- Must visit
Museo del Prado
World-class art museum with masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and Bosch; essential for Spanish and European painting.
Cheapest price
$87
Average price
$92
Fastest journey
9 h 47 m
Average duration
11 h 53 m
Trains per day
11
Distance
502 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Lisbon to Madrid is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Lisbon to Madrid will cost around $92 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $87.
It's difficult to get from Lisbon to Madrid without transferring at least 2 times.
R 4407 · R 485+
00297
R 4401 · R 481+
00297
R 4411 · R 485+
00297
IC 511+
00297+
R 485
IC 721 · R 485+
00297
IC 621 · R 485+
00297
R 4411 · R 485+
00297
IC 721 · R 485+
00297
IC 541 · R 485+
00297
AP 121 · R 485+
00297Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Lisbon to Madrid among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $12. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 41m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.5 - 1.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $12, and a flight costs an average of $36.
Distance: 311 miles (502 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$106 Average price | $27 Average price Cheapest | $193 Average price | $151 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 47m Average total duration 6h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 22m Average total duration 5h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 41m Average total duration Fastest 4h 41m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 57m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
- CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.5 - 3.0kg 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 Lisbon to Madrid:
A bus is $79 (€64) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lisbon to Madrid costing on average $106 (€86).
A bus is $166 (€135) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Lisbon to Madrid costing on average $193 (€157).
Other travel options to Madrid take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 52m.
Train takes on average 6h 17m.
Tickets start at around $106 (€86) compared to roughly $151 (€123) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $45 (€37). The journey takes 6h 17m versus 5h 57m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Lisbon to Madrid trains for today, Friday, August 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:23 AM Lisbon | 13h42 | 10:05 PM Madrid | 2 transfers | |
| Saturday, August 15 | |||||
R 4401 · R 481+ 00297 | 12:25 AM Lisbon - Oriente | 21h01 | 10:26 PM Atocha-Cercanías | 2 transfers | |
IC 521 · R 485+ 00297 | 6:39 AM Lisbon - Oriente | 14h47 | 10:26 PM Atocha-Cercanías | 2 transfers | |
IC 521 · R 481+ 00297 | 6:39 AM Lisbon - Oriente | 14h47 | 10:26 PM Atocha-Cercanías | 2 transfers | |
IC 511 · R 485+ 00297 | 7:39 AM Lisbon - Oriente | 13h47 | 10:26 PM Atocha-Cercanías | 2 transfers | |
IC 511 · R 481+ 00297 | 7:39 AM Lisbon - Oriente | 13h47 | 10:26 PM Atocha-Cercanías | 2 transfers | |
R 4407 · R 485+ 00297 | 7:53 AM Lisbon - Oriente | 13h33 | 10:26 PM Atocha-Cercanías | 2 transfers | |
AP 121 · R 485+ 00297 | 8:09 AM Lisbon - Oriente | 13h17 | 10:26 PM Atocha-Cercanías | 2 transfers | |
IC 541 · R 485+ 00297 | 8:23 AM Lisbon - Oriente | 13h03 | 10:26 PM Atocha-Cercanías | 2 transfers | |
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 Estefanía Ojea

I decided to take the train from Lisbon to Madrid, even though I knew it was not going to be a quick trip, as there is no direct route between the two cities, requiring a few changes of trains and some time spent waiting around.
It ended up being a full day of travel, but it was also a chance to see a different side of Iberia.

Street in Lisbon
I began early at Lisboa Oriente station by taking a regional train towards Entroncamento. This section of the journey is relatively short and easy, simply passing through quiet suburban or rural areas.
Once arriving at Entroncamento, there was a long wait until the next connection. This is something to bear in mind, as the schedule is not particularly rushed and allows for a number of hours of waiting.
From here, another regional train was taken towards Badajoz. The countryside becomes more rural as one approaches the Spanish border, still at a relatively slow pace compared to faster routes.
Once arriving at Badajoz, another connection was required before taking a Renfe Alvia train towards Madrid. This section of the trip was the most comfortable, as well as the fastest, arriving at Madrid Atocha in the evening.
This is not the most comfortable option for travelling between Lisbon and Madrid, or the other way around. Although the journey is quite scenic, the multiple transfers make it feel longer and somewhat tiring.
The trains themselves are comfortable, especially on the Spanish leg of the journey, but having to change trains several times breaks the rhythm of the trip.
If possible, I would recommend choosing a night journey, as it makes the overall experience more manageable and helps avoid spending the entire day travelling.
The trip begins at Lisboa Oriente station, one of the city's main transport hubs. It's well served by metro, regional trains, and buses, making it easy to get here from most areas of the city. The station itself is modern and easy to get around, making the beginning of the trip fairly easy despite the long day ahead.
The journey terminates at Madrid Atocha, which is one of the main railway stations in the capital. From Atocha, it is relatively easy to get to other parts of the city using Cercanías, metro, or bus. Atocha is a well-organised station, although it can get quite crowded, especially in the evenings when many long-distance trains arrive.
The number of trains available for this route is approximately five per day, but all of them demand a change of trains at least twice. The quickest travel time for this route is 13 hours and 26 minutes, though the average time taken is 15 hours and 34 minutes. Before planning your travel, it is important to note the schedules, as the frequency of the trains is not too high.
This varies depending on the leg of the trip. The regional trains used in Portugal are quite simple but get the job done. There is basic seating available but no other amenities on the train itself. Finally, the Alvia train from Badajoz to Madrid is quite comfortable, with air conditioning, assigned seating, and space for luggage. This part of the trip is much more relaxed after several hours of travel.
Train tickets for this route start at around €72, with an average price of approximately €74 if booked close to the departure date.
| Item | Cost (eur) |
|---|---|
| Ticket price | €72 |
| Food & drinks | €3 |
| Travel to departure station | €2 |
| Travel from arrival station | €2 |
| Total | € 79 |
Traveling from Lisbon to Madrid by train is an interesting idea, although it is not the most practical option. Traveling by train is a picturesque way to travel through the Iberian Peninsula, but the many changes of train and the long duration of the journey make the flight or the direct bus the best option.
Trains from Lisbon to Madrid run on average 1 times per day, taking around 6h 17m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $106 (€86) but you can travel from only $12 (€9) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:15, the last at 20:45. The fastest train covers the 311 miles (502 km) distance in 13h 42m.
Distance 311 miles (502 km) |
Average train duration 6h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price $106 (€86) |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 13h 42m |
First train 12:15 AM |
Last train 8:45 PM |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 21 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 Lisbon 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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