- 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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The cheapest and fastest trains from Edinburgh to Madrid
Showing times and prices for Jul 03
Cheapest price
$736
Average price
$736
Fastest journey
1 d 2 h 51 m
Average duration
1 d 2 h 51 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
1728 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Edinburgh to Madrid is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Madrid will cost around $736 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $736.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Edinburgh to Madrid without transferring at least 5 times.
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11:00 AM26h51Edinburgh1:51 PMMadrid$7361One-way5 transfers
- 11:00 AM26h51Edinburgh1:51 PMMadrid$7361One-way5 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Edinburgh to Madrid
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Madrid among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $54. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 48m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 1.7 - 4.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $54, and a train costs an average of $736.
Distance: 1073 miles (1728 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$736 Average price | $191 Average price Cheapest | $193 Average price | $384 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
27h 21m Average total duration 26h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 48m Average total duration Fastest 3h 48m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 36h 56m Average total duration 36h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 24h 27m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
- CO2 emissions | 5.2 - 10.4kg CO2 emissions | 1.7 - 4.3kg 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 Edinburgh to Madrid is a flight with an average price of $191 (€157).
This is compared to other travel options from Edinburgh to Madrid:
A flight is $2 (€1) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Edinburgh to Madrid costing on average $193 (€158).
A flight is $545 (€447) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Madrid costing on average $736 (€604).
The fastest way to travel from Edinburgh to Madrid is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 48m.
Other travel options to Madrid take longer:
Train takes on average 26h 51m.
Bus takes on average 36h 26m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Edinburgh and Madrid including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Edinburgh 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 $736 (€604) compared to roughly $384 (€315) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-352.00 (€-288.81). The journey takes 26h 51m versus 24h 27m 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.
Live departures
Edinburgh to Madrid train times
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Madrid trains for tomorrow, Friday, July 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11:00 AM Edinburgh | 26h51 | 1:51 PM Madrid | 5 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Edinburgh 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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Journey information
Overview: Train from Edinburgh to Madrid
United Kingdom
Spain
Trains from Edinburgh to Madrid run on average 1 times per day, taking around 26h 51m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $736 (€604) but you can travel from only $54 (€44) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 11:00, the last at 11:00. The fastest train covers the 1073 miles (1728 km) distance in 26h 51m.
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 $54 (€44)
Distance 1073 miles (1728 km) |
Average train duration 26h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price $736 (€604) |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 26h 51m |
First train 11:00 AM |
Last train 11:00 AM |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
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 $54 (€44)
Train companies: London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER) from Edinburgh to Madrid trainsLondon North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER) trains will get you between Edinburgh and Madrid from $54 (€44). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
26h 51m
Cheapest Price
$736 (€604)
London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER) 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
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 Edinburgh to Madrid
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh to Madrid can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $736 (€604), while the average price is around $736 (€604).
The train from Edinburgh to Madrid runs once a day and takes approximately 26h 51m.
The distance by train from Edinburgh to Madrid is 1073 miles (1728 km).
The first train from Edinburgh to Madrid leaves at 11:00 AM.
The last train from Edinburgh to Madrid leaves at 11:00 AM.
There is no high speed train available from Edinburgh to Madrid.
There is no direct train service currently available from Edinburgh to Madrid.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Edinburgh to Madrid.
The cheapest way to get from Edinburgh to Madrid is by flight, with a cost of around $54 (€44).
The train journey from Edinburgh to Madrid is not typically considered scenic, as it involves multiple transfers and travels through urban and industrial areas rather than picturesque landscapes.
A day trip from Edinburgh to Madrid is not feasible due to the journey taking 26h 51m. Additionally, there is only 1 trip available per day, and the distance is 1073 miles (1728 km).
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 Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh
More options for your journey from Edinburgh to Madrid
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Madrid and Edinburgh
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