Madrid to Granada train with AVE

The Madrid to Granada Train

Travelling to Granada from Madrid and want to know which train to get? We’ve got you covered. The Omio guide to trains in Spain covers all the connections between popular and major cities, including the route between Madrid to Granada. We’ve pulled together the most up to date and important information for you to decide how to get from Madrid, the capital of Flamenco, to Granada. Our easy guide covers everything from the train stations in Madrid and Granada, train providers, how to book cheap tickets, train schedules, as well as travel tips for your time in Spain.

View from the Alhambra in Granada. Source: Shutterstock

How to find cheap train tickets from Madrid to Granada?

Travellers looking for cheaper train tickets from Madrid to Granada should consider buying tickets in advance. Ticket sellers often release tickets a few months before their scheduled travel dates. The earlier you buy, the cheaper they’ll cost. If you can consider being flexible with your schedule, certain departure times and days can be more expensive – such as travelling during peak hours – so search around for cheaper hours and days to land a ticket deal. Trains with stops often have cheaper tickets than trains with direct and faster services. Train operators also offer discounts for students, seniors and disabled travellers, as well as for large groups or families travelling together.

Paperless train tickets from Madrid to Granada

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. Download the free Omio app today to receive notifications about deals and discounts with Spanish train providers.

Which train companies travel from Madrid to Granada?

Trains from Madrid to Granada are operated by Spain’s state owned rail company Renfe. It is the largest rail company in Spain with an extensive network and super modern and comfortable trains. Between Madrid and Granada, Renfe operates its high-speed AVE fleet which run at an astounding 192 mph (310 km/h).

Travel first class on trains from Madrid to Granada

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, and 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.

Journey duration on the Madrid to Granada train

The train trip between Granada from Madrid covers a distance of around 223 miles (359 km), taking passengers from city centre to city centre. The fastest train takes 3 h 25 min to cover the 223 mile stretch on a high-speed train. The average journey takes around 3 h 35 min while the longest can be up to 6 h. The trains on this route are an even mix of direct trains and those that require one transfer, which makes for a longer journey time.

Daily departures: Madrid to Granada train times

There are usually between 3 and 6 daily trains from Madrid to Granada. The earliest departure leaves Madrid at around 7:00 a.m. The last evening train departs at around 8:00 p.m. getting into Granada at around 11:50 p.m. Train times do vary throughout the weekdays and weekends so be sure to check out Omio’s live and up-to-date schedule with the latest timetables.

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€

Atocha train station in Madrid. Source: Shutterstock

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

Departure train station: Madrid Puerta de Atocha. This station is popular for its beautiful historic setting blended with a tropical garden next to a modern terminus. The station features a lost luggage area and luggage lockers with long-term and short-term storage options. It also offers several food and shopping concessions, ATMs, currency exchange services, and a waiting area. There are several washrooms, baby changing facilities, and water fountains. Travellers can get to the station by foot from the city centre. Alternatively, they can get taxis or private transfers. Travellers can also hop on the metro with line 2 providing services to and from the station.

Arrival train station: Granada train station. This central train station sits just to the north of the centre and is around just 0.8 miles (1.4 km) away from downtown Granada. If you are looking for public transportation to get you from the station to the centre of Granada the 123 bus makes the trip in around 7 min. When you reach the station you will find a small cafe that offers food and great coffee drinks, plus there are also restrooms, seating areas, ticket offices, as well as an information booth and rental cars.

Sustainable travel with trains from Madrid to Granada

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. Renfe is constantly modernising its fleet and streamlining its operations to operate in the most environmentally friendly way possible to ensure that your trip from Madrid to Granada is as environmentally friendly as it can be.

Services on board: Madrid to Granada

>Renfe trains offer two travel classes, the major difference between the first and second classes is the seating arrangement. Second-class coaches offer a two-by-two-seat configuration, while first class offers two-by-one seat configurations. Seats in first class are far more spacious, and they offer more legroom. Another perk of first-class travel is the at-seat catering service that is available. Renfe trains have on-board personnel who provide services in different languages throughout the train journeys.

Trains are also equipped with a buffet car, which offers seasonal menus, a children’s menu, and a variety of drinks. The trains also provide free Wi-Fi onboard for travellers’ entertainment. Renfe trains have luggage restrictions with a maximum of three luggage items per traveller. The measurement limit is 33x21x13 inches (85x55x35 cm), and the weight limit is 50 lbs (25 kg). They also offer power outlets for travellers to keep their equipment charged. Pets are allowed on board with a ticket and as long as they are on a leash. Renfe trains are wheelchair accessible with designated areas for wheelchairs, step-free boarding equipment, and adapted services

Travel tips: exploring Granada

Granada is a small town, tucked along the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the south of Spain. The city has a notoriously infectious charm which combines a European flair with the mystery of its famous, storied history. Here you will find churches that were once mosques, bakeries that were once bathhouses, and tapas shops that were once tea houses. When visiting Granada, you might come across an impromptu flamenco show in the streets, or shop for gifts that might otherwise be found on the streets of Morocco. Whatever exciting activities you come across in the day, you’re bound to end your evening satiated with Granada’s delectable and varied dishes. Here’s just a few things to look out for on your trip:

• Alhambra
• Nasrid Palaces
• Royal Chapel of Granada
• Calle Mirador de San Nicolás
• Patio de Los Leones
• Parque de las Ciencias
• Generalife
• Catedral de Granada

Looking for more inspiration and top tips for things to do in Granada?Visit the Omio magazine which offers you advice on the best travel experience, wherever your travels take you.