Madrid to Lisbon train with Renfe ALVIA

Sat, Oct 03
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Renfe ALVIA
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
Renfe ALVIA
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Madrid to Lisbon

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Oct 03

Cheapest price on Oct 03

$84

Average ticket price on Oct 03

$88

Fastest journey on Oct 03

14 h 9 m

Average journey duration on Oct 03

14 h 40 m

Trains on Oct 03

3

Distance

502 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Madrid to Lisbon is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Madrid to Lisbon will cost around $88 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $84.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Madrid to Lisbon without transferring at least 2 times.

  • Renfe ALVIA00190+Comboios De PortugalR 486 · R 4440
    9:31 AM15h31
    Atocha-Cercanías
    12:02 AMLisbon - Oriente
    $841One-way
    2 transfers
  • Renfe ALVIA00190+Comboios De PortugalR 486 · IC 528
    9:31 AM14h21
    Atocha-Cercanías
    10:52 PMLisbon - Oriente
    $901One-way
    2 transfers
  • Renfe ALVIA00190+Comboios De PortugalIC 544 · R 486
    9:31 AM14h09
    Atocha-Cercanías
    10:40 PMLisbon - Oriente
    $901One-way
    2 transfers

Journey information

Overview: Train from Madrid to Lisbon

SpainSpain
PortugalPortugal
Icon of train

Trains from Madrid to Lisbon run on average 3 times per day, taking around 8h 38m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $6 (€5) if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 00:15, the last at 20:45. The fastest train covers the 311 miles (502 km) distance in 8h 13m.

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
Distance
311 miles (502 km)
Average train duration
8h 38m
Cheapest ticket price
$6 (€5)
Trains per day
3
Fastest train
8h 13m
First train
12:15 AM
Last train
8:45 PM
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Sun
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

Itineraries from Madrid to Lisbon by train

Rome

Italy, Spain & Portugal in 2 Weeks: A Grand Tour of Southern European Capitals

Embark on a 14-day adventure across Italy, Spain, and Portugal, connecting vibrant cities by train. This itinerary takes you from Rome's ancient wonders to Florence's Renaissance art, Barcelona's Modernist marvels, Madrid's royal grandeur, and Lisbon's historic charm, with day trips to Pisa and Sintra.

  1. 1Rome
  2. 2Florence
  3. 3Barcelona
  4. 4Madrid
  5. 5Lisbon
Plan this train itinerary

Live departures

Madrid to Lisbon train times

The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Lisbon trains for today, Friday, October 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Renfe ALVIA00190+Comboios De PortugalR 482 · R 44288:51 AM Atocha-Cercanías
10h14
6:05 PM Lisbon - Oriente2 transfers
Renfe ALVIA00190+Comboios De PortugalR 482 · R 44308:51 AM Atocha-Cercanías
11h14
7:05 PM Lisbon - Oriente2 transfers
Renfe ALVIA00190+Comboios De PortugalR 482 · IC 7228:51 AM Atocha-Cercanías
10h01
5:52 PM Lisbon - Oriente2 transfers

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Madrid to Lisbon by trainA long train journey from Madrid to Lisbon with two connections

By Estefanía Ojea

Estefanía OjeaContent Editor and Travel Writer
Estefanía Ojea
Estefanía Ojea is a content editor and travel writer who has been working in digital writing since 2011 and focusing on travel content since 2020. Based in Galicia, Spain, she enjoys exploring cities slowly and seeking out unusual places such as historic cemeteries, curious churches, and the occasional slightly macabre landmark. She is particularly fond of train travel as a way to discover new destinations across Europe.

For a long time, it never even really occurred to me to take the train from Madrid to Lisbon. Unlike most other capital cities in Europe, Spain and Portugal still do not have a direct rail link between them. For reasons of curiosity rather than convenience, I decided to give the journey a go anyway. It involved making a couple of changes along the way, but I was curious to see what the journey was like.

Lisbon Tram 28

Lisbon Tram 28

Route overview

The journey from Madrid to Lisbon by train involves two changes of trains. The most common route starts by taking a train from Madrid to Badajoz, passing through the Spanish and Portuguese borders, and then entering Portuguese territory. After reaching Badajoz, the trains head to Entroncamento, where passengers change trains once again and then continue their journey to Lisbon. Although the route is feasible by train, the journey takes a long time, and the changes of trains are not always well coordinated, which makes the journey less efficient compared to taking a plane or a bus.

Transportation experience

I began my journey on a Renfe Alvia train from Madrid to Badajoz. The initial part of my journey was quite comfortable, traversing the expansive terrain of western Spain before arriving in Extremadura. Once I arrived in Badajoz, my journey continued to Portugal. Here, I boarded another train, which felt like a slower and more local train compared to the initial part of my journey. The subsequent stop was Entroncamento, where I had to switch trains and operators before proceeding to my destination, Lisbon. In fact, some people use this stop to visit Elvas, a town in Portugal near the Spanish-Portuguese border. This town has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its impressive fortress walls. However, I did not stop to visit this town.

Departure station

The journey begins at one of Madrid’s main railway stations depending on the specific service to Badajoz. As with many long-distance trains in Spain, access to the platforms involves passing through ticket control, so arriving with some extra time before departure is helpful.

Arrival station

The final station for trains traveling along this particular route is normally Lisboa Santa Apolónia, though at times it may also be Lisboa Oriente, depending on the train you take from Entroncamento. The two stations are well linked to the rest of Lisbon by metro, bus, and taxi, so you can get anywhere you want once you arrive.

Schedule & frequency

Rail connections between Spain and Portugal on this route are still relatively limited. Because the journey involves multiple transfers, it’s important to check the schedules in advance and allow enough time between trains.

Onboard experience & services

The Alvia train between Madrid and Badajoz provides comfortable seating and the usual amenities of a long-distance train, such as storage of luggage and comfortable seating arrangements. The Portuguese regional trains are quite simple but suffice for the remainder of the journey. It’s a long journey, and there are several changes to make, so it might be a good idea to bring something to read or work on.

Ticketing advice & budget breakdown

Ticket prices vary depending on how the different segments are booked. Here’s roughly what my journey looked like:

ItemCost (eur)
Ticket price€55
Food & drinks€6
Travel to departure station€2
Travel from arrival station€3
Total€ 66

Top tips & recommendations

  • The times for changing trains need to be checked when planning this itinerary.
  • More time should be allowed for changing trains at Badajoz or Entroncamento.
  • Food and snacks should be packed as the trip is a bit long.
  • Elvas is worth a visit if there is sufficient time available between trains.

Conclusion

Traveling from Madrid to Lisbon by train is possible, but it is certainly not the most efficient way to make the trip. The various connections and the long travel time make it not very comfortable if your goal is simply to get to Lisbon as quickly as possible. That being said, it can still be a worthwhile trip if you make it more of a slow train trip, almost akin to a road trip by train. Stopping in Badajoz and exploring the area before continuing onward to Portugal can make the trip a much more exciting travel experience.

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Madrid to Lisbon?

The best time to book your train from Madrid to Lisbon is 1 day before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Madrid to Lisbon route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Madrid to Lisbon per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Madrid to Lisbon.

Train companies: Renfe ALVIA from Madrid to Lisbon trainsRenfe ALVIA trains will get you between Madrid and Lisbon from $6 (€5). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Renfe ALVIA

About
Renfe Alvia are high-speed trains with top speeds of up to 250km/h operated by Renfe, Spain’s national railway company. Alvia trains cover most cities in Spain, including Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Valencia, Alicante, Zaragoza and Cadiz. They are somewhat slower than Renfe AVE and AVLO (high-speed and low cost) but cover more destinations and are a comfortable and effective way of travelling around Spain. Onboard facilities include free WIFI, bike storage and luggage allowance. Alvia trains have two seat classes – Estándar and Confort. Top routes for Renfe Alvia include Barcelona to Pamplona, Madrid to Cádiz and Alicante to Gijón.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Renfe ALVIA Duration
8h 13m
Cheapest Renfe ALVIA Price
$6 (€5)
Renfe ALVIA frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 3 pieces of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, end of carriages, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Renfe
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with drinks, snacks, and hot meals. At-seat service in Preferente class
Seat reservation
Included in Preferente (First) class. Optional extra cost in Turista (Second) class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces available, accessible toilets, and staff assistance for boarding/alighting
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be muzzled and leashed, require paid ticket. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

Complete guide to Lisbon

Things to do in Lisbon

Discover the best of Lisbon — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Lisbon trip today.

  • Must visit

National Museum of Ancient Art

Portugal’s premier art museum, spanning medieval to modern works. Highlights include Nuno Gonçalves and major European painting collections.

View on mapVisit website
  • Must visit

National Tile Museum

Compact museum famed for the world’s largest tile collection. It explains azulejo art and includes a beautiful church interior.

View on mapVisit website
  • Must visit

Calouste Gulbenkian Museum

Museum built around Gulbenkian’s exceptional private collection, from ancient artifacts to European masters, in a calm garden setting.

View on mapVisit website

Euro (€)

Moderate for Western Europe: lodging is cheaper than Paris, but central hotels rise in peak season. Meals and transit are generally good value for tourists.

Average meal costs

Budget
€8-12 for fast food or casual lunch.
Mid-range
€20-35 per person for a meal.
Fine dining
€60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee
€1.50-3 for coffee or cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; small change for cafes; taxi tips are optional, usually rounding up.

Discover Iberian landscapes on the Madrid to Lisbon Train

Depart Madrid in the evening and watch the city’s terracotta rooftops give way to rolling plains of olive groves and cork oak forests. As the train picks up speed, settle into your sleeper cabin, complete with comfortable bedding and private lighting, and relax to the steady rhythm of the rails. Keep an eye out for river crossings and low hills outlined against the night sky.

By morning, you’ll be crossing Alentejo, where vineyards and open fields stretch to the horizon. Mist often lingers in the valleys at first light, and the fresh air carries hints of wild herbs. The route passes through small towns and over historic stone bridges, perfect spots for a quick photo, but the real highlight is the uninterrupted view as you travel (and rest) your way into Lisbon.

When to Book Your Madrid to Lisbon Ticket

Renfe and CP release sleeper fares 60 days before departure, and availability is extremely limited on the two daily Trenhotel services. To secure a lower “Promo” or “Estrella” berth, aim to book 2–3 months in advance, especially for weekend or holiday travel. Monitor Omio’s price alerts for sudden drops, and compare Renfe’s official site with CP’s Portuguese Rail offers for any cross-border discounts.

How to Buy Cheap Madrid to Lisbon Train Tickets

  • Travel midweek or off-peak. Tuesdays and Wednesdays see the fewest bookings.
  • Split your journey. Book Madrid → Badajoz and Badajoz → Lisbon separately—regional operators sometimes run flash-sale tariffs.
  • Choose the lower-class berth. Promo (3-berth) compartments are cheaper than 2-berth.
  • Use rail passes. A Spain–Portugal Eurail Pass can cover both legs for a fixed price.
  • Set price alerts. Never miss a fare drop by using Omio’s free notifications on the Omio app

Top Train Routes

Connection Duration From €
Lisbon Oriente → Madrid Chamartín 10 h 15 m (avg) 33 €
Madrid Chamartín → Lisbon Oriente 10 h 15 m (avg) 33 €
Madrid Chamartín → Badajoz → Lisbon Oriente ~9 h 45 m 28 €

Standard sleeper tickets include one main suitcase (up to 25 kg) plus one small carry-on free of charge. Oversized items (e.g., surfboards, skis) may incur a handling fee - see our Travel Company Policies for details.

Flexible fares allow free changes up to 1 hour before departure. Promo/Estrella fares incur a change fee (typically €5-€15) and may be non-refundable. Always review the fare conditions when booking or see How to change or cancel a ticket.

FAQs: Trains from Madrid to Lisbon

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Lisbon 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 Lisbon, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Madrid to Lisbon can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $6 (€5), while the average price is around $11 (€9).
The train from Madrid to Lisbon takes 8h 13m and runs 3 per day.
The distance by train from Madrid to Lisbon is 311 miles (502 km).
The first train from Madrid to Lisbon leaves at 12:15 AM.
The last train from Madrid to Lisbon leaves at 8:45 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Madrid to Lisbon.
There is no direct train service currently available from Madrid to Lisbon.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Madrid to Lisbon.
The train station in Madrid that goes to Lisbon is Atocha-Cercanías, which connects to Lisbon - Oriente.
The Madrid to Lisbon train journey offers scenic views of the Spanish and Portuguese countryside, with rolling hills, quaint villages, and picturesque landscapes visible along the route.
Yes, you can take the train from Madrid to Lisbon.
Popular day trips by train from Lisbon include Fátima, Évora, Santarém, Tomar, Pombal.
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.
Portugal uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards for most transactions, especially in cities and larger establishments, while carrying some cash is advisable for small vendors, markets, or remote areas where card acceptance may be limited.
In Lisbon, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like trams, metro stations, and popular tourist spots such as Alfama and Baixa. Common scams include unofficial taxi drivers overcharging or taking longer routes and street vendors selling counterfeit goods. It's advisable to use authorized transportation and keep valuables secure to ensure a safe visit.
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 Lisbon

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Return journeys for trains from Lisbon to Madrid
Buses from Madrid to Lisbon
Flights from Madrid to Lisbon
Compare all journeys between Madrid and Lisbon
Tickets and more information for trains to Madrid
Tickets and more information for trains to Lisbon

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