Valencia to Madrid by Train

The Valencia to Madrid Train

Want to find the cheapest tickets or fastest trains from Valencia to Madrid? Look no further! We’ve pulled together the most up-to-date and important information for you to decide how to get from Valencia to the capital of Flamenco, Madrid. Our easy guide covers everything from the train stations, train providers, high-speed trains, how to book cheap tickets and train schedules. Read on to get the most up to date information, plus discover our top tips for things to do once you’ve reached Seville.

Fallera in the festivities of Fallas in Valencia. Source: Shutterstock

How to find cheaper train tickets from Valencia to Madrid

The best way to get cheap tickets on the Valencia to Madrid trains is to buy tickets three months before the departure date. Ticket sellers often release tickets a few months before their scheduled dates and the earlier you can book, the cheaper the price. With a flexible schedule, there are more options for finding train ticket deals. Take a journey at off-peak times and search for cheaper days of the week. Trains with stops often have cheaper tickets than trains that offer direct or faster services. Train operators offer discounts for students, seniors and disabled travellers, as well as for large groups or families travelling together. Sign up to the Omio app today to receive alerts for discounts directly to your phone.

Paperless tickets for the Valencia to Madrid train

The Omio booking pages have been designed to give you a quick and easy snapshot of the best tickets available. Once you’ve purchased your ticket, you’ll have everything sent to your phone with no need to print. What’s more, you can also enjoy live journey updates, meaning you'll be notified of any platform changes or delays, and we’ll send you a reminder when it's time to set off. If you need any help along the way, there’s a dedicated helpline to make your journey as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible. Explore your train options on Omio from the comfort of your home or on the go.

Which train companies travel from Valencia to Madrid?

Trains from Valencia to Madrid are mainly operated by Spain’s state owned rail company Renfe, with additional services by iryo, and Ouigo a subsidiary of the French SNCF network. Renfe trains are divided into different fleets and lines meaning that passengers can choose between high-speed AVE trains, Renfe AVLO trains, which are the high-speed low cost service, and slightly slower Media Distancia connections. There are also slower daily Regional train services.

Travel first class on trains from Valencia to Madrid

When travelling with Renfe you’ll have the option to choose between three different ticket types. Each ticket type is priced according to the flexibility of the ticket, the level of comfort and service you’ll receive onboard.

• Básico (Basic) ticket: these are the cheapest tickets on the standard coaches. Passengers will receive all benefits of travelling on standard including plenty of legroom, WIFI, luggage storage and power sockets. Básico tickets cannot be exchanged or cancelled for a refund. Add-ons can be bought however, these include seat selection for €5 extra, or bringing a pet for an extra €10.
• Elige (the Pick and mix) ticket: these tickets can be tailored to your needs. Elige ticket holders have more flexibility with exchanging or cancelling their tickets or even changing the ticket holder. The Elige ticket also gives the option to travel on Elige ESTÁNDAR (with standard seats) or Elige CONFORT (with XL comfort seats). Add-ons include seat selection, travelling with pets, or a box of food delivered to your seat for an extra €7.50
• Prémium (Premium) ticket: these tickets offer full first class comfort and flexibility. The perks of travelling with this ticket includes XL comfort seats, unlimited free changes to your ticket, a full refund if you cancel your ticket 7 days in advance, and if you miss your train simply hop on the next one for free. The Prémium includes all add-ons including seat selection, taking pets, food service to your seat.

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

On average, trains take 1h 50min. Journey durations are typically affected by the number of layovers along the way but since all trains from Valencia to Madrid provide direct services, journey durations may take a few minutes longer or shorter than the average time. The high-speed trains by Renfe AVE operate at a speed of 192 mph (310 km/h) to cover a distance of 187 miles (302 km).

Daily departures: Valencia to Madrid trains

Around 26 daily trains run from Valencia to Madrid on weekdays, and around 22 on the weekends. This gives commuters and travellers plenty of options to choose the most convenient time. The earliest daily train starts its journey at around 6:38 a.m. and the last daily train leaves Valencia at around 7:10 p.m. Departure schedules may vary depending on the day of the week so it’s best to check the Omio site to receive the latest timetables and up-to-date schedules.

Popular Train Journeys in Spain

We've compiled a list of the most popular train routes through the country. These include high-speed, low cost trains from Madrid to Alicante and Malaga to Madrid, as well as the speedy inter-city trains between Barcelona and Madrid. Omio helps you compare prices to different cities, see journey times and click through to buy train tickets for your upcoming holiday in Spain.

Trains from Madrid to Barcelona	duration: 2h50	from 33,00€
Trains from Barcelona to Valencia	duration: 3h12	from 23,00€
Trains from Madrid to Toledo	duration: 0h32	from 14,00€
Trains from Madrid to Valencia	duration: 1h44	from 22,00€
Trains from Valencia to Barcelona	duration: 3h15	from 22,00€
Trains from Seville to Cordoba	duration: 1h10	from 14,00€
Trains from Alicante to Madrid	duration: 2h36	from 36,00€
Trains from Zaragoza to Barcelona	duration: 2h00	from 30,00€

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

Departure train station: the departure train station for trains from Valencia to Madrid is Valencia Joaquin Sorolla train Station. It features a first-class lounge that offers comfortable, relaxing areas to wait for your train, plus drinks, and an internet connection. The station also comes equipped with several restaurants and cafes, ATMs, washrooms, and travel information displays. If you drive to the station, you’ll find parking with long-term and short-term services. If you need help with your luggage, the station offers several luggage trolleys and luggage lockers. The station is wheelchair-equipped, and it offers accessible platforms, washrooms, and amenities. Travellers can get to the station by foot from the city centre. Alternatively, they can take taxis or drive to the station. Bus lines 9, 27, and subway line 2 provide services to the station.

Arrival train station: trains from Valencia to Madrid arrive at Madrid-Puerta de Atocha train station. It offers a Sala Club first-class lounge that provides complimentary beverages, snacks, and alcohol alongside free Wi-Fi. If you need help with your luggage, the station provides luggage trolleys and luggage lockers. There is a lost and found area, several food concession stands, vending machines, washrooms, and a travel information display. It caters to reduced mobility travellers with accessible washrooms, platforms, water fountains, restaurants, and ticket offices. Travellers can get from the station to the city centre by foot. Alternatively, they can take the Metro line 2 or a taxi to their preferred destination.

Night trains in Valencia

Night trains in Valencia provide overnight services that facilitate easy night travel. Night train services are operated by Trenhotel, which offers three categories: Turista Class bed, Grand Class, and First Class beds. Turista class beds feature cabins with four beds, sinks, and basic bedding linens. Travellers on the Turista Class bed can choose between male and female compartments. First-class beds have single or twin beds. They provide personal hygiene items and lockable cabins with sinks and personal hygiene items. They also feature wider beds and necessary beddings Grand-class cabins have single or twin beds, and they feature showers, sinks, and private bathrooms. Travellers also get complimentary toiletries and linens. All cabins have power sockets and a bar coach with simple meals, snacks and drinks.

Sustainable travel with the Valencia to Madrid train

Trains are by far the most sustainable and greenest means of travel. Their emissions only represent about two percent of the transport sector emissions. They also have a low energy consumption, which equals a tenth of the fuel used by small cars and aircraft. Trains have the ability to occupy minimal space in the environment and at the same time offer the most spacious areas to passengers onboard. Trains have a long lifetime and can go for up to 50 years without the need to re-invest in spare parts and non-renewable energy.

Services on board: Valencia to Madrid

Renfe trains offer two travel classes, first class and second class. First-class travellers get a one-by-two seating arrangement with comfortable reclining seats. They also get at-seat meal services served by attendants, an entry in all first-class lounges, and free parking at the station. Furthermore, first-class travellers can enjoy media screens, newspapers, and onboard private areas. All seats on Renfe trains are comfortable and come with an armrest and folding tables.

Trains also come with buffet cars where travellers can buy drinks, snacks, and meals. Renfe allows passengers to bring three luggage items with maximum measurements of 35x21x13 inches (85x55x35 cm). They also have to be under 55 lbs (25 kg). Trains come with luggage storage areas like overhead racks and areas at the end of the car. Pets are allowed on board with the correct ticket, provided they are on a leash. All trains are wheelchair accessible with accessible washrooms, designated wheelchair areas, and accessible washrooms. The Omio magazine provides insights into the best travel experience from Valencia to Madrid.

Madrid, the historic city skyline. Source: Shutterstock

Travel tips: exploring Madrid by train

Madrid, Spain’s capital, is popular for its world-class art museums and numerous tourist attractions. Puerta del Sol is one of the highlights in Madrid. It rings with a festival scene, providing street performers, masses of colour and numerous activities. Nature lovers will love a visit to the lush and well-manicured Buen Retiro Park. Travellers can enjoy rowing boats at the Park’s tranquil lake, puppet shows at the Teatro de Titeres, or a walk along its elegant walkways. The Royal Palace and Gardens offers guided tours of Spanish history where you’ll be able to marvel at the establishment’s iconic columns, Doric pilasters, and scenic interiors. History lovers can visit the Royal Armory, which features over 3,000 exhibits from the Middle Ages. Here’s a list of top things to check on on your upcoming trip to Madrid.

• Prado Museum
• Fuente de Cibeles
• Museo Sorolla.
• Madrid Rio Park.
• Almudena Cathedral

You can discover more about things to do in Madrid with the Omio magazine.

International trains from Madrid

The main international routes for trains in Spain usually depart and arrive from Madrid and Barcelona. A couple of the most popular international routes connected to Madrid go to Lisbon and Paris. If you’re looking to explore the rest of Europe by train, check out some of the popular routes and download the Omio app. It’s a convenient way to find tickets in any language, no matter which country you’re travelling to.

Popular Train Routes from Spain

Taking the Train from Valencia

AVE high-speed trains from Valencia to Madrid depart from Joaquin Sorolla station, located on the southern edge of the city centre. The station is connected to the Valencia Metro, with the Joaquin Sorolla-Jesus stop on Avenida de Giorgeta close to the terminus. Taxis are available from the rank next to the station entrance. There are 5 city bus lines stopping next to the station and a shuttle bus connects Joaquin Corolla to the nearby Valencia Nord station, departure point for Intercity and Regional trains to Madrid. The Bailen Metro station is close to the Nord terminus.

Getting into Madrid by Train

Madrid is a striking and engaging capital famous for its non-stop nightlife and restaurant scene. Visitors combine the tapas trails of the central squares with cultural highlights that include the galleries of the Prado. RENFE AVE trains from Valencia to Madrid arrive at Puerta de Atocha station, situated in the centre of the city. The station has its own metro stop, Atocha-RENFE, with connections across the city on line 1. Bus stops provide links on 8 bus routes including the circular service which connects major sights in the centre. There are taxi ranks situated on Plaza del Embarcadero, Mendez Alvaro street and at the main arrivals terminal.