- Must visit
Museo Nacional del Prado
Spain’s premier art museum, famed for masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. A cornerstone of Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art and a top priority for first-time visitors.
Cheapest price
$24
Average price
$63
Fastest journey
1 h 29 m
Average duration
1 h 30 m
Trains per day
11
Distance
202 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Calatayud to Madrid is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Calatayud to Madrid will cost around $63 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $24.
Of the 11 trains that leave Calatayud for Madrid on Fri, Jun 19, 11 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct trains cover the 202 km distance in an average of 1 h 30 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 29 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest trains will take 1 h 32 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
35503
35501
03272
00610
03062
03082
03308
03162
03182
03272Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Calatayud to Madrid among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $18. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 20m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $18, and a train costs an average of $6.
Distance: 125 miles (202 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$25 Average price | $19 Average price Cheapest | $47 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 50m Average total duration Fastest 2h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 12m Average total duration 2h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 42m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Calatayud to Madrid:
A bus is $5 (€4) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Calatayud to Madrid costing on average $25 (€20).
Other travel options to Madrid take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 42m.
The journey is about 22m faster (2h 20m by train vs 2h 42m by car) and roughly $22 (€18) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($25 (€20) vs $47 (€38)). 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.
Direct services run with AVE, Renfe ALVIA, Renfe, Renfe AVLO, Renfe Viajeros.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Calatayud to Madrid trains for today, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
03062 | Delayed 6:06 AM 8:06 AMCalatayud station | 1h34 | 9:40 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
35503 | 9:15 AM Calatayud station | 4h58 | 2:13 PM Madrid Chamartín | 0 transfersDirect | |
03272 | Delayed 7:23 AM 9:23 AMCalatayud station | 1h32 | 8:55 AM 8:55 AMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
03082 | On time 10:15 AM Calatayud station | 1h29 | 11:44 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
03304 | On time 12:11 PM Calatayud station | 1h33 | 1:44 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
00602 | Delayed 12:25 PM 2:25 PMCalatayud station | 1h39 | 2:04 PM 2:04 PMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
35501 | 3:05 PM Calatayud station | 4h36 | 7:41 PM Madrid Chamartín | 0 transfersDirect | |
03308 | On time 4:15 PM Calatayud station | 1h29 | 5:44 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
03162 | On time 6:15 PM Calatayud station | 1h29 | 7:44 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
03182 | On time 8:15 PM Calatayud station | 1h29 | 9:44 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
00610 | Delayed 7:35 PM 9:35 PMCalatayud station | 1h47 | 11:22 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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.
By Paulo Monteiro
After a relaxing weekend in Calatayud, I boarded Renfe’s AVE high-speed train for a quick return to Madrid. The relaxing journey combines speed and simplicity, linking Aragón’s peaceful landscapes with Spain’s bustling capital. With comfortable seating in a quiet First Class cabin, it’s one of the easiest ways to reach Madrid without the hassle of airport check-ins. Here's what to expect if you're also taking the train from Calatayud to Madrid.

Renfe AVE Calatayud to Madrid train
The Renfe AVE from Calatayud to Madrid covers roughly 220 km in about 1 hour and 10 minutes along Spain’s central high-speed corridor. The train departs from Calatayud and heads through the plains of Aragón. From there, it climbs slightly toward the Castilian plateau before approaching Madrid’s city outskirts. The scenery alternates between farmland and open country views. Admiring Spain’s natural beauty at 300 km/h makes this one of the best ways to travel from Calatayud to Madrid.
About a month before my trip, I reserved a First Class seat on Renfe’s AVE train from Calatayud to Madrid. Booking online through Omio was easy as always, and the ticket with a QR code appeared in the app and in my inbox within moments. It was great not having to print anything. Choosing the train made the most sense since it takes about half the time of the bus. Buses from Calatayud to Madrid usually take 2 to 2.5 hours with Intercity or ALSA, depending on the route and any delays. Because Calatayud doesn’t have its own airport (the closest one is in Zaragoza), the train is the easiest and most comfortable way to reach the capital.

Renfe AVE Calatayud to Madrid train
Renfe AVE trains to Madrid leave from Calatayud station. The station is a smaller regional stop, located close to the city center. It connects easily by taxi, local bus or even on foot. The station is simple but efficient, with a small waiting area and some vending machines for drinks, crisps and sweets. There are no restaurants directly in the station, so it’s best to eat before departure or after arriving in Madrid.
Trains from Calatayud arrive at Madrid Puerta de Atocha. It's one of Spain’s busiest rail terminals. As such, it has excellent connections to the Cercanías network, metro, buses, and taxis. Inside, you’ll find everything from fast food to more upscale Mediterranean dining options. There is also a bar located in the renovated area that serves excellent tapas.
Renfe operates several AVE departures daily between Calatayud and Madrid, starting in the early morning and continuing until early evening. There are usually around 11 to 14 trains per day, with the first leaving at around 8:00 AM and the last one in the evening at around 9:00 PM. I took the first train out for a full day in the capital, arriving right on time at 9:10 AM. Frequent departures make it easy to plan same-day returns or flexible weekend trips.
Once on board the train from Calatayud to Madrid, the First Class cabin on the AVE felt as relaxing as expected. It had spacious leather seats and large windows, perfect for watching the countryside glide by. Each seat reclined comfortably and came with reading lights, a foldable table and generous legroom. On AVE trains, Wi-Fi is available through the PlayRenfe app, giving access to a wide range of movies, documentaries, newspapers, and more. The connection stayed strong for most of the trip. During the journey, I ordered an at-seat breakfast for €22, which included fresh fruit, a hot coffee, orange juice and two pastries. The food was tasty, and the presentation was well above average for train dining. In addition to the at-seat service, there was a bar car offering snacks, sandwiches, salads, coffee, and soft drinks at fair prices. I stopped by for a quick coffee and was impressed by the friendly service as always. The views of the diverse Spanish countryside, from rolling plains to distant mountains, were the highlight of the trip. Combined with attentive staff and the train’s smooth 300 km/h ride, this short AVE journey was both comfortable and enjoyable. It's exactly what high-speed travel in Spain should be.
Booking with Omio one month in advance helped secure an excellent fare for my trip from Calatayud to Madrid by train. As with all Renfe AVE services, the ticket includes three bags (up to 25 kg total), comfortable seats, and the fantastic PlayRenfe entertainment app. For all that, it's a good price for a First Class seat.
| Item | Cost (eur) |
|---|---|
| Ticket price | €70 |
| Food & drinks | €24.20 |
| Travel to departure station | € |
| Travel from arrival station | € |
| Total | € 94.2 |
The journey from Calatayud to Madrid aboard Renfe’s AVE train combines speed and comfort on one of Spain’s most convenient high-speed services. In just a little over 1 hour, you travel to the heart of Madrid with no airport queues or driving stress. It is a smooth ride, with excellent onboard entertainment and amenities. Pack your bags, plan your journey, and book tickets on the Omio app today.
Trains from Calatayud to Madrid run on average 10 times per day, taking around 2h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $6 (€5) if you book in advance.
There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:42, the last at 21:50. The fastest train covers the 125 miles (202 km) distance in 1h 29m.
Distance 125 miles (202 km) |
Average train duration 2h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price $6 (€5) |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 10 |
Fastest train 1h 29m |
First train 5:42 AM |
Last train 9:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 3 days |
Discover the best of Madrid — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Madrid trip today.
Spain’s premier art museum, famed for masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. A cornerstone of Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art and a top priority for first-time visitors.
Madrid’s leading modern art museum, best known for Picasso’s Guernica alongside major works by Dalí and Miró. Essential for modern and contemporary art lovers.
A major museum spanning European painting from the Renaissance to the 20th century. Its broad collection complements the Prado and Reina Sofía perfectly.
Madrid’s most famous park, ideal for walking, boating, and relaxing among monuments and formal gardens. A top city experience for nearly every visitor.
Madrid’s best-known avenue, lined with historic architecture, theaters, shops, and rooftop views. Energetic by day and night, it is one of the city’s defining walks.
The symbolic heart of Madrid and a major meeting point, home to the Kilómetro Cero marker and famous public celebrations. Constantly busy and central.
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.
A classic Madrid sandwich of fried squid rings in crusty bread, especially associated with bars around Plaza Mayor. It is a simple local staple and iconic snack.
A rich traditional stew made with tripe, chorizo, and morcilla in a paprika-forward sauce. It is a historic tavern dish closely linked to Madrid cuisine.
Prestigious flamenco venue with acclaimed dining, known for refined Spanish cuisine in an intimate historic setting. It combines performance and high-end gastronomy.
Historic traditional restaurant famous for roast suckling pig and Castilian classics. It offers an old-world atmosphere and is one of Madrid’s most iconic dining rooms.
Well-known classic restaurant celebrated for huevos rotos and traditional Spanish cooking. It is a long-established spot with a lively, polished tavern feel.
Moderate for Western Europe. Museums and transport are reasonable, while central hotels and fine dining cost more.
Service is usually included. Locals often round up or leave EUR 1-2 in cafés and 5-10% at restaurants for very good service. Tipping is appreciated, not required.
Official public transport app
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes, Madrid -> Sol, Madrid
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Calatayud 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.

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