- Must visit
Museo del Prado
World-class art museum with masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and Bosch; essential for Spanish and European painting.
+


+

+
+
+
+
+
Cheapest price
$42
Average price
$59
Fastest journey
3h 44m
Average duration
5h 37m
Trains per day
17
Distance
130 km
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
$68 Average price | $30 Average price Cheapest | $278 Average price | $89 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 $68 (€56).
A bus is $247 (€203) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Granada to Madrid costing on average $278 (€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 ($68 (€56) vs $89 (€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, Wednesday, July 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
02167+ 02187 | Delayed 2:55 PM Granada station | 6h51 | 7:46 PM 7:46 PMMadrid-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 · 02191 | On time 2:55 PM Granada station | 7h15 | 10:10 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
02167+ 06015 | On time 2:55 PM Granada station | 4h09 | 7:04 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
03931 · 02191 | On time 3:40 PM Granada station | 6h30 | 10:10 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
03931+ 02187 | Delayed 3:40 PM Granada station | 6h06 | 7:46 PM 7:46 PMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
03931+ 02217 | Delayed 3:40 PM Granada station | 8h03 | 9:43 PM 9:43 PMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
08575+ 02187 | Delayed 4:12 PM Granada station | 5h34 | 7:46 PM 7:46 PMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
08575+ 02191 | On time 4:12 PM Granada station | 5h58 | 10:10 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
08575+ 02217 | Delayed 4:12 PM Granada station | 7h31 | 9:43 PM 9:43 PMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
02197 · 02191 | Delayed 4:01 PM 6:01 PMGranada station | 4h09 | 10:10 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
02197+ 02375 | Delayed 4:01 PM 6:01 PMGranada station | 4h18 | 10:19 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
02197+ 02217 | Delayed 4:01 PM 6:01 PMGranada station | 5h42 | 9:43 PM 9:43 PMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
02197 | Delayed 4:01 PM 6:01 PMGranada station | 3h52 | 7:53 PM 7:53 PMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
08505+ 06217 | Delayed 6:20 PM Granada station | 4h52 | 9:12 PM 9:12 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+ 02213 | Delayed 6:20 PM Granada station | 5h29 | 9:49 PM 9:49 PMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
| Thursday, July 16 | |||||
02067 | 6:00 AM Granada station | 3h36 | 9:36 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
02067 · 02081 | On time 6:00 AM Granada station | 5h12 | 11:12 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
02067 · 02083 | On time 6:00 AM Granada station | 4h36 | 10:36 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
02067+ 06089 | On time 6:00 AM Granada station | 4h48 | 10:48 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
08475+ 02081 | On time 6:20 AM Granada station | 4h52 | 11:12 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
08475+ 02083 | On time 6:20 AM Granada station | 4h16 | 10:36 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
08475+ 06089 | On time 6:20 AM Granada station | 4h28 | 10:48 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
08525+ 02361 | 12:48 PM Granada station | 6h22 | 7:10 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
08525+ 06015 | 12:48 PM Granada station | 6h16 | 7:04 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
08525+ 02161 | 12:48 PM Granada station | 5h43 | 6:31 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
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 $32 (€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 $32 (€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.
World-class art museum with masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and Bosch; essential for Spanish and European painting.
Leading modern art museum best known for Picasso’s Guernica, plus major works by Dalí and Miró.
Celebrated collection of European masters from Van Eyck to Hopper in a refined palace setting.
Madrid’s most famous park offers gardens, a boating lake, monuments, and relaxed walks in the city center.
Lively grand avenue known for architecture, shopping, theaters, and nonstop energy from day to night.
Elegant boulevard linking major museums and landmarks, ideal for a classic central Madrid walk.
A hearty chickpea stew with meats, vegetables, and broth, especially traditional in Madrid and often served in stages.
Crisp fried squid rings served in a baguette roll. This iconic Madrid street food is especially linked to bars around Plaza Mayor.
Tripe stew with chorizo and morcilla in a rich sauce. A classic old Madrid tavern dish with deep local roots.
Refined two-Michelin-star dining focused on seasonal Spanish produce, with elegant modern cooking in a polished fine-dining room.
Traditional Madrid restaurant known for cocido madrileño served in stages, with an old-school dining room and loyal local following.
Historic century-old tavern famed for roast suckling pig and Castilian dishes in a classic, wood-lined setting near Plaza Mayor.
Moderate for Western Europe: hotels vary, dining is reasonable, and public transport is good value for tourists.
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.
Official public transport app
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes -> Puerta del 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.

Most Granada to Madrid trains use the Granada to Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes station pair, with some services arriving at Madrid Chamartín. Use this guide to compare Granada and Madrid train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Granada has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Granada.
ATMs are available at Granada.
Ticket office support is available at Granada. Information desks are available at Granada.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Granada: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Granada: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Granada.
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes is 1 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Passion Food, La Barrila, Enrique Tomás, Pic Nic, Foodissimo!, PureGusto, Burger King
Free WiFi in the station and on all Renfe trains. ATMs are in various points at the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 10:00 - 20:00. Information desks are on the ground floor of the main concourse.
Luggage storage is open daily from 05:30 to 22:00. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes: Wheelchair parking, adapted elevators, adapted platforms, lobby shopping area.
Nearby hotels include 60 Balconies Urban Stay, Only YOU Hotel Atocha, SLEEP’N Atocha.
Madrid Chamartín is 6 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid Chamartín has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Madrid Chamartín.
ATMs are available at Madrid Chamartín.
Ticket office support is available at Madrid Chamartín. Information desks are available at Madrid Chamartín.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Madrid Chamartín: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Madrid Chamartín: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid Chamartín.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need