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Take the train from Cherbourg to Madrid in 22 hours 5 minutes

If you want to travel from Cherbourg to Madrid by train, you've come to the right place.

You can expect the journey from Cherbourg to Madrid by train to take around 23 hours 17 minutes. If you want to get there as quickly as possible, it can take as little as 22 hours 5 minutes on the fastest services. You'll usually find around 2 trains per day running on this route, which spans 1038 km. You'll have to make 2 changes along the way on your journey to Madrid. TGV, AVE or Avlo are the main rail operators on this route, all of which offer modern trains with plenty of space for luggage and comfortable seating.

Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to search for cheap ticket prices and we'll show you how much you can save. Tickets from Cherbourg to Madrid start from $96.14 when you book in advance.

If you want to know more about the journey, keep reading for train schedules, tips on finding cheap tickets and FAQs, including first and last train times. Want to go straight to booking? Start a search with us today!

Cherbourg to Madrid by train

It takes an average of 23h 17m to travel from Cherbourg to Madrid by train, over a distance of around 645 miles (1038 km). There are normally 2 trains per day traveling from Cherbourg to Madrid and tickets for this journey start from $96.14 when you book in advance.

First train

10:45

Last train

19:16

Departure station

Cherbourg

Arrival station

Madrid

Journey time

From 22h 5m

Distance

645 miles (1038 km)

Frequency

2 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Price

From $96.14

Train and bus operators

SNCF, Renfe, ALSA, OUIGO

Cherbourg to Madrid train times

Check out the next trains departing from Cherbourg to Madrid for Tuesday Jun 20th 2023. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
09:45 07:50 22h 5m, 2 changes
11:47 14:45 26h 58m, 4 changes
15:45 16:55 25h 10m, 5 changes
18:16 18:45 24h 29m, 2 changes

TGV, OUIGO, SNCF and Renfe trains from Cherbourg to Madrid

You can travel from Cherbourg to Madrid on TGV, OUIGO, SNCF and Renfe 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.

PhotoErmell, under licence CC BY-SA 3.0

TGV is the high-speed train service of the SNCF company. It connects the major cities of France at speeds of up to 200 mph (320 km/h). All TGV trains are equipped with a food carriage, a free WiFi connection, power sockets and fold-down tables. Two comfort classes are offered – First Class and Second Class, with flexible fare options available and access to the Grand Voyageur lounge in some stations.

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.

PhotoCtruongngoc, under licence CC BY-SA 3.0

SNCF is the national train operator of France. It operates all domestic trains and routes across France, as well as international services to Spain and Germany. There are three different types of domestic trains that operate under the SNCF banner – TGV (high-speed, full-service trains that connect the major cities in France), Intercités (usually a more frequent stopping service, but with all the amenities), and TER (regional train services with basic onboard facilities).

Renfe is the national train operator in Spain. It operates trains on the longest high-speed railway network in Europe, and the second-longest in the world. The country's major cities are linked up by the high-speed AVE and Avlo trains, while other long-distance routes are served by Altaria, Talgo, Alvia and Euromed trains. Renfe also operates cross-border services into neighbouring Portugal and France. Depending on which service you are travelling on, you'll usually find two classes on Renfe trains - Estándard (Standard Class) and Confort (First Class). Fare types range from the cheapest (but least flexible) Básico fare, to the more flexible Elige fares, to the Premium fare for seats in Confort carriages.

TGV INOUI, AVE, OUIGO and Avlo classes from Cherbourg to Madrid

Compare the different travel classes offered by TGV INOUI, AVE, OUIGO and Avlo when traveling from Cherbourg to Madrid.

Onboard services on TGV INOUI, AVE, OUIGO and Avlo

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

LuggageLuggageBaggage

On TGV INOUI services, there's no weight limit for your baggage - you can travel your way! However, remember that your suitcases, overnight bags and backpacks can't be larger than 130 x 90 cm, and you must be able to carry them and store them in the dedicated baggage racks on board by yourself. All baggage must be labelled before being stored.

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

All TGV INOUI trains are equipped with a café-bar car offering a range of food and drink to suit you at any time of day. The Bar is always situated in car 4 or 14 of the train. There's a range of local and responsibly sourced products on offer.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

TGV INOUI trains have free WiFi on board for you to use throughout your journey, allowing you to stay connected, reply to emails or even relax and enjoy what's offered on the TGV INOUI entertainment portal.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

Children under 12 can get a half price ticket on TGV INOUI trains. Children under 4 travel free when they travel on your lap.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

If you've got a foldable bicycle, you can take it on the train as hand baggage, so long as it's no larger than 130 x 90 cm once folded. Or, if you can dismantle your bike, you can transport it in a cover or case no larger than 130 x 90 cm. You can still travel with a bike that cannot be folded or dismantled - you'll need to reserve a bike space on the train when you buy your ticket. Bike tickets cost €10 per bike, per journey.

PetPetPets

Small pets are allowed on board TGV INOUI trains provided they weigh less than 10kg. They must travel in a carrier no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm. Tickets for small pets cost €7. Larger dogs can also travel on TGV INOUI services, provided they are wearing a muzzle and are kept on a leash. Tickets for larger dogs cost €20. Guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free of charge on all SNCF trains.

WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

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).

LuggageLuggageBaggage

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.

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

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.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

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.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel 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.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

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).

PetPetPets

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.

WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

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

LuggageLuggageBaggage

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.​

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

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.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

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

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel 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.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

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.

PetPetPets

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.)

WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

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).

LuggageLuggageBaggage

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.

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

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.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

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.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel 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).

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

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").

PetPetPets

On Avlo trains, you cannot travel with your pet. Guide and assistance dogs are allowed to travel for free.

WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

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

Cheap train tickets from Cherbourg to Madrid

The price of train tickets from Cherbourg to Madrid starts at $96.14 one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Booking on the day is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or class.

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 Cherbourg 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.

§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.

FAQs for Cherbourg to Madrid

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

How long does the train from Cherbourg to Madrid take?

The average journey time by train between Cherbourg and Madrid is 23 hours and 17 minutes, with around 2 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 Cherbourg and Madrid by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Cherbourg to Madrid is 22 hours and 5 minutes.

How much does the train from Cherbourg to Madrid cost?

Train tickets from Cherbourg to Madrid can start from as little as $96.14 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 Cherbourg to Madrid?

No, there are no direct train services from Cherbourg to Madrid. Travelling from Cherbourg to Madrid by train will require a minimum of 2 changes.

What time does the first train from Cherbourg to Madrid leave?

The first train from Cherbourg to Madrid leaves at 10:45. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from Cherbourg to Madrid leave?

The last train from Cherbourg to Madrid leaves at 19:16. 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 Cherbourg and Madrid by train?

Trains travelling from Cherbourg to Madrid cover a distance of around 645 miles (1038 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Madrid to Cherbourg.
The information provided is calculated based on scheduled train services for Cherbourg to Madrid for a typical week day using timetable data for 06/20/2023. On weekends, holidays or other exceptional times, fewer services may be available. The fare range provided has been found by our customers on Trainline on 01/25/2023 for travel on 01/25/2023 and for adult tickets in economy, discount cards and coach journeys excluded.

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