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Trains from Madrid Atocha to Brussels

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  1. Home
  2. Train times
  3. Madrid Atocha to Brussels

Travelling from Madrid Atocha to Brussels by train

Looking to travel from Madrid Atocha to Brussels by train? You've come to the right place!

On average, it takes around 20 hours 4 minutes to travel from Madrid Atocha to Brussels by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 12 hours 34 minutes though. You'll usually find 7 trains per day running along the 818 miles (1317 km) route between these two destinations. You’ll need to make 2 changes during the journey to Brussels, as there currently aren't any direct services on this route.

Plan your trip ahead and book your train tickets in advance if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Just start a search in our Journey Planner to view the latest prices for trains from Madrid Atocha to Brussels.

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 Brussels by train, including our timetable where you can view first and last train times.

Trains to Brussels from Madrid Atocha

First train

06:16

Last train

21:07

Departure stationMadrid Atocha
Arrival stationBrussels
Journey time

From 12h 34m

Distance

818 miles (1317 km)

Frequency

7 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Train and bus operators

Flixbus

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

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

How do I travel from Madrid Atocha to Brussels?

You can get from Madrid Atocha to Brussels by train in 20 hours and 4 minutes on average, with the fastest journeys taking just 12 hours and 34 minutes. Check out our Journey Planner for more details.

How long does the train from Madrid Atocha to Brussels take?

The average journey time by train between Madrid Atocha and Brussels is 20 hours and 4 minutes, with around 7 trains per day running on this route. 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 Brussels by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Madrid Atocha to Brussels is 12 hours and 34 minutes.

Can you take a train directly from Madrid Atocha to Brussels?

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

What are the train times from Madrid Atocha to Brussels?

Check out the next trains departing from Madrid Atocha to Brussels for Tuesday 21st October 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
05:1617:5012h 34m, 2 changes
06:2706:3924h 12m, 5 changes
06:5706:3923h 42m, 6 changes
11:5706:4418h 47m, 2 changes
12:1808:1719h 59m, 2 changes
20:0717:0120h 54m, 2 changes

How do I find cheap train tickets from Madrid Atocha to Brussels?

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 Madrid Atocha to Brussels 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 travelling outside of 'peak hours' (generally between 06:00 - 10:00 and 15:00 - 19:00 on weekdays) as many train 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 Interrail Passes that are valid for travel within 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 discounts

Many train companies in Europe will often run sales on tickets throughout the year or offer discounts to senior/youth/group travellers, so keep an eye out!

6. Take a night train

Save on accommodation and use the night to travel by sleeper train to your next destination.

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.

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