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Travelling from Madrid to Zürich by train
Looking to travel from Madrid to Zürich by train? You've come to the right place!
On average, it takes around 20 hours 9 minutes to travel from Madrid to Zürich by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 14 hours 38 minutes though. You'll usually find 7 trains per day running along the 775 miles (1247 km) route between these two destinations. You’ll need to make 2 changes during the journey to Zürich, as there currently aren't any direct services on this route.
Plan your trip ahead of time and book early if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Tickets from Madrid to Zürich start from £184.38 when you book in advance, so use 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 Zürich by train, including our timetable where you can view first and last train times.
Madrid to Zürich by train
It takes an average of 20h 9m to travel from Madrid to Zürich by train, over a distance of around 775 miles (1247 km). There are normally 7 trains per day travelling from Madrid to Zürich and tickets for this journey start from £184.38 when you book in advance.
FAQs about the train journey from Madrid to Zürich
Want to know more about your journey from Madrid to Zürich? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Are there any direct trains from Madrid to Zürich?
How far is the train ride from Madrid to Zürich?
Can I take a flight-free trip from Madrid to Zürich?
What is the best way to travel to Zürich from Madrid?
What time does the first train run from Madrid to Zürich?
How late does the train from Madrid to Zürich run?
How many trains go from Madrid to Zürich per day?
When do tickets from Madrid to Zürich go on sale?
Planning a round trip from Madrid to Zürich?
Cheap train tickets from Madrid to Zürich
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 to Zürich 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.