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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 Zürich to Madrid Atocha in 14 hours 15 minutes

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

It usually takes around 20 hours 37 minutes to travel the 775 miles (1247 km) from Zürich to Madrid Atocha by train, although you can get there in as little as 14 hours 15 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 Zürich to Madrid Atocha start from £129.40 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 Atocha? 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 Atocha from Zürich

It takes an average of 20h 37m to travel from Zürich to Madrid Atocha by train, over a distance of around 775 miles (1247 km). There are normally 8 trains per day travelling from Zürich to Madrid Atocha and tickets for this journey start from £129.40 when you book in advance.

First train

08:32

Last train

22:04

Departure stationZürich
Arrival stationMadrid Atocha
Journey time

From 14h 15m

Distance

775 miles (1247 km)

Frequency

8 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Price

From £129.40

Train and bus operators

Flixbus

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

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

How do I get from Zürich to Madrid Atocha?

You can travel from Zürich to Madrid Atocha by train in about 20 hours and 37 minutes. With around 8 trains running each day, taking the train is easy. Find out more in our Journey Planner.

How long is the train journey from Zürich to Madrid Atocha?

On average, the train journey from Zürich to Madrid Atocha takes around 20 hours and 37 minutes, with 8 trains per day. The duration may vary slightly depending on the specific train and any potential delays. Use our Journey Planner to check out more information.

How much is the train from Zürich to Madrid Atocha?

Train tickets from Zürich to Madrid Atocha start from as little as £129.40, depending on the time of booking, class of service and type of train. Booking in advance often results in cheaper prices.

What is the fastest train from Zürich to Madrid Atocha?

The fastest trains from Zürich to Madrid Atocha can cover the distance of 775 miles (1247 km) in as little as 14 hours and 15 minutes.

What are the train times from Zürich to Madrid Atocha?

Check out the next trains departing from Zürich to Madrid Atocha for Tuesday 13th January 2026. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
07:3222:1914h 47m, 3 changes
08:0422:1914h 15m, 4 changes
08:3407:3723h 3m, 2 changes
14:3414:5224h 18m, 2 changes
15:3214:5223h 20m, 4 changes
16:0414:5222h 48m, 5 changes
17:3416:3222h 58m, 2 changes
21:0416:3219h 28m, 5 changes

How do I find cheap train tickets from Zürich to Madrid Atocha?

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 Atocha starts at £129.40§ 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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