- Must visit
Museo Nacional del Prado
Spain’s premier art museum, famous for Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. A core stop for classical European painting.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Rioja to Madrid
Showing times and prices for Jul 12
Cheapest price
$72
Average price
$106
Fastest journey
6 h 17 m
Average duration
6 h 33 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
401 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Rioja to Madrid is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Rioja to Madrid will cost around $106 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $72.
Fast trains
Of the 2 trains that leave Rioja for Madrid on Sun, Jul 12, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jul 12 the direct trains cover the 401 km distance in an average of 6 h 33 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 17 m .
On Sun, Jul 12 the slowest trains will take 6 h 49 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.
002794:06 PM6h49Huercal-Viator10:55 PMAtocha-Cercanías$721One-way0 transfers
020878:31 AM6h17Huercal-Viator2:48 PMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes$1411One-way0 transfers
- 020878:31 AM6h17Huercal-Viator2:48 PMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes$1411One-way0 transfers
- 002794:06 PM6h49Huercal-Viator10:55 PMAtocha-Cercanías$721One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and flight for Rioja to Madrid
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Rioja to Madrid among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $19. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 17m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $19, and a flight costs an average of $39.
Distance: 249 miles (401 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$41 Average price Cheapest | $209 Average price | $89 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 41m Average total duration 6h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 17m Average total duration Fastest 1h 17m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 55m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Rioja to Madrid is a train with an average price of $41 (€34).
This is compared to other travel options from Rioja to Madrid:
A train is $169 (€139) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Rioja to Madrid costing on average $209 (€172).
The fastest way to travel from Rioja to Madrid is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 17m.
Other travel options to Madrid take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 0m.
Train takes on average 6h 11m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Rioja and Madrid including taking a train and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Rioja to Madrid among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} 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 ALVIA.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Rioja to Madrid train times
The table below shows live departures for Rioja to Madrid trains for tomorrow, Sunday, July 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02087 | Delayed 8:31 AM Huercal-Viator | 6h17 | 12:48 PM 12:48 PMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 00279 | 4:06 PM Huercal-Viator | 6h49 | 10:55 PM Atocha-Cercanías | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Rioja to Madrid by train or flight
Compare train and flight 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.
Sun
Jul 12
Jul 12
Mon
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Tue
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Jul 18
Journey information
Overview: Train from Rioja to Madrid
SpainSpain
Trains from Rioja to Madrid run on average 3 times per day, taking around 6h 11m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $19 (€16) if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:58, the last at 16:40. The fastest train covers the 249 miles (401 km) distance in 6h 7m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 249 miles (401 km) |
Average train duration 6h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price $19 (€16) |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 6h 7m |
First train 7:58 AM |
Last train 4:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 1 day |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Train companies: Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe ALVIA from Rioja to Madrid trainsRenfe INTERCITY, Renfe ALVIA trains will get you between Rioja and Madrid from $19 (€16). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Renfe INTERCITY
About
Renfe Intercity is a high-speed train service operated by the Spanish national railway company, Renfe. It operates throughout Spain, connecting major cities and towns with frequent departures throughout the day. The Intercity service offers a variety of train types, including the Alvia and Talgo, all of which offer comfortable seating and modern amenities. Alvia and Talgo offer fast trains but not as fast the high-speed trains like AVE, offering more stops. Passengers can choose from a range of ticket types, including Economy, Business, and First Class. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power outlets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. The most popular routes for Renfe Intercity include Madrid to Barcelona, Madrid to Seville, and Barcelona to Valencia.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 20m
Cheapest Price
$19 (€16)
Renfe INTERCITY frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 2 pieces of checked luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at the ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions and fare type
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Renfe
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with drinks, snacks, and hot meals. At-seat service in First Class
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation with additional fee. Included in some premium tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/disembarking
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be leashed and muzzled, require paid ticket
Quiet zone
Renfe ALVIA
About
Renfe Alvia are high-speed trains with top speeds of up to 250km/h operated by Renfe, Spain’s national railway company. Alvia trains cover most cities in Spain, including Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Valencia, Alicante, Zaragoza and Cadiz. They are somewhat slower than Renfe AVE and AVLO (high-speed and low cost) but cover more destinations and are a comfortable and effective way of travelling around Spain. Onboard facilities include free WIFI, bike storage and luggage allowance. Alvia trains have two seat classes – Estándar and Confort. Top routes for Renfe Alvia include Barcelona to Pamplona, Madrid to Cádiz and Alicante to Gijón.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 7m
Cheapest Price
$45 (€37)
Renfe ALVIA frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 3 pieces of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, end of carriages, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Renfe
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with drinks, snacks, and hot meals. At-seat service in Preferente class
Seat reservation
Included in Preferente (First) class. Optional extra cost in Turista (Second) class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces available, accessible toilets, and staff assistance for boarding/alighting
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be muzzled and leashed, require paid ticket. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Madrid
Things to do in Madrid
Discover the best of Madrid — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Madrid trip today.
- Must visit
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
Madrid’s leading modern art museum, best known for Picasso’s Guernica and major 20th-century Spanish collections.
- Must visit
Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza
Major museum spanning Renaissance to modern art, complementing Prado and Reina Sofía with an accessible, broad collection.
- Must visit
Parque del Retiro
Madrid’s most famous park, ideal for strolling, boating, monuments, and relaxed city breaks between museums.
- Must visit
Gran Vía
Madrid’s best-known avenue for architecture, shopping, rooftops, theaters, and nonstop urban energy.
- Must visit
Puerta del Sol
Central square and symbolic heart of Madrid, home to key landmarks and a constant flow of local life.
- Gluten-free
Cocido Madrileño
Madrid’s signature chickpea stew, traditionally served in stages with broth, vegetables, chickpeas, and assorted meats. It is one of the city’s most emblematic comfort dishes.
Bocadillo de Calamares
A classic Madrid sandwich of fried squid rings in crusty bread, especially associated with bars around Plaza Mayor. It is one of the city’s most famous quick bites.
- Gluten-free
Callos a la Madrileña
A hearty traditional stew made with tripe, chorizo, and morcilla in a rich paprika sauce. It is a historic tavern dish strongly linked to Madrid cuisine.
Sobrino de Botín
Historic restaurant famous for roast suckling pig and Castilian specialties. Traditional wood-fired cooking and a classic old-Madrid atmosphere make it one of the city’s landmark dining rooms.
Casa Lucio
Legendary Madrid restaurant best known for huevos rotos. Elegant but relaxed, it is a long-established favorite for classic Spanish cooking.
La Bola
Traditional tavern celebrated for cocido madrileño cooked in individual clay pots. It offers a historic setting and one of the best-known versions of Madrid’s signature stew.
Euro
Moderate for Western Europe. Museums and tapas can be good value, but central hotels and fine dining cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 10-15 for a simple lunch or fast food.
- Mid-range
- EUR 20-35 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- EUR 70+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- EUR 1.80-3.50 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Locals often round up or leave EUR 1-2 at cafes, 5-10% at restaurants for great service, and round up taxi fares.
Tarjeta Transporte
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- EUR 1.50
- Day pass
- EUR 8.40
To the city center
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes, Madrid -> Sol, Madrid
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- You can pay by bank card on Metro ticket machines, but city buses do not always accept card onboard, so buy tickets in advance when possible.
- The Tourist Travel Pass covers Metro, EMT buses, and Cercanías services within the selected zones and validity period.
FAQs: Trains from Rioja to Madrid
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Rioja 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.
Train ticket prices from Rioja to Madrid can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $19 (€16), while the average price is around $41 (€34).
The train from Rioja to Madrid takes 6h 7m and runs 3 per day.
The first train from Rioja to Madrid leaves at 7:58 AM.
The distance by train from Rioja to Madrid is 249 miles (401 km).
The last train from Rioja to Madrid leaves at 4:40 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Rioja to Madrid.
Yes, there is a direct train from Rioja to Madrid. This service operates 3 times per day, provided by Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe ALVIA.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Rioja to Madrid.
The train station in Rioja that goes to Madrid is Huercal-Viator, which connects to Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes.
The cheapest way to get from Rioja to Madrid is by train, with a cost of around $19 (€16).
The train journey from Rioja to Madrid offers scenic views, particularly of the rolling vineyards of La Rioja, the landscapes of Castile and León, and the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains before reaching the urban setting of Madrid.
A day trip from Rioja to Madrid is not feasible as the journey takes 6h 7m, which exceeds the 120-minute threshold. Trains run 3 times per day for this route, covering a distance of 249 miles (401 km).
In Madrid, you can explore Puerta del Sol, a bustling public square known for its iconic clock and vibrant atmosphere, and savor gourmet foods at Mercado de San Miguel. Discover the vibrant nightlife in the Malasaña district, enjoy a traditional flamenco show, or visit the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to Real Madrid. For cultural sights, visit the Prado Museum, the Royal Palace of Madrid, and Retiro Park. Don't miss Plaza Mayor and the lively Gran Vía for shopping and theaters.
For a well-rounded experience in Madrid, plan to spend at least 3 to 4 days. This allows time to explore major attractions like the Prado Museum, Royal Palace, Retiro Park, and enjoy the local cuisine and vibrant neighborhoods.
Yes, you can take the train from Rioja to Madrid.
Since both Rioja and Madrid are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
Popular day trips by train from Madrid include Toledo, Segovia, Valladolid, Ávila, Cuenca.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Rioja to Madrid among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the Eurail Spain Pass and Interrail Spain Pass are valid on most trains within Spain, including RENFE regional, AVE high-speed, and other long-distance services. Some restrictions may apply for certain premium trains, so it is advisable to check specific train eligibility and reservation requirements in advance.
Spain uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers can use both cash and cards, but cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, while cash may be preferred for small purchases, markets, and rural locations.
In Madrid, the main safety concerns for travelers include pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like Puerta del Sol, Gran Vía, and on public transportation. Common scams involve distraction techniques, such as someone asking for signatures on petitions or offering friendship bracelets, to steal valuables. Travelers should also be cautious of unlicensed taxi drivers and always use official transport services. Staying vigilant in busy tourist spots and keeping belongings secure helps minimize risks.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Rioja to Madrid
Most Rioja to Madrid trains use the Huercal-Viator to Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes station pair. Use this guide to compare Rioja and Madrid train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Rioja
Arrival train stations in Madrid
Which Madrid station do trains from Rioja arrive at?
Trains from Rioja to Madrid most often arrive at Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes. Some services arrive at {secondaryArrivalStation}, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Madrid arrival station.
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena GrandesGlorieta Emperador Carlos V, 28045 Madrid, Spain+34 912432343
City-centre transport
Getting to Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes from Madrid city centre
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes is 1 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainC3, C4, C4a, C4b · 5m · $1 · every ~15 min
Bus26, 32 · 6m · $1 · every ~60 min
Subway1 · 6m · $2 · every ~24 min
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes train station facilities and services
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes 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, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Passion Food, La Barrila, Enrique Tomás, Pic Nic, Foodissimo!, PureGusto, Burger King
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free WiFi in the station and on all Renfe trains. ATMs are in various points at the station.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 10:00 - 20:00. Information desks are on the ground floor of the main concourse.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is open daily from 05:30 to 22:00. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes: Wheelchair parking, adapted elevators, adapted platforms, lobby shopping area.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include 60 Balconies Urban Stay, Only YOU Hotel Atocha, SLEEP’N Atocha.
More options for your journey from Rioja to Madrid
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Madrid and Rioja
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