Valencia to Málaga train with iryo

My Journey from Valencia to Málaga by Train

Introduction

After a few sunny days exploring Valencia’s artsy streets and café terraces, it was time to make my way back down south to Málaga. I decided to travel by hopping on Renfe's AVE Train, as it’s the smoothest way to cross Spain comfortably without the stress of airports. Since this route involves a transfer in Madrid, I planned ahead to give myself enough time for lunch and a short break between trains. Booking through Omio made it easy to keep both legs in one place, so I didn’t have to worry about switching platforms or apps mid-journey.

Route Overview

Trains from Valencia Joaquín Sorolla to Málaga María Zambrano run daily from 6:32 AM to 5:57 PM, with a connection in Madrid Puerta de Atocha–Almudena Grandes. Journey times vary depending on the transfer, usually between 7.5 and 9 hours. I booked the 3:09 PM departure on the AVE train, which reached Madrid by 5:18 PM. This gave me a long enough layover to enjoy dinner before catching my connecting train at 8:35 PM, which arrived in Málaga at 11:35 PM. It was a long but smooth travel day across the country. With the relaxing lunch layover in Madrid, I think this is the best way to travel from Valencia to Málaga.

Transportation Experience

I prefer sticking with Renfe's AVE high-speed train service whenever possible, simply because I know their trains well and the connections tend to feel more seamless. Omio made it easy to book both legs at once, with clear details on layover times and platform changes. Since my departure wasn’t until mid-afternoon, I spent the morning catching up on emails at a café before walking over to Valencia Joaquín Sorolla Station. It’s an easy station to navigate since it's so compact. There are plenty of seats here, along with small shops and cafés for snacks or coffee before boarding.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

My train to Malaga departed from Valencia Joaquín Sorolla train station. I booked the 3:09 PM train with Renfe AVE, and it left right on time. Boarding was smooth after a quick ID check, and I settled into my window seat with my water and headphones. Valencia’s station is efficient yet relaxed, and I love how you can walk there easily from most parts of the city center. If you arrive early and have time to grab coffee, you can look for Orxata Coffee Shop, which is located opposite McDonald's. In addition to excellent coffee, this café serves the Valencian specialty horchata (a drink made from tiger nuts).

Transfer: Madrid Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes. We arrived in Madrid around 5:18 PM, and with about three hours before my next train, I wandered to a nearby spot called Bar Restaurante Sésamo. I ordered a pizza and a Coke (simple but delicious!) and caught up on some work on my laptop while waiting. Before heading back to the station, I grabbed a bottle of water from a café inside Madrid Atocha. The station itself is full of dining options, small shops, and even a lush indoor garden, making it a surprisingly pleasant place to wait between trains.

The second leg departed Madrid at 8:35 PM and arrived at María Zambrano Station in Málaga around 11:35 PM. Despite the late arrival, I felt safe and calm walking through the well-lit station area. I grabbed a taxi straight to my accommodation in the city center, ending the night with that cozy satisfaction that only train travel gives.

Schedule & Frequency

The main train operators for the Valencia to Málaga route are Renfe, Ouigo, and Iryo, with around 35 trains running daily. All services require at least one change of train. Renfe AVE operates roughly 15 daily services between Valencia and Málaga, most involving a transfer in Madrid. The first train usually departs around 6:30 AM, and the last leaves around 6 PM. If you have flexibility, mid-afternoon departures like mine are great. You can enjoy a full morning in Valencia and still reach Málaga by the end of the night.

Onboard Experience & Services

Both of the Renfe AVE trains I took (Valencia to Madrid and Madrid to Málaga) were modern, clean and comfortable. I always choose a window seat on long-distance routes because it makes the journey feel more peaceful.

Onboard amenities included the PlayRenfe entertainment portal with movies and TV series, fast free Wi-Fi, and power outlets. The connection worked well throughout both legs. I didn’t try streaming anything in high resolution, but it was more than fine for light photo uploads and checking route maps.

The leather seats reclined and had fold-down trays, which made it easy to stay productive or relax. I kept both my carry-on and backpack with me; Renfe’s luggage allowance (up to three pieces, 25 kg total) always feels generous, and I’ve never come close to exceeding it.

The first leg between Valencia and Madrid was bright and quiet, perfect for reading. On the evening train, I listened to a podcast and watched the lights fade across Andalusia. The ride was smooth, and by the time we pulled into Málaga, I felt more relaxed than tired.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

Booking both legs together on Omio ensures smoother connections and accurate timing. It’s always best to secure tickets early, especially if you want a longer layover or a specific class of service.

Budget breakdown:

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

If you're planning to travel from Valencia to Málaga by train, here are some helpful tips:

• Stick to one operator: Using Renfe for both legs keeps the connection smooth. Book both journeys together on Omio to avoid timing mismatches.
• Book mid-afternoon departures: This gives you more time to enjoy Valencia before you leave. There are plenty of daily departures, so you’ll still arrive the same evening.
• Make the most of your layover: Atocha has great food, cafés, and comfortable seating areas. Bar Restaurante Sésamo is a good nearby stop if you want a proper meal.
• Download the Omio App: It keeps both tickets and live updates in one place. Make sure to download it before boarding, especially if the station Wi-Fi is slow.

Conclusion

Traveling from Valencia to Málaga by train might take most of the day, but it’s one of the most comfortable and scenic ways to cross Spain. Between the onboard comfort and the chance to enjoy dinner in Madrid, the trip felt like a relaxed adventure. If you’re planning the same route, book your Renfe journey through Omio’s trains page to compare timings and secure your seat.

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.