Madrid to Seville train with AVE

Madrid to Seville Train: My Scenic & Stress-Free Travel Experience

Introduction

When I was planning a last-minute trip from Madrid to Seville, I knew I wanted something quick, reliable, and stress-free—and booking my Madrid to Seville train via Omio delivered exactly that. I’ve used Omio for several of my train journeys around Europe, and it’s always so convenient! I literally booked my train in seconds from my phone while sipping coffee in Malasaña.

If you're considering this journey, here's exactly what to expect—plus a few of my personal tips to make the most of your ride.

Route Overview

The Madrid to Seville train route is one of Spain’s most popular and efficient high-speed connections. Operated by Renfe, the AVE trains cover the 530 km (approx. 330 miles) journey in just under 3 hours, making it, hands-down, the best way to get from Madrid to Seville. You’ll depart from the heart of Spain’s capital and arrive right in the middle of Andalusian charm, all without the hassle of airports or long security lines.

Transportation Experience

I recently traveled from Madrid to Seville as part of a solo content creation trip across Spain. I’ve taken this high-speed train across Spain multiple times in the past few years and always recommend it for its comfort, speed, and ease of booking. From navigating Madrid's Atocha station to arriving in the heart of Seville, I documented my journey firsthand to help other travelers feel confident about booking and riding the AVE.

During my week-long solo trip through Spain, I relied on a booking platform to compare and reserve all my train legs in advance, making it easy to coordinate my route from Madrid to Seville. You can check all transport options on Omio's Madrid to Seville page and even filter by seating class or providers.

Route Details

Departure and Arrival Stations

The train from Madrid to Seville is part of Spain’s AVE (Alta Velocidad Española) high-speed network, operated by Renfe. It connects Madrid’s Puerta de Atocha station to Seville’s Santa Justa station, with frequent daily departures. Since Madrid Puerta de Atocha is one of the busiest train stations in Spain, it’s worth arriving 30–45 minutes early, especially if it’s your first time. Look for signs labeled "Alta Velocidad", and expect security checks similar to an airport. The station is well connected by metro, taxis, and buses. You’ll arrive just 15–20 minutes from Seville’s historic center on foot or a short cab ride. The station itself is modern, with cafés, luggage services, and clear signage.

Schedule and Frequency

There are multiple daily departures—trains run roughly every hour, starting from around 6:30 AM until 9 PM. The Madrid to Seville train time ranges from 2 hours and 30 minutes to just over 3 hours, depending on the service.

Onboard Experience and Services

Spanish trains are genuinely a pleasure to ride. While First Class is available for those looking for a few extra perks, I’ve always found Standard Class to be plenty comfortable. On my most recent trip, the ride was spacious, quiet, and clean — with enough legroom to stretch out and a calm atmosphere perfect for getting some work done. There’s a café car where you can buy sandwiches, chips, soda, and coffee — though I personally prefer picking something up at the station before boarding. That said, it’s super convenient to have the onboard option, especially for longer routes like this one. If you can, try to grab a window seat — both sides offer rotating views of the Andalusian countryside, including golden rolling fields, stretches of olive groves, and scattered whitewashed villages. The scenery is especially striking during the late afternoon.

Ticketing Advice and Budget Breakdown

Booking prices vary — I paid around €45 for a one-way ticket, but prices fluctuate based on class, time of day, and how far in advance you book. For travelers who want a simplified way to compare routes and book tickets in advance, using an app like Omio that aggregates transport options can save time and hassle. I personally prefer booking digitally so I can avoid lines and access everything from my phone while on the go.

Top Tips and Personal Recommendations

• Book at least a few days ahead for the best deals.
• Travel midday or late afternoon for cheaper fares.
• Use discount cards if you're traveling with Renfe more than once.
• Wi-Fi is available but can be spotty. Download any entertainment or offline maps beforehand.
• Power outlets are available at some seats, but not all — bring a portable charger just in case.
• Restrooms are clean and usually located at the ends of each coach.

You can also compare with buses from Madrid to Seville on Omio if you’re on a tighter budget.

Conclusion

Taking the train from Madrid to Seville is a reliable, scenic, and comfortable option — ideal for travelers who want to skip airport hassles while soaking in the landscape. Whether you’re planning your first trip to Spain or looking to revisit Andalusia, this route delivers a smooth start to your southern adventure.

About the Author: Nancy Sevilla

• Job Title: Travel & Lifestyle Blogger

• Bio: Nancy Sevilla is a travel and lifestyle blogger with over 10 years of experience, founder of Fancy Nanc-ista, and host of global group trips. She shares travel guides, fashion tips, and real-world experiences from destinations around the world.