Alicante to Madrid train with Renfe AVE

Trains from Alicante to Madrid

Alicante to Madrid trains run on a regular, daily basis throughout the week. The route is efficient and direct, with several trains a day from Monday to Sunday, with a slightly different timetable running on a Sunday. The Alicante to Madrid train journey should take, on average, 2h30min with no changes although there are some quicker trains that will get you to the capital city in around 2h20min.

Alicante to Madrid Train Time: Daily Departures

Trains run between Alicante and Madrid 7 days a week, with 7 trains per day. The timetables differ slightly on a Sunday to accommodate the weekend travellers. There is one train every 2 hours or so, with the first train leaving Alicante first thing in the morning at around 7:00 a.m. from Monday to Saturday, and around 8:30 a.m. on a Sunday. The last train to Madrid leaves Alicante around 8:00 p.m. from Monday to Saturday and at around 9:00 p.m. on a Sunday. The train times from mid-morning to late-afternoon are the same every day, Monday to Sunday.

How long is the journey by train from Alicante to Madrid?

The 223 mile train journey between Alicante and Madrid is around 2h34min. Journey times vary from 2h22min to 2h45min depending on the time of day you choose to travel, with the longer journey in the middle of the morning. The routes are all direct, with no changes although the train stops at three stations en route. While there are no designated peak or off-peak travel times, it is worth doing some research into ticket prices as tickets might be more expensive for the early evening trains and trains may be busier.

How to find cheap train tickets from Alicante to Madrid?

One of the best ways of finding cheap train tickets to get you from Alicante to Madrid is to make sure you book in advance, as it is usually more expensive to book your ticket on the day of travel. It might be cheaper to travel during the week than it is at the weekend, especially if you are booking last-minute tickets, so it is important to be flexible on your days of travel. Try to be as flexible as possible with times of travel too, as you will find that the tickets around the middle of the day or in the late evening are cheaper than at busier times first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon. If you are between 14 and 25 years old and have a valid international student card it is possible to take advantage of a 20% discount on certain trains. Over 60s also enjoy discounts of between 25% and 40% with the purchase of Tarjeta Dorada card upon presenting your passport or ID.

What are the departure and arrival stations from Alicante to Madrid?

Departure station: Trains to Madrid from Alicante leave from the principle station - Alicante Terminal, which is situated less than a mile from the middle of the city. There is a bus stop immediately outside the station. Inside the station you can grab a coffee, buy tickets and ask for advice about cheap train tickets at the information desk in the station. While there is no stipulated time, we advise you arrive at least 15 minutes before departure to locate your train.

Arrival train station: Trains from Alicante arrive into Madrid Atocha Station, the main station in the city, which is approximately 2.5 miles from the centre of Madrid. There are various public transport options into Madrid city centre from the train station in the form of metro and local buses. Satisfy your hunger at one of the eating places in the station or browse the shops. Ask about low cost options to get into the city at the information desk.

Which train companies travel from Alicante to Madrid?

Renfe, with its extensive rail network, is the national train company of Spain and operates direct journeys between Alicante and Madrid on their AVE high-speed service. The comfortable, modern trains will ensure that your journey through the countryside is effortless and enjoyable and you can enjoy a drink and snack from the cafeteria on the train.

Renfe trains from Alicante to Madrid

Renfe operates direct, high speed trains on its long-distance AVE service between Alicante and Madrid. The journey, which is roughly 220 miles will take you, on average, two and a half hours with the fastest train covering the distance in around 2h20min. Renfe operates daily trains that leave Alicante regularly throughout the day. You should take into account that there is a slightly modified schedule on a Sunday with the first and last trains leaving Alicante around an hour and a half later than the weekday schedule. There are two classes of travel on the Alicante to Madrid line – Turista and Turista Plus (which has the benefit of first class seats for a lower price). You can choose from a variety of tickets – Promo, Promo+ or Flexible, but be sure to check out the ticket policy with regard to cancellations for each ticket type.

Alicante to Madrid Trains: Services on board

The Renfe AVE service runs modern trains with amenities such as Wi-Fi and a cafeteria service. On the Alicante to Madrid route there are two classes of travel  - Turista (2nd class) and Turista Plus. It is possible to travel with a small pet of no more than 22lb and the animal must be secured in their pet carrier. You can also take a folded bike or scooter on board, as long as it can be carried in a bag. Renfe offers Atendo, a free service that assists travellers with reduced mobility and those who need assistance at train entrances and exits as well as in stations.

Taking the Train from Alicante

Alacant-Terminal Station is located in the city centre. Cercania trains arrive at Alacant-Terminal Station from the suburbs of Alicante, as well as Elche and Murcia. A new tram service runs along the Alicante coastline as far as Benidorm. Alsa operates local and regional bus services from the city centre and towns such as Valenica, Granada and Barcelona. There is a limited night bus service in Alicante and taxis are available at the station.

Getting into Madrid by Train

Madrid, the capital of Spain, is best known for its world-class collection of art galleries, historical attractions and a very vibrant nightlife. The Museu de Prado, the Reina Sofía National Museum and Art Centre (home to Picasso's 'Guernica'), the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum of Art and the Caixa Forum are all within a few minute's walk of each other. Other popular attractions are Plaza Mayor, Plaza Oriente with the Palacio Real and El Retiro Park.

Madrid Atocha Station is within easy walking distance of the historic centre of Madrid and is a beautiful building containing a tropical garden. From Atocha, Cercania trains run to the suburbs south of Madrid while the city centre is easily accessible by Metro and local buses, operated by EMT Madrid. Several night routes, known locally as Búhos or night owls, operate every twenty minutes. Taxi ranks are available at both entrances to Atocha.