Madrid Barajas Airport to Zaragoza-Delicias train with iryo

From Madrid Barajas Airport to Zaragoza Delicias by Train with Renfe AVE

Introduction

I recently traveled from Madrid Barajas Airport to Zaragoza Delicias by train to explore this more than 2,000-year-old city and its historic landmarks. The journey is straightforward from the airport, with a direct Cercanías connection into the city and an easy transfer to Renfe’s high-speed AVE train. Here’s what to expect when traveling from Madrid Barajas Airport to Zaragoza by train.

Route Overview

The journey from Madrid Barajas Airport to Zaragoza by train is a two-part trip. The first leg from Madrid-Barajas T4 station uses the clean, fast, and efficient commuter trains (Cercanías) to reach Atocha Cercanías. From there, you catch the high-speed AVE train from Madrid Puerta de Atocha to Zaragoza Delicias.

If you arrive at another terminal, free shuttle buses connect all terminals with T4 every 5 minutes.

How the connection works:

• Follow the signs to the Cercanías station inside T4.
• Take a Cercanías train to Madrid Chamartín (about 15 minutes).
• Change to another Cercanías train heading to Atocha Cercanías.
• From Atocha Cercanías, head to the Puerta de Atocha AVE platform and board the AVE to Zaragoza Delicias.

Renfe's AVE runs across the wide plains of Castile before entering Aragón and arriving at Zaragoza Delicias in under 2 hours. Together with the first leg, the total journey time was just 2 hours and 15 minutes. Thanks to Spain’s integrated rail network, the entire journey was fast and smooth, making it my favorite way to travel from Madrid to Zaragoza.

Transportation Experience

I booked my First Class ticket from Madrid Barajas Airport to Zaragoza Delicias on Omio around one month in advance. The process from search to checkout was fast and easy. After paying online, I received the mobile ticket right away. Renfe AVE tickets include free Cercanías travel up to 4 hours before departure, so I didn’t need to buy extra tickets for these transfers.

After landing at Madrid Barajas Airport, I took a Cercanías commuter train directly to Madrid Chamartín. From there, I continued on another Cercanías line to Atocha Cercanías and then walked to Puerta de Atocha, where the Renfe AVE trains depart. You can also take the bus from Madrid to Zaragoza, but it takes 3 to 4 hours. The comfortable, air-conditioned First Class seating on Renfe AVE made the train my preferred choice.

Route Details

Departure, Arrival & Transfer Stations

Madrid Barajas Airport T4 station is located inside the airport terminal. There are signs everywhere with the Renfe logo, so it's hard to miss it. Madrid-Chamartin has a dedicated Cercanías concourse with several network maps and destination boards, making it easy to transfer here. There are several trains connecting Chamartín and Atocha, but I recommend using lines C3 to Aranjuez or C4 to Parla as these travel through the new tunnel.

Madrid Puerta de Atocha is modern, central, and architecturally distinctive with its tropical garden and vast concourse. At Atocha, I arrived early to stroll through the tropical garden inside the station before boarding. I passed through quick security and ticket checks before entering the platform area.

Zaragoza Delicias is a modern intermodal terminal. The station is west of the city center and offers convenient access to local buses, taxis, and regional rail. It's spacious and easy to navigate, with clear signage for onward connections. From here, it’s about a 10–15 minute bus or taxi ride to Zaragoza’s historic center and main landmarks.

Schedule & Frequency

From Madrid Barajas Airport, Renfe Cercanías trains depart every 15 minutes to Madrid Chamartín, and frequent trains continue to Atocha Cercanías from there. For the high-speed portion, Renfe AVE operates multiple daily departures from early morning until early evening. Trains run roughly every hour, with travel times between 1 hour and 15 minutes and 1 hour and 30 minutes. For my journey by train from Madrid Barajas Airport to Zaragoza Delicias, I took the 10:30 AM AVE departure, which arrived in Zaragoza just before noon. This timing worked well for a full day in the city.

Onboard Experience & Services

The first part of the journey on Madrid’s Cercanías commuter trains was smooth and straightforward, taking only about 15 minutes. These trains are modern, bright, and comfortable, with overhead racks for smaller bags. The short transfer from Chamartín to Atocha worked well as part of the overall trip. Once I reached Puerta de Atocha and boarded the AVE to Zaragoza Delicias, the atmosphere changed to something much quieter and even more spacious.

In First Class on the AVE, the seating layout is generous, with wide reclining leather seats. You get personal reading lights, power outlets, a tray table, and plenty of legroom. It was easy to settle in. Wi-Fi was available through the PlayRENFE platform, which also includes movies, documentaries, TV series, and newspapers. You can even take language courses on the train via the app to brush up on your Spanish skills. The connection was fast enough for reading and some quick messaging. I've used it before to watch movies, and it's usually pretty good.

I also visited the bar car during the trip to stretch my legs. I ordered a coffee this time, but I’ve tried the pastries before. They are very nicely presented and taste fresh. There are also restrooms nearby, which I found well stocked and clean, typical Renfe AVE fashion.

As the train reached 300 km/h, the scenery outside opened into wide plains in gold and ochre tones. I was seated on the left side, watching the gradual shifting as the train approached Aragón. The ride was smooth and quiet throughout. Renfe’s AVE tickets include a flexible luggage allowance of up to three pieces (25 kg total), which made bringing my weekend bag very easy. Overall, the journey felt calm, comfortable, and efficient.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

I bought my Madrid Barajas Airport to Zaragoza Delicias train ticket on Omio. Booking a month early gave me a good First Class fare. Also included is the Cercanías transfer, so you don't need to buy extra tickets for these trains. The included transfers, combined with a 25 kg luggage allowance, made it a good deal for comfort and convenience.

Budget breakdown:

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

A few tips to make your journey from Madrid Barajas Airport to Zaragoza Delicias by train even more enjoyable:

• Take your time on the Cercanías: Trains run frequently, so there’s no need to rush during the airport transfer.
• Sit on the right side: This offers open views across the plains of Castile as the train gains speed.
• Arrive a bit early at Atocha: The indoor tropical garden is worth a short visit before boarding.
• Visit the bar car: It’s a comfortable spot to stretch your legs and grab a coffee during the trip. Try the croissants, too!
• Use the PlayRENFE app: It provides Wi-Fi access along with movies, news, and TV series. Take a Spanish course while you're at it.
• Treat the trip as downtime: The smooth ride and quiet cabin make it easy to read, work, or simply relax.

Conclusion

The Madrid Barajas Airport to Zaragoza Delicias train trip aboard Renfe’s Cercanías and AVE trains shows how well Spain’s rail network integrates air and high-speed travel. Even with two quick Cercanías transfers in Madrid, the journey is seamless, efficient, and relaxing. With First Class comfort and entertainment on the AVE, free local transfers on clean and quick commuter trains, and a total travel time of around 2 hours and 15 minutes, this route is a smooth way to begin discovering Zaragoza. Book your next trip on the Omio app.

About the Author: Paulo Monteiro

• Job Title: Travel Creator and Rail Writer
• Bio: Paulo Monteiro is a European rail specialist and creator of travel videos and guides. He documents first-hand train journeys across Europe and focuses on onboard comfort, practical tips, and scenic moments.