Alicante to Madrid Trains from €13.00

When you travel from Alicante to Madrid by rail, you’ll notice that the two cities offer two very different sides of Spain. One is known for its beaches and relaxed pace, whilst the other is a busy capital full of art galleries, late-night restaurants and historic neighbourhoods. Getting the train from Alicante to Madrid makes it possible to swap one for the other in around two and a half hours, without dealing with airport transfers or the drive inland.

There are various direct high-speed services running from Alicante to Madrid, with journey times depending on the train and number of stops, but usually around 2 hours and 30 minutes. Renfe AVE, Renfe Avlo and OUIGO all have train options for you to compare, so there’s no shortage of train tickets from Alicante to Madrid to choose from.

The easiest way is to use TrainPal as an official, authorised ticketing reseller. The platform enables you to compare fares, select seats, download e-tickets and access customer support in one place.

Departure station: Departing from Alicante Terminal

When you get a Spain Alicante to Madrid train, you’ll start your journey by leaving Alicante Terminal. This is the city's main railway station, located close to the centre. This makes it relatively easy to reach by taxi, local bus or on foot from parts of central Alicante. So, wherever your journey starts from, you shouldn’t struggle to reach Alicante Terminal.

High-speed trains from Alicante to Madrid use controlled boarding procedures, so don't treat the departure time as the moment to arrive at the station. Aim to be there around 20 minutes beforehand, which gives you extra time if you're unfamiliar with the station or if you’re travelling with heavy bags. If you're early, you'll find places to sit and buy refreshments before boarding, so you can set off with everything you need.

Arrival station: Arriving at Madrid Chamartin or Madrid-Puerta De Atocha

Most trains from Alicante to Madrid arrive at Madrid-Chamartín, although a few direct services do also stop at Madrid-Puerta de Atocha, giving you some options. Both stations have plenty of facilities and good transport links, but they're in different parts of Madrid, so it's worth checking which one you're arriving at before booking.

If you're heading straight to your hotel, both stations have taxis outside. Otherwise, the Metro is usually a convenient way to get around, especially if you're travelling light.

A direct train from Alicante to Madrid takes around 2 hours 23 minutes, and there are a lot of departures to choose from. The best option for you depends on your departure time, budget and the facilities you want onboard, as the journey time doesn’t vary too much.

Renfe AVE

• Avg. duration: 2 hours 33 minutes

• Departure station: Alicante Terminal

• Best for: Travellers who want direct high-speed service with various fare options

• Onboard perks: Comfortable seats, free Wi-Fi and catering on some services

Renfe Avlo

• Avg. duration: 2 hours 32 minutes

• Departure station: Alicante Terminal

• Best for: Budget-conscious travellers

• Onboard perks: Wi-Fi, reclining seats and plug sockets on some services

OUIGO

• Avg. duration: 2 hours and 29 minutes

• Departure station: Alicante Terminal

• Best for: Travellers looking for a low-cost, high-speed way to get to Madrid from Alicante

• Onboard perks: Reclining seats, snacks and drinks on some services, and Wi-Fi

Madrid is too large to explore entirely on foot from the station, but you don't need to travel far to get your first taste of the city.

Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

If you’re a football fan, jump on the Metro or take a taxi for 10 to 20 minutes, and you’ll arrive at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. It’s the home of Real Madrid, and stadium tours will give you a closer look at the club's history and facilities.

Paseo de la Castellana

The approximate journey from Chamartin to Paseo de la Castellana is around 5 minutes, and you can get there with a short walk or on public transport. This major avenue runs through Madrid's northern business district and towards the centre, and it's a practical first stop if you want to stretch your legs after the train. You can find somewhere for lunch or get a feel for the city's modern side before heading to its historic streets.

Plaza de Castilla and the KIO Towers

You can get to Plaza de Castilla and the KIO Towers in around 10 minutes from Madrid Charmartin. The twin leaning towers near Plaza de Castilla are a distinctive feature of Madrid's skyline. The area is more about architecture and city views than traditional sightseeing, so it's a good choice for a short stop rather than a full afternoon.