- Must visit
Museo Nacional del Prado
Madrid’s premier art museum, famed for masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, Rubens, and Bosch. A cornerstone of the city’s Golden Triangle of Art.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from London to Madrid
Showing times and prices for Jun 05
Cheapest price
$478
Average price
$521
Fastest journey
21 h 50 m
Average duration
23 h 4 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
1264 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from London to Madrid is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London to Madrid will cost around $521 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $478.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from London to Madrid without transferring at least 3 times.
4:01 PM21h50London1:51 PMMadrid$4781One-way4 transfers- 4:01 PM24h17London4:18 PMMadrid$5641One-way3 transfers
- 4:01 PM21h50London1:51 PMMadrid$4781One-way4 transfers
- 4:01 PM24h17London4:18 PMMadrid$5641One-way3 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for London to Madrid
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from London to Madrid among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $90. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 28m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 1.3 - 3.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $90, and a train costs an average of $478.
Distance: 785 miles (1264 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$539 Average price | $214 Average price | $196 Average price Cheapest | $264 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 58m Average total duration Fastest 1h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 13m Average total duration 5h 13m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 20h 27m Average total duration 19h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 19h 7m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
- CO2 emissions | 3.8 - 7.6kg CO2 emissions | 1.3 - 3.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
 Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from London to Madrid is a bus with an average price of $196 (€158).
This is compared to other travel options from London to Madrid:
A bus is $18 (€15) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from London to Madrid costing on average $214 (€173).
A bus is $343 (€277) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London to Madrid costing on average $539 (€435).
The fastest way to travel from London to Madrid is by train with an average journey time of 1h 28m.
Other travel options to Madrid take longer:
Flight takes on average 5h 13m.
Bus takes on average 19h 57m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between London and Madrid including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from London to Madrid among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 17h 39m sooner (1h 28m by train vs 19h 7m by car). Tickets start at around $539 (€435) compared to roughly $264 (€213) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
London to Madrid train times
The table below shows live departures for London to Madrid trains for tomorrow, Friday, June 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4:01 PM London | 21h50 | 1:51 PM Madrid | 4 transfers | |
| 4:01 PM London | 24h17 | 4:18 PM Madrid | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets London to Madrid by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, 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 London to Madrid trains with Omio?
Renfe ALVIA as well as Eurostar offer trains services from London to Madrid.
Omio is the only official third party seller for Renfe ALVIA tickets.
Why book with Omio vs Renfe ALVIA?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Renfe ALVIA, but also compare tickets for the likes of Eurostar to find the best option for your trip from London to Madrid.
- 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 Renfe ALVIA with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from London to Madrid.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from London to Madrid?
The best time to book your train from London to Madrid is 56 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the London to Madrid route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from London to Madrid 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 London to Madrid.
Trains
from $33Buses
from $124Flights
from $232Journey information
Overview: Train from London to Madrid
United Kingdom
Spain
Trains from London to Madrid run on average 1 times per day, taking around 1h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $478 (€386) but you can travel from only $32 (€26) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 06:01, the last at 23:45. The fastest train covers the 785 miles (1264 km) distance in 21h 50m.
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
Flight from $32 (€26)
Distance 785 miles (1264 km) |
Average train duration 1h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price $478 (€386) |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 21h 50m |
First train 6:01 AM |
Last train 11:45 PM |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 91 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
Flight from $32 (€26)
Train companies: Renfe ALVIA, Eurostar from London to Madrid trainsRenfe ALVIA, Eurostar trains will get you between London and Madrid from $32 (€26). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Renfe ALVIA
About
Renfe Alvia are high-speed trains with top speeds of up to 250km/h operated by Renfe, Spain’s national railway company. Alvia trains cover most cities in Spain, including Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Valencia, Alicante, Zaragoza and Cadiz. They are somewhat slower than Renfe AVE and AVLO (high-speed and low cost) but cover more destinations and are a comfortable and effective way of travelling around Spain. Onboard facilities include free WIFI, bike storage and luggage allowance. Alvia trains have two seat classes – Estándar and Confort. Top routes for Renfe Alvia include Barcelona to Pamplona, Madrid to Cádiz and Alicante to Gijón.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 36m
Cheapest Price
$27 (€22)
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 3 pieces of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, end of carriages, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Renfe
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with drinks, snacks, and hot meals. At-seat service in Preferente class
Seat reservation
Included in Preferente (First) class. Optional extra cost in Turista (Second) class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces available, accessible toilets, and staff assistance for boarding/alighting
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be muzzled and leashed, require paid ticket. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
Eurostar
About
Eurostar is a high-speed international rail service connecting the UK with France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, primarily via the Channel Tunnel. Since merging with Thalys in October 2023, Eurostar now operates an expanded network across Western Europe. Known for its city-center to city-center travel, Eurostar offers a convenient and environmentally friendly alternative to flying. Passengers can enjoy amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi and power sockets at every seat. Key destinations include London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Cologne, with seasonal services to other locations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
21h 50m
Cheapest Price
$478 (€386)
Eurostar frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included in standard ticket
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage areas at the end of carriages and overhead racks
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café-bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First-class passengers receive complimentary meals on some routes
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for all classes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/disembarking available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed for a fee. Large dogs not permitted except guide dogs
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Madrid
Things to do in Madrid
Discover the best of Madrid — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Madrid trip today.
- Must visit
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
Spain’s national museum of 20th-century and contemporary art, best known for Picasso’s Guernica and strong collections by Dalí and Miró.
- Must visit
Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza
A major art museum spanning Old Masters to modern works, complementing the Prado and Reina Sofía with an exceptionally broad private collection.
- Must visit
Plaza Mayor
Madrid’s grand historic square, lined with arcades and elegant façades, and a classic starting point for exploring the old center.
- Must visit
Puerta del Sol
The symbolic heart of Madrid, known for Kilometer Zero, the clock tower, and constant energy day and night.
- Must visit
Parque de El Retiro
Madrid’s most famous park, ideal for walks, boating, monuments, gardens, and popular photo spots such as the Crystal Palace area.
- Gluten-free
Cocido Madrileño
Madrid’s signature chickpea stew, served in courses with broth, vegetables, and assorted meats. It is one of the city’s most traditional comfort dishes.
Bocadillo De Calamares
A classic Madrid sandwich of fried squid rings in crusty bread, especially associated with bars around Plaza Mayor. It is simple, iconic, and widely loved.
- Gluten-free
Callos A La Madrileña
A rich stew of tripe, chorizo, and morcilla cooked with paprika. It is a historic Madrid tavern dish with bold, hearty flavors.
Sobrino De Botín
Historic restaurant founded in the eighteenth century, famous for roast meats and classic Castilian cooking in an atmospheric old setting.
Casa Lucio
Legendary traditional restaurant best known for huevos rotos, with a polished yet classic tavern feel and strong local reputation.
Chocolatería San Ginés
Iconic spot for churros con chocolate, open long hours and known for a lively, historic atmosphere near the city center.
Euro
Moderate for Western Europe. Museums and transport are reasonable, while central hotels and fine dining cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 10-15 for tapas, menu del día, or fast food.
- Mid-range
- EUR 20-35 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- EUR 70+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- EUR 1.80-3.50 for espresso or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Round up or leave EUR 1-2 in cafés; 5-10% in restaurants for very good service. Taxis are often rounded up, but tipping is not obligatory.
Tarjeta Transporte
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- EUR 1.50
- Day pass
- EUR 8.40
To the city center
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes -> Sol, Madrid
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- On EMT buses, contactless card payment is generally available on board, but Metro and Cercanías tickets are usually bought before travel.
- If you plan several trips in one day, the Tourist Travel Pass can be better value than single tickets, especially for airport and metro use.
Traveling by train from London to Madrid
The train connection between London and Madrid offers a convenient and scenic way to travel between these two cities. Passengers can enjoy the services provided by Renfe Alvia and Renfe-SNCF, which ensure comfortable journeys with modern amenities. With efficient schedules, travelers can easily explore the rich culture, history, and attractions that both destinations have to offer while enjoying picturesque views along the route.
Train Connection: London to Madrid
The train journey from London to Madrid takes approximately 26 hours and 54 minutes, with a total of 2 connections per day. This route does not offer direct trains, requiring transfers along the way.
London to Madrid Train Connection
The first daily journey from London to Madrid departs at 09:31, while the last train leaves at 16:01. This schedule allows travelers a full day of options for their journey between these two cities.
Train Tickets Price for London to Madrid
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection from London to Madrid is approximately $80 (72€). This fare offers a budget-friendly option for travelers looking to explore these vibrant cities while enjoying scenic views along the way.
Exploring Madrid: A Cultural Journey Through Art, Royalty, and History
The Prado Museum, established in 1819, is one of the world's premier art galleries and houses an extensive collection of European masterpieces from artists like Velázquez and Goya. Its significance lies not only in its vast array of artworks but also as a cultural beacon that reflects Spain's rich artistic heritage. Unique features include the museum’s stunning neoclassical architecture and its innovative temporary exhibitions that continually engage visitors with both classic and contemporary themes.
The Royal Palace of Madrid serves as the official residence for Spanish royalty, although it is now primarily used for state ceremonies; it was built on the site of a former fortress dating back to the 9th century. This grand palace holds immense historical importance as a symbol of Spain's monarchy and showcases opulent rooms filled with priceless artifacts, including royal tapestries and intricate frescoes. One unique aspect is its beautiful gardens—particularly Sabatini Gardens—which offer breathtaking views over this majestic structure.
Plaza Mayor has been at the heart of Madrid since its construction in 1617, serving various roles throughout history—from market square to venue for public events such as bullfights or executions. The plaza’s significance stems from being a central gathering place where locals celebrate festivals while tourists soak up vibrant street life amidst historic surroundings. What sets Plaza Mayor apart are its uniform architectural style featuring red-brick buildings adorned with balconies overlooking lively cafés—a perfect spot to enjoy traditional tapas while soaking in local culture.
FAQs: Trains from London to Madrid
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London to Madrid 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 Madrid, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from London to Madrid can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $478 (€386), while the average price is around $539 (€435).
The train from London to Madrid runs once a day and takes approximately 21h 50m.
The distance by train from London to Madrid is 785 miles (1264 km).
The first train from London to Madrid leaves at 6:01 AM.
The last train from London to Madrid leaves at 11:45 PM.
Yes, there is a high-speed train from London to Madrid.
There is no direct train service currently available from London to Madrid.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from London to Madrid.
The cheapest way to get from London to Madrid is by flight, with a cost of around $32 (€26).
The train journey from London to Madrid offers varied scenery, including the picturesque English countryside, the rolling hills of France, and the diverse landscapes of Spain, providing a visually appealing experience.
A day trip from London to Madrid is not feasible as the journey takes 21h 50m and covers 785 miles (1264 km). The frequency of this trip is once per day for trains.
In Madrid, you can explore Puerta del Sol, a bustling public square known for its iconic clock and vibrant atmosphere, and savor gourmet foods at Mercado de San Miguel. Discover the vibrant nightlife in the Malasaña district, enjoy a traditional flamenco show, or visit the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to Real Madrid. For cultural sights, visit the Prado Museum, the Royal Palace of Madrid, and Retiro Park. Don't miss Plaza Mayor and the lively Gran Vía for shopping and theaters.
For a well-rounded experience in Madrid, plan to spend at least 3 to 4 days. This allows time to explore major attractions like the Prado Museum, Royal Palace, Retiro Park, and enjoy the local cuisine and vibrant neighborhoods.
Yes, you can take the train from London to Madrid.
Madrid is within the Schengen Area. Passport and visa requirements depend on your nationality. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Madrid include Toledo, Segovia, Valladolid, Ávila, Cuenca.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from London to Madrid among Omio's users.
Currently, UK citizens do not need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period) for tourism or business in the Schengen Area. However, the new ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is scheduled to launch in late 2026. Once active, this digital travel authorization will be a mandatory pre-travel requirement for all UK passport holders.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Spain uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers can use both cash and cards, but cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, while cash may be preferred for small purchases, markets, and rural locations.
In Madrid, the main safety concerns for travelers include pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like Puerta del Sol, Gran Vía, and on public transportation. Common scams involve distraction techniques, such as someone asking for signatures on petitions or offering friendship bracelets, to steal valuables. Travelers should also be cautious of unlicensed taxi drivers and always use official transport services. Staying vigilant in busy tourist spots and keeping belongings secure helps minimize risks.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
More options for your journey from London to Madrid
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Madrid and London
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