- Must visit
Museo del Prado
World-class art museum with masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and Bosch; essential for Spanish and European painting.
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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 $738.
Distance: 1073 miles (1728 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$738 Average price | $192 Average price Cheapest | $193 Average price | $385 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 $192 (€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 $546 (€447) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Madrid costing on average $738 (€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 $738 (€604) compared to roughly $385 (€315) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-352.86 (€-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.
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 $738 (€604) but you can travel from only $51 (€42) 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 $51 (€42)
Distance 1073 miles (1728 km) |
Average train duration 26h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price $738 (€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 $51 (€42)
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 $51 (€42). 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
$738 (€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
Leading modern art museum best known for Picasso’s Guernica, plus major works by Dalí and Miró.
- Must visit
Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza
Celebrated collection of European masters from Van Eyck to Hopper in a refined palace setting.
- Must visit
El Retiro Park
Madrid’s most famous park offers gardens, a boating lake, monuments, and relaxed walks in the city center.
- Must visit
Gran Vía
Lively grand avenue known for architecture, shopping, theaters, and nonstop energy from day to night.
- Must visit
Paseo del Prado
Elegant boulevard linking major museums and landmarks, ideal for a classic central Madrid walk.
Cocido Madrileño
A hearty chickpea stew with meats, vegetables, and broth, especially traditional in Madrid and often served in stages.
Bocadillo de Calamares
Crisp fried squid rings served in a baguette roll. This iconic Madrid street food is especially linked to bars around Plaza Mayor.
- Gluten-free
Callos a la Madrileña
Tripe stew with chorizo and morcilla in a rich sauce. A classic old Madrid tavern dish with deep local roots.
DSTAgE
Refined two-Michelin-star dining focused on seasonal Spanish produce, with elegant modern cooking in a polished fine-dining room.
Malacatín
Traditional Madrid restaurant known for cocido madrileño served in stages, with an old-school dining room and loyal local following.
Sobrino de Botín
Historic century-old tavern famed for roast suckling pig and Castilian dishes in a classic, wood-lined setting near Plaza Mayor.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Western Europe: hotels vary, dining is reasonable, and public transport is good value for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or a simple menú.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- €1.80-3.50 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest: round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up. In cafés, small change is enough.
Tarjeta Transporte
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €1.50
- Day pass
- €8.40
To the city center
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes -> Puerta del Sol, Madrid
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 12 min
- Madrid buses allow contactless bank card payment onboard, but Metro tickets are usually bought from station machines with card or cash.
- A 10-trip ticket can cost less per ride than single tickets if you plan several Metro or bus journeys.
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 $738 (€604), while the average price is around $738 (€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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