- Must visit
Museu Nacional de Machado de Castro
National museum in the former bishop’s palace with outstanding Romanesque sculpture, painting, and decorative arts.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Madrid to Coimbra
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Coimbra among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €14. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 36m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.4 - 1.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €14, and a flight costs an average of €20.
Distance: 249 miles (401 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€91 Average price | €30 Average price Cheapest | €102 Average price | €85 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 45m Average total duration 8h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 40m Average total duration 8h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 36m Average total duration Fastest 1h 36m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 37m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
- CO2 emissions | 0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.2 - 2.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
 Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
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 Coimbra is a bus with an average price of €30.
This is compared to other travel options from Madrid to Coimbra:
A bus is €61 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Madrid to Coimbra costing on average €91.
A bus is €72 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Coimbra costing on average €102.
The fastest way to travel from Madrid to Coimbra is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 36m.
Other travel options to Coimbra take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 10m.
Train takes on average 8h 15m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Madrid and Coimbra including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Madrid to Coimbra 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 €91 compared to roughly €85 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-6.39. The journey takes 8h 15m versus 5h 37m 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 Coimbra train times
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Coimbra trains for today, Tuesday, August 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 6:06 PM Madrid | 17h48 | 11:54 AM Coimbra | 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 Coimbra by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, 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.
Tue
Aug 25
Aug 25
Wed
Aug 26
Aug 26
Thu
Aug 27
Aug 27
Fri
Aug 28
Aug 28
Sat
Aug 29
Aug 29
Sun
Aug 30
Aug 30
Mon
Aug 31
Aug 31
Tue
Sep 01
Sep 01
Wed
Sep 02
Sep 02
Thu
Sep 03
Sep 03
Fri
Sep 04
Sep 04
Sat
Sep 05
Sep 05
Sun
Sep 06
Sep 06
Mon
Sep 07
Sep 07
Tue
Sep 08
Sep 08
Wed
Sep 09
Sep 09
Thu
Sep 10
Sep 10
Fri
Sep 11
Sep 11
Sat
Sep 12
Sep 12
Sun
Sep 13
Sep 13
Mon
Sep 14
Sep 14
Journey information
Overview: Train from Madrid to Coimbra
Spain
Portugal
Trains from Madrid to Coimbra run on average 1 times per day, taking around 8h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €91 but you can travel from only €14 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:30, the last at 20:50. The fastest train covers the 249 miles (401 km) distance in 17h 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
Bus from €14
Distance 249 miles (401 km) |
Average train duration 8h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price €91 |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 17h 48m |
First train 12:30 AM |
Last train 8:50 PM |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 €14
Train companies: Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe Viajeros from Madrid to Coimbra trainsRenfe INTERCITY, Renfe Viajeros trains will get you between Madrid and Coimbra from €14. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Renfe INTERCITY
About
Renfe Intercity is a high-speed train service operated by the Spanish national railway company, Renfe. It operates throughout Spain, connecting major cities and towns with frequent departures throughout the day. The Intercity service offers a variety of train types, including the Alvia and Talgo, all of which offer comfortable seating and modern amenities. Alvia and Talgo offer fast trains but not as fast the high-speed trains like AVE, offering more stops. Passengers can choose from a range of ticket types, including Economy, Business, and First Class. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power outlets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. The most popular routes for Renfe Intercity include Madrid to Barcelona, Madrid to Seville, and Barcelona to Valencia.
Luggage & cancellation policy
0
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 2 pieces of checked luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at the ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions and fare type
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Renfe
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with drinks, snacks, and hot meals. At-seat service in First Class
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation with additional fee. Included in some premium tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/disembarking
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be leashed and muzzled, require paid ticket
Quiet zone
Renfe Viajeros
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
17h 48m
Cheapest Price
€91
Renfe Viajeros frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Coimbra
Things to do in Coimbra
Discover the best of Coimbra — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Coimbra trip today.
- Recommended
Museu da Ciência da Universidade de Coimbra
Science museum of the university with historic cabinets, laboratories, and interactive displays across several buildings.
- Recommended
Círculo de Artes Plásticas de Coimbra - Sereia
Contemporary art center with rotating exhibitions, talks, and experimental programming in a modern university context.
- Must visit
Paço das Escolas
Ceremonial university courtyard with sweeping city views and access to major heritage buildings on the hilltop campus.
- Must visit
Jardim Botânico da Universidade de Coimbra
Large botanical garden of the university with rare plants, terraces, and tranquil paths in a historic scientific setting.
- Must visit
Baixa de Coimbra
Historic riverside quarter with narrow lanes, traditional houses, and access to key monuments in the lower city.
- Gluten-free
Leitão À Bairrada
Slow-roasted suckling pig with crisp skin, a Bairrada classic widely celebrated around Coimbra and often paired with sparkling wine.
- Gluten-free
Chanfana
Goat stew slowly cooked in a black clay pot with potatoes and herbs. It is a rustic Beira dish tied to regional family celebrations.
- Gluten-free
Cabrito Assado
Tender goat or lamb roasted with potatoes and garlic. A traditional festive dish in central Portugal, common in Coimbra homes and taverns.
Arcadas Restaurante
Refined dining in the Quinta das Lágrimas estate, known for elegant Portuguese cuisine, seasonal ingredients and a romantic historic setting.
Zé Manel Dos Ossos
Traditional Coimbra restaurant famed for chanfana and regional classics, with a rustic atmosphere and strong local following.
Restaurante João Dos Leitões
Historic, formal restaurant serving polished Portuguese dishes and regional wines in a classic old-school dining room.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Portugal. Hotels rise in peak season, but dining, coffee, and local buses stay fairly affordable for most tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- €15-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €1.20-2.50 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, round up or leave 5-10% for good service. Taxis usually round up. In cafés, small change is enough.
SMTUC
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €1.60
- Day pass
- €4.00
To the city center
Coimbra-B -> Coimbra-A, Coimbra
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Buy bus tickets in advance or use the official SMTUC app when available; onboard purchase options can be more limited.
- Contactless bank card payment is not consistently available on Coimbra buses, so carry cash or a valid preloaded ticket.
FAQs: Trains from Madrid to Coimbra
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Coimbra 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 Coimbra, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Madrid to Coimbra can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €91, while the average price is around €91.
The train from Madrid to Coimbra runs once a day and takes approximately 17h 48m.
The first train from Madrid to Coimbra leaves at 12:30 AM.
The distance by train from Madrid to Coimbra is 249 miles (401 km).
The last train from Madrid to Coimbra leaves at 8:50 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Madrid to Coimbra.
There is no direct train service currently available from Madrid to Coimbra.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Madrid to Coimbra.
The cheapest way to get from Madrid to Coimbra is by bus, with a cost of around €14.
The train journey from Madrid to Coimbra offers scenic views, including rolling landscapes of the Spanish and Portuguese countryside, picturesque towns, and occasional glimpses of the mountains, providing a pleasant visual experience.
A day trip from Madrid to Coimbra is not feasible as the journey takes 17h 48m with a distance of 249 miles (401 km). The frequency for trains is 2 per day.
In Coimbra, you can explore the Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra, attend a soulful Fado concert, stroll along the scenic Mondego River, visit the interactive Science Museum of the University of Coimbra, and discover vibrant local markets. Notable sights include the historic University of Coimbra, the baroque Biblioteca Joanina, the Romanesque Sé Velha cathedral, the partially submerged Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha, and the Machado de Castro National Museum with its Roman artifacts.
A stay of two to three days in Coimbra is ideal to explore its historic university, visit the Joanina Library, stroll through the charming streets, and enjoy local cuisine.
Yes, you can take the train from Madrid to Coimbra.
Since both Madrid and Coimbra 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 Coimbra include Porto, Aveiro, Nazaré, Santarém, Figueira da Foz Municipality.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Madrid to Coimbra 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.
Portugal uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards for most transactions, especially in cities and larger establishments, while carrying some cash is advisable for small vendors, markets, or remote areas where card acceptance may be limited.
In Coimbra, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like public transport and popular tourist spots. Avoid accepting unsolicited help or offers from strangers to prevent scams. It's also advisable to use licensed taxi services and be wary of overcharging. Staying vigilant in busy areas and keeping valuables secure helps 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.
More options for your journey from Madrid to Coimbra
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Coimbra and Madrid
Most popular train connections to Coimbra
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
