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Trains from Zürich to Madrid

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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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Travelling from Zürich to Madrid by train

Looking to travel from Zürich to Madrid by train? You've come to the right place!

On average, it takes around 18 hours 41 minutes to travel from Zürich to Madrid by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 14 hours 15 minutes though. You'll usually find 8 trains per day running along the 775 miles (1247 km) route between these two destinations. You’ll need to make 2 changes during the journey to Madrid, as there currently aren't any direct services on this route.

Plan your trip ahead of time and book early if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Tickets from Zürich to Madrid start from £257.93 when you book in advance, so use our Journey Planner to view the latest prices.

If you’re feeling ready to book, start looking for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information on the journey to Madrid by train, including our timetable where you can view first and last train times.

Trains to Madrid from Zürich

It takes an average of 18h 41m to travel from Zürich to Madrid by train, over a distance of around 775 miles (1247 km). There are normally 8 trains per day travelling from Zürich to Madrid and tickets for this journey start from £257.93 when you book in advance.

First train

05:59

Last train

22:04

Departure stationZürich
Arrival stationMadrid
Journey time

From 14h 15m

Distance

775 miles (1247 km)

Frequency

8 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Price

From £257.93

Train and bus operators

Flixbus

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

Want to know more about your journey from Zürich 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 Zürich?

To get to Madrid from Zürich, why not take the train? With 8 trains per day and an average journey time of 18 hours and 41 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 Zürich to Madrid by train?

On average, it takes around 18 hours and 41 minutes to travel from Zürich to Madrid by train, although you can get there in 14 hours and 15 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 Zürich to Madrid?

The price of a train ticket from Zürich to Madrid can start from as little as £257.93, 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 Zürich to Madrid?

The fastest time a train can travel the 775 miles (1247 km) from Zürich to Madrid is 14 hours and 15 minutes.

What are the train times from Zürich to Madrid?

Check out the next trains departing from Zürich to Madrid for Tuesday 14th October 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
04:5920:0215h 3m, 7 changes
04:5920:5215h 53m, 6 changes
06:3422:1915h 45m, 3 changes
07:0422:1915h 15m, 4 changes
07:3207:3224h 0m, 5 changes
14:3414:5224h 18m, 2 changes
16:0414:5222h 48m, 4 changes
17:3416:3222h 58m, 2 changes
21:0416:3219h 28m, 5 changes

How do I find cheap train tickets from Zürich 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 Zürich to Madrid starts at £257.93§ 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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