Trains from Madrid to Alicante

The Madrid to Alicante Train

Travelling to Alicante from Madrid and want to know which train to get? We’ve got you covered. The Omio guide to trains in Spain covers all the connections between popular and major cities. We’ve pulled together the most up to date and important information for you to decide how to get from Madrid, the capital of Flamenco, to Alicante. Our easy guide covers everything from the train stations in Madrid and Alicante, train providers, how to book cheap tickets, train schedules, as well as travel tips for your time in Spain.

Boaters in Park del Retiro in Madrid. Source: Shutterstock

How to find cheap train tickets from Madrid to Alicante

Travellers can secure cut-rate tickets by booking a few weeks before the journey. Sometimes, slower trips and connecting trains are more affordable. Passengers with the ability to be flexible with their travel dates may also find a discounted train from Madrid to Alicante either side of their intended travel day. Use the Omio tool to search for the different journey options and find an affordable train. We offer a quick and easy way to compare and book train tickets from Madrid to Alicante.

• Visit the Omio booking page
• Enter your Departure station (e.g. Madrid, Puerta de Atocha)
• Enter your Arrival Station (e.g. Alicante Station )
• Select your travel date (you can add a return date in case of a round trip)
• Click the red ‘Search’ button.

This will open a new page with a list of trains scheduled for your selected date. You can adjust the filters to show the cheapest train tickets at the top of the page. The filters can also be set according to journey duration, departure times and the number of changes.

Paperless train tickets from Madrid to Alicante

The Omio booking pages have been designed to give you a quick and easy snapshot of the best tickets available. Once you’ve purchased your ticket, you’ll have everything sent to your phone with no need to print. What’s more, you can also enjoy live journey updates, meaning you'll be notified of any platform changes or delays, and we’ll send you a reminder when it's time to set off. If you need any help along the way, there’s a dedicated helpline to answer questions and help make your journey as enjoyable and hassle-free as can be. Explore your train options on Omio from the comfort of your home or on the go.

Which train companies travel from Madrid to Alicante?

Trains from Madrid to Alicante are mainly operated by Spain’s state owned rail company Renfe, with additional services by the high-speed providers iryo and Ouigo. Renfe trains are divided into different fleets and lines meaning that passengers can choose between high-speed Renfe AVE trains, Renfe ALVIA trains, and Renfe’s low-cost, high-speed AVLO trains.

Travel first class on trains from Madrid to Alicante

When travelling with Renfe you’ll have the option to choose between three different ticket types. Each ticket type is priced according to the flexibility of the ticket, the level of comfort and service you’ll receive onboard.

• Básico (Basic) ticket: these are the cheapest tickets on the standard coaches. Passengers will receive all benefits of travelling on standard including plenty of legroom, WIFI, luggage storage and power sockets. Básico tickets cannot be exchanged or cancelled for a refund. Add-ons can be bought however, and these include seat selection for €5 extra, or bringing a pet for an extra €10.
• Elige (the Pick and mix) ticket: these tickets can be tailored to your needs. Elige ticket holders have more flexibility with exchanging or cancelling their tickets or even changing the ticket holder. The Elige ticket also gives the option to travel on Elige ESTÁNDAR (with standard seats) or Elige CONFORT (with XL comfort seats). Add-ons include seat selection, travelling with pets, or a box of food delivered to your seat for an extra €7.50
• Prémium (Premium) ticket: these tickets offer full first class comfort and flexibility. The perks of travelling with this ticket includes XL comfort seats, unlimited free changes to your ticket, a full refund if you cancel your ticket 7 days in advance, and if you miss your train simply hop on the next one for free. The Prémium includes all add-ons including seat selection, taking pets, food service to your seat.

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

There are several high-speed trains connecting Madrid to Alicante, meaning passengers can get from the capital to the Costa Blanca in around 2 h and 20 minutes over a distance of 224 miles (360 km). High-speed Renfe trains run at an astonishing 192 mph (310 km/h) and offer high comfort as well as speed. The slowest train takes approximately 2 h and 45 min.

Daily departures from Madrid to Alicante

Trains from Madrid to Alicante run regularly throughout the day, with one to two trains departing every hour. The first train departs from Madrid Puerta de Atocha at around 6:30 a.m. on a weekday and 7:00 a.m. on the weekend. The last train usually departs around 8:50 p.m. arriving into Alicante at around 10: 55 p.m. As schedules can change depending on the weekday or time of year, it’s best to check in on the Omio site which offers live timetables and up-to-date schedules for train departures from Madrid to Alicante.

Popular Train Journeys in Spain

We've compiled a list of the most popular train routes through the country. These include high-speed, low cost trains from and Malaga to Madrid, as well as the speedy inter-city trains between Barcelona and Madrid. Omio helps you compare prices to different cities, see journey times and click through to buy train tickets for your upcoming holiday in Spain.

Trains from Madrid to Barcelona	duration: 2h50	from 33,00€
Trains from Barcelona to Valencia	duration: 3h12	from 23,00€
Trains from Madrid to Toledo	duration: 0h32	from 14,00€
Trains from Madrid to Valencia	duration: 1h44	from 22,00€
Trains from Valencia to Barcelona	duration: 3h15	from 22,00€
Trains from Seville to Cordoba	duration: 1h10	from 14,00€
Trains from Alicante to Madrid	duration: 2h36	from 36,00€
Trains from Zaragoza to Barcelona	duration: 2h00	from 30,00€

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

In Madrid there are two different departure stations offering train services to Alicante:

Departure train station Madrid Puerta de Atocha: serving as the primary terminus for the city's commuter, regional, and intercity trains. To reach the Puerta de Atocha station from the centre of Madrid, passengers can take a four minute ride on the C1 train or Line 1 subway. The bus takes approximately six minutes from the city while pedestrians walk for about 25 minutes. Taxis to the ground level of the station are also available. The historic train shed is more than a century old. It has accessible toilets, luggage lockers, ticket machines, and waiting facilities. Bars and restaurants with outdoor tables, as well as a stunning tropical garden, make the place ideal for travellers to wait for trains. Madrid Puerta de Atocha has a ground and an upper floor dedicated to high-speed and long-distance trains to Alicante and other destinations.

Departure train station Madrid Chamartin: the station is located 4.7 miles (7.6 kilometres) away from the city centre of Madrid, Plaza del Sol, and has easy access to subway, bus, taxis and the urban train (cercanías). The C3 or C4 urban train takes just 13 minutes if coming from Sol station near the city centre. The station has plenty of facilities including restaurants, cafes, bookstores and luggage storage. For passengers with limited mobility, Chamartin has applied facilities and services throughout its station including improved access to the train station, new visual and auditory information systems for travellers, access ramps to tracks and main lobby, accessible and reserved parking, and accessible itineraries.

Arrival train station Alicante Terminal: the primary railway station in Alicante. It is the endpoint of train journeys from Madrid and the beginning of Alicante suburban trains. From the train station, Alicante city centre is about a mile away. Travellers can catch a bus at Salamanca 12 after walking for about 100 metres. The trip to the city by a coach takes roughly four minutes. The Luceros tram is approximately a six minute walk away, and it takes about three minutes to reach the city. Alicante train station has a ticket office strategically positioned at the entrance. There are several ticket machines close to the waiting platforms. Travellers can grab refreshments at the shops and bars available throughout the terminal. Ample car parks and a bus stop outside make trips to Alicante convenient.

Services on board: Madrid to Alicante train

Renfe trains have first-class and second-class ticket options. Prices are flexible, allowing passengers to enjoy discounted rates from time to time. Travellers can bring a maximum of three pieces of luggage, which can include a folded bike. The baggage limit is 25 kg. Each passenger can travel with one pet, and the trains have a specialised service to help disabled individuals to board and disembark from trains. Those who need guide dogs are free to bring them.

Renfe trains offer two travel classes, the major difference between the first and second classes is the seating arrangement. Second-class coaches offer a two-by-two-seat configuration, while first class offers two-by-one seat configurations. Seats in first class are far more spacious, and they offer more legroom. Another perk of first-class travel is the at-seat catering service that is available. Renfe trains have on-board personnel who provide services in different languages throughout the train journeys.

Trains are also equipped with a buffet car, which offers seasonal menus, a children’s menu, and a variety of drinks. The trains also provide free Wi-Fi onboard for travellers’ entertainment. Renfe trains have luggage restrictions with a maximum of three luggage items per traveller. The measurement limit is 33x21x13 inches (85x55x35 cm), and the weight limit is 50 lbs (25 kg). They also offer power outlets for travellers to keep their equipment charged. Pets are allowed on board with a ticket and as long as they are on a leash. Renfe trains are wheelchair accessible with designated areas for wheelchairs, step-free boarding equipment, and adapted services.

The azure waters off the Alicante coast. Source: Shutterstock

Exploring Alicante: travel tips

Surrounded by the Mediterranean sea, Alicante offers a warm climate, golden sand beaches and crystal clear seas. Located on the south-eastern coast of Spain on the Costa Blanca, it’s a city that is famous for its leather industry, rich tradition of Mediterranean cuisine and variety of boutiques which makes it a hot spot for shopping lovers and hedonists alike. Read on to discover some of our top things to do when exploring Alicante.

• Santa Barbara Castle: the 16th century fortress overlooks the town and offers extraordinary views across the city.
• Mercado Central: the best place to pick up fresh produce, try some local delicacies and enjoy the bustle of market life in a coastal city.
• Casco Antiguo: wander around the sprawling old town with its thin alleyways and white-washed walls. Admire the different ways that proud locals decorate their balconies and flowerpots.
• Head to the esplanada: decked in gorgeous tiles, this is the place to go for an evening stroll once the sun has dipped. A great spot to people watch while sipping on a refreshing cold drink.
• Go to the beach! There are a huge number of beaches stretching along the Costa Blanca, just a short ride away by public transport or by car. If you fancy something a little closer to home, then pop to Postiguet beach close to the city center.

Looking for more inspiration and top tips for things to do in Alicante?Visit the Omio magazine which offers you advice on the best travel experience wherever your travels take you.

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Taking the Train from Madrid

All trains leaving Madrid for Alicante depart from Atocha Station. Atocha is a transport hub, and is well connected to every suburb of Madrid. To get to the station, simply take Metro Line 1 to Atocha Renfe station. Bus number 19 also stops at Atocha, and runs from Plaza de Catalunya at the centre of Madrid. If you are transferring from a flight at Barajas, you can catch trains from Madrid to Alicante by taking Metro Line 8 and changing at Nuevos Ministerios, then Cuatro Caminos. The Metro runs from 6:00 a.m. until 1:30 a.m., so should be available to catch any trains.

Getting into Alicante by Train

Alicante was once a thriving Moorish city, but nowadays it is famous as the gateway to the beaches of the Costa Blanca region. The city itself has historical attractions aplenty - from the Castle of Santa Barbara to the excellent Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts. The Old Town is also filled with atmospheric tapas bars patronised by the town's large student population. Alicante station is just north of the city centre, around 2 kilometres from the seafront. From there, you can catch local buses to hostels and hotels in the town centre, or transfer to Alsa coaches to the resorts of the coast.