- Must visit
Musée d'art et d'histoire
A major fine arts museum with strong Swiss and European collections, from Old Masters to modern art, in a grand historic building.
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Geneva 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 48m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 1.0 - 2.6kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $47, and a train costs an average of $204.
Distance: 635 miles (1023 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$204 Average price | $160 Average price | $68 Average price Cheapest | $301 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 17m Average total duration 9h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 48m Average total duration Fastest 3h 48m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 15h 7m Average total duration 14h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 51m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
- CO2 emissions | 3.1 - 6.1kg CO2 emissions | 1.0 - 2.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Madrid to Geneva:
A bus is $92 (€74) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Geneva costing on average $160 (€129).
A bus is $136 (€109) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Madrid to Geneva costing on average $204 (€164).
Other travel options to Geneva take longer:
Train takes on average 9h 47m.
Bus takes on average 14h 37m.
The journey is about 4h 4m faster (9h 47m by train vs 13h 51m by car) and roughly $98 (€79) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($204 (€164) vs $301 (€243)). 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.
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Geneva trains for today, Tuesday, August 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:07 PM Madrid | 19h28 | 4:35 PM Geneva | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Madrid to Geneva run on average 1 times per day, taking around 9h 47m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $204 (€164) but you can travel from only $47 (€38) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:00, the last at 12:25. The fastest train covers the 635 miles (1023 km) distance in 19h 28m.
Distance 635 miles (1023 km) |
Average train duration 9h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price $204 (€164) |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 19h 28m |
First train 5:00 AM |
Last train 12:25 PM |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 70 days |
Discover the best of Geneva — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Geneva trip today.
A major fine arts museum with strong Swiss and European collections, from Old Masters to modern art, in a grand historic building.
An international museum explaining the Red Cross, humanitarian action, and human rights through strong multimedia exhibitions.
An inventive museum of clocks, watches, automata, and enamels that highlights Geneva’s world-famous watchmaking heritage.
Geneva’s historic heart has narrow lanes, small squares, and centuries of architecture, making it the city’s essential walking district.
A lakeside promenade with gardens, monuments, and classic views of the Jet d’Eau, perfect for an easy first walk in Geneva.
A scenic lakeside English-style garden known for flowers, waterfront paths, and the famous Flower Clock near the city center.
Melted cheese fondue shared from a communal pot, usually with bread. A classic Romandy winter dish strongly tied to Geneva dining culture.
Raclette is melted cheese scraped onto potatoes, pickles, and onions. It is a beloved Swiss alpine specialty widely enjoyed in Geneva.
A comforting potato and cheese gratin from western Switzerland. Geneva versions often feature local tomme or Gruyère-style cheeses.
Refined fine dining by Lake Geneva with polished service and French-influenced cuisine in an elegant luxury hotel setting.
Elegant gastronomic restaurant inside Hotel Beau-Rivage, known for classic French technique, seasonal menus, and formal lakeside dining.
Historic traditional brasserie known for Geneva classics, generous portions, and an old-town atmosphere popular with locals and visitors.
Geneva is pricier than most European cities. Hotels, dining, and daily transit are costly, though efficient public transport and supermarket meals can reduce visitor spending.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great service. Round taxi fares up slightly; in cafes, round up or leave small change.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Geneva 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 Geneva, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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