Trains from Madrid Atocha to Alicante Terminal
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Travelling from Madrid Atocha to Alicante Terminal
Fancy combining a city break with some time by the sea? Well, you can do just that when you take the train from Madrid to Alicante. The high-speed AVE trains operated by Renfe offer a speedy cross-country service, taking you from Madrid to Alicante in just 2h 20m. This route makes getting to the coast so much easier than flying and it saves you time, too. Plus, you don’t need to worry about luggage space or restrictions on liquids. Sun lotion in your hand luggage, no problem.
In Alicante, you’ll enjoy the warm climate in summer, especially at Playa de San Juan. But it is not all about the beach. You can also climb to Castillo de Santa Barbara to appreciate the views and visit the archaeological museum to learn more about the area. Find your next train from Madrid to Alicante in our Journey Planner above.
Madrid Atocha to Alicante Terminal by train
It takes an average of 2h 38m to travel from Madrid Atocha to Alicante Terminal by train, over a distance of around 222 miles (358 km). There are normally 21 trains per day traveling from Madrid Atocha to Alicante Terminal and tickets for this journey start from $14.59 when you book in advance.
| First train | 06:15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 20:00 | |
| Departure station | Madrid Atocha | |
| Arrival station | Alicante Terminal | |
| Journey time | From 2h 22m | |
| Distance | 222 miles (358 km) | |
| Frequency | 21 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $14.59 | |
| Train and bus operators |
AVE, OUIGO and Renfe trains from Madrid Atocha to Alicante Terminal
AVE
OUIGO
Renfe
AVE is Renfe's flagship high-speed service, with trains capable of reaching up to 193 mph (310 km/h). It’s one of the fastest trains in Europe and connects the main cities of Spain. Most AVE trains offer two comfort classes – Estándard (Standard Class) and Confort (First Class equivalent, with 1-1 configuration, ultra-wide seats, gourmet food and drink and lounge access). All AVE trains have air conditioning, power sockets, free WiFi and a buffet carriage serving a selection of food and drinks. There are three fares for AVE services: the cheapest but least flexible Básico fare, the Elige fare (slightly pricier but more flexible), and the Premium fare for seats in Confort Class.
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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.
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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.
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AVE and OUIGO classes from Madrid Atocha to Alicante Terminal
Compare the different travel classes offered by AVE and OUIGO when traveling from Madrid Atocha to Alicante Terminal.
AVE
OUIGO
Estándar (Standard Class)
In AVE's Estándar Class, you'll enjoy comfortable fuss-free travel. With baggage storage and air-conditioning throughout, there's access to their dining car serving drinks and snacks and seats are usually in a row of 2 or 4 around a table. On board, you'll enjoy:
- Free WiFi
- Seat reservation
- Dining car
- Entertainment pass
- Fold-down table
- Reading light
- Power outlets at each seat
- In-seat meal service
- Lounge access
- Larger tables
Confort (First Class)
Onboard AVE's Confort Class, you’ll enjoy all the amenities of Estándar Class as well as extra perks, such as complimentary food and drinks, free newspapers and more. Don't forget to enjoy access to Renfe's Club Rooms before your trip to kick it off in style. On board, you'll enjoy:
- Free WiFi
- Seat reservation
- Dining car
- Entertainment pass
- Fold-down table
- Reading light
- Power outlets at each seat
- In-seat meal service
- Lounge access
- Larger tables
Standard Class
OUIGO comes with only one class, Standard Class, which is the equivalent of TGV's Second Class. On board you'll find WiFi and a café-bar (on services in Spain). There may be a trolley service on Train Classique services in France. You can pay extra to guarantee a seat with a power outlet, as not all seats currently have one.
- Fold-down table
- Baggage storage
- Dining car (1)
- In-seat meal service (2)
- WiFi (3)
- Power outlets
- (1) Available on OUIGO Spain services only
- (2) Snack service available on some OUIGO Classique trains
- (3) WiFi available for a fee on services in France; may be free in Spain
Onboard services on AVE and OUIGO
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Madrid Atocha to Alicante Terminal.
AVE
OUIGO
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
AVE offer a free assistance and care service for people with reduced mobility. To request the service, passengers should contact AVE directly.
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.
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.
WiFi (OUIFI) and an entertainment portal (OUIFUN) are available at an additional cost.
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.
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.
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.)
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).
Cheap train tickets from Madrid Atocha to Alicante Terminal
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 Madrid Atocha to Alicante Terminal 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 Madrid Atocha to Alicante Terminal
Want to know more about your journey from Madrid Atocha to Alicante Terminal? 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 Madrid Atocha to Alicante Terminal take?
The average journey time by train between Madrid Atocha and Alicante Terminal is 2 hours and 38 minutes, with around 21 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 Madrid Atocha and Alicante Terminal by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Madrid Atocha to Alicante Terminal is 2 hours and 22 minutes.
How much does the train from Madrid Atocha to Alicante Terminal cost?
Train tickets from Madrid Atocha to Alicante Terminal can start from as little as $14.59 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 Madrid Atocha to Alicante Terminal?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Madrid Atocha to Alicante Terminal without having to change trains. There are 16 direct trains from Madrid Atocha to Alicante Terminal each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Madrid Atocha to Alicante Terminal leave?
The first train from Madrid Atocha to Alicante Terminal leaves at 06:15. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Madrid Atocha to Alicante Terminal leave?
The last train from Madrid Atocha to Alicante Terminal leaves at 20:00. 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 Madrid Atocha and Alicante Terminal by train?
Trains travelling from Madrid Atocha to Alicante Terminal cover a distance of around 222 miles (358 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Alicante Terminal to Madrid Atocha.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.