Are you planning a trip to Madrid and wondering if you can travel by train? The answer is yes!
Madrid is well-connected to other major cities in Spain and Europe by train. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about traveling to Madrid by train.
Train Stations in Madrid
Madrid has two major train stations – Atocha and Chamartin. Atocha is the largest station and serves high-speed trains (AVE), regional trains, and local trains. Chamartin mainly serves long-distance trains to northern Spain.
High-Speed Trains (AVE)
If you want to travel to Madrid quickly and in comfort, taking a high-speed train (AVE) is the best option. AVE trains connect Madrid with major cities in Spain such as Barcelona, Seville, Valencia, Malaga, and Zaragoza. The journey time from Barcelona to Madrid on an AVE train is around 3 hours.
Buying Tickets
You can buy AVE tickets online or at the station. We recommend buying your tickets online in advance to save time and money. Renfe is the national railway company that operates AVE trains in Spain.
Facilities on Board
AVE trains offer comfortable seats with ample legroom, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, power sockets for charging devices, and a cafeteria serving food and drinks.
Regional Trains
If you’re traveling from nearby cities or towns in the region of Madrid, taking a regional train is a good option. Cercanias is the name of the regional train network that connects Madrid with its suburbs and nearby towns such as Toledo and Segovia.
You can buy Cercanias tickets at the station or at ticket machines located at each platform. You can also use a reloadable Cercanias card that offers discounts on fares.
Regional trains offer comfortable seats and air conditioning. Some trains have a cafeteria, but it’s advisable to bring your own food and drinks.
Long-Distance Trains
If you’re traveling from northern Spain or other parts of Europe, taking a long-distance train is an option. Renfe operates long-distance trains from Chamartin station to cities such as Bilbao, San Sebastian, and Paris.
You can buy long-distance train tickets online or at the station. It’s recommended to buy them in advance to get the best deals.
Long-distance trains offer comfortable seats with air conditioning and power sockets. Some trains have a cafeteria serving food and drinks.
Conclusion
Traveling to Madrid by train is an easy and convenient option. Whether you’re taking a high-speed AVE train or a regional train, you’ll enjoy comfortable seats and facilities on board. We hope this article has helped you plan your trip to Madrid!