- Must visit
Museo Arqueológico de Córdoba
Archaeological museum with Roman mosaics, Iberian pieces, and remains of a Roman theater on a major historic site.
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Madrid to Córdoba is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Córdoba will cost around $34 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $16.
On Sat, Oct 31, we found 7 trains from Madrid to Córdoba, including 7 direct services.
On Sat, Oct 31 the direct trains cover the 296 km distance in an average of 1 h 44 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 44 m .
On Sat, Oct 31 the slowest trains will take 1 h 44 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

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Trains from Madrid to Córdoba run on average 44 times per day, taking around 1h 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $2 if you book in advance.
There are 43 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:04, the last at 22:41. The fastest train covers the 183 miles (296 km) distance in 1h 15m.
Distance 183 miles (296 km) |
Average train duration 1h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price $2 |
Trains per day 44 |
Direct trains 43 |
Fastest train 1h 15m |
First train 6:04 AM |
Last train 10:41 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 91 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Madrid to Córdoba.
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Córdoba trains for today, Friday, October 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
18030 · 13073 | 9:16 AM Atocha-Cercanías | 10h44 | 8:00 PM Córdoba – Julio Anguita | 1 transfer | |
18030 · 35035 | 9:16 AM Atocha-Cercanías | 9h28 | 6:44 PM Córdoba – Julio Anguita | 1 transfer | |
18030 · 13083 | 9:16 AM Atocha-Cercanías | 7h07 | 4:23 PM Córdoba – Julio Anguita | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
By Sara Mastellone

Traveling from Madrid to Córdoba (also written as Cordova) by train definitely felt like one of those journeys where efficiency meets beauty. Spain’s high-speed rail network makes it incredibly easy to move between cities, and this route is a perfect example of how smooth and enjoyable train travel can be (even in August, even in the Spanish heat!).

Shopping for local crafts in central Cordoba.
The train journey from Madrid to Córdoba takes between 1 hour 45 minutes and 2 hours, covering approximately 400 kilometers (250 miles). Most trains depart from Madrid Puerta de Atocha and arrive at Córdoba Central, both well-connected stations which I find very simple to “explore”.
Even for this trip I booked my ticket through Omio, and the whole process was incredibly quick. I liked being able to compare different train options and prices without switching between multiple websites (and potentially lost useful information). Within minutes, I had my ticket ready on my phone, which made everything feel very straightforward and stress-free.
Madrid Atocha is a beautiful station, busy but well organized (a bit like Milano Centrale station in Italy). I arrived early and had time to walk around, even stopping for a coffee and a small slice of tortilla de patatas (my favourite Spanish snack!) before heading to my platform.
Córdoba’s train station is modern and easy to navigate. From there, it’s just a short taxi ride or a pleasant walk to the historic center, an option that I chose because I wanted to walk and get lost in the charming streets of Cordoba.
Trains from Madrid to Cordova run frequently throughout the day, often every 1-2 hours, giving you flexibility in planning (and dreaming!).
The Iryo high-speed train was comfortable and quiet, with spacious seats and plenty of legroom. I spent most of the journey relaxing and watching the Spanish countryside pass by at incredible but pleasant speed.
This time I paid around €35 for my ticket, though prices can range from €25 to €70 depending on how early you book and the train type you choose.
| Item | Cost (eur) |
|---|---|
| Ticket price | €35 |
| Food & drinks | €6 |
| Travel to departure station | €2 |
| Travel from arrival station | €2 |
| Total | € 45 |
The Madrid to Córdoba train is fast, efficient, and comfortable, especially the high speed ones. In my opinion this is a perfect way to explore southern Spain without the stress of flying or driving. ¡Que tengas un buen viaje!

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Córdoba — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Córdoba trip today.
Archaeological museum with Roman mosaics, Iberian pieces, and remains of a Roman theater on a major historic site.
Collection of Julio Romero de Torres’s iconic paintings in the artist’s former home, essential for local culture and symbolism.
Fine arts museum in a former hospital, featuring Andalusian painting from the medieval period to the 20th century.
Flower-filled lane by the Mosque-Cathedral, famous for framed views of the bell tower and classic old Córdoba atmosphere.
Historic Jewish Quarter of narrow lanes, whitewashed houses, and artisan patios; ideal for wandering near major monuments.
Iconic square lined with arcades and busy local life, historically used for markets and public events in the old city.
Cold tomato and bread soup finished with olive oil, ham, and egg. A Cordoban classic, richer and thicker than gazpacho and central to summer dining.
Flamenquín is a breaded, fried roll of pork loin wrapped around Serrano ham. It is one of Córdoba’s most iconic tavern dishes.
Rabo de toro is a slow-braised oxtail stew with wine and vegetables. It is a beloved Andalusian specialty strongly associated with Córdoba.
Refined Michelin-starred restaurant known for creative Andalusian tasting menus in an elegant, contemporary setting.
Traditional tavern famous for salmorejo, flamenquín, and other local staples in a busy, authentic setting.
Historic fine dining restaurant near the Mezquita, celebrated for polished Cordoban cuisine and a classic formal atmosphere.
Moderate for Spain: lodging is usually cheaper than Madrid or Barcelona, while dining and local transit stay reasonably priced for tourists.
Tipping is optional. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; small change for cafes; taxi tips are usually just rounding up.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Córdoba.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Córdoba 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 Córdoba, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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