Trains from Berlin to Madrid
Why choose Trainline?
Join millions of travelers who love Trainline: Europe's leading official retailer for train and bus tickets
Easily compare prices and book your European train and bus travel
Book your tickets in US Dollars, and pay securely with Apple Pay, PayPal, and more
What customers say about Trainline
Read real reviews from real users
About the train journey from Berlin to Madrid
Want to travel from Berlin to Madrid by train? Start your journey with us.
The train from Berlin to Madrid usually takes 27 hours 36 minutes on average to travel 1868 km, although the quickest services can take as little as 22 hours 12 minutes. You can expect to find 3 trains per day running on this popular route. As there aren't any direct services running between Berlin and Madrid, you'll need to make 3 changes on your way to Madrid. You can choose to travel with TGV, AVE or Thalys 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 Berlin to Madrid in our Journey Planner. Just remember, the sooner you book your tickets, the more you'll save, as advance tickets start from $107.93.
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.
Berlin to Madrid by train
It takes an average of 27h 36m to travel from Berlin to Madrid by train, over a distance of around 1161 miles (1868 km). There are normally 3 trains per day traveling from Berlin to Madrid and tickets for this journey start from $107.93 when you book in advance.
| First train | 00:11 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 21:33 | |
| Departure station | Berlin | |
| Arrival station | Madrid | |
| Journey time | From 22h 12m | |
| Distance | 1161 miles (1868 km) | |
| Frequency | 3 trains per day | |
| Changes | 3 changes | |
| Price | From $107.93 | |
| Train and bus operators | Deutsche Bahn, OUIGO, SNCF, Flixbus, iryo, Renfe, ALSA, Thalys, Renfe-SNCF, Union Ivkoni (Bus), WestfalenBahn |
Deutsche Bahn, ICE (Intercity Express), IC (Intercity) and EC (Eurocity) trains from Berlin to Madrid
Deutsche Bahn
ICE (Intercity Express)
IC (Intercity)
EC (Eurocity)
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.
More information
The high-speed train of Deutsche Bahn, with a maximum speed of 205 mph (330 km/h), the ICE connects major cities and is also used for international travel to neighbouring countries such as Austria, France and Denmark. This train is equipped with air conditioning, a dining car, a children's compartment and power sockets. Passengers enjoy a free WiFi connection throughout the duration of the ICE trip.
More information
An express train running on German domestic routes, the Intercity is a little slower than the ICE and is also used for long distance trips. The integrated circuit covers long distances with a maximum speed of 125 mph (200 km/h). In recent years, trains of the new generation "Intercity 2" run on some lines at 100 mph (160 km/h) only – these trains, however, offer extra legroom and extra space for toddlers. They are also equipped with air conditioning, a food carriage and wheelchair parking spaces.
More information
EuroCity (EC) trains offer convenient European cross-border connections between major cities in Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria – it's often a good alternative to air travel.
More information
- Eurocity /
- Trenitalia /
- Deutsche Bahn /
- SBB /
- ÖBB
TGV INOUI and Thalys classes from Berlin to Madrid
Compare the different travel classes offered by TGV INOUI and Thalys when traveling from Berlin to Madrid.
TGV INOUI
Thalys
Second Class
In Second Class, TGV INOUI allows you to travel comfortably while enjoying the onboard services, such as free WiFi, power outlets and more.
- Free WiFi
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Dining car
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Baggage storage
- Reading light
- More legroom
- Quiet area
First Class
Prefer to travel in style? Upgrade to First Class and you’ll enjoy all the benefits of Second Class as well as some additional extras.
- Free WiFi
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Dining car
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Baggage storage
- Reading light
- More legroom
- Quiet area
Standard
Standard is the perfect class for you if you’re after great value with no hidden extra costs. On board, you’ll find free WiFi, power outlets, a generous luggage allowance and snacks and drinks available from the Thalys Welcome Bar.
- Free WiFi
- Power outlets
- Baggage storage
- Dining car
- Welcome service
- In-seat meal service
- Lounge access
Comfort
If you’d like to enjoy all of the amenities of Standard Class, as well as wider, more comfortable seating and a welcome from Thalys staff on the platform, then upgrade to Comfort!
- Free WiFi
- Power outlets
- Baggage storage
- Dining car
- Welcome service
- In-seat meal service
- Lounge access
Premium
Want to treat yourself? Upgrade to Premium and you’ll enjoy complimentary food and drinks, as well as access to the NS International Lounge at Amsterdam Centraal station.
- Free WiFi
- Power outlets
- Baggage storage
- Dining car
- Welcome service
- In-seat meal service
- Lounge access
Cheap train tickets from Berlin to Madrid
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Berlin to Madrid by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
FAQs for Berlin to Madrid
How long does the train from Berlin to Madrid take?
The average journey time by train between Berlin and Madrid is 27 hours and 36 minutes, with around 3 trains per day. 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.
What's the fastest journey time between Berlin and Madrid by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Berlin to Madrid is 22 hours and 12 minutes.
How much does the train from Berlin to Madrid cost?
Train tickets from Berlin to Madrid can start from as little as $107.93 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.
Is there a direct train from Berlin to Madrid?
No, there are no direct train services from Berlin to Madrid. Travelling from Berlin to Madrid by train will require a minimum of 3 changes.
What time does the first train from Berlin to Madrid leave?
The first train from Berlin to Madrid leaves at 00:11. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Berlin to Madrid leave?
The last train from Berlin to Madrid leaves at 21:33. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Berlin and Madrid by train?
Trains travelling from Berlin to Madrid cover a distance of around 1161 miles (1868 km) during the journey.