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Take the train from Madrid to Marseille in 8 hours 14 minutes
If you want to travel from Madrid to Marseille by train, you've come to the right place.
You can expect the journey from Madrid to Marseille by train to take around 9 hours 37 minutes. If you want to get there as quickly as possible, it can take as little as 8 hours 14 minutes on the fastest services. You’ll usually find around 4 trains per day running on this route, which spans 507 miles (816 km). There’s no need for any changes along the way, as there are direct trains available to Marseille. Both AVE and Renfe trains operate on this route, offering modern comfortable services with plenty of room for luggage as standard.
Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to search for cheap ticket prices and we'll show you how much you can save. Tickets from Madrid to Marseille start from £54.09 when you book in advance.
If you want to know more about the journey, keep reading for timetables, tips on finding cheap tickets and FAQs, including first and last train times. Want to go straight to booking? Start a search with us today!
Trains to Marseille from Madrid
It takes an average of 9h 37m to travel from Madrid to Marseille by train, over a distance of around 507 miles (816 km). There are normally 4 trains per day travelling from Madrid to Marseille and tickets for this journey start from £54.09 when you book in advance.
What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Madrid to Marseille?
Want to know more about your journey from Madrid to Marseille? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
What is the fastest train from Madrid to Marseille?
Is there a direct train from Madrid to Marseille?
How far is Marseille from Madrid by train?
Which trains run from Madrid to Marseille?
Can I get from Madrid to Marseille without flying?
What is the best way to get from Madrid to Marseille?
When is the first train from Madrid to Marseille?
When is the last train from Madrid to Marseille?
How often do trains run from Madrid to Marseille?
How far in advance can I book tickets from Madrid to Marseille?
Looking for a return trip from Madrid to Marseille?
AVE and Renfe trains from Madrid to Marseille
AVE
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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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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What AVE classes are there from Madrid to Marseille?
Compare the different travel classes offered by AVE when travelling from Madrid to Marseille.
Estándar (Standard Class)
In AVE's Estándar Class, you'll enjoy comfortable fuss-free travel. With luggage storage and air-conditioning throughout, there's access to their bar/restaurant carriage 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
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Entertainment portal
- Fold-down table
- Reading light
- Power sockets at each seat
- Catering at your seat
- 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
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Entertainment portal
- Fold-down table
- Reading light
- Power sockets at each seat
- Catering at your seat
- Lounge access
- Larger tables
What are the onboard services on AVE?
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Madrid to Marseille.
What luggage limits are there? | With AVE, you can travel with up to 3 pieces of luggage that do not exceed 290 cm and 25 kg. In total, the maximum measurements of each piece of luggage are 85 x 55 x 35 cm. Musical instruments also count as hand luggage as long as they do not exceed the dimensions 30 x 120 x 38 cm and are stored 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 bar carriage serving drinks and snacks. If you’d prefer to stay in your seat, AVE staff sell food and drinks from a trolley that will pass through the train during the journey. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | On AVE trains, you can take advantage of PlayRenfe – their free WiFi and entertainment service. 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. Lastly, if the sum of the dimensions of the case is less than 180cm, it is considered as hand luggage. However, if it’s bigger, it will be considered as special luggage (max dimensions 120 x 90 x 40 cm). |
Can I bring pets on board? | With AVE, you can travel with a pet as long as it weighs no more than 10 kg and travels inside a cage or carrier (60 x 35 x 35 cm). Your pet must have their own pet ticket, unless you’re travelling 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. |
How do I find cheap train tickets from Madrid to Marseille?
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
2. Be flexible with your travel times
3. Buy a rail pass
4. Choose a slower or connecting train
5. Look out for train ticket sales and discounts
6. Take a night train
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.