- Must visit
Museo Picasso Málaga
Museum dedicated to Pablo Picasso with works from different periods. Essential for understanding the artist’s connection to his birth city.
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Madrid to Málaga is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Málaga will cost around £48 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £21.
On Thu 12 Nov, we found 9 trains from Madrid to Málaga, including 9 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 416 km distance in an average of 3 h 29 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 44 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 17 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

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Trains from Madrid to Málaga run on average 17 times per day, taking around 3h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £5 if you book in advance.
There are 17 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:13, the last at 21:37. The fastest train covers the 416 km distance in 2h 35m.
Distance 416 km |
Average train duration 3h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price £5 |
Trains per day 17 |
Direct trains 17 |
Fastest train 2h 35m |
First train 5:13 |
Last train 21:37 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 91 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Madrid to Málaga.
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Málaga trains for today, Wednesday 11 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:20 Madrid | 4h29 | 9:49 Málaga | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 6:20 Madrid | 4h29 | 10:49 Málaga | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 8:55 Madrid | 2h53 | 11:48 Málaga | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 15:30 Madrid | 4h16 | 19:46 Málaga | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 16:30 Madrid | 4h16 | 20:46 Málaga | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 16:40 Madrid | 3h24 | 20:04 Málaga | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 18:35 Madrid | 3h58 | 22:33 Málaga | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 18:50 Madrid | 4h18 | 23:08 Málaga | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Málaga — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Málaga trip today.
Museum dedicated to Pablo Picasso with works from different periods. Essential for understanding the artist’s connection to his birth city.
Collection of Carmen Thyssen focused on 19th-century Spanish and Andalusian painting. A strong choice for regional art in a restored palace.
Centre Pompidou’s Málaga venue presenting modern and contemporary art in the waterfront Cube building. Good for temporary exhibitions.
Lively pedestrian shopping street linking the old city and port. It is ideal for strolling and taking in Málaga’s everyday urban atmosphere.
Revitalised port promenade with palms, shops, public art and sea views. Popular for an easy waterfront walk near the historic centre.
Large central park with subtropical planting, shaded paths and fountains. A pleasant green route between the old town and the port.
A chilled tomato soup from Málaga with bread, olive oil and garlic, traditionally topped with ham and egg. A summer staple across the city.
Skewered sardines grilled over an open fire on the beach. One of Málaga’s signature seafood dishes, especially along the seafront.
Small anchovies lightly floured and fried. A classic Málaga tapa, prized for fresh local fish and simple preparation.
Refined dining in central Málaga with contemporary Andalusian cooking and tasting menus in an elegant, intimate room.
Long-established seafood restaurant by the sea in El Palo, valued for fresh fish, shellfish and classic Málaga cooking.
Historic central tavern known for traditional Málaga tapas, sherry and a lively old-school atmosphere near the cathedral.
Moderate for Spain: tapas and buses are fairly priced, but beach hotels and central dining cost more than in many inland cities.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, round up or leave 5-10% for good service. In cafés, leave small change. In taxis, round up the fare or add about €1 for helpful service.
Official public transport app
Málaga María Zambrano -> Plaza de la Constitución, Málaga
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Málaga.
Málaga is a popular destination for visitors heading to the resorts of the Costa del Sol. It has also developed a reputation as a cultural hub with attractions including the Picasso Museum and the striking glass cube of the Centre Pompidou Málaga.

Which train companies go from Madrid to Málaga? Madrid is connected to Málaga by a direct line on the AVE high-speed network, part of Spain's national rail operator, RENFE.
How long is the train from Madrid to Málaga? The average journey time for the train from Madrid to Málaga is 2 hours and 20 minutes. Although some journeys can take up to 3 hours and 5 minutes.
When are the first and last trains of the day from Madrid to Málaga? The first direct train from Madrid to Málaga on weekdays departs from the Puerta Atocha station in the capital at around 6.30 a.m. arriving at Málaga's Maria Zambrano station just under 3 hours later. Earlier departures involve a change at Cordoba, arriving in Málaga slightly earlier. The last train to depart from Madrid to Málaga does so at 20:35 p.m.
How often are trains from Madrid to Málaga? There are roughly hourly services until the final departure in the evening which arrives in Málaga just before midnight. Sunday services are largely the same, however with an additional final journey.
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How far in advance to book cheap train tickets from Madrid to Málaga? The best time to book trains from Madrid to Málaga in advance is 6 weeks before departure.
When is the cheapest and most expensive day to catch the train from Madrid to Málaga? The cheapest day to travel from Madrid to Málaga is Tuesday. The most expensive day to catch the train from Madrid to Málaga is Friday and Saturday.
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Where do trains from Madrid to Málaga depart from? The train from Madrid to Málaga departs from the Puerta Atocha station, situated on the south side of central Madrid.
The Atocha underground station on the Madrid metro line 1 connects the station with the major attraction in the city. The metro operates between 6:00 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. There are taxi ranks outside the main station entrance.
Where do trains from Madrid to Málaga arrive at? Málaga's Maria Zambrano station is a modern terminus situated in the south-west of the city. There are bus services to the city centre on routes 1, 3, 4, 5, 10, 12, 16, 24 and 27, while Málaga bus station, adjacent to the terminus, offers connections along the Costa del Sol.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Málaga 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 Málaga, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Madrid to Málaga trains use the Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes to Malaga María Zambrano station pair. Use this guide to compare Madrid and Málaga train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes is 1 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Passion Food, La Barrila, Enrique Tomás, Pic Nic, Foodissimo!, PureGusto, Burger King
Free WiFi in the station and on all Renfe trains. ATMs are in various points at the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 10:00 - 20:00. Information desks are on the ground floor of the main concourse.
Luggage storage is open daily from 05:30 to 22:00. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes: Wheelchair parking, adapted elevators, adapted platforms, lobby shopping area.
Nearby hotels include 60 Balconies Urban Stay, Only YOU Hotel Atocha, SLEEP’N Atocha.
Malaga María Zambrano is 1 km from Málaga city centre. Public transport options include:
Malaga María Zambrano has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: 100 Montaditos, Burger King, Dunkin' Coffee, Gino's, Lizarran, Orient Express Cafeteria, The Posada of Brazil, Pizza Hut, Rail Coffee, The Good Burger, & many more
Free throughout the station. ATMs are located in various points in the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 05:00 - 00:45. Information desks are located in the station's main concourse.
Luggage storage is open daily from 07:00 to 23:00.
Available at Malaga María Zambrano: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Malaga María Zambrano: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Malaga María Zambrano: The station is fully accessible and includes adapted elevators and platforms. Additional services can be arranged by contacting the station before traveling.
Nearby hotels include Hotel ILUNION Málaga, Barceló Málaga, Eurostars Málaga.
Check train stations information for Madrid and Málaga, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need