- Must visit
Museo del Prado
World-class art museum with masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and Bosch; essential for Spanish and European painting.
Cheapest price
€31
Average price
€49
Fastest journey
4 h 9 m
Average duration
4 h 53 m
Trains per day
11
Distance
338 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Ponferrada to Madrid is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Ponferrada to Madrid will cost around €49 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €31.
Of the 11 trains that leave Ponferrada for Madrid on Wed, Aug 05, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct trains cover the 338 km distance in an average of 4 h 53 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 9 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest trains will take 5 h 43 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.
12600+
04190
12604+
04190
37621+
04190
12600+
05200
37621+
05200
04088
12600+
05200
12604+
04190
37621+
05170
12600+
04170Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Ponferrada to Madrid among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €30. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 2m. 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 €30, and a train costs an average of €19.
Distance: 210 miles (338 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€51 Average price | €38 Average price Cheapest | €64 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 32m Average total duration Fastest 5h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 44m Average total duration 5h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 59m 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 Ponferrada to Madrid:
A bus is €12 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Ponferrada to Madrid costing on average €51.
Other travel options to Madrid take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 14m.
Tickets start at around €51 compared to roughly €64 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €13. The journey takes 5h 2m versus 3h 59m 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.
Direct services run with Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe Viajeros.
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 Ponferrada to Madrid trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
04088 | On time 6:22 AM Ponferrada station | 4h09 | 10:31 AM Madrid Chamartín | 0 transfersDirect | |
37088+ 05170 | On time 6:22 AM Ponferrada station | 10h50 | 5:12 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
37088+ 04080 | Delayed 6:22 AM Ponferrada station | 6h30 | 10:52 AM 10:52 AMMadrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
37088+ 04110 | On time 6:22 AM Ponferrada station | 8h38 | 3:00 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
37621+ 05170 | On time 11:52 AM Ponferrada station | 5h20 | 5:12 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
37621+ 04190 | 11:52 AM Ponferrada station | 10h33 | 10:25 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
37621+ 05200 | 11:52 AM Ponferrada station | 8h08 | 8:00 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
12600+ 04190 | 3:29 PM Ponferrada station | 6h56 | 10:25 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
12600+ 04170 | 3:29 PM Ponferrada station | 5h43 | 9:12 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
12600+ 05200 | 3:29 PM Ponferrada station | 4h31 | 8:00 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
12604+ 04190 | 5:42 PM Ponferrada station | 4h43 | 10:25 PM Madrid Chamartín | 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 Ponferrada to Madrid run on average 1 times per day, taking around 5h 2m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €19 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 9m.
Distance 210 miles (338 km) |
Average train duration 5h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price €19 |
Trains per day 1 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 4h 9m |
First train 6:08 AM |
Last train 5:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 49 days |
Discover the best of Madrid — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Madrid trip today.
World-class art museum with masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and Bosch; essential for Spanish and European painting.
Leading modern art museum best known for Picasso’s Guernica, plus major works by Dalí and Miró.
Celebrated collection of European masters from Van Eyck to Hopper in a refined palace setting.
Madrid’s most famous park offers gardens, a boating lake, monuments, and relaxed walks in the city center.
Lively grand avenue known for architecture, shopping, theaters, and nonstop energy from day to night.
Elegant boulevard linking major museums and landmarks, ideal for a classic central Madrid walk.
A hearty chickpea stew with meats, vegetables, and broth, especially traditional in Madrid and often served in stages.
Crisp fried squid rings served in a baguette roll. This iconic Madrid street food is especially linked to bars around Plaza Mayor.
Tripe stew with chorizo and morcilla in a rich sauce. A classic old Madrid tavern dish with deep local roots.
Refined two-Michelin-star dining focused on seasonal Spanish produce, with elegant modern cooking in a polished fine-dining room.
Traditional Madrid restaurant known for cocido madrileño served in stages, with an old-school dining room and loyal local following.
Historic century-old tavern famed for roast suckling pig and Castilian dishes in a classic, wood-lined setting near Plaza Mayor.
Moderate for Western Europe: hotels vary, dining is reasonable, and public transport is good value for tourists.
Tipping is modest: round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up. In cafés, small change is enough.
Official public transport app
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes -> Puerta del Sol, Madrid
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ponferrada to Madrid 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 Madrid, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Ponferrada to Madrid trains use the Ponferrada to Madrid Chamartín station pair. Use this guide to compare Ponferrada and Madrid train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need