- 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.
Cheapest price
$48
Average price
$75
Fastest journey
3 h 22 m
Average duration
3 h 40 m
Trains per day
7
Distance
359 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Granada to Madrid is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Granada to Madrid will cost around $75 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $48.
Of the 7 trains that leave Granada for Madrid on Mon, Jun 01, 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 01 the direct trains cover the 359 km distance in an average of 3 h 40 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 22 m .
On Mon, Jun 01 the slowest trains will take 3 h 53 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.










Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Granada to Madrid among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $28. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 29m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $28, and a flight costs an average of $27.
Distance: 223 miles (359 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$69 Average price | $31 Average price Cheapest | $283 Average price | $91 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 12m Average total duration 3h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 30m Average total duration 4h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 29m Average total duration Fastest 2h 29m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 15m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | 1.1 - 2.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | 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 Granada to Madrid:
A bus is $38 (€31) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Granada to Madrid costing on average $69 (€56).
A bus is $252 (€203) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Granada to Madrid costing on average $283 (€228).
Other travel options to Madrid take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 42m.
Bus takes on average 4h 0m.
The journey is about 33m faster (3h 42m by train vs 4h 15m by car) and roughly $21 (€17) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($69 (€56) vs $91 (€73)). 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 INTERCITY, 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 Granada to Madrid trains for today, Sunday, May 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
08475+ 02077 | On time 6:20 AM Granada station | 4h06 | 10:26 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
08475+ 02077 | On time 6:20 AM Granada station | 4h06 | 10:26 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
08475+ 02073 | On time 6:20 AM Granada station | 4h06 | 10:26 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
02077 | 6:45 AM Granada station | 3h41 | 10:26 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
02077 · 02091 | On time 6:45 AM Granada station | 5h27 | 12:12 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
02077+ 02075 | On time 6:45 AM Granada station | 4h22 | 11:07 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
02077+ 06127 | Delayed 6:45 AM Granada station | 8h17 | 1:02 PM 1:02 PMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
08525+ 06013 | On time 12:48 PM Granada station | 6h16 | 7:04 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
08525+ 02361 | Delayed 12:48 PM Granada station | 6h22 | 5:10 PM 5:10 PMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
08525+ 02135 | On time 12:48 PM Granada station | 5h15 | 6:03 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
02167 | Delayed 2:55 PM Granada station | 3h44 | 4:39 PM 4:39 PMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
02167+ 06217 | Delayed 2:55 PM Granada station | 8h10 | 9:05 PM 9:05 PMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
02167 · 02361 | Delayed 2:55 PM Granada station | 4h15 | 5:10 PM 5:10 PMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
02167+ 06013 | On time 2:55 PM Granada station | 4h09 | 7:04 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
03931+ 02365 | Delayed 3:40 PM Granada station | 4h26 | 6:06 PM 6:06 PMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
03931+ 06217 | Delayed 3:40 PM Granada station | 7h25 | 9:05 PM 9:05 PMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
03931+ 06159 | Delayed 3:40 PM Granada station | 4h25 | 6:05 PM 6:05 PMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
08575+ 06217 | Delayed 4:12 PM Granada station | 6h53 | 9:05 PM 9:05 PMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
08575+ 02171 | Delayed 4:12 PM Granada station | 4h20 | 6:32 PM 6:32 PMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
08575+ 02191 | Delayed 4:12 PM Granada station | 5h58 | 8:10 PM 8:10 PMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
02197+ 02217 | Delayed 6:01 PM Granada station | 5h42 | 9:43 PM 9:43 PMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
02197 | 6:01 PM Granada station | 3h52 | 9:53 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
02197 · 02191 | Delayed 6:01 PM Granada station | 4h09 | 8:10 PM 8:10 PMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
02197+ 06217 | Delayed 6:01 PM Granada station | 5h04 | 9:05 PM 9:05 PMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
08505+ 02213 | Delayed 6:20 PM Granada station | 5h29 | 9:49 PM 9:49 PMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
08505+ 02217 | Delayed 6:20 PM Granada station | 5h23 | 9:43 PM 9:43 PMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
08505+ 06217 | Delayed 6:20 PM Granada station | 4h45 | 9:05 PM 9:05 PMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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By Claire Martin
I visit Spain several times a year, and one thing I always appreciate is how easy it is to get around by train. The country’s rail network is fast and surprisingly comfortable, so when I needed to travel from Granada to Madrid, hopping on board felt like the obvious option. And just as I expected, it was a fantastic experience! If you’re planning the same trip, here’s everything you need to know about traveling from Granada to Madrid by train.

View over Madrid from the train
This train route begins at Granada Railway Station and travels roughly 400 kilometers (250 miles) directly north to Madrid Atocha Railway Station. The journey takes around 4 hours, sometimes a bit more or less, depending on the number of stops. I was on one of the faster services, which took just 3 hours and 44 minutes. While driving takes roughly the same amount of time, I still think the train is the best way to get from Granada to Madrid. There’s no traffic to worry about, and the ride is far more comfortable!
It’s easy to book your Spanish train tickets on Omio. You just select your journey and time, make a secure payment, and get your ticket as a QR code in the app and your email. I did look into other travel options before settling on the train. The Granada to Madrid coach takes about 4 hours and 40 minutes, so only slightly longer, but for me, the thought of sitting on a bumpy highway for that long didn’t quite appeal. It’s usually cheaper, though, so it could work well if you’re on a tight budget. Flights from Granada to Madrid are also available, but with possible delays and travel to and from the terminals, it didn’t feel worth it.
The train departs from Granada Railway Station, the city’s main hub, located about 1.5 km from the center. The station has a café and a gourmet food shop inside, along with a few other small options nearby. Arriving was quick and easy: after a simple baggage check, I just scanned my QR code and headed straight to the platform.
I arrived at Madrid Atocha Station, around 4 km from the city center. From there, I hopped on the metro (lines C3, C4a, or C4b all serve the station) to reach central Madrid. Alternatively, you could take an Uber (about 15 minutes) or walk it in around 30. Even though there are plenty of eateries inside Atocha itself, I recommend holding out for something in the city since Madrid’s food scene is too good to miss.
There are around four direct trains per day between Granada and Madrid, all operated by Renfe AVE. The first one leaves early, at 6:12 AM, with two more in the afternoon and another in the late morning. I took that one, departing just after 11. If none of the direct services fit your schedule, there are also connecting trains with a transfer in Córdoba, which only adds a bit of extra time to the journey.
I traveled in Renfe's Standard Class and always find it very comfy. The seats were spacious, with power outlets at every seat, and the restrooms were clean. The Wi-Fi was sporadic and more reliable near the cities but patchy in rural areas in between. There was also a restaurant car onboard, though I didn’t visit it this time. On previous Renfe journeys, I’ve enjoyed breakfast, sandwiches, and coffee from the café. As for luggage, you can bring up to three pieces of hand luggage on Renfe trains from Granada to Madrid (24kg combined weight limit, and each item under 85x55x35cm). Just make sure you can carry it yourself and store it in the overhead racks or luggage areas. The scenery traveling north from Granada, past olive groves and Andalusian villages, was especially beautiful.

View of Granada with the Alhambra from the train
Renfe trains from Granada to Madrid are typically open for booking around three months in advance, and the earlier you book, the better the price. Here’s a breakdown of everything I spent:
| Item | Cost (eur) |
|---|---|
| Ticket price | €42 |
| Food & drinks | €2.80 |
| Travel to departure station | € |
| Travel from arrival station | €6 |
| Total | € 50.8 |
Traveling from Granada to Madrid by train is a stress-free and scenic way to cross the heart of Spain. With no need to worry about traffic or long queues, it’s an ideal choice for getting between the two cities. The journey gives you a front-row seat to Andalusia’s landscapes before arriving right in the heart of the capital. Booking with Omio makes train travel even easier. You just choose your preferred time and get your ticket delivered instantly. ¡Buen viaje!

Trains from Granada to Madrid run on average 3 times per day, taking around 3h 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $33 (€27) but you can travel from only $27 (€22) by flight.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:04, the last at 20:05. The fastest train covers the 223 miles (359 km) distance in 3h 22m.
Distance 223 miles (359 km) |
Average train duration 3h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price $33 (€27) |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 3h 22m |
First train 6:04 AM |
Last train 8:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 63 days |
Discover the best of Madrid — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Madrid trip today.
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.
Spain’s national museum of 20th-century and contemporary art, best known for Picasso’s Guernica and strong collections by Dalí and Miró.
A major art museum spanning Old Masters to modern works, complementing the Prado and Reina Sofía with an exceptionally broad private collection.
Madrid’s grand historic square, lined with arcades and elegant façades, and a classic starting point for exploring the old center.
The symbolic heart of Madrid, known for Kilometer Zero, the clock tower, and constant energy day and night.
Madrid’s most famous park, ideal for walks, boating, monuments, gardens, and popular photo spots such as the Crystal Palace area.
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.
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.
A rich stew of tripe, chorizo, and morcilla cooked with paprika. It is a historic Madrid tavern dish with bold, hearty flavors.
Historic restaurant founded in the eighteenth century, famous for roast meats and classic Castilian cooking in an atmospheric old setting.
Legendary traditional restaurant best known for huevos rotos, with a polished yet classic tavern feel and strong local reputation.
Iconic spot for churros con chocolate, open long hours and known for a lively, historic atmosphere near the city center.
Moderate for Western Europe. Museums and transport are reasonable, while central hotels and fine dining cost more.
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.
Official public transport app
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes -> Sol, Madrid
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Granada 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.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need