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Trains from Madrid to Gelsenkirchen Hbf

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  1. Home
  2. Train times
  3. Madrid to Gelsenkirchen Hbf

Taking the train from Madrid to Gelsenkirchen Hbf in 22 hours 59 minutes

Thinking about taking the train from Madrid to Gelsenkirchen Hbf? We’ve got you covered.

It usually takes around 25 hours 26 minutes to travel the 923 miles (1486 km) from Madrid to Gelsenkirchen Hbf by train, although you can get there in as little as 22 hours 59 minutes on the fastest services. You’ll normally find around 10 trains per day running on this route. You’ll need to make 3 changes along the way as there aren't any direct services on this line.

Train tickets from Madrid to Gelsenkirchen Hbf are usually cheaper when you book in advance compared to buying them on the day. Start a search in our Journey Planner to check out the latest prices.

Keen to book your train tickets to Gelsenkirchen Hbf? No need to wait, start a search with us today! If you want to find out a bit more about the journey first, you can find our train timetable below, tips on booking cheap tickets and our FAQs, including first and last train times.

Trains to Gelsenkirchen Hbf from Madrid

First train

07:20

Last train

20:30

Departure stationMadrid
Arrival stationGelsenkirchen Hbf
Journey time

From 22h 59m

Distance

923 miles (1486 km)

Frequency

10 trains per day

Changes

3 changes

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

Want to know more about your journey from Madrid to Gelsenkirchen Hbf? 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 to Gelsenkirchen Hbf?

You can get from Madrid to Gelsenkirchen Hbf by train in 25 hours and 26 minutes on average, with the fastest journeys taking just 22 hours and 59 minutes. Check out our Journey Planner for more details.

How long does the train from Madrid to Gelsenkirchen Hbf take?

The average journey time by train between Madrid and Gelsenkirchen Hbf is 25 hours and 26 minutes, with around 10 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 and Gelsenkirchen Hbf by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Madrid to Gelsenkirchen Hbf is 22 hours and 59 minutes.

Can you take a train directly from Madrid to Gelsenkirchen Hbf?

No, there are no direct train services from Madrid to Gelsenkirchen Hbf. Travelling from Madrid to Gelsenkirchen Hbf by train will require a minimum of 3 changes.

What are the train times from Madrid to Gelsenkirchen Hbf?

Check out the next trains departing from Madrid to Gelsenkirchen Hbf for Tuesday 24th March 2026. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
06:2007:2425h 4m, 7 changes
06:2008:4326h 23m, 5 changes
06:2709:5827h 31m, 9 changes
06:5707:2224h 25m, 9 changes
11:5010:4922h 59m, 5 changes
11:5011:4323h 53m, 3 changes
13:4615:4425h 58m, 4 changes
16:3718:2425h 47m, 4 changes
16:3719:0626h 29m, 3 changes
19:3021:2825h 58m, 4 changes

How do I find cheap train tickets from Madrid to Gelsenkirchen Hbf?

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 to Gelsenkirchen Hbf 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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