- Recommended
Museo de Nerja
Local history museum covering Nerja’s archaeology, the Nerja Cave discoveries, and the town’s cultural heritage in a compact central venue.
Cheapest price
$66
Average price
$81
Fastest journey
5 h 25 m
Average duration
5 h 37 m
Trains per day
12
Distance
407 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Madrid to Nerja is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Nerja will cost around $81 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $66.
It's difficult to get from Madrid to Nerja without transferring at least once.
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NormalOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Nerja among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $11. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 5m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $11, and a flight costs an average of $48.
Distance: 252 miles (407 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$34 Average price Cheapest | $42 Average price | $192 Average price | $104 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 59m Average total duration 2h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 25m Average total duration 5h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 5m Average total duration Fastest 2h 5m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 46m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | 1.2 - 2.4kg 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 Nerja:
A train is $7 (€6) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Madrid to Nerja costing on average $42 (€34).
A train is $157 (€127) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Nerja costing on average $192 (€155).
Other travel options to Nerja take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 29m.
Bus takes on average 5h 55m.
The journey is about 2h 17m faster (2h 29m by train vs 4h 46m by car) and roughly $70 (€56) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($34 (€28) vs $104 (€84)). 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.
Direct services run with SNCF OUIGO, iryo.
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 Nerja trains for today, Wednesday, June 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
06078+ Normal | 7:40 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 5h45 | 1:25 PM Nerja, N-340 (Autobus linea Frigiliana-Nerja) | 1 transfer | |
06078+ Normal | 7:40 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 6h15 | 1:55 PM Nerja, N-340 (Autobus linea Frigiliana-Nerja) | 1 transfer | |
06078+ Normal | 7:40 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 5h45 | 1:25 PM Nerja, N-340 (Autobus linea Frigiliana-Nerja) | 1 transfer | |
06020+ Normal | 3:05 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 6h10 | 9:15 PM Nerja, N-340 (Autobus linea Frigiliana-Nerja) | 1 transfer | |
06020+ Normal | 3:05 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 6h25 | 9:30 PM Nerja, N-340 (Autobus linea Frigiliana-Nerja) | 1 transfer | |
06020+ Normal | 3:05 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 6h10 | 9:15 PM Nerja, N-340 (Autobus linea Frigiliana-Nerja) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, flight, and train 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 Nerja run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $11 (€9) if you book in advance.
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:15, the last at 21:20. The fastest train covers the 252 miles (407 km) distance in 2h 44m.
Distance 252 miles (407 km) |
Average train duration 2h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price $11 (€9) |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 7 |
Fastest train 2h 44m |
First train 6:15 AM |
Last train 9:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 4 days |
Discover the best of Nerja — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Nerja trip today.
Local history museum covering Nerja’s archaeology, the Nerja Cave discoveries, and the town’s cultural heritage in a compact central venue.
Interpretation and exhibition area linked to the famous caves, explaining geology, prehistory, and the site’s archaeological importance.
Small municipal exhibition space in the old market building that hosts temporary art and cultural shows, offering a local alternative to the town’s main museum.
Nerja’s best-known beach area with a broad promenade, water activities, and strong social media appeal thanks to its scenery and easy access.
Busy central seafront walk lined with viewpoints and access to nearby beaches, essential for first-time visitors and sunset views.
The old town’s whitewashed lanes, small plazas, and traditional Andalusian atmosphere make it one of the most rewarding areas for walking and photography.
Fresh sardines skewered on reeds and grilled over charcoal, a classic Costa del Sol beachside specialty strongly associated with Málaga province.
A chilled almond and garlic soup from Málaga, traditionally served cold and especially refreshing in warm weather.
A mixed platter of lightly fried local fish and seafood, one of the most traditional coastal dishes in the area.
Well-regarded modern restaurant near Burriana Beach, known for refined Mediterranean cooking and a more upscale atmosphere.
Established seafront restaurant known for seafood, rice dishes, and Mediterranean views in a polished but relaxed setting.
Classic local restaurant with a strong reputation for fresh fish, shellfish, and straightforward Andalusian cooking.
Prices are moderate for Spain. Meals and coffee are reasonable, but seafront dining and summer stays cost more.
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Small change for cafes is enough. Taxis are usually rounded up, and tips are not expected elsewhere.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Nerja 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 Nerja, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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