- 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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The cheapest and fastest trains from León to Madrid
Showing times and prices for Jul 20
Cheapest price
$47
Average price
$83
Fastest journey
2 h 1 m
Average duration
2 h 8 m
Trains per day
9
Distance
288 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from León to Madrid is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from León to Madrid will cost around $83 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $47.
Fast trains
Of the 9 trains that leave León for Madrid on Mon, Jul 20, 9 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jul 20 the direct trains cover the 288 km distance in an average of 2 h 8 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 1 m .
On Mon, Jul 20 the slowest trains will take 2 h 15 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.
180063:42 PM4h59León station8:41 PMMadrid Príncipe Pío$471One-way0 transfers- 180026:40 AM4h46León station11:26 AMMadrid Príncipe Pío$471One-way0 transfers
051703:08 PM2h04León station5:12 PMMadrid Chamartín$771One-way0 transfers- 052005:51 PM2h09León station8:00 PMMadrid Chamartín$851One-way0 transfers
041706:53 PM2h19León station9:12 PMMadrid Chamartín$901One-way0 transfers
- 040607:36 AM2h01León station9:37 AMMadrid Chamartín$941One-way0 transfers
- 051703:08 PM2h04León station5:12 PMMadrid Chamartín$771One-way0 transfers
- 052005:51 PM2h09León station8:00 PMMadrid Chamartín$851One-way0 transfers
- 041101:44 PM2h12León station3:56 PMMadrid Chamartín$1021One-way0 transfers
- 041405:09 PM2h15León station7:24 PMMadrid Chamartín$1001One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for León to Madrid
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from León to Madrid among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $19. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 1m. 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 $19, and a train costs an average of $16.
Distance: 178 miles (288 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
$35 Average price | $34 Average price Cheapest |
3h 31m Average total duration Fastest 3h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 56m Average total duration 3h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from León to Madrid is a bus with an average price of $34 (€28).
This is compared to other travel options from León to Madrid:
A bus is $1 (€1) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from León to Madrid costing on average $35 (€29).
The fastest way to travel from León to Madrid is by train with an average journey time of 3h 1m.
Other travel options to Madrid take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 26m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between León and Madrid including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from León to Madrid among Omio's users.
Live departures
León to Madrid train times
The table below shows live departures for León to Madrid trains for today, Sunday, July 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 04190 | Delayed 6:15 PM 8:10 PMLeón station | 2h15 | 8:29 PM 8:29 PMMadrid Chamartín | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 04200 | Delayed 7:32 PM 9:32 PMLeón station | 2h05 | 9:37 PM 9:37 PMMadrid Chamartín | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, July 20 | |||||
| 18002 | On time 6:40 AM León station | 4h46 | 11:26 AM Madrid Príncipe Pío | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 04060 | Delayed 7:36 AM León station | 2h01 | 7:37 AM 7:37 AMMadrid Chamartín | 0 transfersDirect | |
 04088 | Delayed 6:14 AM 8:14 AMLeón station | 2h17 | 10:31 AM Madrid Chamartín | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 04110 | 1:44 PM León station | 2h12 | 3:56 PM Madrid Chamartín | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 05170 | 3:08 PM León station | 2h04 | 5:12 PM Madrid Chamartín | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 18006 | 3:42 PM León station | 4h59 | 8:41 PM Madrid Príncipe Pío | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 04140 | 5:09 PM León station | 2h15 | 7:24 PM Madrid Chamartín | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 05200 | 5:51 PM León station | 2h09 | 8:00 PM Madrid Chamartín | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 04170 | 6:53 PM León station | 2h19 | 9:12 PM Madrid Chamartín | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets León to Madrid by bus or train
Compare bus and train 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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Why should you book León to Madrid trains with Omio?
AVE as well as Renfe ALVIA, Renfe AVLO, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD and more offer trains services from León to Madrid.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from León to Madrid.
Why book with Omio vs AVE?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for AVE, but also compare tickets for the likes of Renfe ALVIA, Renfe AVLO, Renfe INTERCITY or Renfe MD to find the best option for your trip from León to Madrid.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare AVE with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from León to Madrid.
Why book with Omio over Rome2rio, Raileurope or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Renfe ALVIA, Renfe AVLO, Renfe INTERCITY or Renfe MD to find the best option for your trip from León to Madrid.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from León to Madrid.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from León to Madrid?
The best time to book your train from León to Madrid is 91 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the León to Madrid route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from León to Madrid per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from León to Madrid.
Trains
from $31Buses
from $38Journey information
Overview: Train from León to Madrid
SpainSpain
Trains from León to Madrid run on average 9 times per day, taking around 3h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $16 (€14) if you book in advance.
There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:16, the last at 21:13. The fastest train covers the 178 miles (288 km) distance in 1h 56m.
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
Distance 178 miles (288 km) |
Average train duration 3h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price $16 (€14) |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 9 |
Fastest train 1h 56m |
First train 5:16 AM |
Last train 9:13 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 70 days |
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
Train companies: AVE, Renfe ALVIA, Renfe AVLO, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD from León to Madrid trainsAVE, Renfe ALVIA, Renfe AVLO, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD trains will get you between León and Madrid from $16 (€14). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
AVE
About
Travel comfortably with AVE, Renfe’s high-speed trains. AVE connects major cities across Spain at speeds of up to 310 km/h (193 mph), offering a fast and smooth travel experience. Ticket options include Promo, Promo+, and Flexible fares to suit different budgets, along with discount cards such as the Gold Card and +Renfe Youth 50 Card for eligible travelers. AVE trains feature modern amenities including comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard catering, making them a convenient and enjoyable way to travel across Spain.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 56m
Cheapest Price
$24 (€20)
AVE frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 3 pieces of luggage free of charge
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, end of carriages, and designated areas between seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund conditions depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages. At-seat service in Preferente (First) Class
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for all classes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance services available
Pets
Small pets under 10kg in carriers allowed free. Larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle. Guide dogs free.
Quiet zone
Renfe ALVIA
About
Renfe Alvia are high-speed trains with top speeds of up to 250km/h operated by Renfe, Spain’s national railway company. Alvia trains cover most cities in Spain, including Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Valencia, Alicante, Zaragoza and Cadiz. They are somewhat slower than Renfe AVE and AVLO (high-speed and low cost) but cover more destinations and are a comfortable and effective way of travelling around Spain. Onboard facilities include free WIFI, bike storage and luggage allowance. Alvia trains have two seat classes – Estándar and Confort. Top routes for Renfe Alvia include Barcelona to Pamplona, Madrid to Cádiz and Alicante to Gijón.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 19m
Cheapest Price
$16 (€14)
Renfe ALVIA frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 3 pieces of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, end of carriages, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Renfe
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with drinks, snacks, and hot meals. At-seat service in Preferente class
Seat reservation
Included in Preferente (First) class. Optional extra cost in Turista (Second) class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces available, accessible toilets, and staff assistance for boarding/alighting
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be muzzled and leashed, require paid ticket. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
Renfe INTERCITY
About
Renfe Intercity is a high-speed train service operated by the Spanish national railway company, Renfe. It operates throughout Spain, connecting major cities and towns with frequent departures throughout the day. The Intercity service offers a variety of train types, including the Alvia and Talgo, all of which offer comfortable seating and modern amenities. Alvia and Talgo offer fast trains but not as fast the high-speed trains like AVE, offering more stops. Passengers can choose from a range of ticket types, including Economy, Business, and First Class. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power outlets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. The most popular routes for Renfe Intercity include Madrid to Barcelona, Madrid to Seville, and Barcelona to Valencia.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 17m
Cheapest Price
$28 (€23)
Renfe INTERCITY frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 2 pieces of checked luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at the ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions and fare type
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Renfe
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with drinks, snacks, and hot meals. At-seat service in First Class
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation with additional fee. Included in some premium tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/disembarking
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be leashed and muzzled, require paid ticket
Quiet zone
Renfe MD
About
Renfe MD, or Media Distancia (Mid-distance), is a division of Spain's national railway company, Renfe, specializing in regional train services. These trains connect cities and towns within the same autonomous community or between contiguous communities, typically covering distances under 300 km. Renfe MD operates various train types, including modern regional services with amenities like power sockets and reading lights, and high-speed Avant trains that reach up to 250 km/h on shorter, high-speed routes. While not as fast as long-distance AVE trains, Renfe MD offers extensive coverage across Spain, providing essential regional connections.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 59m
Cheapest Price
$47 (€39)
Renfe MD frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 3 pieces of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at the ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions and fare type
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with drinks, snacks, and light meals. Vending machines available on some trains
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation with additional fee. Some routes require mandatory seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/disembarking available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free. Dogs must be leashed and muzzled, require paid ticket. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
Renfe AVLO
About
Renfe Avlo is Spain’s low-cost high-speed rail service operated by the national rail company Renfe. Serving routes between major cities such as Madrid, Zaragoza, Barcelona, Valencia, Tarragona, Girona, and Figueres, Avlo trains reach speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h). All tickets are for Economy Class (“Básica”) with assigned seating and include onboard services such as free Wi-Fi, entertainment via the PlayRenfe app, power sockets, and vending machines. Child tickets are available for ages 0–13, while passengers aged 14 and over require an adult ticket. Each fare includes a backpack and hand luggage (55x35x25 cm, no weight limit), with the option to upgrade for extra baggage. Prices start from as low as €7, making Avlo a budget-friendly way to travel between Spain’s most popular destinations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 13m
Cheapest Price
$18 (€15)
Renfe AVLO frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
1 cabin bag (55x35x25cm) and 1 personal item (35x30x20cm)
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and spaces between seats
Cancellation Policy
According to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and assistance available
Pets
Small pets in carriers under 10kg allowed free. Service animals allowed
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 León to Madrid
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from León 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 León to Madrid can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $16 (€14), while the average price is around $35 (€29).
The train from León to Madrid takes 1h 56m and runs 9 per day.
The first train from León to Madrid leaves at 5:16 AM.
The distance by train from León to Madrid is 178 miles (288 km).
The last train from León to Madrid leaves at 9:13 PM.
There is no high speed train available from León to Madrid.
Yes, there is a direct train from León to Madrid. This service operates 9 times per day, provided by AVE, Renfe ALVIA, Renfe AVLO, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from León to Madrid.
The train station in León that goes to Madrid is León station, which connects to Madrid Chamartín.
The cheapest way to get from León to Madrid is by train, with a cost of around $16 (€14).
The train journey from León to Madrid offers picturesque views of the Spanish countryside, including rolling hills and rural landscapes, making it a pleasant and scenic route for travelers.
A day trip from León to Madrid is not feasible due to the journey duration of 1h 56m. However, there are 9 trains per day covering the 178 miles (288 km) distance.
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 León to Madrid.
Since both León and Madrid are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
Popular day trips by train from Madrid include Toledo, Segovia, Valladolid, Ávila, Cuenca.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from León to Madrid among Omio's users.
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.
Yes, rail passes such as the Eurail Spain Pass and Interrail Spain Pass are valid on most trains within Spain, including RENFE regional, AVE high-speed, and other long-distance services. Some restrictions may apply for certain premium trains, so it is advisable to check specific train eligibility and reservation requirements in advance.
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 León
More options for your journey from León to Madrid
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Madrid and León
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