- Must visit
Museo Nacional del Prado
Madrid’s premier art museum, famed for masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, Rubens, and Bosch. A cornerstone of the city’s Golden Triangle of Art.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Sintra to Madrid
Showing times and prices for Jun 09
Cheapest price
$124
Average price
$124
Fastest journey
10 h 29 m
Average duration
10 h 29 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
518 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Sintra to Madrid is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Sintra to Madrid will cost around $124 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $124.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Sintra to Madrid without transferring at least 3 times.
11:36 AM10h29Sintra10:05 PMMadrid$1241One-way3 transfers
- 11:36 AM10h29Sintra10:05 PMMadrid$1241One-way3 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Sintra to Madrid
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Sintra to Madrid among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $12. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 47m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $12, and a train costs an average of $124.
Distance: 321 miles (518 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$124 Average price | $50 Average price Cheapest | $103 Average price | $153 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 34m Average total duration 3h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 44m Average total duration 9h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 47m Average total duration Fastest 1h 47m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Sintra to Madrid is a bus with an average price of $50 (€41).
This is compared to other travel options from Sintra to Madrid:
A bus is $53 (€43) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Sintra to Madrid costing on average $103 (€84).
A bus is $74 (€60) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Sintra to Madrid costing on average $124 (€101).
The fastest way to travel from Sintra to Madrid is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 47m.
Other travel options to Madrid take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 4m.
Bus takes on average 9h 14m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Sintra and Madrid including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Sintra to Madrid among Omio's users.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.
The journey is about 3h 1m faster (3h 4m by train vs 6h 5m by car) and roughly $29 (€24) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($124 (€101) vs $153 (€125)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Sintra to Madrid train times
The table below shows live departures for Sintra to Madrid trains for today, Monday, June 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11:36 AM Sintra | 10h29 | 10:05 PM Madrid | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Sintra to Madrid by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, 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.
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Jun 09
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Why should you book Sintra to Madrid trains with Omio?
Renfe ALVIA as well as Comboios De Portugal offer trains services from Sintra to Madrid.
Omio is the only official third party seller for Renfe ALVIA tickets.
Why book with Omio vs Renfe ALVIA?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Renfe ALVIA, but also compare tickets for the likes of Comboios De Portugal to find the best option for your trip from Sintra to Madrid.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Renfe ALVIA with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Sintra to Madrid.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Sintra to Madrid
Portugal
Spain
Trains from Sintra to Madrid run on average 1 times per day, taking around 3h 4m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $124 (€101) but you can travel from only $12 (€10) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 11:36, the last at 11:36. The fastest train covers the 321 miles (518 km) distance in 10h 29m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $12 (€10)
Distance 321 miles (518 km) |
Average train duration 3h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price $124 (€101) |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 10h 29m |
First train 11:36 AM |
Last train 11:36 AM |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 days |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $12 (€10)
Train companies: Renfe ALVIA, Comboios De Portugal from Sintra to Madrid trainsRenfe ALVIA, Comboios De Portugal trains will get you between Sintra and Madrid from $12 (€10). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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
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
Comboios De Portugal
About
Comboios de Portugal (CP) is the national railway company of Portugal, operating medium- and long-distance services across the country as well as international connections to Spain and France. CP’s train types include Alfa Pendular (AP), high-speed trains reaching up to 220 km/h between Porto, Lisbon, and Faro; Intercidades, long-distance trains running at up to 200 km/h; Inter-Regional (IR) for medium-distance travel; and Regional services for local routes. International (IN) trains connect Portugal with key destinations abroad. Fare options include Promo tickets — available 5 to 60 days in advance and non-refundable — and Normal tickets, which are refundable for a fee. Both fare types are offered in 1st and 2nd class. Onboard amenities may include air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and power outlets. Popular routes include Lisbon–Porto, Lisbon–Faro, and Porto–Faro, offering scenic views of Portugal’s countryside and coastline.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
10h 29m
Cheapest Price
$124 (€101)
Comboios De Portugal frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of hand luggage per passenger
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at the end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Bar-cafeteria service with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require ticket and muzzle
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
Spain’s national museum of 20th-century and contemporary art, best known for Picasso’s Guernica and strong collections by Dalí and Miró.
- Must visit
Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza
A major art museum spanning Old Masters to modern works, complementing the Prado and Reina Sofía with an exceptionally broad private collection.
- Must visit
Plaza Mayor
Madrid’s grand historic square, lined with arcades and elegant façades, and a classic starting point for exploring the old center.
- Must visit
Puerta del Sol
The symbolic heart of Madrid, known for Kilometer Zero, the clock tower, and constant energy day and night.
- Must visit
Parque de El Retiro
Madrid’s most famous park, ideal for walks, boating, monuments, gardens, and popular photo spots such as the Crystal Palace area.
- Gluten-free
Cocido Madrileño
Madrid’s signature chickpea stew, served in courses with broth, vegetables, and assorted meats. It is one of the city’s most traditional 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 simple, iconic, and widely loved.
- Gluten-free
Callos A La Madrileña
A rich stew of tripe, chorizo, and morcilla cooked with paprika. It is a historic Madrid tavern dish with bold, hearty flavors.
Sobrino De Botín
Historic restaurant founded in the eighteenth century, famous for roast meats and classic Castilian cooking in an atmospheric old setting.
Casa Lucio
Legendary traditional restaurant best known for huevos rotos, with a polished yet classic tavern feel and strong local reputation.
Chocolatería San Ginés
Iconic spot for churros con chocolate, open long hours and known for a lively, historic atmosphere near the city center.
Euro
Moderate for Western Europe. Museums and transport are reasonable, while central hotels and fine dining cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 10-15 for tapas, menu del día, 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 espresso or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Round up or leave EUR 1-2 in cafés; 5-10% in restaurants for very good service. Taxis are often rounded up, but tipping is not obligatory.
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 -> Sol, Madrid
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- On EMT buses, contactless card payment is generally available on board, but Metro and Cercanías tickets are usually bought before travel.
- If you plan several trips in one day, the Tourist Travel Pass can be better value than single tickets, especially for airport and metro use.
FAQs: Trains from Sintra to Madrid
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sintra 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 Sintra to Madrid can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $124 (€101), while the average price is around $124 (€101).
The train from Sintra to Madrid runs once a day and takes approximately 10h 29m.
The distance by train from Sintra to Madrid is 321 miles (518 km).
The first train from Sintra to Madrid leaves at 11:36 AM.
The last train from Sintra to Madrid leaves at 11:36 AM.
There is no high speed train available from Sintra to Madrid.
There is no direct train service currently available from Sintra to Madrid.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Sintra to Madrid.
The cheapest way to get from Sintra to Madrid is by bus, with a cost of around $12 (€10).
The train journey from Sintra to Madrid offers scenic views, especially as it travels through Portugal's picturesque landscapes and the rolling hills of central Spain. However, much of the route may consist of standard rail tracks that do not pass through particularly notable landmarks or sights.
A day trip from Sintra to Madrid is not feasible due to the journey duration of 10h 29m, which exceeds the 120-minute limit for a feasible day trip. Additionally, the frequency of trains is 1 per day, with a distance of 321 miles (518 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 Sintra to Madrid.
Since both Sintra 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 bus as it is the most popular way to get from Sintra 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.
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.
Most popular train connections from Sintra
More options for your journey from Sintra to Madrid
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Madrid and Sintra
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