If you’re planning a trip to Portugal and coming from Spain, taking a train from Madrid to Porto is a great option. Not only is it an affordable way to travel but it also offers scenic views of the countryside.
But how long does the train ride from Madrid to Porto take? Let’s take a closer look.
Train Routes and Operators
There are two main train routes that you can take from Madrid to Porto. The first one is operated by Renfe, the national railway company of Spain, and takes you from Madrid Chamartin station to Porto Campanha station. The second route is operated by Comboios de Portugal (CP), the national railway company of Portugal, and takes you from Vigo (Spain) to Porto Campanha.
Madrid Chamartin Station
Madrid Chamartin Station is located in the northern part of Madrid and is easily accessible by metro, bus or taxi. It’s a modern station with plenty of amenities including shops, restaurants, and free Wi-Fi. You can catch trains from here to various destinations in Spain as well as international destinations like Paris.
Porto Campanha Station
Porto Campanha Station is located in the city center of Porto and offers easy access to other parts of the city via metro or bus. It’s also a modern station with plenty of facilities like cafes, shops, and luggage storage.
Train Duration and Frequency
The duration of the train ride from Madrid to Porto depends on which route you choose. If you opt for the Renfe route, the journey takes approximately 10 hours with one transfer at Vigo Guixar station in Spain. On the other hand, if you choose CP route via Vigo (Spain), it will take around 12 hours with one transfer at Nine station in Portugal.
Both Renfe and CP operate trains daily, with multiple departures throughout the day. It’s recommended to book your tickets in advance to secure your preferred departure time.
Ticket Prices
The ticket prices for the train ride from Madrid to Porto vary depending on the route, class of travel and time of booking. Generally, Renfe tickets are more expensive compared to CP tickets. However, Renfe offers faster and more comfortable trains with amenities like air conditioning and power outlets.
As a rough estimate, a one-way ticket on the Renfe route costs around €60-€100 whereas a one-way ticket on CP route costs around €30-€70. It’s worth noting that prices may increase during peak travel seasons.
Conclusion
In summary, the train ride from Madrid to Porto takes approximately 10-12 hours depending on which route you choose. Both Renfe and CP operate trains daily with multiple departures throughout the day. Ticket prices vary depending on the route, class of travel and time of booking.
Regardless of which route you choose, taking a train from Madrid to Porto is an affordable and scenic way to travel between two beautiful cities in Spain and Portugal respectively.