Are There Trains From Madrid to Marbella?

By Michael Ferguson

If you’re looking to travel from Madrid to Marbella, you may be wondering if there are trains available for this route. The answer is yes! While it may not be the most popular mode of transportation, taking the train can be a comfortable and convenient way to get from Madrid to Marbella.

Why Take the Train?
There are several reasons why you might opt for a train ride from Madrid to Marbella. For one, it can be a more relaxing way to travel compared to driving or taking a bus.

Trains typically have more legroom and amenities like food and drinks on board. Additionally, taking the train can offer scenic views of the Spanish countryside that you might miss while driving.

Train Options
There are two main types of trains that run from Madrid to Marbella: Renfe and Avant. Renfe is Spain’s national railway company and offers both high-speed and regional trains. Avant, on the other hand, is a regional service that connects cities within Andalusia.

Renfe Trains

Renfe operates several trains per day from Madrid to Malaga, which is the closest major city to Marbella. The high-speed AVE trains take approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes one way, while regional trains take around 4 hours and 30 minutes. Once you arrive in Malaga, you have several options for getting to Marbella including buses and taxis.

High-Speed AVE Trains

The high-speed AVE trains are comfortable and modern with amenities like Wi-Fi, power outlets, and air conditioning. They also have multiple seating options including standard class, first class, and business class. Standard class tickets start at around €50 one way.

Regional Trains

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, regional trains are a good choice. They may not be as fast or luxurious as the AVE trains, but they’re still comfortable and have amenities like air conditioning. Regional train tickets start at around €20 one way.

Avant Trains

Avant is a regional train service that connects several cities within Andalusia including Malaga and Marbella. While Avant trains don’t run directly from Madrid to Marbella, you can take a train from Madrid to Malaga and then transfer to an Avant train for the rest of the journey.

Avant Train Schedule

Avant trains run several times per day between Malaga and Marbella with an average travel time of around 40 minutes. Ticket prices start at around €7 one way.

  • Renfe operates both high-speed AVE trains and regional trains from Madrid to Malaga.
  • A one-way ticket on the high-speed AVE trains starts at around €50.
  • A one-way ticket on regional trains starts at around €20.
  • Avant is a regional train service that connects several cities within Andalusia including Malaga and Marbella.
  • Ticket prices for Avant start at around €7 one way.

Conclusion
While it may not be the most popular mode of transportation, taking the train from Madrid to Marbella can be a comfortable and convenient option. With options like high-speed AVE trains, regional trains, and Avant service, you can choose the best option for your budget and travel needs. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!