- Must visit
MUSAC - Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Castilla y León
Contemporary art museum known for its colorful stained-glass façade and strong temporary exhibitions. A major cultural draw in modern León.
Cheapest price
$46
Average price
$74
Fastest journey
2 h
Average duration
2 h 6 m
Trains per day
10
Distance
288 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Madrid to León is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to León will cost around $74 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $46.
Of the 10 trains that leave Madrid for León on Fri, Aug 28, 10 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Aug 28 the direct trains cover the 288 km distance in an average of 2 h 6 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h .
On Fri, Aug 28 the slowest trains will take 2 h 11 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.
04121
18003
18005
05071
04149
05183
05071
04161
04151
04149Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Madrid to León among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $16. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 58m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $16, and a train costs an average of $5.
Distance: 178 miles (288 km)
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
$48 Average price | $37 Average price Cheapest |
3h 28m Average total duration Fastest 2h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 1m Average total duration 4h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
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 León:
A bus is $11 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Madrid to León costing on average $48.
Other travel options to León take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 31m.
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to León trains for today, Thursday, August 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
04261 | Delayed 7:04 AM Madrid Chamartín | 2h21 | 7:25 AM 7:25 AMLeón station | 0 transfersDirect | |
04091 | Delayed 9:15 AM Madrid Chamartín | 2h21 | 9:36 AM 9:36 AMLeón station | 0 transfersDirect | |
05071 | 9:56 AM Madrid Chamartín | 2h05 | 12:01 PM León station | 0 transfersDirect | |
04121 | Delayed 11:23 AM Madrid Chamartín | 2h18 | 11:41 AM 11:41 AMLeón station | 0 transfersDirect | |
04149 | Delayed 1:53 PM Madrid Chamartín | 2h11 | 2:04 PM 2:04 PMLeón station | 0 transfersDirect | |
04151 | Delayed 2:59 PM Madrid Chamartín | 2h10 | 3:09 PM 3:09 PMLeón station | 0 transfersDirect | |
18003 | Delayed 4:26 PM Madrid Príncipe Pío | 4h57 | 7:23 PM 7:23 PMLeón station | 0 transfersDirect | |
04161 | Delayed 4:37 PM Madrid Chamartín | 2h06 | 4:43 PM 4:43 PMLeón station | 0 transfersDirect | |
18005 | Delayed 6:23 PM Madrid Príncipe Pío | 5h10 | 9:33 PM 9:33 PMLeón station | 0 transfersDirect | |
05183 | Delayed 6:30 PM 8:30 PMMadrid Chamartín | 2h00 | 8:30 PM 8:30 PMLeón station | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 León run on average 9 times per day, taking around 2h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $5 if you book in advance.
There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:16, the last at 21:13. The fastest train covers the 178 miles (288 km) distance in 2h 0m.
Distance 178 miles (288 km) |
Average train duration 2h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price $5 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 9 |
Fastest train 2h 0m |
First train 5:16 AM |
Last train 9:13 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 70 days |
Discover the best of León — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect León trip today.
Contemporary art museum known for its colorful stained-glass façade and strong temporary exhibitions. A major cultural draw in modern León.
Museum inside the Royal Collegiate of San Isidoro, celebrated for the Royal Pantheon, medieval treasures, manuscripts, and sacred art.
Museum in Gaudí’s Casa Botines explaining the building, the architect, and art from the Fundación España-Duero collection.
León’s best-known square, lined with arcades and lively terraces. It is the classic place to experience the old city’s atmosphere.
Historic quarter famous for narrow lanes, traditional architecture, and strong local character. Ideal for wandering between major monuments.
Elegant central square facing Casa Botines and palace-style buildings. A key orientation point between shopping streets and monuments.
Cured beef from León, lightly smoked and air-dried. It is one of the province’s signature products, prized for its deep flavor and protected regional status.
Robust chickpea stew from the Maragatería area, traditionally served in reverse order: meats first, then chickpeas and cabbage, then soup.
Traditional blood sausage from León, usually rice-free and richly seasoned. It is a classic tapa and a staple of local charcuterie culture.
Refined Michelin-starred restaurant known for modern Leonese cuisine, tasting menus, and an elegant contemporary setting.
Historic traditional restaurant famed for cecina, cured meats, and classic Leonese dishes in a warm old-town atmosphere.
Popular bodega-style venue in the Barrio Húmedo, known for tapas, local wines, and hearty regional food in a lively setting.
More affordable than Madrid or Barcelona. Lodging, tapas, and local transport are moderate, making León good value for city breaks in northern Spain.
Tipping is optional. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; taxis can be rounded up, and cafés usually just small change.
Official public transport app
León Station -> Plaza de Santo Domingo, León
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to León 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 León, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Madrid to León trains use the Madrid Chamartín to León station pair. Use this guide to compare Madrid and León train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Madrid Chamartín is 6 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid Chamartín has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Madrid Chamartín.
ATMs are available at Madrid Chamartín.
Ticket office support is available at Madrid Chamartín. Information desks are available at Madrid Chamartín.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Madrid Chamartín: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Madrid Chamartín: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid Chamartín.
Madrid Príncipe Pío is 1 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid Príncipe Pío 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, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Casa Mingo, Café de Oriente, Noodles King
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Madrid Príncipe Pío. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Madrid Príncipe Pío. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Madrid Príncipe Pío: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Madrid Príncipe Pío: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid Príncipe Pío: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Príncipe Pío, Acta Madfor Hotel, Hotel Exe Moncloa.
León is 1 km from León city centre. Check local transport options before travel.
León has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at León.
ATMs are available at León.
Ticket office support is available at León. Information desks are available at León.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at León: Parking, Taxis.
Available at León: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at León.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need