The cheapest and fastest trains from Madrid to Málaga
Cheapest price
£55
Average price
£56
Fastest journey
3 h 58 m
Average duration
4 h 8 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
416 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Madrid to Málaga is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Málaga will cost around £56 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £55.
Of the 2 trains that leave Madrid for Málaga every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 416 km distance in an average of 4 h 8 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 58 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 18 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
1120220:353h58Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes0:33Málaga María Zambrano£551One-way0 changes
1029219:504h18Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes0:08Málaga María Zambrano£581One-way0 changes
1120220:353h58Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes0:33Málaga María Zambrano£551One-way0 changes
1029219:504h18Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes0:08Málaga María Zambrano£581One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Madrid to Málaga
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Málaga among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £18. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 1m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £18, and a flight costs an average of £33.
Distance: 416 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£31 Average Price | £19 Average Price Cheapest | £138 Average Price |
3h 51m Average total duration 3h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 4m Average total duration 5h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 1m Average total duration Fastest 3h 1m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | 1.2 - 2.5kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Madrid to Málaga train times
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Málaga trains for today, Wednesday 1 April. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 17:35 Madrid | 3h10 | 20:45 Málaga | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 19:30 Madrid | 2h49 | 22:19 Málaga | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Madrid to Málaga 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 Málaga trains with Omio?
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 iryo, SNCF OUIGO, Renfe AVLO or Renfe INTERCITY to find the best option for your trip from Madrid to Málaga.
- 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 Málaga.
Why book with Omio over Rome2rio, Raileurope or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of iryo, SNCF OUIGO, Renfe AVLO or Renfe INTERCITY to find the best option for your trip from Madrid to Málaga.
- 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 Málaga.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Madrid to Málaga?
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Madrid to Málaga

Journey information
Overview: Train from Madrid to Málaga
Trains from Madrid to Málaga run on average 18 times per day, taking around 3h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £8 if you book in advance.
There are 18 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:48, the last at 21:37. The fastest train covers the 416 km distance in 2h 42m.
Distance 416 km |
Average train duration 3h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price £8 |
Trains per day 18 |
Direct trains 18 |
Fastest train 2h 42m |
First train 5:48 |
Last train 21:37 |
Train companies: AVE, iryo, SNCF OUIGO, Renfe AVLO, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe ALVIA, Renfe MD, Renfe Viajeros, Ouigo from Madrid to Málaga trainsAVE, iryo, SNCF OUIGO, Renfe AVLO, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe ALVIA, Renfe MD, Renfe Viajeros, Ouigo trains will get you between Madrid and Málaga from £8. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
AVE
iryo
Renfe INTERCITY
Renfe ALVIA
Renfe MD
SNCF OUIGO
Renfe AVLO
Renfe Viajeros
Ouigo
Trains from Madrid to Málaga: Journey Details
Málaga is a popular destination for visitors heading to the resorts of the Costa del Sol. It has also developed a reputation as a cultural hub with attractions including the Picasso Museum and the striking glass cube of the Centre Pompidou Málaga.
Trains from Madrid to Málaga: Train Journey Information

Which train companies go from Madrid to Málaga? Madrid is connected to Málaga by a direct line on the AVE high-speed network, part of Spain's national rail operator, RENFE.
How long is the train from Madrid to Málaga? The average journey time for the train from Madrid to Málaga is 2 hours and 20 minutes. Although some journeys can take up to 3 hours and 5 minutes.
When are the first and last trains of the day from Madrid to Málaga? The first direct train from Madrid to Málaga on weekdays departs from the Puerta Atocha station in the capital at around 6.30 a.m. arriving at Málaga's Maria Zambrano station just under 3 hours later. Earlier departures involve a change at Cordoba, arriving in Málaga slightly earlier. The last train to depart from Madrid to Málaga does so at 20:35 p.m.
How often are trains from Madrid to Málaga? There are roughly hourly services until the final departure in the evening which arrives in Málaga just before midnight. Sunday services are largely the same, however with an additional final journey.
Tips for Booking Cheap Trains from Madrid to Málaga
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How far in advance to book cheap train tickets from Madrid to Málaga? The best time to book trains from Madrid to Málaga in advance is 6 weeks before departure.
When is the cheapest and most expensive day to catch the train from Madrid to Málaga? The cheapest day to travel from Madrid to Málaga is Tuesday. The most expensive day to catch the train from Madrid to Málaga is Friday and Saturday.
Train Station Info and Getting to the City Centre
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Where do trains from Madrid to Málaga depart from? The train from Madrid to Málaga departs from the Puerta Atocha station, situated on the south side of central Madrid.
The Atocha underground station on the Madrid metro line 1 connects the station with the major attraction in the city. The metro operates between 6:00 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. There are taxi ranks outside the main station entrance.
Where do trains from Madrid to Málaga arrive at? Málaga's Maria Zambrano station is a modern terminus situated in the south-west of the city. There are bus services to the city centre on routes 1, 3, 4, 5, 10, 12, 16, 24 and 27, while Málaga bus station, adjacent to the terminus, offers connections along the Costa del Sol.
FAQs: Madrid to Málaga train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Málaga 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 Málaga, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Madrid and Málaga
- Mon - Sun: 10:00 - 20:00
- Free WiFi in the station and on all Renfe trains.
- Open daily from 05:30 to 22:00.
- Passion Food
- La Barrila
- Enrique Tomás
- Pic Nic
- Foodissimo!
- PureGusto
- Burger King
- Wheelchair parking, adapted elevators, adapted platforms, lobby shopping area.
- 60 Balconies Urban Stay
- Only YOU Hotel Atocha
- SLEEP’N Atocha
- Mon - Sun: 10:00 - 20:00
- On the ground floor of the main concourse.
- Metro lines: 1
- Bus lines: 10, 14, 24, 26, 32, 37, 54, 57, 59, 85, 86, 102, 121, 203
- Train lines: C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C7, C8, C10
- Mon - Sun: 05:00 - 00:45
- Free throughout the station.
- Open daily from 07:00 to 23:00.
- 100 Montaditos
- Burger King
- Dunkin' Coffee
- Gino's
- Lizarran
- Orient Express Cafeteria
- The Posada of Brazil
- Pizza Hut
- Rail Coffee
- The Good Burger
- & many more
- The station is fully accessible and includes adapted elevators and platforms. Additional services can be arranged by contacting the station before traveling.
- Hotel ILUNION Málaga
- Barceló Málaga
- Eurostars Málaga
- Mon - Sun: 05:00 - 00:45
- Located in the station's main concourse.
- Commuter rail lines: C1, C2
- Bus lines: 1, 3, 10, 16, 19, 24, 27, C2
- Train lines: Avant, AVE, Media Distancia
More options for your journey from Madrid to Málaga
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