Trains to Madrid

Trains to Madrid

When travelling to the Spanish capital, trains are always a good option to keep in mind. Madrid has excellent rail connections to Iberian cities like Lisbon, Barcelona, and Seville, while low carbon journeys from France, the UK, and Italy are all possible when travellers book train tickets. Factor in excellent value and plenty of leg room, and trains are a great way to travel.

Which is the main train station in Madrid?

Most international and domestic express trains will arrive at Madrid's Atocha station. Located just east of the city centre, Atocha is a huge station, with plenty of shops and eateries on-site. It's also a Metro hub, making it simple to reach hotels anywhere in Madrid. Some services may also arrive at Chamartin, in northern Madrid. Again, it has excellent transport connections, and is even more convenient for those headed to Barajas Airport or the Bernabeu Stadium.

Which train companies offer trains to Madrid?

Almost all trains to Madrid are operated by Renfe. Spain's national rail carrier offers standard fares, as well as Ave services, which tend to be significantly faster.

Why travel by train to Madrid?

Taking the train to Madrid makes a lot of sense, providing travellers aren't flying into Barajas Airport. Anyone who is trying to reach Madrid from Barcelona, Bilbao, or Seville can easily do so via Renfe services, which tend to be as fast as flights when transfers are included. Trains have the added bonus of allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery of central Spain, and the general experience is more relaxed than taking buses or flights. Finally, international rail connections offer an eco-friendly way for travellers to see Spain, so there are plenty of reasons to book trains to Madrid.

Before you travel to Madrid by train - good to know!

Upon arrival in Madrid, getting hold of a Madrid Tourist Travel pass is a good move. The pass provides unlimited public transport journeys in the centre of Madrid, and can be purchased for 1-7 days. Once a travel card has been secured, Madrid is full of possibilities. The Prado is a world-class museum, and the opulent Royal Palace isn't to be missed. Reina Sofia is a superb gallery, and is rivalled by the Thyssen Collection. And if travellers want something different, a visit to Iglesia Patólica will always amuse, with its witty parodies of conventional religion.

How to Get to Madrid by Train

When taking one of many trains to Madrid from the United Kingdom, all trains depart from London St. Pancras station to Paris Nord via Eurostar. Once in Paris, you must take the Metro to Paris Gare de Lyon which is only two stops away. From Paris Gare de Lyon take one of the double-decker TGV trains to Barcelona and transfer to an AVE high-speed train to Madrid. Another option in Barcelona is to catch the Estrella overnight which is the cheapest but slowest option. Finally passengers may board services at Paris is to catch the overnight Trenhotel to Madrid via Renfe. Unfortunately at this time there is no direct train from London to Madrid. All international trains arrive at Madrid Atocha Railway Station which is situated in the city centre. At the railway station, travellers can catch the AVE, Elipsos and RENFE to other destinations. There is also a commuter rail to the Madrid Airport and buses that leave from the station to other local destinations. The metro is only a short walk from the station.

Madrid

One of the biggest attractions in Madrid is the Palacio Real. As one of the largest palaces in Western Europe, the Palacio Real boasts over 2,800 rooms. Another popular visitor destination is the Plaza De La Cibeles which divides the districts of Centro, Retiro and Salamanca. This square is the most representative of Madrid. Not far from the Plaza De La Cibeles is the Alcala Gate which sits in the Plaza de la Independencia which is a national monument. Another popular square is the Puerta del Sol, the official centre point of Spain. Many travelers also enjoy a leisurely stroll down Gran Via to shop, sightsee, eat and drink. Another magnificent way to relax is in the Buen Retiro Park which is packed with majestic sculptures, galleries, monuments and a giant artificial lake. The Museo Del Prado is a great destination to enjoy some of Goya and Velazquez's most famous masterpieces. Finally, no trip to Madrid is complete without sample one of many Tapas bars.