Madrid to Mérida train with Renfe ALVIA

Tue 20 Oct
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Renfe ALVIA
Renfe
Renfe MD
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
Renfe ALVIA
Renfe
Renfe MD
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Madrid to Mérida

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 20 Oct

Cheapest price on 20 Oct

£33

Average ticket price on 20 Oct

£34

Fastest journey on 20 Oct

4 h 2 m

Average journey duration on 20 Oct

4 h 12 m

Trains on 20 Oct

4

Distance

281 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Madrid to Mérida is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Madrid to Mérida will cost around £34 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £33.

Fast trains

On Tue 20 Oct, we found 4 trains from Madrid to Mérida, including 4 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 281 km distance in an average of 4 h 12 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 2 m .

The slowest trains will take 4 h 20 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.

  • Renfe ALVIA00192
    16:384h02
    Atocha-Cercanías
    20:40Mérida station
    £331One-way
    0 changes
  • Renfe ALVIA00190
    8:514h04
    Atocha-Cercanías
    12:55Mérida station
    £331One-way
    0 changes
  • Renfe MD35902
    10:554h20
    Atocha-Cercanías
    15:15Mérida station
    £351One-way
    0 changes
  • Renfe MD17902
    10:554h20
    Atocha-Cercanías
    15:15Mérida station
    £351One-way
    0 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Madrid to Mérida

SpainSpain
SpainSpain
Icon of train

Trains from Madrid to Mérida run on average 3 times per day, taking around 4h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £14 if you book in advance.

There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:52, the last at 18:38. The fastest train covers the 281 km distance in 3h 41m.

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
Distance
281 km
Average train duration
4h 7m
Cheapest ticket price
£14
Trains per day
3
Direct trains
3
Fastest train
3h 41m
First train
7:52
Last train
18:38
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
42 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

Live departures

Madrid to Mérida train times

The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Mérida trains for tomorrow, Tuesday 20 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Renfe ALVIA001908:51 Atocha-Cercanías
4h04
12:55 Mérida station0 changesdirect
Renfe MD3590210:55 Atocha-Cercanías
4h20
15:15 Mérida station0 changesdirect
Renfe MD1790210:55 Atocha-Cercanías
4h20
15:15 Mérida station0 changesdirect
Renfe ALVIA0019216:38 Atocha-Cercanías
4h02
20:40 Mérida station0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Madrid to Mérida trains with Omio?

Renfe ALVIA as well as Renfe or Renfe MD offer trains services from Madrid to Mérida.
Omio is the only official third party seller for Renfe ALVIA tickets.

Why book with Omio vs Renfe ALVIA?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Renfe ALVIA, but also compare tickets for the likes of Renfe or Renfe MD to find the best option for your trip from Madrid to Mérida.
  • 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 Renfe ALVIA with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Madrid to Mérida.

Train companies: Renfe ALVIA, Renfe MD, Renfe from Madrid to Mérida trainsRenfe ALVIA, Renfe MD, Renfe trains will get you between Madrid and Mérida from £14. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Renfe ALVIA

About
Renfe Alvia are high-speed trains with top speeds of up to 250km/h operated by Renfe, Spain’s national railway company. Alvia trains cover most cities in Spain, including Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Valencia, Alicante, Zaragoza and Cadiz. They are somewhat slower than Renfe AVE and AVLO (high-speed and low cost) but cover more destinations and are a comfortable and effective way of travelling around Spain. Onboard facilities include free WIFI, bike storage and luggage allowance. Alvia trains have two seat classes – Estándar and Confort. Top routes for Renfe Alvia include Barcelona to Pamplona, Madrid to Cádiz and Alicante to Gijón.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Renfe ALVIA Duration
3h 41m
Cheapest Renfe ALVIA Price
£14
Renfe ALVIA frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 3 pieces of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, end of carriages, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Renfe
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with drinks, snacks, and hot meals. At-seat service in Preferente class
Seat reservation
Included in Preferente (First) class. Optional extra cost in Turista (Second) class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces available, accessible toilets, and staff assistance for boarding/alighting
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be muzzled and leashed, require paid ticket. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

Renfe MD

About
Renfe MD, or Media Distancia (Mid-distance), is a division of Spain's national railway company, Renfe, specializing in regional train services. These trains connect cities and towns within the same autonomous community or between contiguous communities, typically covering distances under 300 km. Renfe MD operates various train types, including modern regional services with amenities like power sockets and reading lights, and high-speed Avant trains that reach up to 250 km/h on shorter, high-speed routes. While not as fast as long-distance AVE trains, Renfe MD offers extensive coverage across Spain, providing essential regional connections.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Renfe MD Duration
4h 20m
Cheapest Renfe MD Price
£35
Renfe MD frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 3 pieces of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at the ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions and fare type
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with drinks, snacks, and light meals. Vending machines available on some trains
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation with additional fee. Some routes require mandatory seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/disembarking available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free. Dogs must be leashed and muzzled, require paid ticket. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

Renfe

About
Renfe is Spain’s national train company operating freight and passenger on Spain’s extensive railway network as well as international routes to neighboring France and Portugal. Renfe has a wide range of ticket types to fit your budget like the Basic, Elige and Premium tickets. Renfe also offers discount cards like the Renfe Gold Card and +Renfe Youth Card 50 for qualified travelers. The Renfe AVE trains run at high speed and serve long-distance routes, Alvia trains combine high-speed and normal speed trains serving domestic routes, Altaria serves domestic routes into southern Spain, Euromed offers domestic routes along the Mediterranean coast, Avant trains serve regional commuter routes and Trenhotel offers night train routes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Renfe Duration
4h 10m
Cheapest Renfe Price
£29
Renfe frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and up to three suitcases free of charge
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and spaces between seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car (cafeteria) available on most long-distance trains serving hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages. First class passengers receive at-seat service
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation. Included in some ticket types, additional fee for others. Recommended during peak travel times
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance services available for passengers with reduced mobility
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be leashed and muzzled, require paid ticket. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

Complete guide to Mérida

Things to do in Mérida

Discover the best of Mérida — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Mérida trip today.

  • Must visit

Museo Nacional de Arte Romano

Excellent archaeological museum presenting sculptures, mosaics and everyday objects that explain Roman Augusta Emerita with clarity and scale.

  • Recommended

Museo del Teatro Romano

Museum inside the Roman theatre complex with finds from excavations and useful context before or after visiting the adjacent monuments.

Centro de Interpretación del Mundo Visigodo

Interpretation centre dedicated to Visigothic remains, helping visitors understand the period between Roman and Islamic Mérida.

Euro (€)

Generally cheaper than larger Spanish city breaks. Hotels, dining and local buses are usually reasonably priced for visitors.

Average meal costs

Budget
€8-12 for a simple meal or fast food.
Mid-range
€15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
€45+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
€1.50-2.50 for a coffee.

Tipping culture

Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; small change for cafés; taxis usually just round up the fare.

Best day trips from Mérida by train

The most popular day trips by train from Mérida are Cáceres, Badajoz, Zafra and Plasencia. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Mérida on Omio.

A view of Cáceres

Day trip from Mérida to Cáceres by train

Why visit Cáceres for the day?

Cáceres is known for its exceptionally preserved medieval old town, shaped by Roman, Islamic and Christian history. Its quiet streets, noble houses and strong Extremaduran food culture give it a calm, historic character.

How to get from Mérida to Cáceres by train?

There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:56, the last at 20:39. The fastest train covers the 62 km distance in 32m.

A view of Badajoz

Day trip from Mérida to Badajoz by train

Why visit Badajoz for the day?

Badajoz is a historic city in Extremadura near the Portuguese border, known for its great Moorish Alcazaba and Guadiana riverside setting. Its old streets, plazas and frontier past give it a calm, distinctive character.

How to get from Mérida to Badajoz by train?

There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:50, the last at 22:11. The fastest train covers the 54 km distance in 30m.

A view of Zafra

Day trip from Mérida to Zafra by train

Why visit Zafra for the day?

Zafra is a historic market town in Extremadura known for its arcaded squares and handsome old centre. Often called Sevilla la Chica, it is shaped by the Alcázar-Palacio de los Duques de Feria and a long trading tradition.

How to get from Mérida to Zafra by train?

There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:50, the last at 21:10. The fastest train covers the 56 km distance in 46m.

A view of Plasencia

Day trip from Mérida to Plasencia by train

Why visit Plasencia for the day?

Plasencia is known for its old walled centre, two cathedrals and elegant historic squares. Near the Jerte Valley and Monfragüe, it has a relaxed Extremaduran character with medieval streets and everyday local life.

How to get from Mérida to Plasencia by train?

There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:17, the last at 20:39. The fastest train covers the 126 km distance in 1h 10m.

FAQs: Madrid to Mérida train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Mérida 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 Mérida, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Madrid to Mérida can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £14, while the average price tends to be around £34.
The train journey from Madrid to Mérida covers a distance of 281 km and takes approximately 3h 41m. Trains run 3 per day.
The train distance from Madrid to Mérida is 281 km.
The first train from Madrid to Mérida leaves at 7:52.
The last train from Madrid to Mérida departs at 18:38.
Trains from Madrid to Mérida run approximately 3 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Madrid to Mérida.
Yes, there is a direct train between Madrid and Mérida. The service operates 3 times per day, provided by Renfe ALVIA, Renfe, Renfe MD.
There is no night train service from Madrid to Mérida.
The train station in Madrid that goes to Mérida is Atocha-Cercanías, and it arrives at Mérida station.
Booking trains from Madrid to Mérida 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 Mérida offers pleasant views of the Spanish countryside, featuring rolling hills, olive groves, and picturesque villages, providing a relaxing and scenic travel experience.
Yes, you can take the train from Madrid to Mérida.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Madrid and Mérida

Most Madrid to Mérida trains use the Madrid Chamartín to Mérida station pair. Use this guide to compare Madrid and Mérida train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Madrid
Arrival train stations in Mérida

Which Madrid station do trains to Mérida leave from?

Trains from Madrid to Mérida leave from Madrid Chamartín. The station is 6 km from Madrid city centre at 28036 Madrid, Spain.
Madrid Chamartín28036 Madrid, SpainParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Madrid Chamartín from Madrid city centre

Madrid Chamartín is 6 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainC3, C4, C4a, C4b · 11m · £1 · every ~15 min
Ic, Alv, 17041, Re, 18031, 18033, 18035, 18037, 18041, 18043, 18049, 18171, 37091, 37093, 37095, 37097, 37099 · 13m · £1 · every ~2 min
BusN24 · 24m · £3 · every ~11 min
Subway1 · 19m · £2 · every ~24 min

Madrid Chamartín train station facilities and services

Madrid Chamartín has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Madrid Chamartín.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are available at Madrid Chamartín.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Madrid Chamartín. Information desks are available at Madrid Chamartín.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Madrid Chamartín: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Madrid Chamartín: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid Chamartín.

More options for your journey from Madrid to Mérida

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Most popular train connections to Mérida

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

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