- Must visit
The British Museum
World-famous museum of human history, art, and archaeology, with highlights such as the Rosetta Stone and Parthenon sculptures.







Cheapest price
$189
Average price
$226
Fastest journey
32h 26m
Average duration
33h 24m
Buses per day
7
Distance
1251 km
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Madrid to London among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $77. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 17m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.4 - 1.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $77, and a train costs an average of $518.
Distance: 785 miles (1264 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$524 Average price | $201 Average price | $179 Average price Cheapest | $84 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
21h 10m Average total duration 20h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 17m Average total duration Fastest 4h 17m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 18h 49m Average total duration 18h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 17h 43m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 3.8 - 7.6kg CO2 emissions | 1.3 - 3.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 London:
A bus is $23 (€19) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to London costing on average $201 (€166).
A bus is $345 (€284) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Madrid to London costing on average $524 (€431).
Other travel options to London take longer:
Bus takes on average 18h 19m.
Train takes on average 20h 40m.
Tickets start at around $524 (€431) compared to roughly $84 (€69) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-440.73 (€-362.22). The journey takes 20h 40m versus 17h 43m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to London trains for today, Sunday, July 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:07 PM Madrid | 21h23 | 6:30 PM London | 3 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 London run on average 2 times per day, taking around 20h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $518 (€426) but you can travel from only $44 (€36) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 06:01, the last at 23:45. The fastest train covers the 785 miles (1264 km) distance in 19h 40m.
Distance 785 miles (1264 km) |
Average train duration 20h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $518 (€426) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 19h 40m |
First train 6:01 AM |
Last train 11:45 PM |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 91 days |
Discover the best of London — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect London trip today.
World-famous museum of human history, art, and archaeology, with highlights such as the Rosetta Stone and Parthenon sculptures.
Major art museum on Trafalgar Square with an outstanding collection of European paintings from the 13th to early 20th centuries.
Leading modern and contemporary art gallery in a former power station on the Thames, known for landmark exhibitions and river views.
Lively district known for street performers, elegant arcades, shopping, and easy access to theatres and central landmarks.
One of London's best walking areas, with river views, cultural venues, and a steady stream of iconic sights.
Charming neighborhood of colorful houses, independent shops, and photogenic streets that remain highly popular with visitors.
Battered white fish with thick-cut chips, traditionally served with mushy peas and tartar sauce. A classic British comfort food strongly associated with London pubs and chippies.
A traditional East London dish of minced meat pie served with mashed potatoes and parsley liquor. It is one of the city’s most distinctive working-class foods.
A hearty plate of eggs, sausages, bacon, beans, mushrooms, tomatoes, and toast. It is a staple morning meal across London and the wider UK.
A stylish, very popular restaurant inspired by Bombay cafe culture, known for its house black daal, bacon naan roll, and lively atmosphere.
An influential, established restaurant celebrated for nose-to-tail British cooking, simple ingredients, and iconic dishes such as roast bone marrow.
London’s oldest restaurant, famous for classic British dishes, game, pies, and traditional desserts in an elegant historic setting.
London is costly by UK standards. Hotels, transport, and dining add up quickly, though budget eats and free museums help control costs.
Service charge of 12.5% is often added in restaurants; if not, tip 10-12%. No tip needed for pubs at the bar. Round up taxi fares or add about 10% for good service.
Official public transport app
London Waterloo, London -> Charing Cross, London
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to London 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 London, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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