- Must visit
Museo del Prado
World-class art museum with masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and Bosch; essential for Spanish and European painting.
Cheapest price
$386
Average price
$386
Fastest journey
21 h 26 m
Average duration
21 h 26 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
1251 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Lille to Madrid is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Lille to Madrid will cost around $386 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $386.
It's difficult to get from Lille to Madrid without transferring at least 2 times.


Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Lille to Madrid among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $57. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 11h 1m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 1.3 - 3.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $57, and a train costs an average of $371.
Distance: 777 miles (1251 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$384 Average price | $108 Average price Cheapest | $438 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 31m Average total duration Fastest 11h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 20h 2m Average total duration 19h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 56m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
- CO2 emissions | 1.3 - 3.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Lille to Madrid:
A bus is $276 (€227) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lille to Madrid costing on average $384 (€316).
Other travel options to Madrid take longer:
Train takes on average 11h 1m.
Bus takes on average 19h 32m.
The journey is about 3h 55m faster (11h 1m by train vs 14h 56m by car) and roughly $54 (€45) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($384 (€316) vs $438 (€361)). 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.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Compare train and bus 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.
Trains from Lille to Madrid run on average 1 times per day, taking around 11h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $371 (€305) but you can travel from only $57 (€47) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:20, the last at 17:50. The fastest train covers the 777 miles (1251 km) distance in 21h 26m.
Distance 777 miles (1251 km) |
Average train duration 11h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price $371 (€305) |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 21h 26m |
First train 5:20 AM |
Last train 5:50 PM |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 42 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 Lille 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.

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