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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 Frankfurt (Main) to Madrid in 16 hours 23 minutes

Thinking about taking the train from Frankfurt (Main) to Madrid? We’ve got you covered.

It usually takes around 19 hours 48 minutes to travel the 898 miles (1445 km) from Frankfurt (Main) to Madrid by train, although you can get there in as little as 16 hours 23 minutes on the fastest services. You’ll normally find around 8 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.

Train tickets from Frankfurt (Main) to Madrid start from £177.48 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 Frankfurt (Main)

It takes an average of 19h 48m to travel from Frankfurt (Main) to Madrid by train, over a distance of around 898 miles (1445 km). There are normally 8 trains per day travelling from Frankfurt (Main) to Madrid and tickets for this journey start from £177.48 when you book in advance.

First train

02:45

Last train

18:56

Departure stationFrankfurt (Main)
Arrival stationMadrid
Journey time

From 16h 23m

Distance

898 miles (1445 km)

Frequency

8 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Price

From £177.48

Train and bus operators

BlaBlaCar Bus

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Frankfurt (Main) to Madrid?

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

How do you travel to Madrid from Frankfurt (Main)?

To get to Madrid from Frankfurt (Main), why not take the train? With 8 trains per day and an average journey time of 19 hours and 48 minutes, taking the train is a great way to travel. See our Journey Planner for up-to-date times and prices.

How long does it take to get from Frankfurt (Main) to Madrid by train?

On average, it takes around 19 hours and 48 minutes to travel from Frankfurt (Main) to Madrid by train, although you can get there in 16 hours and 23 minutes on the fastest services. With 8 trains per day running on this route, journey times may vary, so check our Journey Planner for more information.

How much is the train ticket from Frankfurt (Main) to Madrid?

The price of a train ticket from Frankfurt (Main) to Madrid can start from as little as £177.48, depending on the time of day, route and class you book. Train tickets may also be cheaper when you book in advance compared to buying them on the day.

How fast can trains travel from Frankfurt (Main) to Madrid?

The fastest time a train can travel the 898 miles (1445 km) from Frankfurt (Main) to Madrid is 16 hours and 23 minutes.

What are the train times from Frankfurt (Main) to Madrid?

Check out the next trains departing from Frankfurt (Main) to Madrid for Tuesday 21st October 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
01:4520:0218h 17m, 7 changes
01:4520:5219h 7m, 6 changes
02:4120:0217h 21m, 8 changes
02:4120:5218h 11m, 7 changes
05:5622:1916h 23m, 3 changes
07:5607:3223h 36m, 2 changes
15:5614:5222h 56m, 2 changes
17:5616:3222h 36m, 2 changes

How do I find cheap train tickets from Frankfurt (Main) 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 Frankfurt (Main) to Madrid starts at £177.48§ 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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