- Must visit
Museo del Castillo de los Templarios
Museum inside the Templar Castle showcasing medieval life, arms, and archaeology, adding strong context to Ponferrada’s most famous monument.
Cheapest price
$66
Average price
$96
Fastest journey
4 h 12 m
Average duration
4 h 46 m
Trains per day
12
Distance
338 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Madrid to Ponferrada is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Ponferrada will cost around $96 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $66.
Of the 12 trains that leave Madrid for Ponferrada on Sun, Aug 23, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Aug 23 the direct trains cover the 338 km distance in an average of 4 h 46 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 12 m .
On Sun, Aug 23 the slowest trains will take 5 h 5 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
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04179Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Ponferrada among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $38. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 4h 28m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $38, and a train costs an average of $26.
Distance: 210 miles (338 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$89 Average price | $46 Average price Cheapest | $82 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 15m Average total duration 4h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 58m Average total duration Fastest 4h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 55m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Ponferrada:
A bus is $42 (€34) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Madrid to Ponferrada costing on average $89 (€71).
Other travel options to Ponferrada take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 45m.
Tickets start at around $89 (€71) compared to roughly $82 (€66) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-6.26 (€-5.03). The journey takes 4h 45m versus 3h 55m 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 Ponferrada trains for tomorrow, Sunday, August 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
04087 · 00622 | 6:55 AM Madrid Chamartín | 11h42 | 6:37 PM Ponferrada station | 1 transfer | |
04091 · 00622 | 9:15 AM Madrid Chamartín | 9h22 | 6:37 PM Ponferrada station | 1 transfer | |
04091+ 37722 | 9:15 AM Madrid Chamartín | 9h22 | 6:37 PM Ponferrada station | 1 transfer | |
04091+ 12601 | 9:15 AM Madrid Chamartín | 5h19 | 2:34 PM Ponferrada station | 1 transfer | |
04149+ 37179 | 1:53 PM Madrid Chamartín | 7h49 | 9:42 PM Ponferrada station | 1 transfer | |
04149+ 00622 | 1:53 PM Madrid Chamartín | 4h44 | 6:37 PM Ponferrada station | 1 transfer | |
04149+ 37722 | 1:53 PM Madrid Chamartín | 4h44 | 6:37 PM Ponferrada station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Ponferrada run on average 1 times per day, taking around 4h 45m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $26 (€21) if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:08, the last at 17:30. The fastest train covers the 210 miles (338 km) distance in 4h 12m.
Distance 210 miles (338 km) |
Average train duration 4h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $26 (€21) |
Trains per day 1 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 4h 12m |
First train 6:08 AM |
Last train 5:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Ponferrada — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ponferrada trip today.
Museum inside the Templar Castle showcasing medieval life, arms, and archaeology, adding strong context to Ponferrada’s most famous monument.
Contemporary museum devoted to Spain’s energy story, with interactive displays on coal, electricity, and transition, set in a restored power plant.
Important contemporary art museum with changing exhibitions and striking architecture, one of the region’s leading cultural venues.
Historic square beside the basilica and castle, one of Ponferrada’s most atmospheric spots for architecture and photos.
Historic quarter around the castle and basilica, best explored on foot for medieval lanes, stone buildings, and Camino character.
Main square of the old town, framed by historic buildings and arcades, ideal for orienting yourself before visiting nearby monuments.
Smoked pork sausage from El Bierzo, usually pan-fried or grilled. It is one of the comarca’s best-known cured meats and a staple in local taverns.
A hearty chickpea and meat stew linked to nearby Maragatería but widely eaten in Ponferrada. It is famous for its unusual serving order and rich flavor.
Roasted green peppers from El Bierzo with a sweet, delicate flavor. They are prized for local terroir and often served grilled or preserved.
Refined restaurant in Ponferrada known for contemporary Bierzo cuisine, tasting menus, and polished service in an elegant setting.
Well-known traditional restaurant specializing in Bierzo classics and seasonal products, with a warm dining room and strong local reputation.
Popular central venue for León and Bierzo cooking, offering local meats, botillo, and regional wines in a classic, comfortable atmosphere.
More affordable than Spain's big cities, with lower hotel rates, modest dining prices, and low local transport costs.
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; small change for cafés; taxi tips are optional, usually rounding up.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Ponferrada 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 Ponferrada, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Madrid to Ponferrada trains use the Madrid Chamartín to Ponferrada station pair. Use this guide to compare Madrid and Ponferrada train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Madrid Chamartín is 6 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid Chamartín has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Madrid Chamartín.
ATMs are available at Madrid Chamartín.
Ticket office support is available at Madrid Chamartín. Information desks are available at Madrid Chamartín.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Madrid Chamartín: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Madrid Chamartín: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid Chamartín.
Ponferrada has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant La Perla, Restaurante Mencía
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Ponferrada. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Ponferrada. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Ponferrada: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Ponferrada: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ponferrada: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include AC Hotel Ponferrada, Hotel Temple Ponferrada, Hotel Aroi Ponferrada.
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