Valencia-Joaquín Sorolla to Madrid Chamartín train with Ouigo

From Valencia Joaquín Sorolla to Madrid Chamartín by Train

Introduction

After a few sun-filled days exploring Valencia's beaches, markets, and my favorite horchata cafés, it was time to board the train to Madrid before wrapping up my trip. I booked a seat on Renfe’s AVE train to Madrid Chamartín because I’ve always loved traveling by rail. I booked my fare on Omio, which made the process quick and easy. For anyone planning to take the train from Valencia Joaquín Sorolla to Madrid Chamartín, here’s what to expect along the way.

Route Overview

The journey from Valencia Joaquín Sorolla to Madrid Chamartín by train covers around 355 km in about 2 hours and 6 minutes, making it one of the fastest and easiest routes in Spain. The main operators for this route include Renfe’s high-speed AVE and its budget Avlo services. You can also ride with Ouigo, a low-cost train operated by the French state-owned SNCF. Trains to Madrid depart from Valencia’s Joaquín Sorolla, one of the city’s busiest hubs, with high-speed rail connections to Cuenca, Albacete, and other of Spain’s main cities. The train made sense for this trip since flights to Madrid aren’t much quicker, with all the driving to and from the airport. I’d rather relax inside a comfortable cabin and enjoy the views of Spain’s impressive landscapes.

Transportation Experience

I booked my Valencia Joaquín Sorolla to Madrid Chamartín train ticket a few days ahead on Omio. I chose a midday Renfe AVE train to avoid the morning rush. After making my payment online, I received my ticket with a QR code in my inbox within minutes. The process couldn’t have been easier. Departing from Valencia’s Joaquín Sorolla station is convenient since it’s within easy reach of the city center, where I was staying. Riding the bus from Valencia to Madrid typically takes around 4 hours, so getting there in half the time was the deciding factor for me.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

Valencia Joaquín Sorolla Station is clean, modern, and efficient. I walked there in about 15 minutes from my city-center hotel and arrived about 30 minutes early, which gave me time to find my platform before security. If you arrive early, the station has plenty of shops and eateries to choose from, including a McDonald’s, several coffee shops, and pay-to-use restrooms near the cafeteria. I had eaten before I left, so I didn’t make any stops this time. Ticket checks are quick, and there’s a clear departure board showing the platform number. The waiting hall itself has ample seating, a few small cafés, and a convenience store for snacks and drinks.

Renfe AVE trains from Valencia Joaquín Sorolla arrive at Madrid Chamartín. The station feels big but organized and is directly connected to Metro lines 1 and 10, plus local Cercanías trains, making it very easy to travel anywhere in the city from here. I was only spending one night in Madrid before heading home, so I grabbed a taxi outside to reach my hotel in the central area. Inside the station, there are also restaurants, ATMs, and a few bakeries if you want to grab something before continuing your journey. I recommend Burger King for quick eats, or you can go local and try Café de la Estación, a Spanish café serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. ### Schedule & Frequency Renfe, Spain’s national operator, runs frequent Valencia to Madrid services daily, starting around 7:27 AM with the final train at 9:12 PM. The high-speed journey on the AVE train takes just over 2 hours. You can also ride with Renfe’s budget Avlo and SNCF’s low-cost Ouigo. I took the AVE’s 12:31 PM departure, a comfortable midday slot that let me check out of my hotel calmly and still arrive by 2:37 PM. It was perfect timing for a relaxed afternoon stroll in Madrid.

Onboard Experience & Services

Once I boarded the train from Valencia Joaquín Sorolla to Madrid Chamartín, I found my window window seat, settled in, and put on a playlist while letting the countryside roll by. I always find the Renfe AVE experience to be both peaceful and practical. I had a Turista (Standard Class) seat, which was wide and reclined comfortably, perfect for working or relaxing mid-day. There’s a small fold-down tray and power outlets to keep your devices charged.

On Renfe AVE services, you also get access to the PlayRenfe portal. It has a range of shows, movies, and other apps to keep you entertained. I used the Wi-Fi only to check emails, and it worked reliably, as it usually does. About halfway through the journey, I decided to grab a snack from the bar car, which I don’t often do since I usually bring my own food. I bought a bag of chips and a soda for €3.50 and enjoyed them while watching the Spanish countryside speed by. I was tempted by the sandwiches on the menu, but decided to wait until dinner in Madrid.

For luggage, Renfe allows three pieces with a combined total weight of up to 25 kg. There are storage racks by the carriage doors, along with overhead racks for smaller bags. Restrooms were available, but I didn’t use them on this short trip. The train stayed quiet, smooth, and punctual throughout. Traveling this route reminded me how much I appreciate train travel in Spain. You can simply sit back, unwind, and watch two of Spain’s most energetic cities connect in real time.### Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown I booked my Valencia Joaquín Sorolla to Madrid Chamartín train ticket directly through Omio.com, which made it easy to compare times and seat classes. Booking a few days in advance often saves a few euros and guarantees your preferred departure. For longer journeys on popular routes, I recommend booking on Omio at least four weeks before your travel date.

Budget breakdown:

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

For an even better journey from Valencia Joaquín Sorolla to Madrid Chamartín, keep these tips in mind:

• Book early on Omio: Trains fill up quickly, especially midday ones. Check out Renfe’s budget Avlo services if AVE tickets are too expensive.
• Arrive 30 minutes ahead: Security and boarding are smooth, but time flies. Bring an ID or passport, as you never know when you’ll need it.
• Try the bar car: Great for quick snacks in case you didn’t pick up anything at the station. No full meals, but you can usually get salads or sandwiches.
• Pick a window seat: The views between Valencia and Madrid are beautiful. Both sides are good, but the right side faces more open countryside and mountain views.

Conclusion

Traveling from Valencia Joaquín Sorolla to Madrid Chamartín by train is one of the easiest and most comfortable ways to move between two of Spain’s most vibrant cities. With Renfe’s punctual service, spacious seating, and onboard amenities, the journey on the AVE train feels effortless. No airport lines. No stress. Ready to plan your trip? Check Omio’s journey planner to compare routes and book online.

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.