- Must visit
Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille
Lille's flagship fine arts museum with major European paintings, sculptures, antiquities, and relief maps in a grand palace setting.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Madrid to Lille
Showing times and prices for Aug 24
Cheapest price
€341
Average price
€346
Fastest journey
19 h 17 m
Average duration
20 h 10 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
1251 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Madrid to Lille is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Lille will cost around €346 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €341.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Madrid to Lille without transferring at least 3 times.
12:50 PM19h17Madrid8:07 AMLille€3411One-way3 transfers
9:07 PM21h02Madrid6:09 PMLille€3511One-way3 transfers
- 12:50 PM19h17Madrid8:07 AMLille€3411One-way3 transfers
- 9:07 PM21h02Madrid6:09 PMLille€3511One-way3 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Madrid to Lille
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Lille among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from €33. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 23m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 1.3 - 3.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of €33, and a train costs an average of €341.
Distance: 777 miles (1251 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€346 Average price | €70 Average price | €59 Average price Cheapest | €246 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 37m Average total duration 11h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 19h 34m Average total duration 19h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 23m Average total duration Fastest 2h 23m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 15h 10m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
- CO2 emissions | 1.3 - 3.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 3.8 - 7.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline | 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Madrid to Lille is a flight with an average price of €59.
This is compared to other travel options from Madrid to Lille:
A flight is €10 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Madrid to Lille costing on average €70.
A flight is €287 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Madrid to Lille costing on average €346.
The fastest way to travel from Madrid to Lille is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 23m.
Other travel options to Lille take longer:
Train takes on average 11h 7m.
Bus takes on average 19h 4m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Madrid and Lille including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Madrid to Lille among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 4h 3m sooner (11h 7m by train vs 15h 10m by car). Tickets start at around €346 compared to roughly €246 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Madrid to Lille train times
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Lille trains for today, Sunday, August 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:50 PM Madrid | 19h17 | 8:07 AM Lille | 3 transfers | |
| 9:07 PM Madrid | 21h02 | 6:09 PM Lille | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Madrid to Lille by train, bus, or flight
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Why should you book Madrid to Lille trains with Omio?
AVE as well as SNCF | TGV INOUI or Renfe Viajeros offer trains services from Madrid to Lille.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Madrid to Lille.
Why book with Omio vs AVE?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for AVE, but also compare tickets for the likes of SNCF | TGV INOUI or Renfe Viajeros to find the best option for your trip from Madrid to Lille.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare AVE with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Madrid to Lille.
Why book with Omio over Rome2rio, Raileurope or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Madrid to Lille.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Madrid to Lille
Spain
France
Trains from Madrid to Lille run on average 2 times per day, taking around 11h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €341 but you can travel from only €33 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 05:18, the last at 18:55. The fastest train covers the 777 miles (1251 km) distance in 19h 17m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from €33
Distance 777 miles (1251 km) |
Average train duration 11h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price €341 |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 19h 17m |
First train 5:18 AM |
Last train 6:55 PM |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 35 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from €33
Train companies: AVE, SNCF | TGV INOUI, Renfe Viajeros from Madrid to Lille trainsAVE, SNCF | TGV INOUI, Renfe Viajeros trains will get you between Madrid and Lille from €33. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
AVE
About
Travel comfortably with AVE, Renfe’s high-speed trains. AVE connects major cities across Spain at speeds of up to 310 km/h (193 mph), offering a fast and smooth travel experience. Ticket options include Promo, Promo+, and Flexible fares to suit different budgets, along with discount cards such as the Gold Card and +Renfe Youth 50 Card for eligible travelers. AVE trains feature modern amenities including comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard catering, making them a convenient and enjoyable way to travel across Spain.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
21h 2m
Cheapest Price
€351
AVE frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 3 pieces of luggage free of charge
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, end of carriages, and designated areas between seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund conditions depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages. At-seat service in Preferente (First) Class
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for all classes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance services available
Pets
Small pets under 10kg in carriers allowed free. Larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle. Guide dogs free.
Quiet zone
SNCF | TGV INOUI
About
SNCF's TGV INOUI is a premium high-speed train service operating across France and to other European cities. Launched in 2017, it aims to provide an enhanced travel experience with greater comfort, connectivity, and services compared to traditional TGV services. TGV INOUI trains offer features like adjustable seats, electrical outlets, fold-down tables, and dedicated luggage spaces. Passengers can enjoy onboard Wi-Fi and access to the TGV INOUI portal for entertainment and journey information. The service also includes a "Bistro TGV INOUI" for dining, with options for online ordering. SNCF is also introducing a new generation of TGV INOUI trains from 2026, which will be more modular, energy-efficient, and 97% recyclable.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
13h 31m
Cheapest Price
€102
Luggage included
1 hand luggage + 2 pieces of luggage free of charge
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, end of carriages, between seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund conditions depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car (not all trains), at-seat service in 1st class, snack bar/cafe
Seat reservation
Second class: Optional, additional fee. First class: Included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, boarding assistance available
Pets
Small pets in carriers: Free. Large dogs: Paid ticket required. Guide dogs: Free
Quiet zone
Renfe Viajeros
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
19h 17m
Cheapest Price
€341
Renfe Viajeros frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Lille
Things to do in Lille
Discover the best of Lille — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Lille trip today.
- Must visit
LaM - Lille Métropole Musée d'art moderne, d'art contemporain et d'art brut
Contemporary art museum near Lille known for major modern collections, sculpture park, and strong temporary exhibitions.
- Must visit
La Piscine - Musée d'Art et d'Industrie André Diligent
Art and industry museum in nearby Roubaix, housed in a former swimming pool and famous for its atmospheric displays and design collections.
- Must visit
Vieux-Lille
Lille's old town charms with cobbled lanes, Flemish façades, boutiques, and a lively atmosphere ideal for wandering and photography.
- Must visit
Parc de la Citadelle
Long green park beside the citadel, popular for jogging, picnics, boating, and easy walks close to the center.
- Recommended
Place du Théâtre
Large central square linking transport, shopping, and historic sights; a practical hub and one of the city's busiest meeting points.
Carbonnade Flamande
A rich Flemish beef and onion stew simmered with dark beer and bread. It is a signature dish of Lille and northern France, reflecting the region's brewing heritage.
- Vegetarian
Tarte Au Maroilles
A crisp tart made with Maroilles cheese, a strong local cow's milk cheese from the region. It is one of the most emblematic savory specialties around Lille.
Moules-Frites
Mussels served with fries, popular in Lille brasseries and during the Braderie. The dish reflects the city's Belgian influence and long-standing regional food culture.
Le Cerisier
Michelin-starred dining in Old Lille with polished modern French cuisine and seasonal tasting menus. Refined service in an intimate fine-dining room.
Estaminet 'T Rijsel
Popular estaminet serving regional northern dishes and local beers in a warm, rustic interior. A strong choice for traditional Lille comfort food.
Meert
Renowned pastry salon and tea room famous for Lille stuffed waffles and elegant sweets. A classic stop for local pastry heritage in a refined setting.
Euro (€)
Moderate for France. Hotels and dining are often cheaper than Paris, while transit is affordable and many sights are low-cost.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €2.50-4 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service, round up taxis, and leave small change in cafes.
Ilévia
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €2.00
- Day pass
- €5.20
To the city center
Lille Flandres -> Grand Place, Lille
- Distance
- 700 m
- Travel time
- 9 min
- Contactless bank card payment is available on Ilévia buses and trams via onboard validators. Buy metro tickets from station machines or use the Ilévia app.
- Validate your ticket at the start of each journey and keep it until the end of your trip. Ticket inspections are common across the network.
FAQs: Trains from Madrid to Lille
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Lille 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 Lille, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Madrid to Lille can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €341, while the average price is around €346.
The train from Madrid to Lille takes 19h 17m and runs 2 per day.
The distance by train from Madrid to Lille is 777 miles (1251 km).
The first train from Madrid to Lille leaves at 5:18 AM.
The last train from Madrid to Lille leaves at 6:55 PM.
Yes, there is a high-speed train from Madrid to Lille.
There is no direct train service currently available from Madrid to Lille.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Madrid to Lille.
The cheapest way to get from Madrid to Lille is by flight, with a cost of around €33.
The train journey from Madrid to Lille offers diverse scenery, including the picturesque Spanish countryside, the Pyrenees mountains, and charming French landscapes.
A day trip from Madrid to Lille is not feasible as the journey takes 19h 17m. The distance is 777 miles (1251 km) and the frequency of trains is 1 per day.
In Lille, visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions and sights. Families might enjoy Lille Zoo and Parc Jean-Baptiste Lebas for leisure and relaxation. Explore the lively Marché de Wazemmes for local produce, or delve into history at the Musée d'Histoire Naturelle de Lille. Art lovers can visit the Palais des Beaux-Arts and La Piscine Museum in Roubaix. Discover the charm of Vieux Lille with its Flemish architecture, and take in the views at La Citadelle. The Lille Cathedral and Grand Place are also must-sees for their architectural significance and vibrant atmosphere.
Two to three days is ideal to explore Lille, allowing time to visit its historic sites, enjoy local cuisine, and experience its vibrant culture.
Yes, you can take the train from Madrid to Lille.
Since both Madrid and Lille are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
Popular day trips by train from Lille include Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, Dunkirk, Antwerp.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Madrid to Lille among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
France uses the euro (EUR) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards for most transactions, especially in cities and larger establishments, but carrying some cash is advisable for small vendors, markets, and rural areas where card acceptance may be limited.
In Lille, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets, train stations, and popular tourist spots. Beware of distraction scams where scammers create a commotion to divert attention while an accomplice steals belongings. It's also advisable to stay alert when using public transportation and avoid poorly lit or isolated areas at night. Always use official taxi services to prevent overcharging.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
More options for your journey from Madrid to Lille
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Lille and Madrid
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