum spanning Old Masters to modern works, complementing the Prado and Reina Sofía with an exceptionally broad private collection.
- Must visit
Plaza Mayor
Madrid’s grand historic square, lined with arcades and elegant façades, and a classic starting point for exploring the old center.
- Must visit
Puerta del Sol
The symbolic heart of Madrid, known for Kilometer Zero, the clock tower, and constant energy day and night.
- Must visit
Parque de El Retiro
Madrid’s most famous park, ideal for walks, boating, monuments, gardens, and popular photo spots such as the Crystal Palace area.
- Gluten-free
Cocido Madrileño
Madrid’s signature chickpea stew, served in courses with broth, vegetables, and assorted meats. It is one of the city’s most traditional comfort dishes.
Bocadillo De Calamares
A classic Madrid sandwich of fried squid rings in crusty bread, especially associated with bars around Plaza Mayor. It is simple, iconic, and widely loved.
- Gluten-free
Callos A La Madrileña
A rich stew of tripe, chorizo, and morcilla cooked with paprika. It is a historic Madrid tavern dish with bold, hearty flavors.
Sobrino De Botín
Historic restaurant founded in the eighteenth century, famous for roast meats and classic Castilian cooking in an atmospheric old setting.
Casa Lucio
Legendary traditional restaurant best known for huevos rotos, with a polished yet classic tavern feel and strong local reputation.
Chocolatería San Ginés
Iconic spot for churros con chocolate, open long hours and known for a lively, historic atmosphere near the city center.
Euro
Moderate for Western Europe. Museums and transport are reasonable, while central hotels and fine dining cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 10-15 for tapas, menu del día, or fast food.
- Mid-range
- EUR 20-35 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- EUR 70+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- EUR 1.80-3.50 for espresso or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Round up or leave EUR 1-2 in cafés; 5-10% in restaurants for very good service. Taxis are often rounded up, but tipping is not obligatory.
Tarjeta Transporte
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- EUR 1.50
- Day pass
- EUR 8.40
To the city center
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes -> Sol, Madrid
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- On EMT buses, contactless card payment is generally available on board, but Metro and Cercanías tickets are usually bought before travel.
- If you plan several trips in one day, the Tourist Travel Pass can be better value than single tickets, especially for airport and metro use.
FAQs: Trains from Basel to Madrid
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basel to Madrid by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Madrid, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Basel to Madrid can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $355 (€286), while the average price is around $355 (€286).
The train from Basel to Madrid runs once a day and takes approximately 23h 44m.
The first train from Basel to Madrid leaves at 1:05 AM.
The distance by train from Basel to Madrid is 745 miles (1200 km).
The last train from Basel to Madrid leaves at 11:55 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Basel to Madrid.
There is no direct train service currently available from Basel to Madrid.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Basel to Madrid.
The cheapest way to get from Basel to Madrid is by flight, with a cost of around $41 (€33).
The train journey from Basel to Madrid offers scenic views, particularly through the French and Spanish countryside, featuring picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and mountainous regions.
A day trip from Basel to Madrid is not feasible, as the journey duration is 23h 44m. The distance is 745 miles (1200 km), and there are 2 train trips per day.
In Madrid, you can explore Puerta del Sol, a bustling public square known for its iconic clock and vibrant atmosphere, and savor gourmet foods at Mercado de San Miguel. Discover the vibrant nightlife in the Malasaña district, enjoy a traditional flamenco show, or visit the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to Real Madrid. For cultural sights, visit the Prado Museum, the Royal Palace of Madrid, and Retiro Park. Don't miss Plaza Mayor and the lively Gran Vía for shopping and theaters.
For a well-rounded experience in Madrid, plan to spend at least 3 to 4 days. This allows time to explore major attractions like the Prado Museum, Royal Palace, Retiro Park, and enjoy the local cuisine and vibrant neighborhoods.
Yes, you can take the train from Basel to Madrid.
Since both Basel and Madrid are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
Popular day trips by train from Madrid include Toledo, Segovia, Valladolid, Ávila, Cuenca.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Basel to Madrid among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Spain uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers can use both cash and cards, but cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, while cash may be preferred for small purchases, markets, and rural locations.
In Madrid, the main safety concerns for travelers include pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like Puerta del Sol, Gran Vía, and on public transportation. Common scams involve distraction techniques, such as someone asking for signatures on petitions or offering friendship bracelets, to steal valuables. Travelers should also be cautious of unlicensed taxi drivers and always use official transport services. Staying vigilant in busy tourist spots and keeping belongings secure helps minimize risks.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Basel to Madrid
Basel
Madrid
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Car Rental
Information Desk
Luggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Distance to city center
2 km
Number of platforms
8Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 7 days a week. Access via Schwarzwaldallee.
Dining
- Restaurant Les Gareçons
- Restaurant Bahn Kantine
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
- CHF 1
Hotel
- Hotel Alexander
- Hotel Wettstein
- Hotel Balade
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
- 330 places, covered
Car Rental
- Avis
- Europcar
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-4 for trains to Germany
- Hall 2: platforms 5-8 for regional trains within Switzerland
Public transit options for Basel Bad Bhf
- Tram: Line 2, Line 6
- Bus: Several lines available
Most popular train connections from Basel
More options for your journey from Basel to Madrid
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Madrid and Basel
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