Madrid to Zurich train with AVE

Sat 23 May
+ Add return
AVE
SBB
Renfe Viajeros
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
AVE
SBB
Renfe Viajeros
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Madrid to Zurich

Showing times and prices for 23 May

Cheapest price

£250

Average price

£250

Fastest journey

1 d 22 h 36 m

Average duration

1 d 22 h 36 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

1247 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Madrid to Zurich will cost around £250 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £250.

Fast trains

To travel from Madrid to Zurich you need to make at least 2 changes.

  • Renfe Viajeros
    12:5046h36
    Madrid
    11:26Zurich
    £2501One-way
    2 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Madrid to Zurich

Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Zurich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £46. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 14m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the coach is your best bet as it emits only 1.2 - 3.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £46, and a train costs an average of £245.

Distance: 1247 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Flight
Coach

£253

Average Price

£179

Average Price

£92

Average Price

Cheapest

6h 43m

Average total duration

6h 13m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 14m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 14m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

21h 50m

Average total duration

21h 20m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

-

CO2 emissions

3.7 - 7.5kg

CO2 emissions

1.2 - 3.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
SBB

Most popular train company

Iberia

Most popular airline

Alsa

Most popular bus company

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 Zurich by train, coach or flight

Compare train, coach 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 Zurich trains with Omio?

AVE as well as SBB or Renfe Viajeros offer trains services from Madrid to Zurich.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Madrid to Zurich.

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 SBB or Renfe Viajeros to find the best option for your trip from Madrid to Zurich.
  • 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 train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Madrid to Zurich.

Why book with Omio over Rome2rio, Raileurope or Trainline?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Madrid to Zurich.

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Madrid to Zurich?

The best time to book your train from Madrid to Zurich is 77 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Madrid to Zurich route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Madrid to Zurich 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 Zurich.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Madrid to Zurich

SpainSpain
SwitzerlandSwitzerland
Icon of train

Trains from Madrid to Zurich run on average 1 times per day, taking around 6h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £245 but you can travel from only £44 by flight.

The earliest train runs at 06:59, the last at 07:34. The fastest train covers the 1247 km distance in 25h 19m.

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 £44
Distance
1247 km
Average train duration
6h 13m
Cheapest ticket price
£245
Trains per day
1
Fastest train
25h 19m
First train
6:59
Last train
7:34
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
77 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 £44

Train companies: AVE, SBB, Renfe Viajeros from Madrid to Zurich trainsAVE, SBB, Renfe Viajeros trains will get you between Madrid and Zurich from £44. 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
25h 19m
Cheapest Price
£258
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

SBB

About
SBB is Switzerland’s national railway company, operating a wide range of train services including InterCity, InterRegio, RegioExpress, Regio, S-Bahn, and international InterCityExpress connections. InterCity trains reach speeds of up to 200 km/h for fast travel between major cities, while Regio trains provide slower, more frequent local services. Ticket options include Standard and First Class, as well as passes and discounts such as the Swiss Travel Pass, Half-Fare Card, and Super Saver tickets. Onboard amenities may feature Wi-Fi, power outlets, and restaurant cars. Popular routes include Zurich–Geneva, Basel–Bern, and Geneva–Lausanne.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one larger piece of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant cars on long-distance trains, bistro service available. First class receives at-seat service
Seat reservation
Seat reservations optional in 2nd class for fee, included in 1st class tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance services available with advance notice
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Large dogs require half-price ticket. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

Renfe Viajeros

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
27h 36m
Cheapest Price
£245
Renfe Viajeros frequency
1 a day

FAQs: Madrid to Zurich train

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

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Madrid to Zurich can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £245, while the average price tends to be around £253.
The train from Madrid to Zurich takes 25h 19m and runs once a day.
The train distance from Madrid to Zurich is 1247 km.
The first train from Madrid to Zurich leaves at 6:59.
The last train from Madrid to Zurich departs at 7:34.
Trains from Madrid to Zurich run approximately 1 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Madrid to Zurich.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Madrid to Zurich.
To get from Madrid to Zurich, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Madrid to Zurich.
The cheapest way to get from Madrid to Zurich is by flight, costing approximately £44.
Booking trains from Madrid to Zurich 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 Zurich offers varied scenery, transitioning from the urban landscapes of Spain to the picturesque vistas of the French countryside and the dramatic Swiss Alps, providing travellers with a visually appealing experience.
A day trip from Madrid to Zurich is not feasible as the journey takes 25h 19m and covers a distance of 1247 km. Additionally, there is only 1 train per day.
In Zurich, you can hike or take a train to the summit of Uetliberg Mountain for panoramic views of the city and surrounding Alps. Indulge in shopping along Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world's most exclusive shopping streets. Explore the diverse habitats and wildlife at Zurich Zoo, or enjoy a performance at the renowned Opera House. Wander through the serene Botanical Garden with its wide variety of plant species. Visit the picturesque Lake Zurich for recreational activities, or stroll through the historic Old Town with its medieval buildings and cultural landmarks. Discover art at Kunsthaus Zurich and explore Swiss cultural history at the Swiss National Museum. Relax in Lindenhof park, offering beautiful city views and a glimpse into Zurich's Roman history.
To fully experience Zurich, spending three to four days allows time to explore its cultural landmarks, enjoy the picturesque Lake Zurich, and visit nearby attractions like Uetliberg Mountain.
Yes, you can take the train from Madrid to Zurich.

More options for your journey from Madrid to Zurich

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