Valencia to Madrid Trains from £14.81

Swap hectic airport trips and traffic for seamless city transfers from Valencia to the Spanish capital. Just head to the centrally located rail station, and you’ll be in Madrid in just two hours.

TrainPal’s your go-to official reseller for Spanish train tickets, from Renfe’s high-speed AVE and budget-friendly Avlo to iryo and OUIGO Spain services. Sort out your trips across Spain with secure booking, seat selection and customer support in English.

Departure station: Departing from Valencia-Joaquín Sorolla

No matter which operator you choose, your journey from the coastal city starts at Valencia-Joaquín Sorolla station. Reach the high-speed terminal hassle-free from the city centre on foot (10–12 minutes) or via the Metrovalencia network (lines 1, 2, and 7 to Jesús, or 3, 5, and 9 to Xàtiva). Renfe passengers can also take a shuttle bus ride from Estación del Norte for free.

Handy facilities at Valencia-Joaquín Sorolla include charging points, coffee shops and eateries. The Sala Club first-class lounge opens its doors to Renfe AVE Prémium ticket holders two hours before departure.

Arrival stations in Madrid-Chamartín or Madrid Atocha

The vast majority of trains to Madrid terminate at the city’s second major rail station, Madrid-Chamartín. However, certain services will take you to Madrid Atocha, about 8 kilometres (5 miles) south.

• Madrid-Chamartín: Also known as Madrid-Chamartín Clara Campoamor, the station is roughly 5.5 kilometres (3.4 miles) north of the city centre. The metro station below has its own museum, and it takes less than 15 minutes to reach Plaza de Castilla and Cuarto Depósito’s gardens. To reach the heart of the city, hop on a C-3 or C-4 Cercanías (commuter) train to Sol station; trains typically depart from platforms 2 and 3. Renfe AVE and iryo ticket holders can take this ten-minute journey at no extra cost thanks to the Combinado Cercanías deal. Just scan your barcode at the ticket gates. Alternatively, passengers can take Madrid Metro lines 1 and 10 to central stations like Tribunal, Sol and Gran Vía. The taxi rank is outside the main exit.
• Madrid Atocha: The capital’s oldest and largest rail station, Madrid Atocha (officially Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes), is a stone’s throw from the historic centre. Passengers are minutes away from iconic museums and Parque de El Retiro’s wonderful gardens. If you’re travelling elsewhere, eight frequent Cercanías lines (C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, C-5, C-7, C-8 and C-10) serve the station. Direct destinations include Madrid-Chamartín station, the Centro district and Madrid-Barajas Airport. Travelled on a Renfe AVE or iryo service? Your ticket offers a free Combinado Cercanías connection up to four hours after arrival. For direct transfers, cabs pick up passengers from the taxi ranks on the top level and outside the western exit on the ground floor.

With three operators and four services running between the cities, you’ve got plenty of choices for your Valencia to Madrid train. Which one to pick depends on your budget, schedule and how much luggage you’d like to travel with. View onboard amenities and service details to book the best option.

Renfe AVE

• Avg. duration: 2h 2m
• Departure and arrival stations: Valencia-Joaquín Sorolla to Madrid-Chamartín or Madrid Atocha
• Stops: Direct
• Onboard perks: Free Wi-Fi, PlayRenfe entertainment portal, at-seat charging, quiet carriages, onboard bistro
• Best for: Flexibility, frequent hourly departures, reaching the north of the city, generous baggage allowance (three bags measuring 85 x 55 x 35 cm and weighing 25 kg in total, plus a small item of hand luggage), free Combinado Cercanías ticket

Renfe Avlo

• Avg. duration: 2h 6m
• Departure and arrival stations: Valencia-Joaquín Sorolla to Madrid-Chamartín
• Stops: Direct
• Onboard perks: Free Wi-Fi, charging points, PlayRenfe entertainment portal, quiet carriages, vending machines
• Best for: Travelling on a budget, quick weekend breaks, short stays, light travellers (one piece of hand luggage (36 x 27 x 25 cm) and one cabin-sized bag (55 x 35 x 25 cm) allowed)

iryo

• Avg. duration: 1h 58m
• Departure and arrival stations: Valencia-Joaquín Sorolla to Madrid-Chamartín
• Stops: Direct
• Onboard perks: Wi-Fi access, onboard catering, plugs and USB sockets, quiet coach
• Best for: Comfortable leather seating, space to work, frequent departures (seven trains per day), travelling light (one item of hand luggage (36 x 27 x 15 cm) and one cabin bag (55 x 35 x 25 cm) permitted), free Combinado Cercanías connection

OUIGO Spain

• Avg. duration: 1h 59m
• Departure and arrival stations: Valencia-Joaquín Sorolla to Madrid-Chamartín
• Stops: Direct
• Onboard perks: Individual charging points, OUIFUN entertainment portal, buffet coaches
• Best for: Most affordable fares, travelling with less luggage (one item of hand luggage (36 x 27 x 15 cm) and one cabin bag (55 x 35 x 25 cm)), optional add-ons to ticket (e.g., pets, extra bags (starting at €5 (~£4.30) for a large 200 cm, 25 kg suitcase)), family discounts

Chamartín Metro Museum

You’re minutes away from a collection of well-preserved vintage trains on display, and you don’t even have to leave the station. Chamartín Metro Museum is located in Chamartín metro station, directly below the railway hub. Discover the evolution of the Spanish capital’s transport network, hundreds of metro signs and other subway memorabilia—including the fleet that served the first passengers in 1919.

Fundación Canal

Aiming to raise awareness about water conservation and the environment, the Fundación Canal is a great nearby spot to catch an exhibition or concert. Just a ten-minute walk from the rail terminus, the foundation puts on three free art shows and has another exhibition space, Sala Castellana 214, around the corner. You can also escape the high summer temperatures and use the water fountains, seating areas, free Wi-Fi and charging points.

Parque de La Ventilla

If you’re after a calm outdoor spot, head to Parque de La Ventilla, 0.6 miles (950 metres) from Madrid-Chamartín station. The forest-themed park features winding trails, a host of tree species and a dedicated picnic area. Beyond the lush landscape, you can take in views of the slanted towers forming the Puerta de Europa and skyscrapers in the Cuatro Torres Business Area.

Museo Reina Sofía

Arriving at Madrid Atocha station instead? You’re in luck. The rail hub is a short walk from the historic centre and several significant sights and museums. Among them is the Museo Reina Sofía, a must if you want to see Spanish art. Don’t miss major works by Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró and more hidden gems in the 21,000-work collection.

IKONO Madrid

Experience art in a fun and immersive way at IKONO Madrid, which you can reach from Madrid Atocha in seven minutes. The sensory installations offer a journey through 12 colourful interactive spaces - from a Japanese garden to a light painting room to a ball pit. Perfect for kids and grown-ups.