Málaga to Madrid train

Trains from Malaga to Madrid

During the week, you will find roughly nine trains serving the distance between Malaga and Madrid. On Saturday, there are two services less, the first train running at around 09:00 and the last train at just about 19:00. The trains don’t run at regular intervals; often you will find a train departing every 1-2h, and the final train, during weekdays, departs at about 19:00, from Malaga Maria Zambrano Station.

Malaga to Madrid Train Time: Daily Departures

Throughout the week, the trains run roughly nine times a day, with Saturday and holidays as the exception. Sunday through Friday, you will find the trains begin running at roughly 06:30 and the latest train leaves the station at around 19:00. On Saturday, the earliest train is at approximately 09:00; however, the last train remains the same, departing at around 19:00.

How long is the journey by train from Malaga to Madrid?

The journey from Malaga to Madrid can take anywhere between 2h 37min and 2h 58min. Conveniently, the train travels direct between the two cities, requiring no changeover during your travels. During your journey, why not kill some time by reading an article from Window Seat, our travel magazine covering a range of topics related to travel.

Castle of Colomares in Malaga. Source: Shutterstock

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Malaga to Madrid?

Departure train stations: Malaga Maria Zambrano is located south west of the city centre; you can find a bus stop nearby, at which a bus connects the city to the train station. The station hosts cafes, fast food and shopping facilities. You will also find cash points inside, as well as underground parking, if you plan to travel to the station by car.

Arrival train station: Madrid-Puerta de Atocha is one of Madrid’s largest railway stations and is located in the district of Arganzuela. Within the station, you can find a number of restaurants and bars and, at the ground level, you can exit out to the taxi rank. If you would prefer to walk, the centre of the city, Puerta del Sol, can be reached by foot in 26min on average. Otherwise, the metro also connects the train station to the rest of Madrid.

Which train companies travel from Malaga to Madrid?

Alta Velocidad Espanola (AVE) services the trains between Malaga and Madrid and is the only train company travelling between the two cities. AVE trains can travel up to 186 mph (300 km/h), with seating for up to 347 passengers. AVE trains between Malaga and Madrid that depart at about 16:15 have the longest duration (a total travel time of roughly 3h), while their service is most often fastest for their earliest train. The train at around 06:30 takes approximately 2h 42min to reach its destination.

Night trains Malaga

Unfortunately, you will find no trains running later than 19:00 between Malaga and Madrid; the final train lands you at your destination at around 22:00. If you are travelling for work, you can catch the earliest train at approximately 06:30 and arrive in Madrid sometime around 09:00. If you require an earlier arrival, we would recommend either travelling the night before or travelling by bus.

Alta Velocidad Espanola (AVE) trains from Malaga to Madrid

AVE is one of Spain’s most popular high speed rails. Their service between Malaga and Madrid is covered in, on average, 2h 45min. The cost of travel does not vary greatly and can range from €52 to €79 (£44-66), at base rate price. This does not include the additional costs of 2nd+ class or a Choose fare. With the Turista Standard Choose fare, you pay an additional sum for a semi-refundable and semi-exchangeable train ticket. You can find out more information about AVE here, for everything you need to know.

Trains from Malaga to Madrid: Sustainability travel

Travelling by train between Malaga and Madrid is a more eco-conscious form of travel. Trains emit less carbon into the atmosphere than do cars or buses, and so switching your mode of transport is a good start in reducing your carbon footprint. AVE is a member of the Rail Freight Forward coalition, a European organisation aimed at decreasing the impact that freight transport is having on the planet.

Train Malaga to Madrid: Services on Board

The train connecting Malaga and Madrid has a number of amenities on board. Firstly, there is the option of a standard 2nd-class ticket or, for an additional fee, you can upgrade your ticket to 2nd+ class. With this, you travel in more comfort, with wider seats and extra legroom. On board the train, you will have access to free WiFi, power plugs for charging your electronics and food options. The high-speed train offers ample luggage space for its passengers, with an allowance of three pieces of luggage per person on board. In regards to pets on board, you are allowed to bring with you only one pet, and they must travel in a carrier. Bicycles are also allowed on board, but only if they are folded or dismantled and kept in a carrying case. AVE also offers an assistance service for passengers travelling with a disability or reduced mobility. This service offers assistance when getting on and off the train, with the ability to request a wheelchair if necessary. For passengers with hearing disabilities, technical aids are on standby, to aid in communication.

How to find cheap train tickets from Malaga to Madrid?

Cheap tickets for your journey between Malaga and Madrid can be found through the use of the Omio website. On the site, you can see which times offer the cheapest tickets, alongside which train is the fastest. If you are hoping to save money on your journey, it is helpful to book your tickets in advance. Booking early may offer you the best deals. Being flexible with train departure times and dates will also aid in saving money, so keep that in mind. You may also find that booking online will show cheaper train prices than booking at the train station.

Tourist at Plaza Mayor in Madrid. Source: Shutterstock

To Madrid by train—travel tips

Madrid, the capital of Spain, offers much to explore, especially if you are a fan of both Spanish music and cuisine. In the city, you can try a tapas crawl, moving from one tapas bar to the next while enjoying their selections of cheeses and Iberian hams, accompanied with a beer or a glass of wine to wash it all down with. You can catch a flamenco show in Cardomo or other theatres, and enjoy the traditional flamenco with dinner and drinks. Culturally rich, visit Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art. Here you will find the Museo del Prado, Reina Sofia and the Thyssen-Bornemisza. These are three of Spain’s renowned museums, each showing differing collections of work from Spain, Europe and America. If you have an interest in the Spanish monarchy, you can find your way to the Palacio Real and watch the changing of the guard, which happens every Wednesday and Saturday.

• Visit the Rastro flea market
• Take a ride on the Teleferico
• Wander through El Retiro Park
• Explore the Egyptian temple in Madrid’s city centre
• Take a tour of Madrid’s football stadiums: Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu and the Wanda Metropolitano of Atletico de Madrid