Are you planning a trip from Porto, Portugal to Madrid, Spain and wondering whether there is a train option available? The good news is that there are several train routes connecting these two cities. In this article, we will explore the various train options available, their schedules, fares, and other essential details to help you plan your journey.
Train Options
There are two main train options available for traveling from Porto to Madrid: high-speed trains and regional trains.
High-Speed Trains
High-speed trains are operated by the Spanish national railway company RENFE. These trains offer a faster and more comfortable way to travel between the two cities. The high-speed train service runs daily from Porto’s Campanhã station to Madrid’s Chamartín station via the Portuguese city of Coimbra and the Spanish cities of Salamanca and Ávila.
Regional Trains
Regional trains are operated by CP (Comboios de Portugal) and provide a more affordable way to travel between Porto and Madrid. These trains run daily from Porto’s São Bento station to Vilar Formoso station, which is located near the Spanish border. From there, passengers can take a connecting train operated by RENFE to reach Madrid.
Schedules
The high-speed train service between Porto and Madrid operates daily with several departures throughout the day. The first train departs from Porto at 6:30 AM, while the last train departs at 7:30 PM. The journey takes approximately 10 hours with several stops along the way.
The regional train service between Porto and Vilar Formoso also operates daily with several departures throughout the day. The first train departs from Porto at 5:45 AM while the last one departs at 8:55 PM. From Vilar Formoso, connecting trains to Madrid are available, with several departures throughout the day.
Fares
The cost of traveling by train from Porto to Madrid varies depending on the type of train and class of service you choose. High-speed trains are more expensive than regional trains but offer a more comfortable and faster journey.
The cost of a one-way ticket on a high-speed train starts at €34 for second class and €44 for first class. Regional trains, on the other hand, provide a more affordable way to travel, with one-way tickets starting at €19.
Conclusion
Traveling by train from Porto, Portugal to Madrid, Spain is a convenient and affordable option. Both high-speed and regional trains offer daily services with several departures throughout the day.
While high-speed trains are faster and more comfortable, regional trains provide an economical way to travel between these two cities. We hope this article has provided you with all the necessary information to plan your journey efficiently.