- Must visit
Museo Nacional del Prado
Spain’s premier art museum houses Velázquez, Goya and El Greco masterpieces, making it essential for understanding European painting.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Basel to Madrid
Showing times and prices for 18 Aug
Cheapest price
£257
Average price
£257
Fastest journey
23 h 44 m
Average duration
23 h 44 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
1200 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Basel to Madrid is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Basel to Madrid will cost around £257 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £257.
Fast trains
To travel from Basel to Madrid you need to make at least 2 changes.
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16:3423h44Basel16:18Madrid£2571One-way2 changes
- 16:3423h44Basel16:18Madrid£2571One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Basel to Madrid
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Basel to Madrid among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £47. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 15m. 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 coach costs an average of £47, and a train costs an average of £257.
Distance: 1200 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Coach |
|---|---|---|
£257 Average Price | £176 Average Price | £127 Average Price Cheapest |
11h 31m Average total duration 11h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 15m Average total duration Fastest 3h 15m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 25h 44m Average total duration 25h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 3.6 - 7.2kg CO2 emissions | 1.2 - 3.0kg CO2 emissions |
 Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Compare prices and tickets Basel to Madrid by train, coach or flight
Compare train, coach 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 Basel to Madrid trains with Omio?
AVE as well as Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) offer trains services from Basel to Madrid.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Basel to Madrid.
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 Basel 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 Basel 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 Basel to Madrid.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Basel to Madrid
Switzerland
Spain
Trains from Basel to Madrid run on average 1 times per day, taking around 11h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £257 but you can travel from only £30 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 01:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 1200 km distance in 23h 44m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £30
Distance 1200 km |
Average train duration 11h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price £257 |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 23h 44m |
First train 1:05 |
Last train 23:55 |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 21 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £30
Train companies: AVE, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) from Basel to Madrid trainsAVE, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) trains will get you between Basel and Madrid from £62. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
AVE
About
Travel comfortably with AVE, Renfe’s high-speed trains. AVE connects major cities across Spain at speeds of up to 310 km/h (193 mph), offering a fast and smooth travel experience. Ticket options include Promo, Promo+, and Flexible fares to suit different budgets, along with discount cards such as the Gold Card and +Renfe Youth 50 Card for eligible travelers. AVE trains feature modern amenities including comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard catering, making them a convenient and enjoyable way to travel across Spain.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 3 pieces of luggage free of charge
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, end of carriages, and designated areas between seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund conditions depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages. At-seat service in Preferente (First) Class
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for all classes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance services available
Pets
Small pets under 10kg in carriers allowed free. Larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle. Guide dogs free.
Quiet zone
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
23h 44m
Cheapest Price
£257
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Madrid
Things to do in Madrid
Discover the best of Madrid — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Madrid trip today.
- Must visit
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia
Madrid’s leading modern art museum is famed for Picasso’s Guernica and strong collections of Dalí, Miró and 20th-century works.
- Must visit
Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza
This refined museum features major works by Titian, Rubens and Caravaggio in a manageable collection inside a grand palace.
- Must visit
El Retiro Park
Madrid’s most famous park offers lakes, gardens, sculptures and broad promenades, perfect for walking, rowing and people-watching.
- Must visit
Paseo del Prado
This grand boulevard links major museums and historic fountains, making it one of the city’s most elegant and culture-rich walks.
- Must visit
Gran Vía
A busy central avenue known for theatres, shops and illuminated façades, ideal for architecture, nightlife and classic city views.
Cocido Madrileño
A hearty chickpea stew with meats, vegetables and soup, long associated with Madrid taverns and traditional lunchtime dining.
Bocadillo de Calamares
Deep-fried squid rings served in a crusty bread roll, a classic fast bite around Plaza Mayor and one of Madrid’s best-known snacks.
- Gluten-free
Callos a la Madrileña
Madrid-style tripe stew with chorizo and morcilla, rich and slow-cooked, traditionally eaten in colder months.
Casa Dani
Traditional bar celebrated for excellent tortilla española and honest Madrid-style tapas in a lively, no-frills atmosphere.
Sobrino de Botín
Historic tavern famed for roast suckling pig and classic Castilian dishes in an old-fashioned, atmospheric setting near Plaza Mayor.
Chocolatería San Ginés
Iconic churrería serving Madrid’s classic chocolate con churros around the clock in a bustling, traditional setting.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Western Europe. Rooms, meals and Metro fares are usually cheaper than Paris or London, but central hotels and popular dining areas raise costs.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-15 for fast food or menú del día.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- €1.80-3.50 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up. In cafés, leaving small change is enough.
Mi Tarjeta Transporte
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €1.50
- Day pass
- €8.40
To the city centre
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes -> Puerta del Sol, Madrid
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Contactless bank card payment is being introduced in Metro turnstiles for single tickets; buses and other modes may still require a transport card or other ticket.
- For the widest urban coverage, use CRTM fares and check your loaded ticket before entering Metro gates or boarding buses.
FAQs: Basel to Madrid train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basel 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.
The cost of a train ticket from Basel to Madrid can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £257, while the average price tends to be around £257.
The train from Basel to Madrid takes 23h 44m and runs once a day.
The train distance from Basel to Madrid is 1200 km.
The first train from Basel to Madrid leaves at 1:05.
The last train from Basel to Madrid departs at 23:55.
Trains from Basel to Madrid run approximately 1 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Basel to Madrid.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Basel to Madrid.
To get from Basel to Madrid, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Basel to Madrid.
The cheapest way to get from Basel to Madrid is by coach, costing approximately £62.
Booking trains from Basel to Madrid in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Basel to Madrid offers diverse scenery, featuring charming Swiss landscapes, picturesque French countryside, and the transition to the vibrant Spanish terrain. The route includes views of rolling hills, quaint villages, and scenic river valleys, particularly through regions like Burgundy and the Pyrenees, making it a visually appealing experience.
A day trip from Basel to Madrid is not feasible as the travel duration is 23h 44m. However, there are 2 journeys per day for this 1200 km trip by train.
In Madrid, visit the bustling Puerta del Sol for its iconic clock and vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy a variety of gourmet foods at Mercado de San Miguel and explore the lively nightlife in the Malasaña district. Experience traditional Spanish culture by attending a flamenco show. Sports enthusiasts can visit the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium for a tour or a football match. Discover artistic masterpieces at the Prado Museum and explore the opulent Royal Palace of Madrid. Relax in Retiro Park, admire the Plaza Mayor, and enjoy shopping or entertainment along Gran Vía.
To fully experience Madrid, 3 to 4 days are recommended, allowing time to explore its cultural landmarks, vibrant neighbourhoods, and rich culinary scene.
Yes, you can take the train from Basel to Madrid.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Basel and Madrid
Most Basel to Madrid trains use the Basel Bad Bhf to station pair. Use this guide to compare Basel and Madrid train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Basel
Arrival train stations in Madrid
Which Basel station do trains to Madrid leave from?
Trains from Basel to Madrid leave from Basel Bad Bhf. The station is 3 km from Basel city centre at Schwarzwaldallee 200, 4058 Basel, Switzerland.
Basel Bad BhfSchwarzwaldallee 200, 4058 Basel, Switzerland+41 61 690 13 13
City-centre transport
Getting to Basel Bad Bhf from Basel city centre
Basel Bad Bhf is 2 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus30 · 11m · £3 · every ~18 min
Tram6, 1, 2 · 19m · £3 · every ~20 min
Basel Bad Bhf train station facilities and services
Basel Bad Bhf 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 and drink
Food options include: Restaurant Les Gareçons, Restaurant Bahn Kantine
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Basel Bad Bhf. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Basel Bad Bhf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Basel Bad Bhf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Basel Bad Bhf: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel Bad Bhf: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Alexander, Hotel Wettstein, Hotel Balade.
Most popular train connections from Basel
More options for your journey from Basel to Madrid
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Madrid and Basel
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