- Must visit
Musée d'arts de Nantes
Major fine arts museum with collections from Old Masters to contemporary works in a restored palace and modern extension.
Cheapest price
$261
Average price
$265
Fastest journey
14 h 56 m
Average duration
21 h
Trains per day
3
Distance
776 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Madrid to Nantes is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Nantes will cost around $265 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $261.
It's difficult to get from Madrid to Nantes without transferring at least 3 times.






Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Nantes among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $32. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 5m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.8 - 1.9kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $32, and a train costs an average of $261.
Distance: 482 miles (776 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$264 Average price | $68 Average price Cheapest | $235 Average price | $205 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
12h 23m Average total duration 11h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 31m Average total duration 12h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 5m Average total duration Fastest 4h 5m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 24m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
- CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 1.9kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.3 - 4.7kg 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Madrid to Nantes:
A bus is $167 (€136) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Nantes costing on average $235 (€190).
A bus is $196 (€159) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Madrid to Nantes costing on average $264 (€213).
Other travel options to Nantes take longer:
Train takes on average 11h 53m.
Bus takes on average 12h 1m.
Tickets start at around $264 (€213) compared to roughly $205 (€166) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-58.96 (€-47.73). The journey takes 11h 53m versus 10h 24m 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 Nantes trains for today, Thursday, June 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:46 PM Madrid | 22h49 | 1:35 PM Nantes | 3 transfers | |
![]() | 5:37 PM Madrid | 24h52 | 6:29 PM Nantes | 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 Nantes run on average 2 times per day, taking around 11h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $261 (€211) but you can travel from only $32 (€26) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:08, the last at 16:00. The fastest train covers the 482 miles (776 km) distance in 14h 56m.
Distance 482 miles (776 km) |
Average train duration 11h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price $261 (€211) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 14h 56m |
First train 5:08 AM |
Last train 4:00 PM |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Nantes — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Nantes trip today.
Major fine arts museum with collections from Old Masters to contemporary works in a restored palace and modern extension.
Museum dedicated to Nantes-born writer Jules Verne, with manuscripts, editions, models and exhibits on his imagination and voyages.
Natural history museum known for zoology, geology and regional science collections, popular with families and curious visitors.
Former industrial island turned creative district, known for contemporary architecture, riverside walks and Machines de l'Île nearby.
Historic quarter with medieval street patterns, lively squares and many half-timbered buildings; ideal for wandering on foot.
Large botanical garden by the station with themed plantings, greenhouses, ponds and whimsical installations.
A classic sauce from the Nantes area made with butter, shallots, and white wine or vinegar, traditionally served with local river or Atlantic fish.
Pike-perch, a freshwater fish from the Loire region, commonly served with beurre blanc; it is one of the most emblematic traditional dishes around Nantes.
The famous dry white wine produced near Nantes, especially valued with seafood, shellfish, and regional fish dishes.
Well-known fine dining restaurant on the Loire with refined contemporary cuisine and a strong local reputation for elegant tasting menus.
Popular crêperie serving Breton-style galettes and sweet crêpes in a casual setting, a good choice for western French comfort food.
Established traditional restaurant in central Nantes known for hearty French classics, regional specialties, and a warm bistro atmosphere.
Moderate by French standards: groceries and transit are reasonable, while hotels and central dining cost more.
Service is usually included. Rounding up or leaving EUR 1-2 in cafés is enough; 5-10% for excellent restaurant service is appreciated, not required.
Official public transport app
Gare de Nantes -> Place du Commerce, Nantes
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Nantes 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 Nantes, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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