Granada to Madrid train with AVE

Traveling from Granada to Madrid by Train

Introduction

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.

Route Overview

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!

Transportation Experience

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.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

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.

Schedule & Frequency

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.

Onboard Experience & Services

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.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

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:

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

• Take the Cercanías in Madrid: Your long-distance ticket usually includes local trains at your destination.
• Arrive with plenty of time: Luggage checks at Granada station can slow things down.
• Visit Córdoba en route: It’s a beautiful city and is on the way. There are frequent trains from Córdoba to Madrid for the next leg.
• Reserve a window seat: The Andalusian countryside is stunning!

Conclusion

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!

About the Author: Claire Martin

• Job Title: Travel Journalist and Content Creator
• Bio: Claire Martin is a full-time travel journalist, blogger, and video maker who specializes in train and ferry travel around Europe. She shares her travel experiences on her popular YouTube channel and blog.