Trains from Madrid Atocha to Cuenca
is Europe’s Nº 1 destination for train and bus tickets*
Official distributor
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
What customers say about Trainline
Read real reviews from real users
Traveling from Madrid Atocha to Cuenca by train
Looking to travel from Madrid Atocha to Cuenca by train? You've come to the right place!
On average, it takes around 1 hour 7 minutes to travel from Madrid Atocha to Cuenca by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 59 minutes though. You'll usually find 24 trains per day running along the 137 km route between these two destinations. Once you're onboard, you can sit back and relax, as you won't need to make any changes on your way to Cuenca. Trains on this route are usually operated by either AVE or Renfe. On board you'll find modern comfortable seating and plenty of room for luggage as standard.
Plan your trip ahead of time and book early if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Tickets from Madrid Atocha to Cuenca start from $16.84 when you book in advance, so start a search in our Journey Planner to view the latest prices.
If you're feeling ready to book, start looking for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information on the journey to Cuenca by train, including our train schedule where you can view first and last train times.
Madrid Atocha to Cuenca by train
It takes an average of 1h 7m to travel from Madrid Atocha to Cuenca by train, over a distance of around 85 miles (137 km). There are normally 24 trains per day traveling from Madrid Atocha to Cuenca and tickets for this journey start from $16.84 when you book in advance.
| First train | 06:15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 21:00 | |
| Departure station | Madrid Atocha | |
| Arrival station | Cuenca | |
| Journey time | From 59m | |
| Distance | 85 miles (137 km) | |
| Frequency | 24 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $16.84 | |
| Train and bus operators |
AVE, Renfe and Avant trains from Madrid Atocha to Cuenca
AVE
Renfe
Avant
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.
More information
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.
More information
Able to reach speeds of at 155 mph (250 km/h), Avant trains operate short and medium distance high-speed services. These trains are intended to cover journeys within the same autonomous community or in two neighbouring communities. For this reason, trains generally don’t offer catering services and travel less than 125 miles (200 km). They have two types of comfort classes – Turista (Second Class) and Preferente (First Class).
More information
AVE and Avant classes from Madrid Atocha to Cuenca
Compare the different travel classes offered by AVE and Avant when traveling from Madrid Atocha to Cuenca.
AVE
Avant
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
Turista
In Avant's Turista Class, you'll find most seats arranged in airline-style pairs rather than around tables, air-conditioning, vending machines and accessible toilets.
- Vending machine
- Baggage storage
- Seat reservation
- Fold-down table
- Reading light
Onboard services on AVE and Avant
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Madrid Atocha to Cuenca.
AVE
Avant
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.
With Avant, you can take up to 3 pieces of baggage, as long as they do not exceed 290cm (114.1 inches) and 25kg (55.1 pounds) in total. On Avant trains, pushchairs and instruments smaller than 30 x 120 x 38 cm (11.8 x 47.2 x 14.9 inches) are also considered hand baggage.
If you’d like to stretch your legs, most Avant trains have a café carriage, and in case you’d prefer to stay in your seat, a mobile bar service.
Avant trains do not offer Wi-Fi, but you can watch the films or documentaries that are broadcast in each carriage.
Children up to 3 years old travel for free as long as they don’t occupy a seat, but they will need a free child ticket. Children between 3 and 14 years old have a 40% discount on the general price.
You can take your bike or skateboard if it is folded, travels inside a cover and is less than 180 cm (70.8 inches) in total. If the dimensions exceed 180 cm, it will be considered special luggage and must travel with the pedals removed, the handlebars turned 90 degrees and dimensions less than 120 x 90 x 40 cm (47.2 x 35.4 x 15.7 inches).
Your pet can accompany you as long as it weighs less than 10 kg (22 pounds), travels with a pet ticket, doesn’t occupy a seat and is inside a carrier with max dimensions 60 x 35 x 35 cm (23 x 13 x 13 inches). The ticket price is 25% of the standard ticket price, except in first class, which will be free.
Avant has an assistance service for people with reduced mobility or disabilities, to request it contact Avant directly.
Cheap train tickets from Madrid Atocha to Cuenca
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 Cuenca 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 Cuenca
Want to know more about your journey from Madrid Atocha to Cuenca? 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 Cuenca take?
The average journey time by train between Madrid Atocha and Cuenca is 1 hour and 7 minutes, with around 24 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 Cuenca by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Madrid Atocha to Cuenca is 59 minutes.
How much does the train from Madrid Atocha to Cuenca cost?
Train tickets from Madrid Atocha to Cuenca can start from as little as $16.84 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 Cuenca?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Madrid Atocha to Cuenca without having to change trains. There are 22 direct trains from Madrid Atocha to Cuenca 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 Cuenca leave?
The first train from Madrid Atocha to Cuenca leaves at 06:15. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Madrid Atocha to Cuenca leave?
The last train from Madrid Atocha to Cuenca leaves at 21:00. 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 Cuenca by train?
Trains travelling from Madrid Atocha to Cuenca cover a distance of around 85 miles (137 km) during the journey.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.