Trains from Málaga-María Zambrano to Madrid
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About the train journey from Málaga-María Zambrano to Madrid
Want to travel from Málaga-María Zambrano to Madrid by train? Start your journey with us.
The train from Málaga-María Zambrano to Madrid usually takes 2 hours 52 minutes on average to travel 259 miles (417 km), although the quickest services can take as little as 2 hours 30 minutes. You can expect to find 16 trains per day running on this popular route. Good news! There are direct trains available to Madrid, so you can just make yourself comfortable as soon as you board the train and just enjoy the journey. You can choose to travel with AVE or Renfe to get to Madrid – both train companies offer modern comfortable services that will whisk you there in no time.
To help you get the best train deals, we'll highlight the cheapest train ticket prices from Málaga-María Zambrano to Madrid in our Journey Planner. Just remember, the sooner you book your tickets, the more you'll save, as advance tickets start from €16.95.
Keep reading for more information about the train journey to Madrid, including FAQs, timetables with first and last train times and tips on booking cheap train tickets. If you’re ready to book, just start a search for tickets with us today.
Málaga-María Zambrano to Madrid by train
It takes an average of 2h 52m to travel from Málaga-María Zambrano to Madrid by train, over a distance of around 259 miles (417 km). There are normally 16 trains per day travelling from Málaga-María Zambrano to Madrid and tickets for this journey start from €16.95 when you book in advance.
| First train | 06:28 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 20:13 | |
| Departure station | Málaga-María Zambrano | |
| Arrival station | Madrid | |
| Journey time | From 2h 30m | |
| Distance | 259 miles (417 km) | |
| Frequency | 16 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From €16.95 | |
| Train and bus operators |
AVE, iryo and Renfe trains from Málaga-María Zambrano to Madrid
AVE
iryo
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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Operating since the end of 2022, iryo is a new high-speed train company in Spain. It’s a consortium between the Spanish airline Air Norstrum and the train company Trenitalia, one of the greatest leaders in European rail transport. The first private Spanish high-speed company to operate, iryo runs high-speed services on the Madrid – Zaragoza – Barcelona route and connects Madrid – Cuenca – Valencia/Alicante and Madrid – Cordoba – Seville/Malaga. They are doing this all with a fleet of ETR1000 model trains that offer the highest level of comfort in Spain, with a combination of advanced propulsion and highest quality onboard services, including WiFi connection and catering service. 98% of the parts of the trains are 100% recyclable, making this trip sustainable as well!
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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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Cheap train tickets from Málaga-María Zambrano to Madrid
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 Málaga-María Zambrano to Madrid 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.
Journey details
How long does the train from Málaga-María Zambrano to Madrid take?
The average journey time by train between Málaga-María Zambrano and Madrid is 2 hours and 52 minutes, with around 16 trains per day. 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 Málaga-María Zambrano and Madrid by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Málaga-María Zambrano to Madrid is 2 hours and 30 minutes.
How much does the train from Málaga-María Zambrano to Madrid cost?
Train ticket prices from Málaga-María Zambrano to Madrid can start from as little as €16.95 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Is there a direct train from Málaga-María Zambrano to Madrid?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Málaga-María Zambrano to Madrid without having to change trains. There are 12 direct trains from Málaga-María Zambrano to Madrid each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Málaga-María Zambrano to Madrid leave?
The first train from Málaga-María Zambrano to Madrid leaves at 06:28. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Málaga-María Zambrano to Madrid leave?
The last train from Málaga-María Zambrano to Madrid leaves at 20:13. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Málaga-María Zambrano and Madrid by train?
Trains travelling from Málaga-María Zambrano to Madrid cover a distance of around 259 miles (417 km) during the journey.