- Must visit
Museo Nacional del Prado
Spain’s premier fine art museum, famed for masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, Rubens, and Bosch. A top priority for first-time visitors and art lovers.
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Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Birmingham to Madrid
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Birmingham to Madrid among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $88. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 41m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 1.3 - 3.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $88, and a train costs an average of $626.
Distance: 838 miles (1349 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$626 Average price | $194 Average price | $178 Average price Cheapest | $251 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
24h 0m Average total duration 23h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 41m Average total duration Fastest 3h 41m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 29h 21m Average total duration 28h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 19h 40m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
- CO2 emissions | 4.0 - 8.1kg CO2 emissions | 1.3 - 3.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - 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 Birmingham to Madrid is a bus with an average price of $178 (€146).
This is compared to other travel options from Birmingham to Madrid:
A bus is $16 (€13) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Birmingham to Madrid costing on average $194 (€159).
A bus is $448 (€368) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Birmingham to Madrid costing on average $626 (€514).
The fastest way to travel from Birmingham to Madrid is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 41m.
Other travel options to Madrid take longer:
Train takes on average 23h 30m.
Bus takes on average 28h 51m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Birmingham and Madrid including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Birmingham to Madrid among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around $626 (€514) compared to roughly $251 (€206) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-374.63 (€-307.58). The journey takes 23h 30m versus 19h 40m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Compare prices and tickets Birmingham 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 Birmingham to Madrid trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast operates all trains services from Birmingham to Madrid.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Birmingham to Madrid.
Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?
- 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 Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Birmingham to Madrid.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Birmingham to Madrid.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Birmingham to Madrid
United Kingdom
Spain
Trains from Birmingham to Madrid run on average 1 times per day, taking around 23h 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $626 (€514) but you can travel from only $28 (€23) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 14:21, the last at 14:21. The fastest train covers the 838 miles (1349 km) distance in 23h 30m.
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 $28 (€23)
Distance 838 miles (1349 km) |
Average train duration 23h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $626 (€514) |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 23h 30m |
First train 2:21 PM |
Last train 2:21 PM |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Thu |
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 $28 (€23)
Train companies: Avanti West Coast from Birmingham to Madrid trainsAvanti West Coast trains will get you between Birmingham and Madrid from $28 (€23). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Avanti West Coast
About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
23h 30m
Cheapest Price
$626 (€514)
Avanti West Coast frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
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
Madrid’s leading modern art museum, best known for Picasso’s Guernica alongside major works by Dalí and Miró. Essential for 20th-century art.
- Must visit
Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza
A major collection spanning medieval to modern art, completing Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art. Strong for European painting and accessible curation.
- Must visit
Plaza Mayor
Madrid’s historic main square, surrounded by arcaded buildings and linked to the city’s Habsburg past. A classic stop for architecture and atmosphere.
- Must visit
Puerta del Sol
Madrid’s central square and symbolic heart, home to the Kilometer Zero marker and the famous Bear and Strawberry Tree statue.
- Must visit
Gran Vía
Madrid’s iconic boulevard lined with historic architecture, shops, and theaters. It is one of the city’s busiest and most recognizable streets.
- Gluten-free
Cocido Madrileño
Madrid’s signature chickpea stew, traditionally served in stages with broth, vegetables, chickpeas, and assorted meats. It is one of the city’s most emblematic 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 one of the city’s most iconic quick bites.
- Gluten-free
Callos A La Madrileña
A rich traditional stew made with tripe, chorizo, and morcilla in a paprika-forward sauce. It is a historic Madrid tavern specialty.
Casa Revuelta
Classic casual bar famed for fried cod and old-school tapas, popular for a quick authentic stop in central Madrid.
Casa Lucio
Celebrated traditional restaurant known for huevos rotos and classic Spanish cooking in a refined but lively setting.
Taberna La Bola
Historic tavern especially known for cocido madrileño cooked in individual clay pots, with a classic old-Madrid feel.
Euro
Moderate for Western Europe: museums and transit are fair, while central hotels and fine dining cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 10-15 for a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- EUR 20-35 per person.
- Fine dining
- EUR 60+ per person.
- Coffee
- EUR 1.80-3.50 for coffee.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service; small change in cafes, bars, and taxis is appreciated, not required.
Tarjeta Transporte
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- 1.50 EUR
- Day pass
- 8.40 EUR
To the city center
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes -> Sol, Madrid
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Metro and buses in Madrid generally allow contactless card payment only for some onboard purchases; for easiest travel, use a transport card or buy tickets in stations.
- If you plan multiple trips in one day, the Tourist Travel Pass can be better value than single tickets and covers Metro, buses, and Cercanías within its validity zone.
FAQs: Trains from Birmingham to Madrid
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham 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 Birmingham to Madrid can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $626 (€514), while the average price is around $626 (€514).
The train from Birmingham to Madrid runs once a day and takes approximately 23h 30m.
The distance by train from Birmingham to Madrid is 838 miles (1349 km).
The first train from Birmingham to Madrid leaves at 2:21 PM.
The last train from Birmingham to Madrid leaves at 2:21 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Birmingham to Madrid.
There is no direct train service currently available from Birmingham to Madrid.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Birmingham to Madrid.
The cheapest way to get from Birmingham to Madrid is by flight, with a cost of around $28 (€23).
The train journey from Birmingham to Madrid offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, passing through the English countryside, the Channel Tunnel, and scenic parts of France and Spain, providing a diverse and picturesque travel experience.
A day trip from Birmingham to Madrid is not feasible as the journey takes 23h 30m and covers a distance of 838 miles (1349 km). The frequency is 1 per day for trains.
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 Birmingham to Madrid.
Madrid is within the Schengen Area. Passport and visa requirements depend on your nationality. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
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 Birmingham to Madrid among Omio's users.
Currently, UK citizens do not need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period) for tourism or business in the Schengen Area. However, the new ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is scheduled to launch in late 2026. Once active, this digital travel authorization will be a mandatory pre-travel requirement for all UK passport holders.
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.
Most popular train connections from Birmingham
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Most popular trains to and from Madrid and Birmingham
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