- Must visit
Château et Remparts de la Cité de Carcassonne
Although primarily a monument, the castle complex includes museum-style interpretation on the fortress and restoration history. It is one of the city's essential heritage experiences.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne
Showing times and prices for Jun 21
Cheapest price
$119
Average price
$125
Fastest journey
6 h 49 m
Average duration
10 h 46 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
590 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne will cost around $125 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $119.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne without transferring at least 2 times.
12:50 PM6h49Madrid7:39 PMCité de Carcassonne$1191One-way2 transfers
9:07 PM14h42Madrid11:49 AMCité de Carcassonne$1311One-way2 transfers
- 12:50 PM6h49Madrid7:39 PMCité de Carcassonne$1191One-way2 transfers
- 9:07 PM14h42Madrid11:49 AMCité de Carcassonne$1311One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $36. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 43m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $36, and a train costs an average of $119.
Distance: 366 miles (590 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$124 Average price | $73 Average price Cheapest | $156 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 13m Average total duration Fastest 5h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 29m Average total duration 11h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Cité de Carcassonne is a bus with an average price of $73 (€60).
This is compared to other travel options from Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne:
A bus is $51 (€42) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne costing on average $124 (€102).
The fastest way to travel from Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne is by train with an average journey time of 5h 43m.
Other travel options to Cité de Carcassonne take longer:
Bus takes on average 11h 59m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Madrid and Cité de Carcassonne including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne among Omio's users.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.
The journey is about 2h 58m faster (5h 43m by train vs 8h 41m by car) and roughly $32 (€26) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($124 (€102) vs $156 (€128)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne train times
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne trains for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:50 PM Madrid | 6h49 | 7:39 PM Cité de Carcassonne | 2 transfers | |
| 9:07 PM Madrid | 14h42 | 11:49 AM Cité de Carcassonne | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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 Cité de Carcassonne trains with Omio?
AVE as well as SNCF OUIGO or Renfe Viajeros offer trains services from Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne.
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 SNCF OUIGO or Renfe Viajeros to find the best option for your trip from Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne.
- 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 and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne.
Why book with Omio over Rome2rio, Raileurope or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne
Spain
France
Trains from Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne run on average 1 times per day, taking around 5h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $119 (€97) but you can travel from only $36 (€30) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 06:16, the last at 13:18. The fastest train covers the 366 miles (590 km) distance in 6h 49m.
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
Bus from $36 (€30)
Distance 366 miles (590 km) |
Average train duration 5h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $119 (€97) |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 6h 49m |
First train 6:16 AM |
Last train 1:18 PM |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 6 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
Bus from $36 (€30)
Train companies: AVE, SNCF OUIGO, Renfe Viajeros from Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne trainsAVE, SNCF OUIGO, Renfe Viajeros trains will get you between Madrid and Cité de Carcassonne from $36 (€30). 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
14h 42m
Cheapest Price
$131 (€107)
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
SNCF OUIGO
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 29m
Cheapest Price
$76 (€62)
Renfe Viajeros
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 49m
Cheapest Price
$119 (€97)
Renfe Viajeros frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Carcassonne
Things to do in Carcassonne
Discover the best of Carcassonne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Carcassonne trip today.
- Recommended
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Carcassonne
Fine arts museum in the Bastide with paintings, ceramics and decorative arts from the 17th century onward. A good choice for visitors wanting a quieter cultural stop beyond the medieval citadel.
Musée de l'École de Carcassonne
Small museum inside the Cité presenting a recreated historic classroom and school materials. It is a niche but charming stop for families and visitors interested in everyday local history.
- Must visit
Lices de la Cité
The open space between the inner and outer ramparts, offering a strong sense of the city's defensive design. Walking here is one of the best ways to appreciate the fortress at ground level.
- Must visit
Promenade du Pont Vieux
Riverside walking area around the old bridge with some of the finest views back to the medieval walls. Especially popular for sunset photos and social-media-friendly panoramas.
- Recommended
Bastide Saint-Louis
The lower town laid out in a grid, with shops, squares and a more local rhythm than the medieval citadel. It is ideal for seeing everyday Carcassonne beyond the UNESCO headline site.
- Gluten-free
Cassoulet de Carcassonne
The city’s signature dish: slow-cooked white beans with duck confit, pork, and sausage, traditionally baked until richly caramelized.
- Gluten-free
Jambon de Montagne de la Montagne Noire
Air-cured mountain ham from the nearby Montagne Noire, prized in the region for its deep flavor and traditional charcuterie methods.
- Gluten-free
Confit de Canard
Duck leg slowly cooked in its own fat until tender, a classic dish across southwest France and common on Carcassonne menus.
Chez Fred
Established bistro-style restaurant appreciated for hearty local cooking, friendly service, and dependable southwestern French specialties.
La Barbacane
Elegant fine-dining restaurant in the Hôtel de la Cité, known for refined regional cuisine and a formal setting within the medieval city.
Comte Roger
Well-known restaurant inside the Cité serving polished southwest French classics, especially cassoulet, in a historic stone-vaulted atmosphere.
Euro
Generally cheaper than Paris and the Riviera. Lodging varies by season, while casual dining and coffee are reasonably priced.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 10-15 for kebabs, sandwiches, or lunch deals.
- Mid-range
- EUR 20-35 per person for a standard restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- EUR 50-90 per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- EUR 2-4 for an espresso or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Leaving small change or rounding up is appreciated; about 5-10% for excellent restaurant service. Round up taxis; tips are not expected for counter service.
RTCA
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- 1.20 EUR
- Day pass
- 4.00 EUR
To the city center
Gare de Carcassonne, Carcassonne -> Place Carnot, Carcassonne
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 12 min
- Single tickets and day passes are sold by RTCA; check current fares and network updates on the official RTCA website or app. Card payment availability on buses can vary, so carry a bank card and some
- From Gare de Carcassonne, the center around Place Carnot is walkable; for the medieval Cité, RTCA buses are useful. Validate your ticket when required and keep it until the end of the trip.
FAQs: Trains from Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne 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 Cité de Carcassonne, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $119 (€97), while the average price is around $124 (€102).
The train from Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne runs once a day and takes approximately 6h 49m.
The distance by train from Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne is 366 miles (590 km).
The first train from Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne leaves at 6:16 AM.
The last train from Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne leaves at 1:18 PM.
Yes, there is a high-speed train from Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne.
There is no direct train service currently available from Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne.
The train station in Madrid that goes to Cité de Carcassonne is Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes, which connects to Carcassonne.
The cheapest way to get from Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne is by bus, with a cost of around $36 (€30).
The train journey from Madrid to Carcassonne offers scenic views, particularly as it traverses the diverse landscapes of northern Spain and the Pyrenees, providing picturesque vistas of countryside, mountains, and charming villages.
A day trip from Madrid to Carcassonne is not feasible as the travel duration is 6h 49m. However, there are 3 train connections per day covering a distance of 366 miles (590 km).
Two days are typically enough to explore Carcassonne, allowing time to visit the medieval citadel, enjoy local cuisine, and see nearby attractions.
Yes, you can take the train from Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne.
Since both Madrid and Cité de Carcassonne 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 Cité de Carcassonne include Toulouse, Narbonne, Montpellier, Perpignan, Girona.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne 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.
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 Carcassonne, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the medieval citadel and busy markets. Scams involving overpriced taxi fares or unofficial guides can also occur. It is advisable to use licensed services and remain vigilant in popular tourist spots to ensure a safe visit.
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.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne
Most Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne trains use the Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes to Narbonne station pair. Use this guide to compare Madrid and Cité de Carcassonne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Madrid
Arrival train stations in Cité de Carcassonne
Which Madrid station do trains to Cité de Carcassonne leave from?
Trains from Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne leave from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes. The station is 1 miles (2 km) from Madrid city centre at Glorieta Emperador Carlos V, 28045 Madrid, Spain.
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena GrandesGlorieta Emperador Carlos V, 28045 Madrid, Spain+34 912432343
City-centre transport
Getting to Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes from Madrid city centre
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes is 1 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainC3, C4, C4a, C4b · 5m · $1 · every ~15 min
Bus26, 32 · 6m · $1 · every ~60 min
Subway1 · 6m · $2 · every ~24 min
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes train station facilities and services
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Passion Food, La Barrila, Enrique Tomás, Pic Nic, Foodissimo!, PureGusto, Burger King
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free WiFi in the station and on all Renfe trains. ATMs are in various points at the station.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 10:00 - 20:00. Information desks are on the ground floor of the main concourse.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is open daily from 05:30 to 22:00. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes: Wheelchair parking, adapted elevators, adapted platforms, lobby shopping area.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include 60 Balconies Urban Stay, Only YOU Hotel Atocha, SLEEP’N Atocha.
Which Cité de Carcassonne station do trains from Madrid arrive at?
Trains from Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne most often arrive at Narbonne. Some services arrive at Carcassonne, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Cité de Carcassonne arrival station.
Carcassonne28 Avenue du Maréchal Joffre, 11000 Carcassonne, France+33 4 68 25 60 00
City-centre transport
Getting to Carcassonne from Cité de Carcassonne city centre
BusSeveral lines available
TaxiAvailable outside the station
Carcassonne train station facilities and services
Carcassonne has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurant Le Bistro, La Table de Norbert
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Carcassonne. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Carcassonne. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Carcassonne: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Carcassonne: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Carcassonne: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel de la Bastide, Hotel Astoria, Hotel Central.
More options for your journey from Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cité de Carcassonne and Madrid
Most popular train connections to Cité de Carcassonne
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