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    Take the train from Dortmund to Madrid in 17 hours 24 minutes

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

    You can expect the journey from Dortmund to Madrid by train to take around 23 hours 4 minutes. If you want to get there as quickly as possible, it can take as little as 17 hours 24 minutes on the fastest services. You'll usually find around 9 trains per day running on this route, which spans 1502 km. You'll have to make 2 changes along the way on your journey to Madrid. Eurostar, TGV or AVE 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 – we'll show you how much you can save on train tickets from Dortmund to Madrid if 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!

    Dortmund to Madrid by train

    First train

    5:29 am

    Last train

    10:14 pm

    Departure station

    Dortmund

    Arrival station

    Madrid

    Journey time

    From 17h 24m

    Distance

    934 miles (1502 km)

    Frequency

    9 trains per day

    Changes

    2 changes

    Train and bus operators

    SNCF Voyageurs, Deutsche Bahn, OUIGO, Eurostar, iryo, Renfe, ALSA, Flixbus, SNCF, BlaBlaCar Bus

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

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

    How do you travel to Madrid from Dortmund?

    To get to Madrid from Dortmund, why not take the train? With 9 trains per day and an average journey time of 23 hours and 4 minutes, taking the train is a great way to travel. See our Journey Planner for up-to-date times and prices.

    How long does it take to get from Dortmund to Madrid by train?

    On average it takes around 23 hours and 4 minutes to travel from Dortmund to Madrid by train, although you can get there in 17 hours and 24 minutes on the fastest services. With 9 trains per day running on this route, journey times may vary, so check our Journey Planner for more information.

    Are there high-speed trains from Dortmund to Madrid?

    Yes, there are high-speed trains available for the trip from Dortmund to Madrid. ICE (Intercity Express) and OUIGO trains offer various classes and onboard services. You'll be able to get there in around 17 hours and 24 minutes on the fastest services.

    How fast can trains travel from Dortmund to Madrid?

    The fastest time a train can travel the 934 miles (1502 km) from Dortmund to Madrid is 17 hours and 24 minutes.

    What are the train times from Dortmund to Madrid?

    Check out the next trains departing from Dortmund to Madrid for Tuesday Sep 9th 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
    DepartsArrivesDuration
    4:29 am10:19 pm17h 50m, 3 changes
    4:55 am10:19 pm17h 24m, 4 changes
    5:57 am7:37 am25h 40m, 2 changes
    1:40 pm2:52 pm25h 12m, 4 changes
    3:36 pm4:32 pm24h 56m, 3 changes
    3:40 pm4:32 pm24h 52m, 3 changes
    4:40 pm4:32 pm23h 52m, 4 changes
    8:36 pm8:52 pm24h 16m, 7 changes
    9:14 pm8:52 pm23h 38m, 8 changes

    Deutsche Bahn, ICE (Intercity Express), IC (Intercity) and OUIGO trains from Dortmund to Madrid

    You can travel from Dortmund to Madrid on Deutsche Bahn, ICE (Intercity Express), IC (Intercity) 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.

    PhotoNelso Silva, under licence CC BY-SA 2.0

    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.

    PhotoFalk2, under licence CC4.0

    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.

    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 Eurostar, TGV INOUI, iryo and AVE classes are there from Dortmund to Madrid?

    Compare the different travel classes offered by Eurostar, TGV INOUI, iryo and AVE when traveling from Dortmund to Madrid.

    What are the onboard services on Eurostar, TGV INOUI, iryo and AVE?

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

    LuggageLuggageWhat baggage limits are there?

    Although there's no weight limit for your baggage on Eurostar trains, you must be able to carry your bags safely by yourself.

    Each bag must be clearly labeled and must be no longer than 33.4 inches (for trains to and from the United Kingdom) or no larger than 29.5 x 20.8 x 11.8 inches (for trains in Europe).

    RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

    Are you traveling to or from the United Kingdom? In Eurostar Standard, choose from a wide selection of drinks and snacks at the Eurostar Café, the onboard bar car in the middle of the train. Cards and cash (Euros or pounds) are accepted. If you're traveling in Eurostar Plus, a light meal and a drink will be served at your seat.
    Travel in Eurostar Premier and you'll be treated to a gourmet meal, as well as a continuous drinks service throughout your journey.

    For all other Eurostar trains (red trains, formerly Thalys), head to the bar car and choose from a wide range of hot and cold drinks as well as savory and sweet snacks.
    In Eurostar Premier on European routes, you'll get a free meal served directly to your seat.

    WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

    Eurostar doesn't have an onboard entertainment portal. However, there is free WiFi available, as well as UK and EU power outlets at your seat so you can charge your devices while traveling.

    ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?
    • Kids of all ages need their passport to travel with Eurostar.
    • Children under 4 can travel free on Eurostar trains, as long as they're sitting on an accompanying adult's lap. Alternatively, you can book them their own seat with a child ticket.
    • If you're alone with kids, you can pre-book assistance so that a member of Eurostar staff can help you during your journey.
    • Kids under 12 must travel with someone over 16, while those aged 12-15 can travel alone if they have an unaccompanied minor form (excluding direct trains to/from the Netherlands).
    • 16 to 17-year-olds can travel alone if they meet all legal requirements.
    • You'll find changing tables on all Eurostar trains, as well as family-oriented seating (4 seats facing one another) where available.
    ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

    Generally, Eurostar trains running to and from the United Kingdom can't transport fully assembled bikes - though on certain trains between London and Brussels, you may be able to book a bike space by contacting Eurostar. You can, however, take a foldable bike on board Eurostar trains to and from the UK provided that it's no more than 33.4 inches long and it fits in a protective bag that covers the whole bicycle. Folded bikes are treated as standard baggage.

    For all other Eurostar trains in Europe, a limited number of non-foldable bikes can be brought on board, provided that the wheels are taken off and the whole bicycle is stored in a suitable cover (max. size 53.1 x 33.4 x 11.8 inches). Foldable bicycles are also permitted and count towards standard baggage limits.

    PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

    The rules around traveling with your pets depend on whether you're traveling across the Channel or not, so check before you travel:

    Eurostar trains to and from the United Kingdom:

    • Pets are not permitted on board.
    • Guide dogs and assistance dogs can travel, but they must be accompanied by their owner. You must also reserve a ticket for your assistance dog at least 48 hours before travel, by filling out Eurostar's contact form.

    Trains in the rest of Europe:

    • Small dogs and other pets weighing less than 13 lbs (6 kg) can travel for free. They must travel in a cage or carrier (max. dimensions 17.7 x 11.8 x 9.8 inches).
    • If your dog is larger than this, you must buy them a dog ticket (generally the price is fixed at €30, around $32), and the dog must travel on your lap or on the ground, on a lead and with a muzzle.
    • Guide dogs and assistance dogs, whatever their size, travel for free.
    WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

    If you need help getting on or off the train, you should contact Eurostar directly before your trip. To use Eurostar's special assistance program, fill in this contact form at least 48 hours before your journey so that the team can help you.

    If you're traveling on trains to/from the United Kingdom:

    • Arrive at least one hour before your train's scheduled departure time, then head to the Eurostar Assist desk or ask a member of staff.
    • If you have a wheelchair, you must reserve a wheelchair space in either Eurostar Plus or Eurostar Premier - you'll only pay for a Eurostar Standard ticket. Someone can travel with you at a discounted rate.

    If you're traveling on red trains in the rest of Europe:

    • Wheelchair users travel in Eurostar Premier on routes in Europe.
    • Wheelchairs can be transported as long as they're no bigger than 27.5 inches long and 47.2 inches high. The wheelchair's turning circle must be no larger than 59 inches in diameter. The combined weight of the wheelchair, passenger and any baggage must not exceed 661 lbs (300 kg).
    • Please note that combustion engine-powered wheelchairs are not permitted on board. However, electric wheelchairs are allowed.
    InfoInfoWhat else do I need to know?

    Specific restrictions for trains to/from the United Kingdom:

    Liquids:

    • There's no restriction on liquids. However, there are restrictions on alcohol: you can take 4 bottles/cans of beer or 1 bottle of wine per person to enjoy on the journey; large bottles of spirits are not permitted. If you're traveling with large quantities of alcohol, you should contact a courier service.

     

    Sports equipment:

    • You can travel with a golf bag as long as it's no larger than 47.2 x 13.7 x 13.7 inches.
    • You can bring tents or other shelters if they're stored in bags or cases less than 33.4 inches long.
    • Camping gas or butane bottles are not permitted on board.
    • Camping utensils or tools such as pocket knives and Swiss army knives are permitted provided the blades are less than 3 inches long. Folding knives where the blade locks into place are prohibited.
    • You can bring bats, snooker or pool cues and darts on board if they're stored in a protective case.
    LuggageLuggageWhat baggage limits are there?

    On board TGV INOUI trains, you can take up to 2 pieces of luggage measuring no more than 70 x 90 x 50 cm (27.5 x 35.4 x 19.6 inches), plus one hand luggage measuring no more than 40 x 30 x 15 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches). If you are bringing an XL baggage (maximum 90 x 130 cm or 35.4 x 51.1 inches), it will replace one of the two 70 x 90 x 50 cm (27.5 x 35.4 x 19.6 inches) pieces of luggage authorised.

    All your luggage must be labelled before entering the train.

    RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

    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.

    WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

    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.

    ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel 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.

    ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

    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.

    PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

    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.

    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?

    You can carry up to 3 pieces of baggage on iryo trains, as long as they do not exceed 25kg (55.1lbs) in total. These 3 pieces can be 2 suitcases with a maximum size of 85 x 55 x 35cm (33.4 x 21.6 x 13.7 inches) and a backpack or handbag that does not exceed the dimensions of 36 x 27 x 15cm (14.1 x 10.6 x 5.9 inches).

    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.

    How do I find cheap train tickets from Dortmund 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 Dortmund to Madrid starts at § 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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