Madrid to Granada train with AVE

The Spanish ‘Duck’ AVE Train: Madrid to Granada

Introduction

You may have considered visiting Alicante, Málaga, or Seville during your trip to southern Spain, but my top recommendation is Granada! This charming old town has a lot to offer, especially the STUNNING Alhambra palace and fort, and it’s very easy to access by train from Madrid! I bought the cheapest ticket on a Spanish high-speed train to check it out.

Route Overview

The Madrid to Granada route runs predominantly on high-speed tracks and reaches an impressive maximum speed of 300 km/h (186 mph). The trains used on this route are the AVE S-112, nicknamed ‘El Pato’ or ‘Duck’ in English, thanks to their elongated noses. They run to Granada through rural central and southern Spain, across many viaducts and through many tunnels. It’s a superb journey, one to definitely grab a window seat for!

I traveled on a service in the middle of the day, the 13:35 departure from Madrid Atocha, which covers the 360-kilometer (223-mile) distance in just 3 hours and 17 minutes. Impressive!

Transportation Experience

Every Spanish medium and long-distance train requires a reservation to travel on it, and they can sell out, especially on routes like Madrid-Granada, which see a lesser service compared to other routes. Additionally, prices are dynamic and increase with demand. Last-minute trains will be more (way more) expensive. Tickets are available on Omio from three months before departure on this route. So grab a bargain early, like I did!

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

Trains to Granada leave from Puerta de Atocha, which is located quite centrally within Madrid. It is very easy to reach using the Madrid metro or Cercanías local trains. Like at all Spanish high-speed train stations, you must go through an airport-style security check prior to accessing the platform. Don’t worry, as you won’t have to remove your electronics from your bag, and there is no limit on liquids. Arrive with enough time to complete the security check and visit the station's famous botanical garden. I’d recommend around 45 to 60 minutes before departure time.

Trains arrive at Granada’s single long-distance station, simply named Granada, which is also very conveniently located within the city. It is directly connected to the Metro light rail system at the Estación Ferrocarril stop.

Schedule & Frequency

There are three AVE trains between Madrid and Granada: morning, midday, and evening. On top of this, there is also a direct Alvia service with a comparable journey time. The service may differ slightly, but it is still a very comfortable long-distance option.

Onboard Experience & Services

Like many trains by the Spanish company Talgo, the S-112 has a low-floor design, allowing for step-free boarding. Onboard comfort is very good for a Second Class offering, branded as ‘Estándar’ on Renfe services. The seats recline and are laid out in a 2+2 configuration, and I found the space on board to be plentiful. There are large tray tables, ideal for working, and most seats are airline-style, with only a few seats facing to form bays of four with tables. There are overhead screens showing information about the journey and free Wi-Fi that remained decent throughout, although I preferred the view out of the window to that of my phone!

Luggage, while not strictly limited in quantity, does need some common sense. That means you need to be able to carry and safely store it yourself. Both large luggage stacks and overhead racks are available on these trains.

Of course, I bought the cheapest ticket, so I didn’t expect any complimentary service. However, all AVE services feature a buffet counter that sells hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, and small snacks. Toilets are located in all the vestibules.

First Class (Confort) seats are also available for an additional cost, with the Elige fare just being a seat upgrade to a 2+1 configuration or the Premium fare, which includes pre-boarding lounge access and a complimentary onboard meal, including alcoholic drinks.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

Prices are dynamic and vary based on demand, so be sure to reserve in advance. I paid just €26, with exactly one month’s notice. I think this is a spectacular value for money for a comfortable 360km high-speed train trip lasting over three hours with amazing views!

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

• Check out the botanical gardens in Madrid Puerta de Atocha before going through the security checks.
• Book well in advance and avoid peak or holiday times to get the cheapest fares.
• If you want a bit more space (a solo seat, for instance), you can buy the reasonably priced ‘Elige’ fare, which includes the ‘Confort’ First Class seat, but no food or drinks service.

Conclusion

I think €26 is incredible value for money, especially considering the length of this high-speed train journey, and this isn’t even the cheapest price. It does surprise me that some people would opt to fly when you can easily travel from one city center to the other in under 3 hours and 30 minutes for such an absolutely ridiculous price. The AVE is undeniably a great service in all classes of travel, and this includes their cheapest seats!

About the Author: Nonstop Eurotrip

• Job Title: Travel Content Creator
• Bio: Nonstop Eurotrip creates YouTube trip reports and reviews on trains, planes, buses and ferries within Europe—and all around the world—and also shares blog posts and travel deals on their website.