- Must visit
Museo del Prado
World-class art museum with masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and Bosch; essential for Spanish and European painting.
Cheapest price
$43
Average price
$51
Fastest journey
3 h 21 m
Average duration
4 h 24 m
Trains per day
9
Distance
285 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Vitoria-Gasteiz to Madrid is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Vitoria-Gasteiz to Madrid will cost around $51 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $43.
Of the 9 trains that leave Vitoria-Gasteiz for Madrid on Tue, Jul 28, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jul 28 the direct trains cover the 285 km distance in an average of 4 h 24 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 21 m .
On Tue, Jul 28 the slowest trains will take 5 h 45 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.
18012
18014
18010
04056
04176
04056
04086
04176
18014
18010Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Vitoria-Gasteiz to Madrid among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $16. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 8m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $16, and a flight costs an average of $27.
Distance: 177 miles (285 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$34 Average price Cheapest | $46 Average price | $111 Average price | $59 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 10m Average total duration 3h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 36m Average total duration 4h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 8m Average total duration Fastest 2h 8m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 45m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Vitoria-Gasteiz to Madrid:
A train is $12 (€12) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Vitoria-Gasteiz to Madrid costing on average $46 (€46).
A train is $77 (€77) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Vitoria-Gasteiz to Madrid costing on average $111 (€111).
Other travel options to Madrid take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 40m.
Bus takes on average 4h 6m.
The journey is about 5m faster (3h 40m by train vs 3h 45m by car) and roughly $24 (€24) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($34 (€34) vs $59 (€59)). 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.
Direct services run with Renfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD, Renfe, Renfe Viajeros.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Vitoria-Gasteiz to Madrid trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, July 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
04056 | On time 7:17 AM Vitoria-Gasteiz station | 3h21 | 10:38 AM Madrid Chamartín | 0 transfersDirect | |
18010 | On time 7:40 AM Vitoria-Gasteiz station | 5h45 | 1:25 PM Madrid Príncipe Pío | 0 transfersDirect | |
04086 | On time 10:23 AM Vitoria-Gasteiz station | 3h28 | 1:51 PM Madrid Chamartín | 0 transfersDirect | |
18012 | 1:07 PM Vitoria-Gasteiz station | 5h48 | 6:55 PM Madrid Príncipe Pío | 0 transfersDirect | |
18029+ 06190 | 3:22 PM Vitoria-Gasteiz station | 6h48 | 10:10 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
18014 | 4:01 PM Vitoria-Gasteiz station | 5h41 | 9:42 PM Madrid Príncipe Pío | 0 transfersDirect | |
37721+ 06190 | 4:23 PM Vitoria-Gasteiz station | 5h47 | 10:10 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
00621+ 06190 | 4:23 PM Vitoria-Gasteiz station | 5h47 | 10:10 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 1 transfer | |
04176 | 6:34 PM Vitoria-Gasteiz station | 3h46 | 10:20 PM Madrid Chamartín | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Vitoria-Gasteiz to Madrid run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $16 (€16) if you book in advance.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:08, the last at 18:46. The fastest train covers the 177 miles (285 km) distance in 3h 8m.
Distance 177 miles (285 km) |
Average train duration 3h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $16 (€16) |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 3h 8m |
First train 6:08 AM |
Last train 6:46 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Madrid — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Madrid trip today.
World-class art museum with masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and Bosch; essential for Spanish and European painting.
Leading modern art museum best known for Picasso’s Guernica, plus major works by Dalí and Miró.
Celebrated collection of European masters from Van Eyck to Hopper in a refined palace setting.
Madrid’s most famous park offers gardens, a boating lake, monuments, and relaxed walks in the city center.
Lively grand avenue known for architecture, shopping, theaters, and nonstop energy from day to night.
Elegant boulevard linking major museums and landmarks, ideal for a classic central Madrid walk.
A hearty chickpea stew with meats, vegetables, and broth, especially traditional in Madrid and often served in stages.
Crisp fried squid rings served in a baguette roll. This iconic Madrid street food is especially linked to bars around Plaza Mayor.
Tripe stew with chorizo and morcilla in a rich sauce. A classic old Madrid tavern dish with deep local roots.
Refined two-Michelin-star dining focused on seasonal Spanish produce, with elegant modern cooking in a polished fine-dining room.
Traditional Madrid restaurant known for cocido madrileño served in stages, with an old-school dining room and loyal local following.
Historic century-old tavern famed for roast suckling pig and Castilian dishes in a classic, wood-lined setting near Plaza Mayor.
Moderate for Western Europe: hotels vary, dining is reasonable, and public transport is good value for tourists.
Tipping is modest: round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up. In cafés, small change is enough.
Official public transport app
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes -> Puerta del Sol, Madrid
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Vitoria-Gasteiz 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.

Most Vitoria-Gasteiz to Madrid trains use the Vitoria-Gasteiz to Madrid Príncipe Pío station pair, with some services arriving at Madrid Chamartín. Use this guide to compare Vitoria-Gasteiz and Madrid train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Vitoria-Gasteiz is 2 km from Vitoria-Gasteiz city centre. Public transport options include:
Vitoria-Gasteiz has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurante El Portalón, Restaurante Zabala
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Vitoria-Gasteiz. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Vitoria-Gasteiz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Vitoria-Gasteiz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Vitoria-Gasteiz: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Vitoria-Gasteiz: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include NH Canciller Ayala Vitoria, Hotel Silken Ciudad de Vitoria, AC Hotel General Álava.
Madrid Príncipe Pío is 1 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid Príncipe Pío 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, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Casa Mingo, Café de Oriente, Noodles King
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Madrid Príncipe Pío. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Madrid Príncipe Pío. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Madrid Príncipe Pío: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Madrid Príncipe Pío: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid Príncipe Pío: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Príncipe Pío, Acta Madfor Hotel, Hotel Exe Moncloa.
Madrid Chamartín is 6 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid Chamartín has practical services for this route, including 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 options are available at Madrid Chamartín.
ATMs are available at Madrid Chamartín.
Ticket office support is available at Madrid Chamartín. Information desks are available at Madrid Chamartín.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Madrid Chamartín: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Madrid Chamartín: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid Chamartín.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need