Madrid to Málaga train with AVE

Train from Madrid to Malaga

Introduction

I love exploring my home country, and one of the best ways to do it is by train. You can simply relax while taking in the scenery. My latest train journey was from Madrid to Malaga, and it was a great trip. In this guide, I will share my experience and give you insider tips to make the most of your journey. Read on to discover why the train is a fantastic way to get from Madrid to Malaga.

Route Overview

The Madrid to Malaga train on Omio is a fantastic option because it’s fast, comfortable, and so convenient. It leaves from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes and arrives at Málaga María Zambrano, which is a short walk from the Málaga City Center.

The bus from Madrid to Malaga, as well as car journeys from Madrid to Malaga, take over 5 hours and 30 minutes, whereas the train takes an average of just 2 hours and 58 minutes.

I also love that the train ride goes through some scenic parts, so you don’t miss out on that either. Therefore, I think it’s fair to say that the train is the best way to get from Madrid to Malaga.

Transportation Experience

I booked my trip with Omio, and it couldn’t have been easier. I simply entered my destination, and it came up with the best options. I could see the best prices and times at a glance. Once I bought my ticket, I instantly received it in my email, but I highly recommend using the app because you have the tickets on your phone (even offline).

I arrived at Madrid Atocha with plenty of time so that I could check the beautiful tropical garden, and wasn’t rushing, as the station is quite big. After this, I went through security, checked the souvenir shops, and made my way to the gate.

Route Details

Madrid Atocha is not far from the city center, so you can either take the underground or a taxi. You have everything you need before taking the train, from cafés to souvenir shops and spacious toilets (including some for disabled travelers). You can also find luggage storage and a water filling station.

Since it’s inside the Vialia shopping center, María Zambrano Station also has good amenities. You have supermarkets, cafés, restaurants and the metro, too. In case you aren’t staying in a town near Malaga, the station is next to Malaga bus station, which is very convenient.

Regarding train schedules and frequency, there are approximately 20 direct trains from Madrid to Malaga every day, and they are usually punctual. Mine was almost on time.

Onboard Experience & Services

I traveled second class, and the experience was fantastic. The trains have comfortable and spacious seats, tray tables, Wi-Fi and power sockets. I actually had to do some work, so I was relieved to have internet. There’s also enough space for your luggage. You can bring up to three pieces—just keep the size and weight allowance in mind.

Other amenities include toilets, which are regularly cleaned, and a café. Alternatively, get a snack from the comfort of your seat with the mobile bar service. Another highlight of the train from Madrid to Malaga is the views. I love the beautiful hilly scenery, especially when we approached Cordoba province.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

I booked a regular fare train ticket and managed to get a good price, mostly because I got my tickets in advance and was able to compare the best options with Omio. I paid €49 for my train ticket, but it was slightly more expensive due to the time of the year (late summer).

Here is a budget breakdown:

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

• Book your train tickets in advance. It makes a difference, and the easiest way to get them is with the Omio app.
• Arrive early at Atocha train station. It’s quite big and there are two stations: the old and the new. Make sure you follow the signs to get to the right gate.
• If you are on a budget, consider packing your own food.
• Take in the scenic views. The mountain landscapes are beautiful.
• Once in Malaga, consider taking the metro rather than a taxi. It works out cheaper and is faster.
• Last but not least, spend more than a day in Malaga. My hometown has plenty of beautiful things to do and see beyond going to the beach.

Conclusion

Travelling from Madrid to Malaga by train is easy, comfortable, and something I'd love to do again. I wouldn’t have made this journey any other way. Book your tickets with Omio [Madrid to Malaga train on Omio] and experience travelling in Spain by train, it’s the best option when routes like this are available.

About the Author: Cristina Reina

• Job Title: Content Creator
• Bio: Cristina is a Content Creator and Founder of My Little World of Travelling, a blog that helps travelers discover Malaga and the rest of Southern Spain like a local.