Seville to Madrid train with iryo

Traveling from Seville to Madrid by Train with Renfe AVE

Introduction

One of the best ways to explore Spain is by train, and the route from Seville to Madrid is one of my favorites. I recently took the Renfe AVE high-speed train and was amazed at how easy, comfortable, and scenic the journey was. The train is truly the most stress-free way to travel between southern Spain and the capital, taking about 2 hours and 30 minutes. This makes rail travel the fastest and most convenient option for travelers heading to Madrid.

Route Overview

The trip from Seville Santa Justa Station to Madrid Atocha Station takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, covering nearly 470 km of beautiful Spanish countryside. The train glides past olive fields, rolling hills, and charming Andalusian towns before arriving right in the heart of Madrid. The Renfe AVE service makes the journey seamless from start to finish. High-speed travel, comfort, and central city arrival make this far simpler than flying or riding the bus from Seville to Madrid.

Transportation Experience

Mid-morning departures from Seville Santa Justa have an easy, unhurried rhythm. I arrived about 30 minutes early, grabbed a quick coffee, and joined the short line of travelers waiting to board the train. Going through security takes just a moment (no ID or passport needed), and within minutes you’re seated and ready to go. I’d booked my ticket on Omio about one week in advance. I love that I can board with just my QR code, no need to print anything. Compared to flying from Seville to Madrid, this experience is far more relaxed and enjoyable, plus you get to see Spain’s beautiful landscapes from your window.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

Seville Santa Justa Station is one of Spain’s busiest rail hubs, serving as the starting point for most high-speed trains in Andalusia. Opened in 1991, it’s modern and easy to navigate. Inside, you’ll find shops, cafés, and restaurants, including a McDonald’s. I love getting a quick coffee here before boarding. If you need luggage storage, there are private lockers just a few minutes’ walk away across the street, though I usually travel light.

Madrid Atocha Station is one of Spain’s most famous transport hubs and is well known for its indoor tropical garden filled with palm trees and ponds. This central station also has plenty of cafés, shops, and food outlets like Burger King. Upon arrival, you can easily reach the Metro Line 1 entrance or take one of the taxis waiting outside for a quick ride into the city center.

Schedule & Frequency

Renfe AVE operates several trains daily between Seville and Madrid, starting as early as 6:45 AM and running until late evening. It’s my preferred way to travel within Spain, especially for the reliability and speed. I took a mid-morning train, which was the perfect time to enjoy daylight views of the countryside and still have the afternoon free to explore Madrid.

Onboard Experience & Services

The Renfe AVE train is known for its comfort and quiet atmosphere. The seats are wide with plenty of legroom, and each has a charging plug and a fold-out tray. With these amenities, it’s easy to get some work done during the ride. Free Wi-Fi is available and stayed stable for most of the journey. It was fast enough to stream YouTube shorts and Facebook videos on my phone, which was impressive.

Although there is no hot meal service, a café bar on board sells things like sandwiches, croissants, and hot coffee. I often bring my own snacks, but I did buy a coffee during this trip. For the best scenery, sit on the right-hand side by the window. The highlight is seeing the landscape shift from Andalusian olive groves to wide open plains as you head north.

I usually travel light with only a backpack, but there’s plenty of space for luggage if needed. Overhead racks fit smaller bags, and there are shelves for larger suitcases as well as designated storage areas near the doors. Restrooms are located at the end of each carriage and are kept clean throughout the trip.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

I booked my ticket on Omio about a week before departure and paid €58. Prices fluctuate depending on time and class, but booking early usually gets you a better fare. The mobile ticket arrives instantly in the Omio app, so you can board directly with a QR scan at the gate, meaning no printing.

Budget breakdown:

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

These are my top tips to make the most of your Seville to Madrid train journey.

• Book early: Fares rise closer to departure, so securing your seat at least a week ahead helps save money.
• Choose a window seat: Sit on the right-hand side for the best views, where you'll see the scenery shift from olive groves to Castilian plains.
• Buy snacks from Seville Station: It’s cheaper, more to choose from, and often tastier than what’s sold at the café bar.
• Use the Omio app: Perfect for comparing schedules, storing your e-ticket, and tracking platform changes or delays in real time.

Conclusion

Taking the train from Seville to Madrid is one of the easiest and most comfortable ways to travel through Spain. With high-speed connections, scenic views, and stress-free boarding, Renfe’s AVE service is ideal for anyone who loves exploring without the hassle. Ready to travel? Book your train tickets on Omio today.

About the Author: Nancy Sevilla

• Job Title: Travel & Lifestyle Creator
• Bio: Nancy is a travel content creator who shares honest guides, helpful tips, and personal experiences from her global adventures. Based between Spain and the U.S., she specializes in creating visually compelling content for her blog and social platforms.