Madrid to Alicante train with Ouigo

From Madrid to Alicante… at 300 km/h!

Introduction

In 2013, France’s state railway launched its low-cost service, Ouigo. Heavily inspired by the airline industry, its aim was to sell cheap, no-frills tickets on key French routes. Now, more than 10 years later, Ouigo operates domestic services in Spain under Ouigo España, competing with both the full-service and low-cost offerings of Spain’s national railway. But is it really low-cost? And does this make it a bad experience?

Route Overview

Three different high-speed train operators operate between Madrid and Alicante: Renfe (through both its full-service AVE and low-cost Avlo trains), Iryo (operated by Italy's Trenitalia) and, of course, Ouigo España, the focus of this article.

Most trains run either nonstop or with very limited stops between the two cities, reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h (186 mph). Ouigo’s fastest service completes the 494 km (307 mi) journey in just 2 hours and 22 minutes, from city center to city center.

Transportation Experience

Seat reservations are compulsory on Spanish high-speed trains. However, trains rarely sell out except during holiday periods, and even then, there are plenty of alternative services.

Be aware that with the Essential or Standard tickets, only one carry-on case and one personal item (like a backpack or handbag) are included for free. If you want to bring a larger suitcase, there’s a €5 charge unless you book the Plus fare, which already includes it. Ouigo tickets can only be booked online, either on Omio or direct with Ouigo. Make sure to book in advance for the best fare and choice of seat.

Departure & Arrival Stations

Madrid has two principal railway stations, both of which are served by trains to Alicante. Ouigo trains to Alicante all depart from Madrid Chamartín Station**, which is conveniently located within the Spanish capital and easy to reach by public transport (both metro and Cercanías local trains).

It is not a very welcoming or spacious place to wait for a train, especially with seemingly endless construction. I recommend you arrive around 30 minutes before departure because you'll need to pass through an airport-style security check. Don’t worry, though, as there’s no limit on liquids and no need to take out your electronics from your bag.

In Alicante, trains terminate at Alacant Terminal Station, which is served by the Cercanías and close to the Alicante tram stop, Luceros.

Schedule & Frequency

Ouigo operates three trains per day, departing Madrid Chamartín at 10:15, 14:15, and 20:15. All trains take between 2 hours and 22 minutes and 2 hours and 29 minutes to complete the journey.

Onboard Experience and Services

I opted to travel in an “XL Seat” for extra comfort and was even able to choose my seat from a seating plan. The seats are laid out in a generous 2+1 layout, with a good mix of airline-style seats and facing seats at tables. I chose a solo airline-style seat, and it very much lived up to the name “XL” because it was simply massive with room to stretch out. The seat features a large headrest and armrests. It was very comfortable, and it even reclines electronically! There is also a reading light, a footrest, a storage net, and a large table that can accommodate most laptop sizes. There was free Wi-Fi, which was reliable and remained fairly speedy throughout the journey. All this made Ouigo perform above my expectations for a low-cost product.

There’s plenty of luggage space on board, along with toilets on both decks of every coach. You’ll also find the OUIBAR, where you can buy sandwiches, snacks, and hot or cold drinks to enjoy either at the stand-up counters or back in your seat.

The standard (and cheapest) seats on this train are still pretty comfortable, and each pair also features a plug socket. These seats are in a 2+2 configuration, so no solo seats are available here.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

I highly recommend planning your trip far in advance, as prices are dynamic and increase based on demand. So the earlier you book, the emptier your train (and the cheaper your fare)! If this doesn’t really suit you, don’t worry too much, as you can still get good deals.

Here's a quick breakdown of what I spent for my 10:15 trip to Alicante, booked just one week before departure:

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

• Give yourself enough time to pass the security controls in Madrid stress-free.
• All Ouigo trains in Spain are double-decker; choose a seat on the top deck for the best views.
• Don’t hesitate to “splurge” (from €5) for an ‘XL’ seat, especially if you’re alone, as this allows you to pick a solo seat.

Conclusion

For a low-cost offering, Ouigo surprised me in a very positive way! The journey in the XL seat is very comfortable and comes with a frankly unbeatable price tag. I believe this option is the best value for money on this Madrid to Alicante train route, far better than any Renfe or Iryo train. Madrid-Alicante also sees a few flights per day, but I’m not sure why anyone would fly this distance, considering it takes less than a few hours on a train with seats better than business class on a plane. So, are you ready to say, “Here Ouigo”?

About the Author: Nonstop Eurotrip

• Job Title: Travel Content Creator
• Bio: Nonstop Eurotrip creates YouTube trip reports and reviews on trains, planes, buses and ferries within Europe—and all around the world—and also shares blog posts and travel deals on their website.