- Must visit
Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
Premier fine arts complex with Old Masters, Magritte, and modern collections, essential for understanding Belgian and European art.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Madrid to Brussels
Showing times and prices for Aug 23
Cheapest price
€406
Average price
€411
Fastest journey
18 h 54 m
Average duration
20 h 17 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
1316 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Madrid to Brussels is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Brussels will cost around €411 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €406.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Madrid to Brussels without transferring at least 3 times.
12:50 PM18h54Madrid7:44 AMBrussels€4061One-way3 transfers
9:07 PM21h40Madrid6:47 PMBrussels€4161One-way3 transfers
- 12:50 PM18h54Madrid7:44 AMBrussels€4061One-way3 transfers
- 9:07 PM21h40Madrid6:47 PMBrussels€4161One-way3 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Madrid to Brussels
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Brussels among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €47. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 59m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 1.3 - 3.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €47, and a train costs an average of €406.
Distance: 817 miles (1316 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€411 Average price | €159 Average price | €80 Average price Cheapest | €259 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
21h 13m Average total duration 20h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 59m Average total duration Fastest 3h 59m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 18h 7m Average total duration 17h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 16h 17m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
- CO2 emissions | 3.9 - 7.9kg CO2 emissions | 1.3 - 3.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Madrid to Brussels is a bus with an average price of €80.
This is compared to other travel options from Madrid to Brussels:
A bus is €79 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Brussels costing on average €159.
A bus is €331 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Madrid to Brussels costing on average €411.
The fastest way to travel from Madrid to Brussels is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 59m.
Other travel options to Brussels take longer:
Bus takes on average 17h 37m.
Train takes on average 20h 43m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Madrid and Brussels including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Madrid to Brussels among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around €411 compared to roughly €259 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-151.92. The journey takes 20h 43m versus 16h 17m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Madrid to Brussels train times
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Brussels trains for today, Saturday, August 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:27 PM Madrid | 21h50 | 6:17 PM Brussels | 3 transfers | |
| Sunday, August 23 | |||||
| 12:50 PM Madrid | 18h54 | 7:44 AM Brussels | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Madrid to Brussels by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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.
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Why should you book Madrid to Brussels trains with Omio?
AVE as well as Renfe Viajeros offer trains services from Madrid to Brussels.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Madrid to Brussels.
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 Brussels.
- 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Madrid to Brussels.
Why book with Omio over Rome2rio, Raileurope or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Madrid to Brussels.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Madrid to Brussels?
The best time to book your train from Madrid to Brussels is 84 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Madrid to Brussels route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Madrid to Brussels per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Madrid to Brussels.
Trains
from €20Buses
from €75Flights
from €244Journey information
Overview: Train from Madrid to Brussels
Spain
Belgium
Trains from Madrid to Brussels run on average 2 times per day, taking around 20h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €406 but you can travel from only €28 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 05:50, the last at 17:20. The fastest train covers the 817 miles (1316 km) distance in 18h 54m.
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 €28
Distance 817 miles (1316 km) |
Average train duration 20h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price €406 |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 18h 54m |
First train 5:50 AM |
Last train 5:20 PM |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 35 days |
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 €28
Train companies: AVE, Renfe Viajeros from Madrid to Brussels trainsAVE, Renfe Viajeros trains will get you between Madrid and Brussels from €28. 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 40m
Cheapest Price
€416
AVE frequency
1 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
18h 54m
Cheapest Price
€406
Renfe Viajeros frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Brussels
Things to do in Brussels
Discover the best of Brussels — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Brussels trip today.
- Must visit
Magritte Museum
Dedicated to surrealist René Magritte, this popular museum presents major works and context for one of Belgium’s most celebrated artists.
- Must visit
Comics Art Museum
Leading comic art museum in a Horta-designed building, highlighting Tintin, the Smurfs, and Belgium’s influential comics culture.
- Must visit
Grand Place
Grand square at Brussels’ heart, lined with ornate guildhalls and lively events, perfect for first-time visitors and evening atmosphere.
- Must visit
Parc du Cinquantenaire
Large urban park with the triumphal arch, museums, and wide lawns, excellent for walking, picnics, and classic city photographs.
- Must visit
Mont des Arts
Popular hilltop viewpoint and garden terrace with one of the best panoramas over central Brussels, especially at sunset.
Moules-Frites
Mussels steamed with white wine, celery and onion, often served with fries. A Brussels brasserie classic, especially popular in mussel season.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Frites
Double-fried potato fries, traditionally served in paper cones with sauces. They are a point of national pride and central to everyday Belgian street food.
Carbonnade Flamande
A rich beef and onion stew braised with Belgian dark beer. It is a beloved comfort dish found in traditional Brussels restaurants.
Bozar Restaurant
Two-Michelin-star restaurant by chef Karen Torosyan, celebrated for pâté en croûte and inventive fine dining in an intimate setting.
Brasserie La Paix
Elegant Belle Époque brasserie serving refined Belgian classics, seafood and game in a grand old-world dining room.
Maison Dandoy
Famous casual stop for Brussels waffles with many toppings. Popular, fast-moving and central for a classic sweet local treat.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Western Europe: hotels can be pricey, but dining and transit are manageable for most tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-15 for fast food or casual takeaway.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a standard restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €70+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- €3-5 for cappuccino or latte.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service; round up taxi fares; small change is fine in cafes.
STIB-MIVB
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €2.50
- Day pass
- €8.40
To the city center
Brussels-Midi -> Brussels-Central
- Distance
- 1.6 km
- Travel time
- 8 min
- Contactless payment works on STIB-MIVB buses, trams, and metro via tap validators. A contactless fare is valid for 60 min.
- Brussels-Midi is served by SNCB/NMBS trains and STIB-MIVB metro, tram, and bus. Validate the correct ticket or payment method before boarding.
FAQs: Trains from Madrid to Brussels
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Brussels 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 Brussels, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Madrid to Brussels can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €406, while the average price is around €411.
The train from Madrid to Brussels takes 18h 54m and runs 2 per day.
The distance by train from Madrid to Brussels is 817 miles (1316 km).
The first train from Madrid to Brussels leaves at 5:50 AM.
The last train from Madrid to Brussels leaves at 5:20 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Madrid to Brussels.
There is no direct train service currently available from Madrid to Brussels.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Madrid to Brussels.
The cheapest way to get from Madrid to Brussels is by flight, with a cost of around €28.
The train journey from Madrid to Brussels offers a mix of urban and rural views, passing through the scenic landscapes of northern Spain and France, including picturesque towns and countryside, although it's less renowned for dramatic scenery compared to other European routes.
A day trip from Madrid to Brussels is not feasible as the travel duration is 18h 54m and the distance is 817 miles (1316 km). There is 1 trip per day available for trains.
In Brussels, explore the vibrant Marolles district with its antique shops and street art, and enjoy a stroll through Parc du Cinquantenaire with its impressive arches and museums. Sample Belgian chocolates at the city's renowned chocolatiers, and experience the lively Saint-Géry district's trendy bars and cafes. Attend a performance at the historic La Monnaie opera house. Don't miss top sights like the opulent Grand Place, Atomium for panoramic views, the iconic Manneken Pis statue, the Royal Palace of Brussels, and the Magritte Museum.
For a fulfilling experience in Brussels, plan on spending 2 to 3 days to explore key attractions such as the Grand Place, Atomium, and various museums, as well as to enjoy the local cuisine and vibrant neighborhoods.
Yes, you can take the train from Madrid to Brussels.
Since both Madrid and Brussels are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
Popular day trips by train from Brussels include Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, Lille, Rotterdam.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Madrid to Brussels among Omio's users.
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.
Belgium uses the euro (EUR) as its currency. Travelers generally find card payments widely accepted in cities, restaurants, and shops, though carrying some cash is advisable for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Brussels, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like Grand Place, public transport, and popular tourist sites. Common scams include distraction techniques and fake petitions. It's advisable to stay vigilant, avoid displaying expensive items, and use official taxi services to ensure safety.
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 Brussels
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Brussels and Madrid
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