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Each fare is the lowest adult economy ticket fare found by our customers on Trainline. Fares booked further in advance than the dates displayed may be cheaper. Prices are updated daily, subject to change and indicative of price last update. Limited availability. Discount cards and coach journeys excluded, prices exclusive of booking fee.

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Taking the train from Basel to Madrid in 13 hours 3 minutes

Thinking about taking the train from Basel to Madrid? We’ve got you covered.

It usually takes around 18 hours 22 minutes to travel the 746 miles (1201 km) from Basel to Madrid by train, although you can get there in as little as 13 hours 3 minutes on the fastest services. You’ll normally find around 7 trains per day running on this route. You’ll need to make 2 changes along the way as there aren't any direct services on this line. You can travel on this route with either AVE, Avlo or ICE. As the main train operators on this route, all offer comfortable seating and plenty of space for luggage as standard.

Train tickets from Basel to Madrid start from £142.57 when you book in advance, which can be cheaper than buying them on the day. Start a search in our Journey Planner to check out the latest prices.

Keen to book your train tickets to Madrid? No need to wait, start a search with us today! If you want to find out a bit more about the journey first, you can find our train timetable below, tips on booking cheap tickets and our FAQs, including first and last train times.

Trains to Madrid from Basel

It takes an average of 18h 22m to travel from Basel to Madrid by train, over a distance of around 746 miles (1201 km). There are normally 7 trains per day travelling from Basel to Madrid and tickets for this journey start from £142.57 when you book in advance.

First train

07:21

Last train

21:56

Departure stationBasel
Arrival stationMadrid
Journey time

From 13h 3m

Distance

746 miles (1201 km)

Frequency

7 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Price

From £142.57

Train and bus operators

ALSA, BlaBlaCar Bus, Deutsche Bahn, Flixbus, FlixTrain, iryo, OUIGO, Renfe, SNCF Voyageurs, TGV Lyria

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

Want to know more about your journey from Basel 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 Basel to Madrid?

You can get from Basel to Madrid by train in 18 hours and 22 minutes on average, with the fastest journeys taking just 13 hours and 3 minutes. Check out our Journey Planner for more details.

How long does the train from Basel to Madrid take?

The average journey time by train between Basel and Madrid is 18 hours and 22 minutes, with around 7 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 Basel to Madrid cost?

Train tickets from Basel to Madrid can start from as little as £142.57 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 Basel to Madrid?

Yes, it is possible to travel on a high-speed train from Basel to Madrid. There are often different amenities available on board high-speed trains from iryo and OUIGO - take a look at the classes and onboard services. The fastest trip on a high-speed train can take 13 hours and 3 minutes.

What are the train times from Basel to Madrid?

Check out the next trains departing from Basel 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
06:2120:0213h 41m, 6 changes
06:2120:5214h 31m, 5 changes
08:2121:2413h 3m, 3 changes
15:3414:5223h 18m, 2 changes
16:2114:5222h 31m, 4 changes
18:3416:3221h 58m, 2 changes
20:5616:3219h 36m, 6 changes

Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, iryo and OUIGO trains from Basel to Madrid

You can travel from Basel to Madrid on Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, iryo and OUIGO 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.

PhotoJoachimKohlerBremen, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0

The Deutsche Bahn Group is owned by the German State and controls the majority of rail traffic in Germany as well as in many border regions of the country. Every year, Deutsche Bahn transports several million passengers and many stations in Germany are served exclusively by DB trains, including the ICE, IC and EC fleet.

Operating alongside its sister coach company FlixBus since 2018, FlixTrain provides cheap intercity connections using 100% green energy. The main routes served by FlixTrain are Cologne-Hamburg, Aachen-Cologne-Berlin, and Berlin-Stuttgart. The network will expand in future to include more routes to Munich and Leipzig. FlixTrain carriages are fitted with free WiFi and power outlets or USB charge points. Plus, every ticket comes with a seat reservation, guaranteeing you a seat for the journey.

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.

What ICE, FlixTrain, TGV Lyria and iryo classes are there from Basel to Madrid?

Compare the different travel classes offered by ICE, FlixTrain, TGV Lyria and iryo when travelling from Basel to Madrid.

What are the onboard services on ICE, FlixTrain, TGV Lyria and iryo?

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

LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?

You can take as much luggage as you like for free without making a reservation.

Luggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards.

Luggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead luggage rack. Generally, the standard dimensions of luggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm. Larger items of luggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large luggage racks by the doors.

RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

When travelling with ICE, you can enjoy an extensive menu in the on-board restaurant, or you can grab a snack from the bistro carriage. If you choose the latter, you can enjoy your food and drink in the bistro or take it back to your seat.

Upgrade to First Class and you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat.

DB change their menu every three months, but you will always find a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

If you’re travelling on a ICE train, you can connect to the free WiFi and catch up on some work or your favourite TV show.

You can also connect to the ICE portal, where you’ll find a wide range of entertainment, such as films, television, audiobooks, games, newspapers and magazines.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

On DB’s ICE trains, kids under 5 years old travel for free and don’t need a ticket. Children up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old.

You can also book family areas and children compartments on all ICE trains.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

With ICE, you need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bicycle onboard. The reservation for your bike is included in the price.

Generally, bike storage spaces are located in second class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages.

PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

You can travel with your pet on all ICE trains. You do not need an extra ticket If you have a small dog and they can travel in a transport box. If your dog or pet is bigger than the size of a house cat, you will need an additional ticket, which costs 50% less than a standard ticket. Dogs not travelling in a transport box must be on a lead and wear a muzzle.

Assistance dogs travel free of charge and do not have to wear a muzzle on the train.

WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

DB’s Mobility Service can assist you with boarding, disembarking or changing trains. Also, staff are happy to answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.

LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?

When travelling with Flixtrain, you can take the following luggage for free: 1x carry-on bag (max dimensions 42 x 30 x 18 cm and 7kg) and 1x checked bag (max dimensions 80 x 50 x 30 cm and 20kg).

For safety reasons, you must stow your carry-on bag beneath your seat, or in the overhead compartment above your seat.

RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

Currently, FlixTrain does not offer a food and drink service. However, you may bring food and drink with you to enjoy on the train.

WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

On FlixTrain services, you can connect to the free WiFi to surf the internet, chat with friends, check your emails and more.

If you’re worried about your battery life, you can charge your devices by connecting to the power sockets or USB outlets at your seat.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

Children up to 6 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Children between 6 and 14 years old can travel alone with a declaration of consent from their parent or guardian. Keep an eye out for special discounts, as FlixTrain offer cheap tickets for children less than 15 years old.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

All FlixTrains are equipped with reservable bicycle storage. Bikes must be standard size and not exceed 20kg (45 lbs). To bring your bicycle on board, you must reserve a space with FlixTrain.

PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

In Germany, passengers may take pets that are up to the size of a house cat carried in a secure container at no cost. If you want to take a dog with you on the train which is larger than a house cat, provided it is on a leash and wearing a muzzle, you can purchase an extra ticket at the child's price. Guide and assistance dogs travel for free.

In Sweden, pets may not be transported on trains. The only exception is for guide and assistance dogs.

WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

Passengers with limited mobility who require assistance with boarding and embarking should contact FlixTrain to book one of the designated seats provided. FlixTrain transport foldable wheelchairs, walking aids and other mobility devices for free.

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?

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 Basel 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 Basel to Madrid starts at £142.57§ 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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