- Must visit
MAC Empúries
Archaeological museum on the famous Greco-Roman site, essential for understanding ancient Empúries and the region’s classical roots.
Cheapest price on Sep 01
$186
Average ticket price on Sep 01
$186
Fastest journey on Sep 01
4 h 29 m
Average journey duration on Sep 01
4 h 41 m
Trains on Sep 01
3
Distance
605 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Madrid to Empuriabrava is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Empuriabrava will cost around $186 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $186.
On Tue, Sep 01, we found 3 trains from Madrid to Empuriabrava, including 3 direct services.
On Tue, Sep 01 the direct trains cover the 605 km distance in an average of 4 h 41 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 29 m .
On Tue, Sep 01 the slowest trains will take 4 h 57 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.
03163
03073
03143
03163
03143
03073Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Empuriabrava among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $71 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 25m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $71, while a bus costs an average of $125.
Distance: 375 miles (605 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$71 Average price Cheapest | $125 Average price | $147 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 25m Average total duration Fastest 3h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 42m Average total duration 8h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 29m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Madrid to Empuriabrava:
A train is $54 (€44) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Madrid to Empuriabrava costing on average $125 (€101).
Other travel options to Empuriabrava take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 12m.
The journey is about 3h 34m faster (3h 55m by train vs 7h 29m by car) and roughly $76 (€61) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($71 (€57) vs $147 (€119)). 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.
Direct services run with AVE, Renfe AVLO.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Empuriabrava trains for today, Monday, August 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:57 PM Madrid | 4h34 | 8:31 PM Empuriabrava | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, September 1 | |||||
03073 | Delayed 7:27 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 4h57 | 10:24 AM 10:24 AMFigueres–Vilafant | 0 transfersDirect | |
03143 | 2:27 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 4h37 | 7:04 PM Figueres–Vilafant | 0 transfersDirect | |
03163 | 4:27 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 4h29 | 8:56 PM Figueres–Vilafant | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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.
Trains from Madrid to Empuriabrava run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $44 (€36) if you book in advance.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:28, the last at 19:34. The fastest train covers the 375 miles (605 km) distance in 4h 21m.
Distance 375 miles (605 km) |
Average train duration 3h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $44 (€36) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 4h 21m |
First train 5:28 AM |
Last train 7:34 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 6 days |
Discover the best of Empuriabrava — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Empuriabrava trip today.
Archaeological museum on the famous Greco-Roman site, essential for understanding ancient Empúries and the region’s classical roots.
World-famous surrealist museum in Figueres, a short trip away, showcasing Dalí’s theatrical vision in a landmark building.
Leading local museum in a restored flour mill, explaining milling technology, water use, and the history of Castelló d’Empúries.
Wide sandy beach backed by the marina town, popular for walking, swimming, and watersports with long open sea views.
Iconic residential marina district crisscrossed by canals, best explored on foot or by boat for its distinctive waterfront scenery.
Wetland reserve near Empuriabrava known for birdwatching, flat trails, and a calm natural escape from the busy beachfront.
Aromatic fish stew from the Costa Brava, made with local rockfish and potatoes. It reflects the area’s fishing heritage and is a classic seaside comfort dish.
Rice cooked in rich cuttlefish ink until black and deeply savory. A hallmark of Catalan coastal cooking, often served with allioli.
Catalan rice casserole with seafood, usually prawns, mussels, and squid. Popular across the Gulf of Roses for its local catch and bold stock.
Refined seafood restaurant on the canals, known for rice dishes, fish, and polished service in an elegant marina setting.
Well-known local spot for tapas, grilled meats, and Catalan favorites with a lively, casual dining room.
Popular marina restaurant serving Mediterranean classics, paella, and fresh fish in a relaxed waterside atmosphere.
Moderate for the Costa Brava: summer stays rise, but casual dining and local buses stay fairly affordable versus larger Spanish resort towns.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, round up or leave 5-10% for very good service. In cafés, leave small change. In taxis, round up the fare or add about €1-2.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Empuriabrava 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 Empuriabrava, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Madrid to Empuriabrava trains use the Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes to Figueres Vilafant station pair. Use this guide to compare Madrid and Empuriabrava train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes is 1 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Passion Food, La Barrila, Enrique Tomás, Pic Nic, Foodissimo!, PureGusto, Burger King
Free WiFi in the station and on all Renfe trains. ATMs are in various points at the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 10:00 - 20:00. Information desks are on the ground floor of the main concourse.
Luggage storage is open daily from 05:30 to 22:00. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes: Wheelchair parking, adapted elevators, adapted platforms, lobby shopping area.
Nearby hotels include 60 Balconies Urban Stay, Only YOU Hotel Atocha, SLEEP’N Atocha.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need