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    About the train journey from Basel to Madrid

    Want to travel from Basel to Madrid by train? Start your journey with us.

    The train from Basel to Madrid usually takes 22 hours 15 minutes on average to travel 1201 km, although the quickest services can take as little as 19 hours 36 minutes. You can expect to find 4 trains per day running on this popular route. As there aren't any direct services running between Basel and Madrid, you'll need to make 2 changes on your way to Madrid. You can choose to travel with AVE, Avlo or ICE to get to Madrid. As the main rail operators on this route, their trains offer modern comfortable seating and plenty of space for luggage as standard.

    To help you get the best train deals, we'll highlight the cheapest train ticket prices from Basel to Madrid in our Journey Planner. Just remember, the sooner you book your tickets, the more you'll save, as advance tickets start from $186.72.

    Keep reading for more information about the train journey to Madrid, including FAQs, timetables with first and last train times and tips on booking cheap train tickets. If you're ready to book, just start a search for tickets with us today.

    Basel to Madrid by train

    It takes an average of 22h 15m to travel from Basel to Madrid by train, over a distance of around 746 miles (1201 km). There are normally 4 trains per day traveling from Basel to Madrid and tickets for this journey start from $186.72 when you book in advance.

    First train

    8:25 am

    Last train

    9:56 pm

    Departure station

    Basel

    Arrival station

    Madrid

    Journey time

    From 19h 36m

    Distance

    746 miles (1201 km)

    Frequency

    4 trains per day

    Changes

    2 changes

    Price

    From $186.72

    Train and bus operators

    ALSA, BlaBlaCar Bus, Deutsche Bahn, Flixbus, FlixTrain, iryo, OUIGO, Renfe, SNCF Voyageurs, TGV Lyria

    What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Basel to Madrid?

    Want to know more about your journey from Basel to Madrid? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

    How do I travel from Basel to Madrid?

    You can get from Basel to Madrid in 22 hours and 15 minutes on average, with the fastest trains taking just 19 hours and 36 minutes. Check out our Journey Planner for more details on times, tickets and prices.

    How long does the train from Basel to Madrid take?

    The average journey time by train between Basel and Madrid is 22 hours and 15 minutes, with around 4 trains per day running on this route. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

    How much does the train from Basel to Madrid cost?

    Train tickets from Basel to Madrid can start from as little as $186.72 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book.

    Is it possible to get a high-speed train from Basel to Madrid?

    Yes, it is possible to travel on a high-speed train from Basel to Madrid. There are often different amenities available on board high-speed trains from iryo and OUIGO - take a look at theclasses and onboard services. The fastest trip on a high-speed train can take 19 hours and 36 minutes.

    What are the train times from Basel to Madrid?

    Check out the next trains departing from Basel to Madrid for Tuesday Nov 25th 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
    DepartsArrivesDuration
    7:25 am7:37 am24h 12m, 2 changes
    8:21 am7:37 am23h 16m, 3 changes
    6:34 pm4:32 pm21h 58m, 2 changes
    8:56 pm4:32 pm19h 36m, 6 changes

    Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, iryo and OUIGO trains from Basel to Madrid

    You can travel from Basel to Madrid on Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, iryo and OUIGO trains. When you search for times and tickets, we might also show you some other options with multiple connections or operators if they’re available.

    PhotoJoachimKohlerBremen, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0

    The Deutsche Bahn Group is owned by the German State and controls the majority of rail traffic in Germany as well as in many border regions of the country. Every year, Deutsche Bahn transports several million passengers and many stations in Germany are served exclusively by DB trains, including the ICE, IC and EC fleet.

    Operating alongside its sister coach company FlixBus since 2018, FlixTrain provides cheap intercity connections using 100% green energy. The main routes served by FlixTrain are Cologne-Hamburg, Aachen-Cologne-Berlin, and Berlin-Stuttgart. The network will expand in future to include more routes to Munich and Leipzig. FlixTrain carriages are fitted with free WiFi and power outlets or USB charge points. Plus, every ticket comes with a seat reservation, guaranteeing you a seat for the journey.

    Operating since the end of 2022, iryo is a new high-speed train company in Spain. It’s a consortium between the Spanish airline Air Norstrum and the train company Trenitalia, one of the greatest leaders in European rail transport. The first private Spanish high-speed company to operate, iryo runs high-speed services on the Madrid – Zaragoza – Barcelona route and connects Madrid – Cuenca – Valencia/Alicante and Madrid – Cordoba – Seville/Malaga. They are doing this all with a fleet of ETR1000 model trains that offer the highest level of comfort in Spain, with a combination of advanced propulsion and highest quality onboard services, including WiFi connection and catering service. 98% of the parts of the trains are 100% recyclable, making this trip sustainable as well!

    PhotoCramos, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0

    OUIGO is the low-cost, high-speed train service operated by the French national train company SNCF. Despite having only one class on board, OUIGO trains offer the same comfort as Second Class seats on TGV trains, although OUIGO tickets are only available to purchase online. To make your journey as smooth as possible, arrive at least 30 minutes before departure and bear in mind that there's an additional fee for bringing a suitcase with you, having a seat with power sockets and travelling with a stroller/buggy.

    What iryo, AVE, OUIGO and Avlo classes are there from Basel to Madrid?

    Compare the different travel classes offered by iryo, AVE, OUIGO and Avlo when traveling from Basel to Madrid.

    What are the onboard services on iryo, AVE, OUIGO and Avlo?

    Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Basel to Madrid.

    LuggageLuggageWhat baggage limits are there?

    Iryo's baggage policy varies by class. With an Inicial ticket, you can take one carry-on bag measuring 36 x 27 x 15 cm and one cabin suitcase measuring 55 x 35 x 25 cm. With a Inicial Superior or Infinita ticket, you can also take one large suitcase measuring 80 x 55 x 35 cm. The Infinita Bistró fare includes all of the above and also allows travel with one pet inside a carrier.

    RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

    iryo offers different menus with high-quality products in all classes. You can buy your favorite meal from their onboard restaurant/bar car, which is usually near car 2. If you’re traveling in the Infinita Bistró Class, you can enjoy the Infinita Bistró food service – your meal will be served straight to your seat. Please note that you’ll need to book your meal at least 24 hours in advance.

    WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

    You can enjoy free WiFi in all classes on iryo trains, as well as an onboard entertainment platform providing a wide selection of movies, TV series, live news and Spotify.

    ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

    Kids aged 0-3 travel for free on all iryo trains. Kids aged 4-13 get a discounted ticket while those aged 14-18 need to pay the full price. Please note that kids aged under 18 need to be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.

    ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

    You can take your bike on board iryo trains for free if it’s folded and does not exceed 90 x 120 x 40cm. Also, your bike must travel without the pedals and with the handlebar rotated 90 degrees.

    PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

    iryo allows pets that do not exceed 10kg (22lbs) in weight, as long as they travel inside a carrier with a maximum size of 60 x 35 x 35cm (23.6 x 13.7 x 13.7 inches). You'll need to buy a ticket for your pet in advance. In addition, guide dogs can travel at no additional cost.

    WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

    There are 2 seats for people with reduced mobility on iryo trains. Step-free access is also available both when boarding and when getting off the train.

    LuggageLuggageWhat baggage limits are there?

    With AVE, you can travel with up to 3 pieces of baggage that do not exceed 290cm (114.1 inches) and 25kg (55.1 pounds). In total, the maximum measurements of each piece of baggage are 85 x 55 x 35cm (33.4 x 21.6 x 13.7 inches). Musical instruments also count as hand baggage as long as they do not exceed the dimensions 30 x 120 x 38cm (11.8 x 47.2 x 14.9 inches) and are stored in a case.

    RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

    If you’d like to stretch your legs and grab a coffee during your journey, AVE trains have an onboard dining car. If you’d prefer to stay in your seat, AVE staff will pass through each car with a food and drink cart.

    WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

    On AVE trains, you can take advantage of PlayRenfe – their free WiFi and entertainment pass. Giving you access to exclusive content and fast connection speeds, PlayRenfe can be downloaded from the app store on your phone. Once you’re connected, you can access the PlayRenfe portal, where you’ll find exclusive live sport, news, films and TV series.

    ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

    Children under 3 years old travel for free with AVE, as long as they do not occupy a seat and have their free child ticket. Children from 3 to 14 years old can take advantage of a 40% discount on ticket prices.

    ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

    On all AVE trains, each passenger can take one bicycle or scooter on board, as long as it’s folded and carried inside a case. Also, the pedals must be removed and handlebars turned 90 degrees. Lastly, if the sum of the dimensions of the case is less than 180cm (70.8 inches), it's considered as hand luggage. However, if it’s bigger, it will be considered as special luggage (max dimensions 120 x 90 x 40 cm or 47.2 x 35.4 x 15.7 inches).

    PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

    With AVE, you can travel with a pet as long as it weighs no more than 10 kg (22 pounds) and travels inside a cage or carrier that measures max 60 x 35 x 35 cm (23 x 13 x 13 inches). Your pet must have their own pet ticket, unless you’re traveling with a Premium ticket, in which case the pet ticket is free. Guide and assistance dogs travel for free.

    WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

    AVE offer a free assistance and care service for people with reduced mobility. To request the service, passengers should contact AVE directly.

    LuggageLuggageWhat baggage limits are there?

    One piece of hand baggage (36 x 27 x 15 cm) and one piece of cabin baggage (55 x 35 x 25 cm) can be taken onboard. You can take additional or larger bags with you (max. 30kg) for an extra fee or by paying for OUIGO Plus.​

    RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

    On OUIGO trains in France: an at-seat service of snacks is available on Train classique services. This service is not available on high-speed OUIGO trains.
    On OUIGO trains in Spain: OUIBAR is located in car 4 of each train and offers a selection of hot and cold drinks, plus snacks.

    WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

    WiFi (OUIFI) and an entertainment portal (OUIFUN) are available at an additional cost.

    ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

    For OUIGO trains in France: Passengers under 12 years old pay a fixed price for tickets all year round - €5 for journeys on Train classique services, and €8 for high speed services.
    For OUIGO trains in Spain: Passengers under 12 pay €5 for all journeys.

    ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

    You can take your bicycle on board OUIGO trains if you add the 'Bike' option onto your ticket for an additional fee of at least €5. Your bike must be folded or dismantled and placed in a storage bag for transport.

    PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

    Pets are only allowed on board OUIGO trains if the 'Pets' option is added to your ticket at the time of booking. (1 pet per adult, per booking, €10 per pet.)

    WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

    For disabled passengers or those with reduced mobility, you can request assistance through 'Accès Plus'. With this service, a member of staff will meet you at the station and help you get to your seat on the train. To book assistance, contact Accès Plus after you book your tickets (and no later than 48 hours before your train is due to depart).

    LuggageLuggageWhat baggage limits are there?

    Traveling with a Básica ticket on an Avlo train? You can travel with 1 piece of hand baggage and 1 suitcase. Both pieces of baggage are not subject to a weight limit, but the hand baggage cannot exceed 27cm (10.6") x 36cm (14.1") x 25cm (9.8") and the suitcase cannot exceed 55cm (21.6") x 35cm (13.7") x 25cm (9.8") in dimensions. If you’d like to add 1 extra piece of baggage, you’ll need to pay a fee of €10 if you buy it at the time of purchase and €30 if you get it at the station.

    RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

    On Avlo trains, there is no onboard dining service. However, you will find a vending machine, serving a diverse variety of hot and cold drinks and snacks. Please note that the vending machine only accepts card payments.

    WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

    If you’re traveling with Avlo, you can enjoy free WiFi through the PlayRenfe platform. As soon as you’re connected you can enjoy films, television shows, newspapers and much more.

    ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

    Children under 3 years old travel for free with Avlo, as long as they do not occupy a seat. Children under 14 travel for €5 (maximum of 2 child tickets per adult).

    ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

    Only folding bikes and scooters are allowed on board Avlo trains, as long as they do not exceed the dimensions permitted for suitcases – 55 x 35 x 25cm (21.6" x 13.7" x 9.8").

    PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

    You can travel with your pet for only €10 ($11.01), provided that you have a small pet, such as a dog, cat, ferret or bird (not poultry). Your pet must not weigh more than 10 kg (22 lbs) and must travel inside a cage or carrier, which must not exceed dimensions of 60 x 35 x 35 cm (23.6" x 13.7" x 13.7").

    Please note there is a maximum of 1 pet per person and all pets must always travel with their own pet ticket and not take up a seat. Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on the train free of charge.

    WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

    With Avlo, passengers with reduced mobility can request the assistance service. For more information, contact Avlo directly.

    How do I find cheap train tickets from Basel to Madrid?

    If you’re planning a trip to Europe soon, our Trainline team of experts have put together some tips to help you find cheap tickets. Booking on the day in Europe is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or travel class.

    1. Book in advance

    The price of train tickets from Basel to Madrid starts at $186.72§ one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Most train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months ahead of time, so if you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find cheaper tickets.

    2. Be flexible with your travel times

    If you can, consider traveling outside of 'peak hours' (generally between 06:00 - 10:00 and 15:00 - 19:00 on weekdays) as lots of trains companies increase their ticket prices during these commuter times.

    3. Buy a rail pass

    If you're visiting multiple locations on your trip, buying a rail pass can be cheaper than buying individual tickets. We're official retailers of Eurail Passes that are valid for travel in one country or multiple countries across Europe.

    4. Choose a slower or connecting train

    On some busier routes, you might have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have some extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare.

    5. Look out for train ticket sales and deals

    Many train companies in Europe will often run sales and offers on tickets throughout the year, so keep an eye out!

    For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.

    §Some train companies may not offer any Advance ticket types or cheaper deals for early bookings. On rare occasions, train companies may choose to release special offers closer to the date on last-minute or late-release tickets. This is dependent on the individual train operating company you travel with.

    * Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.

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