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4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Zurich to Madrid
Cheapest price
$403
Average price
$403
Fastest journey
1 d 44 m
Average duration
1 d 44 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
1247 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zurich to Madrid is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich to Madrid will cost around $403 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $403.
It's difficult to get from Zurich to Madrid without transferring at least 2 times.
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3:34 PM24h44Zurich4:18 PMMadrid$4031One-way2 transfers
- 3:34 PM24h44Zurich4:18 PMMadrid$4031One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Zurich to Madrid
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Zurich to Madrid among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $91. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 16m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.4 - 1.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $91, and a train costs an average of $403.
Distance: 774 miles (1247 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$403 Average price | $259 Average price | $172 Average price Cheapest | $510 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
12h 53m Average total duration 12h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 16m Average total duration Fastest 3h 16m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 27h 1m Average total duration 26h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 16h 23m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 3.7 - 7.5kg CO2 emissions | 1.2 - 3.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
 Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |  Most popular bus company | 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 Zurich to Madrid:
A bus is $87 (€70) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Zurich to Madrid costing on average $259 (€208).
A bus is $231 (€186) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Zurich to Madrid costing on average $403 (€324).
Other travel options to Madrid take longer:
Train takes on average 12h 23m.
Bus takes on average 26h 31m.
The journey is about 4h 0m faster (12h 23m by train vs 16h 23m by car) and roughly $107 (€86) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($403 (€324) vs $510 (€410)). 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
Zurich to Madrid train times
The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Madrid trains for tomorrow, Friday, May 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3:34 PM Zurich | 24h44 | 4:18 PM Madrid | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Zurich 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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Why should you book Zurich to Madrid trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs AVE?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for AVE, but also compare tickets for the likes of Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) to find the best option for your trip from Zurich 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 AVE with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Zurich to Madrid.
Why book with Omio over Rome2rio, Raileurope or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Zurich to Madrid.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Zurich to Madrid?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Zurich to Madrid
Switzerland
Spain
Trains from Zurich to Madrid run on average 1 times per day, taking around 12h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $403 (€324) but you can travel from only $91 (€73) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 06:59, the last at 07:34. The fastest train covers the 774 miles (1247 km) distance in 24h 44m.
Distance 774 miles (1247 km) |
Average train duration 12h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price $403 (€324) |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 24h 44m |
First train 6:59 AM |
Last train 7:34 AM |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 49 days |
Train companies: AVE, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) from Zurich to Madrid trainsAVE, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) trains will get you between Zurich and Madrid from $91 (€73). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
AVE
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)
FAQs: Trains from Zurich to Madrid
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zurich 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.
More options for your journey from Zurich to Madrid
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Madrid and Zurich
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