Porto to Madrid train with AVE

Transportation experience

I could reserve my tickets for the entire journey on the Omio app. This is a useful app for booking transport all over the world, including Renfe AVE trains. Simply select your journey, make a secure payment, and receive tickets with a QR code on your app, which you can use at the ticket gates. While some travelers may prefer other routes for this journey, the train was my preferred mode of transportation. Porto to Madrid buses take around the same length of time but are less spacious and don’t offer an opportunity to see Vigo. Porto to Madrid flights are quick but are worse for the environment and don’t offer the same views as the train!

Schedule & frequency

There is only one Renfe AVE train a day leaving Porto that reaches Vigo in time to connect to Madrid the same day. This departs at 8:13 AM. Once in Vigo, you can wait for about two hours before boarding the 1:37 PM train, which arrives in Madrid at 5:37 PM. Alternatively, you can take the 5:25 PM train, arriving at 9:20 PM. I chose the earlier service, as I was keen to spend the evening in Madrid.

Onboard experience & services

The first train (which took about 2 hours) was a regional service with fewer amenities. The second leg from Vigo to Madrid was aboard a modern Renfe AVE high-speed train, taking around 4 hours. I chose Standard Class, as First Class tickets were quite expensive. Seats were arranged in a 2+2 layout, and it got busier as we neared Madrid, but initially, I had four seats with a table to myself. I had a nearby power outlet, and the Wi-Fi worked quite well throughout the journey. The route offered pleasant views of Galicia’s green hills and rivers, gradually giving way to Castile’s open plains as we approached Madrid. It was a nice contrast that made the journey feel shorter. I only had a small backpack, but luggage rules were generally flexible, and I saw passengers boarding with large bags. Toilets were kept clean for the entire trip. I didn’t buy any food on the train, but there was a restaurant cart available. For this trip, I just had a coffee I bought in Vigo along with leftovers from my meal the night before.

Ticketing advice & budget breakdown

As this is a long journey, I expected to pay more than on my other routes around Spain. I booked about two weeks in advance, when my travel plans were finalized. I also needed a short local train ride in Porto to reach Campanhã Station before starting my trip. Below is a summary of my total costs for the journey.

Top tips & recommendations

• Decide how long to spend in Vigo: There’s plenty to do here, but remember you’ll have your luggage and might find the journey tiring.
• Consider baggage storage in Vigo: If you’re exploring the city, baggage storage is available at Vigo Bus Station.
• Take supplies for the journey: It’s a long route, and the restaurant cart may not have everything you want. Bring snacks and water, as drinks can be expensive on board.
• Book your ticket in advance: As it’s a longer route, prices tend to rise closer to the travel date.
• Carry identification: Always keep your passport or ID card with you, as it may be required when crossing from Portugal into Spain.

Conclusion

While many travelers would choose to fly, taking the train from Porto to Madrid aboard Renfe’s modern AVE service is a scenic and sustainable alternative. Like all AVE journeys, it can easily be booked on Omio, and the route offers a chance to see Vigo. This is a truly underrated Spanish city that few tourists visit. Ready to book? Plan your journey and reserve your next train tickets on Omio today!