Madrid Chamartín to Valencia-Joaquín Sorolla train with Ouigo

Traveling from Madrid to Valencia by Train with Renfe’s AVE

Introduction

Traveling from Madrid to Valencia has never been easier than with Renfe’s AVE trains, which connect the two Spanish cities via the high-speed line across the Levant. I’ll share my experience taking this journey in Second Class and explain why I think it’s the best way to travel between Madrid and Valencia.

Route Overview

The Madrid–Valencia train route is connected by the Levant high-speed railway line, spanning around 400 km. The total journey time is about 2 hours, depending on the service. Taking the train from Madrid Chamartín to Valencia Joaquín Sorolla station gives you a great opportunity to enjoy one of the most scenic parts of Spain while traveling between the two cities. It’s a nice alternative to taking a flight from Madrid to Valencia, since train trips are usually cheaper and avoid the hassle of waiting at airports.

Transportation Experience

I booked my Renfe AVE train tickets on Omio, and it couldn’t have been easier. First Class was a bit above my budget, so I chose Second Class for this trip. My ticket appeared instantly in the Omio app, and I simply scanned the QR code at the station. The trains are fast and comfortable, with plenty of English signage to help you find your platform. Omio also lists buses from Madrid to Valencia, but I prefer the fast, direct train.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

The train to Valencia departed from Madrid’s Chamartín Station. It's located in the north of the city and easily accessible by public transport or taxi. You can also walk there in about 50 minutes from the city center, though I wouldn’t recommend it if you have a lot of luggage. I took the metro to get to the station, which cost me only €2 from my hotel.

Once at the station, you’ll find several food outlets, convenience stores, a ticket office, and some seating. When I visited in the morning, the station was quite crowded, so I’d avoid arriving too early during busy hours, as seating is limited. As with all Spanish high-speed trains, there’s a brief security check before entering the platforms. The lines are usually short, but allow up to 10 minutes for this. Unlike at airports, there are no restrictions on liquids.

All high-speed trains to Valencia arrive at Joaquín Sorolla Station, located about a 15-minute walk from the city center. There’s also a metro connection and plenty of taxis available just outside. I chose to walk to the center this time, as the station was conveniently close to my hotel just south of downtown Valencia.

Schedule & Frequency

All AVE trains are operated by Renfe, Spain’s national operator, which generally runs services at least once per hour on this route. There can be slightly longer gaps during quieter midday hours and more frequent departures at peak times. The fastest trains run non-stop to Valencia, while others make a few intermediate stops. My train from Madrid Chamartín departed at 9:00 AM and arrived in Valencia around 11:00 AM, giving me the entire day to explore the city.

Onboard Experience & Services

My AVE train from Madrid to Valencia was operated by one of Talgo’s high-speed trains, built domestically in Spain. Because of their distinctive front shape, they’re nicknamed “pato” in Spanish, which means “duck” in English.

Renfe’s Talgo trains offer First Class and Second Class on board. First Class features more spacious seats in a 2+1 layout, while Second Class uses a 2+2 layout. For this journey, I chose to travel in Second Class, as First Class was over €50 more on this particular trip. I didn’t think it was worth upgrading for only a two-hour ride.

On board, there was free Wi-Fi, though I didn’t get a chance to test the speed this time. It has been reliable on previous journeys. There are also power outlets at every seat and a café car serving drinks and snacks. I had already enjoyed a coffee at Madrid Chamartín Station, so I didn’t buy anything this time, but I still walked over to use the restroom, check the menu, and stretch my legs. The selection included the usual hot and cold drinks, along with some small snacks, sandwiches, and pastries.

It’s worth noting that Renfe officially allows a 25 kg luggage limit, though in my experience, this rule is rarely enforced. As long as you can carry your bags yourself, it’s generally not an issue. Bags can be stored in the overhead racks or large luggage areas by the doors.

One of my favorite parts of the journey was the view of rural Spain, particularly the Levant region's dry landscapes and impressive high-speed rail infrastructure. About 20 minutes before arriving in Valencia, the train passes the Hoces del Cabriel Natural Park, where you can admire striking rock formations. The park is also home to eagles, but I didn’t spot any from the fast-moving train.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

I booked my ticket online four weeks in advance for this journey, which cost €39.90 in Second Class. I also took the metro to the station and grabbed a coffee from a vending machine there, bringing my total to:

Budget breakdown:

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

Here are a few tips to make your Madrid to Valencia train trip even smoother:

• Arrive early: Give yourself enough time to pass through the brief security check at Madrid Chamartín before boarding.
• Enjoy the scenery: Keep an eye out for eagles or simply take in the impressive rock formations as the train passes through the Hoces del Cabriel Natural Park.
• Consider upgrading: Ticket prices vary depending on demand and time of booking, and upgrades to First Class are sometimes very affordable.
• Carry identification: Always have your ID or passport with you, as station or onboard staff may occasionally ask to see it.

Conclusion

The AVE train is a great option for getting from Madrid to Valencia. I thought the fare was a very reasonable price to pay for a comfortable Second Class seat on Renfe’s AVE trains. With the generous luggage allowance and overall convenience, the train is one of the best ways to travel this route. It’s fast, straightforward, and comfortable, offering great views along the way. Making the same trip? Plan your journey on Omio.

About the Author: Simon Andersen

• Job Title: Rail Travel Content Creator
• Bio: Train travel content creator with a degree in Mobility and Transportation from the Danish Technical University. I create content showcasing unique and memorable train journeys across Europe and beyond.