- Must visit
Musée des Beaux-Arts et d'Archéologie
Fine arts and archaeology museum in a notable modernized building. It is one of France’s oldest public museums and a cultural highlight.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Madrid to Besançon
Showing times and prices for Aug 06
Cheapest price
$238
Average price
$320
Fastest journey
21 h 48 m
Average duration
22 h 2 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
1087 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Madrid to Besançon is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Besançon will cost around $320 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $238.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Madrid to Besançon without transferring at least 2 times.
9:07 PM22h02Madrid7:09 PMBesançon$2381One-way2 transfers- 9:07 PM21h48Madrid6:55 PMBesançon$3521One-way3 transfers
12:50 PM22h17Madrid11:07 AMBesançon$3691One-way3 transfers
- 9:07 PM21h48Madrid6:55 PMBesançon$3521One-way3 transfers
- 9:07 PM22h02Madrid7:09 PMBesançon$2381One-way2 transfers
- 12:50 PM22h17Madrid11:07 AMBesançon$3691One-way3 transfers
Journey information
Overview: Train from Madrid to Besançon
Spain
France
Trains from Madrid to Besançon run on average 3 times per day, taking around 22h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $238 (€194) but you can travel from only $63 (€51) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 04:55, the last at 09:56. The fastest train covers the 675 miles (1087 km) distance in 21h 48m.
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 $63 (€51)
Distance 675 miles (1087 km) |
Average train duration 22h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price $238 (€194) |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 21h 48m |
First train 4:55 AM |
Last train 9:56 AM |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
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 $63 (€51)
Why should you book Madrid to Besançon trains with Omio?
AVE as well as Renfe Viajeros offer trains services from Madrid to Besançon.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Madrid to Besançon.
Why book with Omio vs AVE?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for AVE, but also compare tickets for the likes of Renfe Viajeros to find the best option for your trip from Madrid to Besançon.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare AVE with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Madrid to Besançon.
Why book with Omio over Rome2rio, Raileurope or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Madrid to Besançon.
Train companies: AVE, Renfe Viajeros from Madrid to Besançon trainsAVE, Renfe Viajeros trains will get you between Madrid and Besançon from $63 (€51). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
AVE
About
Travel comfortably with AVE, Renfe’s high-speed trains. AVE connects major cities across Spain at speeds of up to 310 km/h (193 mph), offering a fast and smooth travel experience. Ticket options include Promo, Promo+, and Flexible fares to suit different budgets, along with discount cards such as the Gold Card and +Renfe Youth 50 Card for eligible travelers. AVE trains feature modern amenities including comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard catering, making them a convenient and enjoyable way to travel across Spain.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
21h 48m
Cheapest Price
$238 (€194)
AVE frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 3 pieces of luggage free of charge
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, end of carriages, and designated areas between seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund conditions depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages. At-seat service in Preferente (First) Class
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for all classes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance services available
Pets
Small pets under 10kg in carriers allowed free. Larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle. Guide dogs free.
Quiet zone
Renfe Viajeros
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
22h 17m
Cheapest Price
$369 (€301)
Renfe Viajeros frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Besançon
Things to do in Besançon
Discover the best of Besançon — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Besançon trip today.
- Must visit
Musée du Temps
Time museum in the Granvelle Palace tracing Besançon’s watchmaking history. A strong choice for understanding the city’s identity and craft.
- Recommended
Muséum de la Citadelle
Museum inside the citadel covering regional wildlife, landscapes, and environmental themes. Good for families and a wider view of Franche-Comté.
- Recommended
Place de la Révolution
Grand central square lined with historic buildings, cafés, and events. It is a natural starting point for exploring the old center on foot.
- Recommended
Grande Rue
Historic pedestrian street with shops, façades, and easy access to major monuments. Ideal for strolling through the core of old Besançon.
- Recommended
Quai Vauban
One of the city’s most attractive riverside walks, linking monuments and viewpoints along the Doubs. Great for photos and relaxed exploration.
- Gluten-free
Potée Comtoise
A rich Comtois sausage slowly cooked with potatoes, cabbage, and smoked pork. A hearty regional winter dish rooted in Franche-Comté farmhouse cooking.
- Gluten-free
Saucisse De Morteau
Smoked pork sausage from the Jura and Franche-Comté, traditionally smoked in tuyé chimneys. It is a flagship local charcuterie with deep smoky flavor.
- Gluten-free
Saucisse De Montbéliard
A denser smoked sausage from nearby Haut-Doubs, protected by PGI status. It is prized locally for its robust flavor and traditional mountain smoking methods.
Le Parcours
Refined Michelin-starred dining in a polished setting, known for contemporary French cuisine showcasing Franche-Comté products with precision.
Le Poker D'As
Traditional dining room focused on Franche-Comté specialties, including local cheeses, charcuterie, and hearty regional dishes.
Brasserie Granvelle
Historic brasserie on Place Granvelle serving regional classics, seafood, and French staples in an elegant Belle Époque atmosphere.
Euro (€)
Moderate for France: hotels and dining are usually lower than Paris; local transit is affordable and budget meals are easy to find.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €2.50-4 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service. Taxis can be rounded up; cafés usually just small change.
Ginko Mobilités
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- 1,70 €
- Day pass
- 4,50 €
To the city center
Besançon Viotte -> Place du Huit Septembre, Besançon
- Distance
- 1,5 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Trams and buses use the Ginko network. Buy tickets in the app, at ticket machines, or from approved sales points.
- On-board bank card payment is not reliably documented for all vehicles. Validate your ticket when boarding buses or before entering the tram platform.
FAQs: Trains from Madrid to Besançon
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Besançon 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 Besançon, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Madrid to Besançon can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $238 (€194), while the average price is around $320 (€261).
The train from Madrid to Besançon takes 21h 48m and runs 3 per day.
The first train from Madrid to Besançon leaves at 4:55 AM.
The distance by train from Madrid to Besançon is 675 miles (1087 km).
The last train from Madrid to Besançon leaves at 9:56 AM.
There is no high speed train available from Madrid to Besançon.
There is no direct train service currently available from Madrid to Besançon.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Madrid to Besançon.
The train journey from Madrid to Besançon offers scenic views, especially as you pass through the Spanish countryside and the picturesque landscapes of southern France, with sights of rolling hills, charming villages, and lush greenery along the way.
Yes, you can take the train from Madrid to Besançon.
Popular day trips by train from Besançon include Dijon, Basel, Belfort, Montbéliard, Mulhouse.
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.
France uses the euro (EUR) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards for most transactions, especially in cities and larger establishments, but carrying some cash is advisable for small vendors, markets, and rural areas where card acceptance may be limited.
In Besançon, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets and public transport. Scams involving distraction techniques near popular tourist sites can also occur. It's advisable to stay vigilant with personal belongings and avoid accepting unsolicited offers or assistance from strangers.
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 Madrid to Besançon
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Besançon and Madrid
Most popular train connections to Besançon
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