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Travel from Winterthur to Madrid by train in 13 hours 51 minutes

If you want to know more about the journey from Winterthur to Madrid by train, look no further!

The average journey time from Winterthur to Madrid by train is 19 hours 13 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 13 hours 51 minutes. Around 9 trains per day travel the 787 miles (1266 km) between these two destinations. You'll need to make 3 changes along the way to Madrid. You're likely to be travelling with AVE, Renfe or SBB to Madrid. As the main train operators on this route, all offer plenty of space for luggage and comfortable seating as standard.

Book train tickets from Winterthur to Madrid in advance instead of buying them on the day and you'll snap up the cheapest fares. You can check prices from Winterthur to Madrid in our Journey Planner.

Ready to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information, including our timetable where you can view first and last train times, as well as tips on how to find cheap train tickets.

Trains to Madrid from Winterthur

First train

05:24

Last train

21:31

Departure stationWinterthur
Arrival stationMadrid
Journey time

From 13h 51m

Distance

787 miles (1266 km)

Frequency

9 trains per day

Changes

3 changes

Train and bus operators

ALSA, BlaBlaCar Bus, SBB CFF FFS, iryo, OUIGO, Renfe, SNCF Voyageurs, TGV Lyria

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

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

How do you get to Madrid from Winterthur?

To travel to Madrid from Winterthur, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 19 hours and 13 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 13 hours and 51 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information.

How long is the train ride from Winterthur to Madrid?

Trains from Winterthur to Madrid take an average of 19 hours and 13 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 13 hours and 51 minutes. You'll usually find 9 trains per day on this route, so use our Journey Planner to check specific dates as times may vary.

Can I get a high-speed train from Winterthur to Madrid?

Yes, you can get a high-speed train from Winterthur to Madrid in as little as 13 hours and 51 minutes on the fastest services. High-speed trains from iryo and OUIGO offer a range of classes and onboard services - take a look to see what suits you best!

What is the quickest journey time between Winterthur and Madrid by train?

The quickest journey time between Winterthur and Madrid by train is 13 hours and 51 minutes.

What are the train times from Winterthur to Madrid?

Check out the next trains departing from Winterthur to Madrid for Tuesday 2nd December 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
04:2420:0215h 38m, 8 changes
04:2420:5216h 28m, 7 changes
06:5421:2414h 30m, 3 changes
07:3321:2413h 51m, 4 changes
14:0314:5224h 49m, 3 changes
15:3314:5223h 19m, 4 changes
17:0316:3223h 29m, 3 changes
19:3316:3220h 59m, 5 changes
20:3116:3220h 1m, 6 changes

SBB, iryo, OUIGO and Renfe trains from Winterthur to Madrid

You can travel from Winterthur to Madrid on SBB, iryo, OUIGO 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.

The Swiss rail network is operated by SBB. SBB train ticket prices are based on travel and not on the type of trains. You will find available return tickets (standard price, one way or round trip), Multiple journey tickets (for six individual trips on a pre-determined itinerary) and the City-Ticket (including a one-day transportation pass from the city of departure or arrival).

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!

PhotoCramos, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0

OUIGO is the low-cost brand of French rail company SNCF, who operate trains in France and Spain. In France, all seats on OUIGO are Second Class and tickets can only be purchased online. You can also pay for additional extras, such as reserving a seat in the ‘quiet area’, at-seat power sockets and extra luggage. OUIGO has been operating in Spain since May 2021, and their trains include an onboard bar and a premium class of service called OUIGO Plus.

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.

What TGV Lyria, Intercity, Eurocity and iryo classes are there from Winterthur to Madrid?

Compare the different travel classes offered by TGV Lyria, Intercity, Eurocity and iryo when travelling from Winterthur to Madrid.

What are the onboard services on TGV Lyria, Intercity, Eurocity and iryo?

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

LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?

You can take luggage on board TGV Lyria trains without worrying about weight restrictions, so long as you're able to carry it yourself.

RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

There are two refreshment options on board TGV Lyria trains:

Le Bistrot: Available in the café-bar carriage or at your seat, with a Standard or Première TGV Lyria ticket.
La Table: A French-Swiss dining experience available with a Première Signature TGV Lyria ticket.

WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

Free WiFi is available on board. To get online, connect to the network _WIFI_LYRIA when you're on the train and go to the TGV Lyria Portal in your browser.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

Families can reserve two different areas on the train:

The Family Square, located in carriages 6, 16, 7 or 17 in Standard (Second Class). This is a set of four seats facing one another, with space for a pushchair.
Club 4, which is also a set of 4 seats facing one another around a table.

You will also find baby changing facilities, including a baby changing table on the upper deck of carriages 7 and 17, and the lower deck of carriages 1 and 11.

 

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

Bikes are allowed on board, so long as they're folded or their wheels are detached. Bikes must also be placed in suitable storage cases (no larger than 130 x 90 cm).

PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

Small pets may travel with TGV Lyria, as long as they are carried in a carrier or container no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm. Pets must be placed on your lap or by your feet and must travel with their own ticket at a flat rate of €7.

Dogs on a lead may travel on TGV Lyria trains, but they must be muzzled throughout the journey and placed by your feet. Passengers must pay a flat-rate ticket fee of €20.

WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

2 seats in carriages 1 or 11 in First Class are reserved for passengers with reduced mobility. You can request one of these seats when making your booking. If these spaces are no longer available, you can reserve a standard seat. You can also reserve assistance at the train station for help folding and storing your wheelchair.

InfoInfoWhat else do I need to know?

You can travel with musical instruments if they're stored in a case no larger than 130 x 90 cm. If you're going skiing, snowboards and skis are allowed on board (one pair of skis or one snowboard per person). They must be stored in their covers.

LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?

You can take as much luggage as you want on SBB Intercity trains, provided that it fits in the luggage racks provided.

RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

Many SBB Intercity trains will have a restaurant or bistro carriage so you can buy food and drink throughout your journey. You may be able to sit at a table in the restaurant carriage or take your meal back to your seat.

WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

There are plug sockets on SBB trains. You can also enjoy free WiFi on Intercity trains via the SBB FreeSurf portal.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

There is pushchair storage available on the train, as well as a baby changing toilet onboard. On Intercity trains, there is also a dedicated family carriage.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

You can take your bicycle onboard SBB Intercity trains. Between 21st March and 31st October, it's compulsory to reserve a bike space on some Intercity trains. You must also buy a ticket for your bike at a ticket office, ticket machine or online.

PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

Dogs under 30cm in height can travel for free if they're in a carrier and placed under your seat. Larger dogs can travel with you if you buy a Dog Day Pass for CHF 25, which can be purchased at a ticket office, at a ticket machine, online or on the SBB app. The pass is valid for a day on trains, ships, trams and buses in most Swiss cities.

WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

SBB Intercity trains have priority seats for passengers with reduced mobility, as well as a wheelchair-accessible toilet.

InfoInfoWhat else do I need to know?

There is a Business Zone and a Quiet Zone in First Class on SBB Intercity trains.

LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?

You can take as much luggage as you want on SBB Eurocity trains, provided that it fits in the luggage racks provided.​

RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

Many SBB Eurocity trains will have a restaurant or bistro carriage so you can buy food and drink throughout your journey. You may be able to sit at a table in the restaurant carriage or take your meal back to your seat.

WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

There are plug sockets and free WiFi on SBB Eurocity trains.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

There is pushchair storage available on the train, as well as a baby changing toilet onboard.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

You can take your bike onboard SBB Eurocity trains provided that you can fit it into the storage space onboard, but you'll need to buy a ticket for it. You'll also need a reservation for the Swiss part of your journey when travelling internationally. You can make a reservation online or at a ticket office.

PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

Dogs under 30cm in height can travel for free if they're in a carrier and placed under your seat. Larger dogs can travel with you if you buy a Dog Day Pass for CHF 25, which can be purchased at a ticket office, at a ticket machine, online or on the SBB app. The pass is valid for a day on trains, ships, trams and buses in most Swiss cities.

WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

There is a wheelchair-accessible toilet onboard, plus priority seating for passengers with reduced mobility.

InfoInfoWhat else do I need to know?

There is air conditioning on board newer SBB Eurocity trains, so you can travel in comfort.

LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?

Iryo's luggage policy varies by class. With an Inicial ticket, you can take one carry-on bag measuring 36 x 27 x 15 cm and one cabin suitcase measuring 55 x 35 x 25 cm. With a Singular (and Singular Only YOU) ticket, you can also take one large suitcase measuring 80 x 55 x 35 cm. The Infinita Bistró fare includes all of the above and also allows travel with one pet inside a carrier.

RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

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.

WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

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.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel 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.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

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.

PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

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.

WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

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.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Winterthur to Madrid?

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 Winterthur to Madrid 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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