- 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 London to Madrid
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Oct 09
Cheapest price on Oct 09
$460
Average ticket price on Oct 09
$501
Fastest journey on Oct 09
21 h 50 m
Average journey duration on Oct 09
23 h 4 m
Trains on Oct 09
2
Distance
1264 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from London to Madrid is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London to Madrid will cost around $501 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $460.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from London to Madrid without transferring at least 3 times.
4:01 PM21h50London1:51 PMMadrid$4601One-way4 transfers- 4:01 PM24h17London4:18 PMMadrid$5421One-way3 transfers
- 4:01 PM21h50London1:51 PMMadrid$4601One-way4 transfers
- 4:01 PM24h17London4:18 PMMadrid$5421One-way3 transfers
Journey information
Overview: Train from London to Madrid
United Kingdom
Spain
Take a train from London to Madrid and enjoy the approximately 785 miles (1264 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 06:01, the last at 23:45.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $24 (€21)
Distance 785 miles (1264 km) |
First train 6:01 AM |
Last train 11:45 PM |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Fri |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $24 (€21)
Live departures
London to Madrid train times
The table below shows live departures for London to Madrid trains for today, Thursday, October 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3:31 PM London | 24h47 | 4:18 PM Madrid | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Traveling by train from London to Madrid
The train connection between London and Madrid offers a convenient and scenic way to travel between these two cities. Passengers can enjoy the services provided by Renfe Alvia and Renfe-SNCF, which ensure comfortable journeys with modern amenities. With efficient schedules, travelers can easily explore the rich culture, history, and attractions that both destinations have to offer while enjoying picturesque views along the route.
Train Connection: London to Madrid
The train journey from London to Madrid takes approximately 26 hours and 54 minutes, with a total of 2 connections per day. This route does not offer direct trains, requiring transfers along the way.
London to Madrid Train Connection
The first daily journey from London to Madrid departs at 09:31, while the last train leaves at 16:01. This schedule allows travelers a full day of options for their journey between these two cities.
Train Tickets Price for London to Madrid
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection from London to Madrid is approximately $80 (72€). This fare offers a budget-friendly option for travelers looking to explore these vibrant cities while enjoying scenic views along the way.
Exploring Madrid: A Cultural Journey Through Art, Royalty, and History
The Prado Museum, established in 1819, is one of the world's premier art galleries and houses an extensive collection of European masterpieces from artists like Velázquez and Goya. Its significance lies not only in its vast array of artworks but also as a cultural beacon that reflects Spain's rich artistic heritage. Unique features include the museum’s stunning neoclassical architecture and its innovative temporary exhibitions that continually engage visitors with both classic and contemporary themes.
The Royal Palace of Madrid serves as the official residence for Spanish royalty, although it is now primarily used for state ceremonies; it was built on the site of a former fortress dating back to the 9th century. This grand palace holds immense historical importance as a symbol of Spain's monarchy and showcases opulent rooms filled with priceless artifacts, including royal tapestries and intricate frescoes. One unique aspect is its beautiful gardens—particularly Sabatini Gardens—which offer breathtaking views over this majestic structure.
Plaza Mayor has been at the heart of Madrid since its construction in 1617, serving various roles throughout history—from market square to venue for public events such as bullfights or executions. The plaza’s significance stems from being a central gathering place where locals celebrate festivals while tourists soak up vibrant street life amidst historic surroundings. What sets Plaza Mayor apart are its uniform architectural style featuring red-brick buildings adorned with balconies overlooking lively cafés—a perfect spot to enjoy traditional tapas while soaking in local culture.
FAQs: Trains from London to Madrid
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London 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.
The distance by train from London to Madrid is 785 miles (1264 km).
The first train from London to Madrid leaves at 6:01 AM.
The last train from London to Madrid leaves at 11:45 PM.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from London to Madrid.
The train journey from London to Madrid offers varied scenery, including the picturesque English countryside, the rolling hills of France, and the diverse landscapes of Spain, providing a visually appealing experience.
No, you cannot take the train from London to Madrid.
Popular day trips by train from Madrid include Toledo, Segovia, Valladolid, Ávila, Cuenca.
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.
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.
More options for your journey from London to Madrid
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Madrid and London
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