- Must visit
Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Alicante (MACA)
Leading contemporary art museum with a strong 20th-century collection in a restored historic building.
Cheapest price
$88
Average price
$126
Fastest journey
2 h 22 m
Average duration
2 h 27 m
Trains per day
7
Distance
355 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Madrid Barajas Airport to Alicante is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid Barajas Airport to Alicante will cost around $126 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $88.
Of the 7 trains that leave Madrid Barajas Airport for Alicante on Sat, Aug 01, 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Aug 01 the direct trains cover the 355 km distance in an average of 2 h 27 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 22 m .
On Sat, Aug 01 the slowest trains will take 2 h 33 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.
04140
05382
05162
05182
05668
06484
05182
05382
06944
05668Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Madrid Barajas Airport to Alicante among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $11. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 12m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $11, and a flight costs an average of $39.
Distance: 220 miles (355 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$30 Average price Cheapest | $50 Average price | $130 Average price | $91 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 28m Average total duration 2h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 8m Average total duration 4h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 12m Average total duration Fastest 1h 12m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 49m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from Madrid Barajas Airport to Alicante:
A train is $21 (€17) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Madrid Barajas Airport to Alicante costing on average $50 (€41).
A train is $100 (€82) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid Barajas Airport to Alicante costing on average $130 (€106).
Other travel options to Alicante take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 58m.
Bus takes on average 4h 38m.
The journey is about 51m faster (2h 58m by train vs 3h 49m by car) and roughly $61 (€50) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($30 (€24) vs $91 (€74)). 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 SNCF OUIGO, AVE, Renfe AVLO, iryo, Renfe ALVIA.
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 Madrid Barajas Airport to Alicante trains for tomorrow, Saturday, August 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
05668 | Delayed 6:15 AM Madrid Chamartín | 2h33 | 6:48 AM 6:48 AMAlicante-Terminal | 0 transfersDirect | |
06484 | On time 8:15 AM Madrid Chamartín | 2h22 | 10:37 AM Alicante-Terminal | 0 transfersDirect | |
06944 | On time 2:15 PM Madrid Chamartín | 2h29 | 4:44 PM Alicante-Terminal | 0 transfersDirect | |
05162 | Delayed 4:00 PM Madrid Chamartín | 2h34 | 4:34 PM 4:34 PMAlicante-Terminal | 0 transfersDirect | |
05182 | 6:00 PM Madrid Chamartín | 2h23 | 8:23 PM Alicante-Terminal | 0 transfersDirect | |
05382 | 7:00 PM Madrid Chamartín | 2h28 | 9:28 PM Alicante-Terminal | 0 transfersDirect | |
04140 | 8:00 PM Madrid Chamartín | 2h52 | 10:52 PM Alicante-Terminal | 0 transfersDirect | |
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.
Trains from Madrid Barajas Airport to Alicante run on average 9 times per day, taking around 2h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $11 (€9) if you book in advance.
There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:15, the last at 19:00. The fastest train covers the 220 miles (355 km) distance in 2h 22m.
Distance 220 miles (355 km) |
Average train duration 2h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price $11 (€9) |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 9 |
Fastest train 2h 22m |
First train 4:15 AM |
Last train 7:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Discover the best of Alicante — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Alicante trip today.
Leading contemporary art museum with a strong 20th-century collection in a restored historic building.
Archaeological museum with acclaimed interactive displays covering prehistory to modern Alicante.
Fine arts museum in an 18th-century palace, featuring Alicante artists and regional painting collections.
Alicante's iconic waterfront promenade with mosaic paving, palms, and constant seaside city life.
Historic old quarter of whitewashed lanes climbing toward the castle, full of character and viewpoints.
Popular city beach and promenade area beside the old town, excellent for walks and classic coastal views.
Alicante’s signature rice dish, cooked in fish stock with seafood or meat. It is central to local Sunday meals and showcases the region’s rice tradition.
Rice baked in the oven with stock, tomato, chickpeas, and often pork or sausage. A hearty Valencian classic widely eaten in Alicante homes.
Traditional Alicante rice made with tuna, pumpkin, and ñora pepper. It reflects the city’s coastal pantry and old home-style cooking.
Refined Michelin-starred restaurant known for creative Mediterranean tasting menus in an elegant contemporary setting.
Historic traditional venue famous for Alicante tapas, cured fish, and local wines in a classic, lively old-town setting.
Well-known seafood and rice restaurant near the marina, valued for fresh fish, shellfish, and polished but approachable service.
Moderate for Spain: lodging rises in summer, but tapas, local transit, and casual dining stay fairly affordable for most tourists.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, round up or leave 5-10% for good service. Small change is fine in cafes; taxis are usually rounded up.
Official public transport app
Alicante-Terminal -> Plaça dels Estels, Alicante
The train connection between Madrid Barajas Airport and Alicante is well-served by several providers, including SNCF OUIGO, iryo, and Renfe AVE. Travelers can enjoy a comfortable journey with frequent departures that make it easy to explore the beautiful coastal city of Alicante after arriving in Madrid. With modern amenities on board and scenic views along the route, this train service offers an efficient way to travel between these two vibrant destinations.
The train connection from Madrid Barajas Airport to Alicante takes approximately 2 hours and 22 minutes. There are no direct trains available, with an average of 12 connections per day. Passengers will need to make one transfer during their journey.
The first daily train from Madrid Barajas Airport departs at 05:45, providing an early start for travelers heading to the beautiful coastal city of Alicante. The last journey of the day leaves at 18:15, allowing visitors ample time to explore and enjoy their trip before returning in the evening.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Madrid and Alicante is €12. The average ticket price typically hovers around €43, making it a convenient option for travelers looking to explore these vibrant Spanish cities.
Santa Bárbara Castle, perched high on Mount Benacantil, dates back to the 9th century and showcases a rich tapestry of Alicante's history through its various architectural styles. This fortress not only served as a strategic military stronghold but also offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and coastline that are simply unforgettable. As you explore its ancient walls and towers, you'll discover fascinating stories about battles fought here and the cultures that shaped this vibrant region.
The Explanada de España is an iconic promenade lined with palm trees, famous for its stunning mosaic tiles resembling waves of the Mediterranean Sea; it was inaugurated in 1990 after years of development. This lively boulevard serves as a cultural hub where locals gather for festivals, markets, and leisurely strolls while enjoying street performances along the way. Don't miss out on sampling delicious tapas from nearby cafes or taking in one of our beautiful sunsets—it's truly an experience like no other!
Alicante Cathedral stands majestically at the heart of the city with origins dating back to the late 13th century when it was built atop a former mosque; it's renowned for its striking Baroque façade and impressive bell tower known as "La Santa." The cathedral holds significant religious importance within Spain’s Catholic heritage while showcasing exquisite artwork inside that reflects centuries-old devotion. Be sure to take your time exploring both its serene interior spaces and charming surrounding square—it’s an oasis steeped in spirituality amidst bustling urban life!
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid Barajas Airport to Alicante 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 Alicante, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Madrid Barajas Airport to Alicante trains use the Madrid Chamartín to Alicante-Terminal station pair. Use this guide to compare Madrid Barajas Airport and Alicante train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Alicante-Terminal is 1 km from Alicante city centre. Public transport options include:
Alicante-Terminal 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: Cafestore, Candy & go, Gambrinus, Máquinas Vending, Upper Crust
Free WiFi. . ATMs are aTM machine is in the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 05:15 - 24:00. Information desks are look for the "i" symbol.
Luggage storage is offered through an independent company. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Alicante-Terminal: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Alicante-Terminal: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Alicante-Terminal: Adapted for deaf persons.
Nearby hotels include Eurostar Centrum Alicante, Old Town Alicante B&B, Casa Alberola Alicante, Curio Collection by Hilton.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need