- Must visit
Pinacoteca di Brera
One of Italy’s top art museums, featuring masterpieces by Mantegna, Bellini, Raphael, Caravaggio, and Piero della Francesca.
Cheapest price
$187
Average price
$187
Fastest journey
1 d 1 h 40 m
Average duration
1 d 1 h 40 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
1188 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Madrid to Milan is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Milan will cost around $187 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $187.
It's difficult to get from Madrid to Milan without transferring at least 2 times.


Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Milan among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $52. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 37m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 1.2 - 3.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $52, and a train costs an average of $187.
Distance: 738 miles (1188 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$238 Average price | $220 Average price | $116 Average price Cheapest | $300 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
15h 54m Average total duration 15h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 37m Average total duration Fastest 4h 37m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 20h 34m Average total duration 20h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 16h 1m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
- CO2 emissions | 3.6 - 7.1kg CO2 emissions | 1.2 - 3.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Madrid to Milan:
A bus is $104 (€85) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Milan costing on average $220 (€180).
A bus is $122 (€99) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Madrid to Milan costing on average $238 (€194).
Other travel options to Milan take longer:
Train takes on average 15h 24m.
Bus takes on average 20h 4m.
The journey is about 37m faster (15h 24m by train vs 16h 1m by car) and roughly $62 (€51) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($238 (€194) vs $300 (€244)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Milan trains for today, Friday, August 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:07 PM Madrid | 25h00 | 10:07 PM Milan | 2 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 Milan run on average 2 times per day, taking around 15h 24m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $187 (€152) but you can travel from only $52 (€42) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 06:08, the last at 23:35. The fastest train covers the 738 miles (1188 km) distance in 25h 0m.
Distance 738 miles (1188 km) |
Average train duration 15h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price $187 (€152) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 25h 0m |
First train 6:08 AM |
Last train 11:35 PM |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 70 days |
Discover the best of Milan — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Milan trip today.
One of Italy’s top art museums, featuring masterpieces by Mantegna, Bellini, Raphael, Caravaggio, and Piero della Francesca.
This contemporary art museum near Porta Romana presents rotating exhibitions in a striking former industrial distillery complex.
Italy’s leading science museum is set in a former monastery and features Leonardo galleries, trains, aircraft, and a submarine.
Milan’s central square frames the cathedral and major civic buildings, making it the city’s essential meeting point and photo stop.
This artistic district offers charming lanes, Brera atmosphere, boutiques, and easy access to galleries and evening strolls.
A large landscaped park behind the castle, perfect for walks, skyline views, and reaching landmarks like the Arch of Peace.
Saffron risotto cooked with butter, stock and cheese. It is Milan's signature dish, linked to the city's love of rich northern Italian rice cookery.
Breaded veal cutlet fried in butter until golden. A classic Milanese main, prized for its simple preparation and long-standing local tradition.
Slow-braised veal shanks with vegetables, wine and broth, often finished with gremolata. A hearty Lombard specialty commonly paired with risotto.
Three-Michelin-star fine dining by Enrico Bartolini in MUDEC. Expect refined Italian tasting menus in a polished contemporary setting.
Historic Milanese restaurant near the Duomo, famous for risotto and cotoletta. Traditional, elegant rooms and a strong local culinary identity.
Long-running local favorite for classic Milanese cuisine, especially risotto and ossobuco. Warm, old-school atmosphere in the Brera area.
Moderate for Western Europe. Hotels and central dining can be pricey, but transit is affordable and budget meals, aperitivo deals, and local cafes help keep daily costs reasonable.
Tipping is modest. Service may be included. Round up or leave €1-2 at cafes, 5-10% for good restaurant service, and round up taxi fares.
Official public transport app
Milan Centrale -> Piazza del Duomo
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Milan 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 Milan, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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