- Must visit
Kunsthaus Zürich
Major art museum with Swiss and European works from the Middle Ages to today, ideal for a broad overview of Zurich’s cultural life.
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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 9m. 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 £243.
Distance: 1247 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Coach |
|---|---|---|
£251 Average Price | £152 Average Price | £85 Average Price Cheapest |
12h 53m Average total duration 12h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 9m Average total duration Fastest 4h 9m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 21h 56m Average total duration 21h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
- CO2 emissions | 3.7 - 7.5kg CO2 emissions | 1.2 - 3.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
 Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Madrid to Zurich train times
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Zurich trains for today, Thursday 20 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21:07 Madrid | 25h19 | 22:26 Zurich | 3 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 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 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.
Trains
from £15Coaches
from £61Flights
from £178Journey information
Overview: Train from Madrid to Zurich
Spain
Switzerland
Trains from Madrid to Zurich run on average 1 times per day, taking around 12h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £243 but you can travel from only £46 by coach.
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
Coach from £46
Distance 1247 km |
Average train duration 12h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price £243 |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 25h 19m |
First train 6:59 |
Last train 7:34 |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
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
Coach from £46
Train companies: AVE, Renfe Viajeros from Madrid to Zurich trainsAVE, Renfe Viajeros trains will get you between Madrid and Zurich from £46. 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
£256
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
27h 36m
Cheapest Price
£243
Renfe Viajeros frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Zurich
Things to do in Zurich
Discover the best of Zurich — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Zurich trip today.
- Must visit
Landesmuseum Zürich
National museum in a castle-like building near the main station, presenting Swiss history, design, and everyday life through varied displays.
- Recommended
Museum für Gestaltung Zürich
Leading design museum with changing exhibitions on architecture, graphics, fashion, and product design in a well-run central venue.
- Must visit
Bahnhofstrasse
Zurich’s best-known shopping boulevard, lined with elegant buildings, trams, and easy walks between the station, lake, and old town.
- Must visit
Niederdorf
Historic old-town quarter of lanes, squares, churches, and river views, ideal for walking, sightseeing, and discovering Zurich’s medieval core.
- Must visit
Lindenhof
Hilltop viewpoint and green area above the city, known for broad panoramas, woodland paths, and a quick escape from the urban centre.
Zürcher Geschnetzeltes
Veal in a creamy white wine and mushroom sauce, traditionally served with rösti. It is Zurich’s signature dish and a classic of local taverns.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Rösti
Pan-fried grated potato cake, crisp outside and soft inside. A Swiss staple closely linked with Zurich and often served with meat, eggs or cheese.
- Vegetarian
Käsefondue
Melted cheese blended with white wine and kirsch, eaten by dipping bread. A beloved Swiss communal dish, especially in colder months.
Restaurant Kronenhalle
Classic Zurich restaurant known for Zürcher Geschnetzeltes and other Swiss specialities in an elegant old-town atmosphere.
Restaurant Zeughauskeller
Traditional Swiss beer hall serving fondue, rösti and sausages in a lively, wood-panelled setting near the station.
Hiltl
Long-running vegetarian restaurant with a large buffet and Swiss-international dishes in a bright, central setting.
Swiss franc (CHF, Fr.)
Very high prices for hotels, dining and transport. Zurich costs more than most European city breaks, especially in central tourist areas.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- CHF 15-25 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- CHF 30-50 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- CHF 90+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- CHF 4.50-6 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great service. Round up taxi fares and small café bills.
ZVV App
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- CHF 4.70
- Day pass
- CHF 9.40
To the city centre
Zürich HB -> Zürich HB
- Distance
- 0 km
- Travel time
- 0 min
- Zurich city travel is usually in ZVV zones 110 and 121, counted as 2 zones for fares. Buy before boarding via the ZVV App, a ticket machine, or online.
- ZVV ticket machines sell tram, bus and train tickets. Trams and buses generally do not sell standard tickets on board, so purchase before you travel.
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Madrid to Zurich can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £243, while the average price tends to be around £251.
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 coach, costing approximately £46.
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
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Zurich and Madrid
Most popular train connections to Zurich
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