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If you want to know more about the journey from Madrid to Rome by train, look no further!
The average journey time from Madrid to Rome by train is 27 hours 53 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 23 hours 37 minutes. You'll usually find 8 trains per day traveling the 1363 km between these two destinations. You'll need to make 3 changes along the way as there are no direct services to Rome. You're likely to be traveling with AVE, Frecciarossa or Renfe to Rome. As the main train operators on this route, all offer plenty of space for luggage and comfortable seating as standard.
Book train tickets from Madrid to Rome in advance instead of buying them on the day and they can start from $238.14. We'll always highlight the cheapest prices when you search in our Journey Planner.
Ready to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information, including our train schedule where you can view first and last train times, as well as tips on how to find cheap train tickets.
| First train | 6:16 am | |
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| Last train | 9:02 pm | |
| Departure station | Madrid | |
| Arrival station | Rome | |
| Journey time | From 23h 37m | |
| Distance | 847 miles (1363 km) | |
| Frequency | 8 trains per day | |
| Changes | 3 changes | |
| Price | From $238.14 | |
| Train and bus operators | Italo, Renfe, SNCF Voyageurs, Trenitalia |
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.
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.
Italo is a high-speed train operator that runs services between many of the major cities across Italy. All Italo trains are modern, air conditioned, and have free WiFi available for all travellers. There are four comfort classes, or "ambiances", as Italo like to call them – Smart (the cheapest price), Comfort (with wider seats and extra legroom), Prima (with a welcome selection of food and drink, fast track boarding and extra space), and Executive Club (with all Prima services, extra-wide seats, access to Italo Club lounges and personal entertainment screens at your seat).
Trenitalia is the national railway company of Italy, with a fleet including high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento and Frecciabianca), Intercity and Intercity night trains and regional trains. Trenitalia offers discounts and special promotions on selected routes, two types of discounted tickets for young people under 30 and people over 60.
Enjoy high-quality services including eco-leather reclining seats, fold-down tables and free WiFi, but at a cheaper price. Order food and drink from the FRECCIABistrò car or using the Easy Bistrò at-seat meal service.
Frecciarossa Premium offers more legroom and luggage space.
Frecciarossa Business offers extra legroom, glass dividers for privacy, a four-seat Salottino compartment, and a complimentary food box with fresh items and Illy espresso.
Frecciarossa Executive offers up to 10 spacious leather armchairs, ample legroom, lounge access, unlimited drinks, and rotating menus, including creations by Michelin-star chef Carlo Cracco.
Although Smart is Italo’s standard and cheapest class, you won’t miss out on the fantastic service! This class provides you with the following amenities:
In addition to all the perks of Italo Smart, Italo Prima also provides a little extra, such as a dedicated Fast Track service and a welcome service.
If you want to travel in style, upgrade to Italo Club Executive and enjoy dedicated catering service, personal screens, and free access to Italo Club Lounge.
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.
Onboard AVE's Confort Class, you’ll enjoy all the amenities of Estándar Class as well as extra perks, such as more legroom.
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What special assistance is available? | If you need to request special assistance, you can call the toll-free number 800 90 60 60, which can be reached from a landline in Italy, or the national number +39 02 323232, which can be reached from a landline or mobile, even from abroad (international calling charges may apply). |
What else do I need to know? | Air-conditioning is available on board. You can also charge your devices thanks to the power outlets you can find at your seat. |
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What food and drink is available? | While there’s no bar or restaurant car on Italo trains, you can use the vending machines on board to get snacks and drinks during your journey. |
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Can I bring a bike on board? |
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Can I bring pets on board? |
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What special assistance is available? | Priority seats for passengers with reduced mobility are available on Italo trains. They’re usually located next to an accessible toilet. All accessible toilets also have tactile and Braille signs. |
What else do I need to know? | Air-conditioning is available on all Italo trains, as well as power outlets at every seat. |
What baggage limits are there? | With AVE, you can take up to three baggage items, each up to 85 × 55 × 35 cm and 25 kg (290 cm total). Musical instruments are allowed up to 30 × 120 × 38 cm in a case. |
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What 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. |
What 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. |
What 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. |
Can 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. 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). |
Can 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. |
What 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. |
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.