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Travelling by train from Malaga to Madrid

Planning to travel from Malaga to Madrid by train? You've come to the right place!

The train from Malaga to Madrid usually takes 2h 45m, but can take just 2h 30m on the fastest services. You can travel direct on this route with Renfe. On board, you'll find comfortable seating, space for luggage and, on most services, free WiFi as standard.

You’ll hurtle at speeds of up to 300km/h (186 mph) during the journey. For those who want to travel in style, Renfe’s First Class offers wide reclining leather seats, plenty of legroom, free WiFi and complimentary drinks and snacks.

Arriving into Madrid Atocha station, you’ll be at the heart of the Spanish capital. The Royal Palace is just a short hop on the Cercanías metro, while the Museo Nacional del Prado and El Retiro Park are within walking distance of the station. Need more inspiration? Check out our guide to the best things to do in Madrid, including the best restaurants, parks, museums and shops to go to.

Why not start a search for cheap train tickets from Malaga to Madrid with us today? If you want to find out more, keep reading for FAQs and money-saving tips.

Málaga to Madrid by train

It takes an average of 2h 58m to travel from Málaga to Madrid by train, over a distance of around 258 miles (416 km). There are normally 20 trains per day travelling from Málaga to Madrid and tickets for this journey start from £6.06 when you book in advance.

First train

05:48

Last train

20:40

Departure station

Málaga

Arrival station

Madrid

Journey time

From 2h 44m

Distance

258 miles (416 km)

Frequency

20 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Price

From £6.06

Train and bus operators

iryo, Renfe

FAQs about the train journey from Málaga to Madrid

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

How do I travel from Málaga to Madrid?

You can get from Málaga to Madrid by train in 2 hours and 58 minutes on average, with the fastest journeys taking just 2 hours and 44 minutes. You can also take the bus from Málaga to Madrid. Check out our Journey Planner for more details.

How long does the train from Málaga to Madrid take?

The average journey time by train between Málaga and Madrid is 2 hours and 58 minutes, with around 20 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.

How much does the train from Málaga to Madrid cost?

Train tickets from Málaga to Madrid can start from as little as £6.06 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book.

Is it possible to get a high-speed train from Málaga to Madrid?

Yes, it is possible to travel on a high-speed train from Málaga to Madrid. There are often different amenities available on board high-speed trains from AVE and iryo - take a look at the classes and onboard services. The fastest trip on a high-speed train can take 2 hours and 44 minutes.

Málaga to Madrid train times

Check out the next trains departing from Málaga to Madrid for Wednesday 11th December 2024. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesTrainDuration
06:28Málaga-María Zambrano09:18Madrid Atochaave 2063 Get tickets2h 50m, direct
07:33Málaga-María Zambrano10:35Madrid Atochaave 2073 Get tickets3h 2m, direct
08:05Málaga-María Zambrano10:49Madrid Atochaave 5913 Get tickets2h 44m, direct
08:09Málaga-María Zambrano10:58Madrid Atocha6089 Get tickets2h 49m, direct
08:58Málaga-María Zambrano12:08Madrid Atochaave 2093 Get tickets3h 10m, direct
09:17Málaga-María Zambrano13:02Madrid AtochaAlvia/Avant 8694 Get tickets3h 45m, 1 change

AVE, iryo and Renfe trains from Málaga to Madrid

You can travel from Málaga to Madrid on AVE, iryo and Renfe trains. When you search for times and tickets, we might also show you some other options with multiple connections or operators if they’re available.

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.

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!

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.

iryo, AVE and Avlo classes from Málaga to Madrid

Compare the different travel classes offered by iryo, AVE and Avlo when travelling from Málaga to Madrid.

Onboard services on iryo, AVE and Avlo

Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Málaga to Madrid.

LuggageLuggageLuggage

You can carry up to 3 pieces of luggage on iryo trains, as long as they do not exceed 25kg in total. These 3 pieces can be 2 suitcases with a maximum size of 85 x 55 x 35cm and a backpack or handbag that does not exceed the dimensions of 36 x 27 x 15cm.

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

iryo offers different menus with high-quality products in all classes. You can buy your favourite meal from their onboard restaurant/bar carriage, which is usually near coach 2.

If you’re travelling in the Infinita Bistró Class, you can enjoy the Infinita Bistró food service – your meal will be served straight to your seat. Please note that you’ll need to book your meal at least 24 hours in advance.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

You can enjoy free WiFi in all classes on iryo trains, as well as an onboard entertainment platform providing a wide selection of movies, TV series, live news and Spotify.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

Children aged 0-3 travel for free on all iryo trains. Children aged 4-13 get a discounted ticket while those aged 14-18 need to pay the full price. Please note that children aged under 18 need to be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

You can take your bike on board iryo trains for free if it’s folded and does not exceed 90 x 120 x 40cm. Also, your bike must travel without the pedals and with the handlebar rotated 90 degrees.

PetPetPets

iryo allows pets that do not exceed 10kg in weight, as long as they travel inside a carrier with a maximum size of 60 x 35 x 35cm. You'll need to buy a ticket for your pet in advance. In addition, guide dogs can travel at no additional cost.

WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

There are seats for people with reduced mobility on iryo trains. Step-free access is also available both when boarding and when getting off the train.

LuggageLuggageLuggage

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.

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

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.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

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.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel 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.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

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).

PetPetPets

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.

WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

AVE offer a free assistance and care service for people with reduced mobility. To request the service, passengers should contact AVE directly.

LuggageLuggageLuggage

If you are travelling with a Básica ticket on an Avlo train, you can travel with 1 piece of hand luggage and 1 suitcase. Both pieces of luggage are not subject to a weight limit, but the hand luggage cannot exceed 27 x 36 x 25 cm and the suitcase cannot exceed 55 x 35 x 25cm in dimensions. If you’d like to add 1 extra piece of luggage, you’ll need to pay a fee of €10 if you buy at the time of purchase and €30 if you get it at the station.

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

On Avlo trains, there is no onboard dining service. However, you will find a vending machine, serving a diverse variety of hot and cold drinks and snacks. Please note that the vending machine only accepts card payment.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

If you’re travelling with Avlo, you can enjoy free WiFi through the PlayRenfe platform. As soon as you’re connected you can enjoy films, television shows, newspapers and much more.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

Children under 3 years old travel for free with Avlo, as long as they do not occupy a seat. Children under 14 travel for €5 (maximum of 2 child tickets per adult).

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

Only folding bikes and scooters are allowed on board Avlo trains, as long as they do not exceed the dimensions permitted for suitcases – 55 x 35 x 25cm.

PetPetPets

You can travel with your pet for only €10, provided that you have a small pet, such as a dog, cat, ferret or bird (not poultry). Your pet must not weigh more than 10 kg and must travel inside a cage or carrier, which must not exceed dimensions of 60 x 35 x 35 cm.

Please note there is a maximum of 1 pet per person and all pets must always travel with their own pet ticket and not take up a seat. Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on the train free of charge.

WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

With Avlo, passengers with reduced mobility can request the assistance service. For more information, contact Avlo directly.

Cheap train tickets from Málaga to Madrid

The price of train tickets from Málaga to Madrid starts at £6.06 one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Booking on the day is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or class.

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 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.

§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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