- Must visit
Magritte Museum
Compact museum dedicated to René Magritte, presenting paintings, archives and context for Belgium’s celebrated Surrealist artist.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Madrid to Brussels
Showing times and prices for 20 Aug
Cheapest price
£365
Average price
£369
Fastest journey
18 h 54 m
Average duration
20 h 17 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
1316 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Madrid to Brussels is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Brussels will cost around £369 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £365.
Fast trains
To travel from Madrid to Brussels you need to make at least 3 changes.
12:5018h54Madrid7:44Brussels£3651One-way3 changes
21:0721h40Madrid18:47Brussels£3741One-way3 changes
- 12:5018h54Madrid7:44Brussels£3651One-way3 changes
- 21:0721h40Madrid18:47Brussels£3741One-way3 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for Madrid to Brussels
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Brussels among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £42. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 59m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the coach is your best bet as it emits only 1.3 - 3.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £42, and a train costs an average of £365.
Distance: 1316 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Coach |
|---|---|---|
£369 Average Price | £142 Average Price | £72 Average Price Cheapest |
21h 13m Average total duration 20h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 59m Average total duration Fastest 3h 59m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 18h 7m Average total duration 17h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
- CO2 emissions | 3.9 - 7.9kg CO2 emissions | 1.3 - 3.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Compare prices and tickets Madrid to Brussels by coach, train or flight
Compare coach, train 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 Madrid to Brussels trains with Omio?
AVE as well as Renfe Viajeros offer trains services from Madrid to Brussels.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Madrid to Brussels.
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 Renfe Viajeros to find the best option for your trip from Madrid to Brussels.
- 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Madrid to Brussels.
Why book with Omio over Rome2rio, Raileurope or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Madrid to Brussels.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Madrid to Brussels?
The best time to book your train from Madrid to Brussels is 84 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Madrid to Brussels route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Madrid to Brussels per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Madrid to Brussels.
Trains
from £18Coaches
from £67Flights
from £219Journey information
Overview: Train from Madrid to Brussels
Spain
Belgium
Trains from Madrid to Brussels run on average 2 times per day, taking around 20h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £365 but you can travel from only £25 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 05:50, the last at 17:20. The fastest train covers the 1316 km distance in 18h 54m.
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 £25
Distance 1316 km |
Average train duration 20h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price £365 |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 18h 54m |
First train 5:50 |
Last train 17:20 |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 35 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 £25
Train companies: AVE, Renfe Viajeros from Madrid to Brussels trainsAVE, Renfe Viajeros trains will get you between Madrid and Brussels from £25. 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
Average Duration
21h 40m
Cheapest Price
£374
AVE frequency
1 a day
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
Renfe Viajeros
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
18h 54m
Cheapest Price
£365
Renfe Viajeros frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Brussels
Things to do in Brussels
Discover the best of Brussels — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Brussels trip today.
- Recommended
Oldmasters Museum
Major fine arts museum with Flemish, Belgian and European works, ideal for tracing artistic developments across centuries.
- Recommended
Horta Museum
Art Nouveau house designed by Victor Horta, offering an intimate look at architecture, interiors and decorative detail.
- Must visit
Grand-Place
Historic square packed with ornate façades, seasonal events and evening illumination; a natural starting point for exploring the centre.
- Must visit
Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert
A characterful shopping arcade with glass roof, elegant details and a classic route for a refined walk in the centre.
- Must visit
Mont des Arts
Landscaped hill with gardens, fountains and one of Brussels’ most rewarding skyline views near the upper town museums.
- Gluten-free
Moules-frites
Moules-frites pairs North Sea mussels with crisp chips. It is a Brussels brasserie classic, especially popular in cooler months.
- Gluten-free
Stoemp
Stoemp is mashed potatoes mixed with seasonal vegetables, often served with sausage or bacon. It is a comforting Brussels staple.
Carbonnade flamande
Carbonnade flamande is a slow-cooked beef and onion stew made with Belgian beer. It is a beloved hearty dish in Brussels cafés.
Aux Armes de Bruxelles
Refined Belgian dining in the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, known for well-presented regional dishes and a polished atmosphere.
Chez Léon
Traditional restaurant famed for mussels, oysters and other Belgian seafood dishes in a lively, classic brasserie setting.
Le Cirio
Long-running brasserie serving stoemp, carbonnade and other Belgian staples in an elegant Art Nouveau-inspired dining room.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Western Europe: hotels and restaurants are not cheap, but public transport is reasonable and budget eats are easy to find.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-15 for fast food or casual eats.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €70+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €3-5 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for excellent restaurant service. Taxis are often rounded up. Small change is appreciated in cafés, but not expected.
STIB-MIVB
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €2.40
- Day pass
- €8.50
To the city centre
Brussels-Midi -> Grand-Place, Brussels
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 20 min
Best option: Train to Bruxelles-Central/Brussel-Centraal
- Price
- €2.40
- Duration
- 5 min
- Contactless bank card payment works on all STIB-MIVB metro gates, trams and buses. The same card must be used for each connection.
- A single STIB-MIVB journey is valid for 60 min with transfers on the STIB network. Validate again when changing bus, tram or metro.
FAQs: Madrid to Brussels train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Brussels 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 Brussels, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Madrid to Brussels can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £365, while the average price tends to be around £369.
The train journey from Madrid to Brussels covers a distance of 1316 km and takes approximately 18h 54m. Trains run 2 per day.
The train distance from Madrid to Brussels is 1316 km.
The first train from Madrid to Brussels leaves at 5:50.
The last train from Madrid to Brussels departs at 17:20.
Trains from Madrid to Brussels run approximately 2 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Madrid to Brussels.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Madrid to Brussels.
To get from Madrid to Brussels, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.
There is no night train service from Madrid to Brussels.
The cheapest way to get from Madrid to Brussels is by flight, costing approximately £25.
Booking trains from Madrid to Brussels in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Madrid to Brussels offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes. You will travel through picturesque regions of Spain and France, including rolling hills and quaint villages. However, it is not specifically renowned for being a scenic route compared to other European train journeys.
A day trip from Madrid to Brussels is not feasible, as the journey takes 18h 54m and covers 1316 km. There is 1 trip per day for trains.
Explore the vibrant Marolles district, known for its eclectic mix of antique shops and street art. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Parc du Cinquantenaire, home to impressive arches and museums. Sample Belgian chocolates at renowned chocolatiers, and discover the lively atmosphere of the Saint-Géry district with trendy bars and cafes. Attend a performance at the historic La Monnaie opera house. Visit Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Atomium for panoramic city views, the famous Manneken Pis statue, the Royal Palace of Brussels, and the Magritte Museum for surrealist art.
To explore Brussels' main attractions, including the Grand Place, Atomium, and various museums, a stay of 2 to 3 days is generally sufficient.
Yes, you can take the train from Madrid to Brussels.
More options for your journey from Madrid to Brussels
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Brussels and Madrid
Most popular train connections to Brussels
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