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Paris to Madrid Train
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Paris to Madrid by train
The journey from Paris to Madrid by train is 654.69 mi and takes 11 hr 38 min. There are 6 connections per day, with the first departure at 7:42 AM and the last at 9:42 AM. It is possible to travel from Paris to Madrid by train for as little as $80.06 or as much as $209.38. The best price for this journey is $80.06.
| Lowest Price | $80.06 |
| Journey Duration | 11 hr 38 min |
| Connection per Day | Iryo, TGV inOui, AVE, Renfe, OUIGO, AVLO 6 |
| Lowest Price | Iryo, TGV inOui, AVE, Renfe, OUIGO, AVLO $80.06 |
| Highest Price | Iryo, TGV inOui, AVE, Renfe, OUIGO, AVLO $209.38 |
| First Departure | Iryo, TGV inOui, AVE, Renfe, OUIGO, AVLO 7:42 AM |
| Last Departure | Iryo, TGV inOui, AVE, Renfe, OUIGO, AVLO 9:42 AM |
| Distance | Iryo, TGV inOui, AVE, Renfe, OUIGO, AVLO 654.69 mi |
| Departure | Iryo, TGV inOui, AVE, Renfe, OUIGO, AVLO Paris |
| Arrival | Iryo, TGV inOui, AVE, Renfe, OUIGO, AVLO Madrid |
| Carriers | Iryo, TGV inOui Iryo, TGV inOui, AVE, Renfe, OUIGO, AVLO |
Paris to Madrid Train Times
Traveling from Paris to Madrid by Train
Experience an unforgettable journey by train from the romantic city of Paris to Madrid, the vibrant heart of Spain. This scenic route covers an estimated distance of 654.69 mi, and the average travel time is around 11 hr 38 min. With approximately 6 trains running daily on this route, travelers have a wide array of departure times. The journey also caters to those on a budget, with the lowest fares typically starting at $80.06.
The trip begins at Gare de Lyon or Gare d'Austerlitz in Paris and concludes at Madrid's Puerta de Atocha or Chamartín station. While some direct services exist, most journeys will require at least one transfer, typically in Barcelona. For a seamless boarding process, arriving at the station at least 30 minutes before departure is recommended.
The primary train services on this route include the TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) and Renfe's high-speed AVE trains. These trains are known for their high speed, comfort, and amenities. Both services provide spacious seating, ample legroom, and a selection of onboard amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and dining options. Despite the lengthy journey, the scenic views and comfortable train facilities ensure a pleasant travel experience.
Stopover in Barcelona
A popular choice for many travelers on this route is a stopover in Barcelona. This vibrant city offers many sights and attractions, such as the stunning Sagrada Familia, lively Las Ramblas, and the beautiful Park Güell. Barcelona also offers a unique culinary experience with famous tapas, seafood paella, and Catalan wines.
Arriving in Madrid: Spain's Dynamic Capital
Arriving at either Madrid Puerta de Atocha or Chamartín station, you'll find yourself right in the heart of Madrid. Both stations offer feature restrooms, a variety of shops, diverse eateries, and secure luggage lockers for storage. The Madrid Metro services both stations, with Puerta de Atocha serviced by Line 1 and Chamartín by Lines 1 and 10. Bus stops and taxi ranks are also readily accessible just outside the stations, providing easy and convenient onward travel throughout the city.
Madrid, known for its vibrant culture, historic landmarks, and gastronomic delights, invites exploration. From the splendid Royal Palace and the world-renowned Prado Museum to the bustling Gran Vía and the lively squares of Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol, there's plenty to see and do in Madrid.
Things to do/see in Madrid
- Explore the Royal Palace, a symbol of grandeur and power.
- Visit the Prado Museum, home to one of the finest collections of European art.
- Stroll along Gran Vía, Madrid's bustling shopping street.
- Take a relaxing break in El Retiro Park, an oasis of calm in the city center.
- Experience the vibrant nightlife in the Malasaña and Chueca neighborhoods.
- Discover the Rastro Market, the city's most famous open-air flea market.
- Watch a traditional Flamenco show at one of the city's many tablaos.
Local delicacies in Madrid:
- Savor Cocido Madrileño, a traditional chickpea-based stew.
- Enjoy Churros con Chocolate, a popular breakfast or snack.
- Try Tapas, a variety of small dishes often served free with drinks in local bars.
- Indulge in a Bocadillo de Calamares, a squid sandwich that's a Madrid specialty.
Day Trips from Madrid
Madrid's central location is an excellent base for exploring other Spanish towns and cities. Take a trip to Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich history and unique blend of cultures. Visit Segovia, famous for its Roman aqueduct and fairytale-like Alcázar. Or explore El Escorial, a monumental historical residence boasting a monastery, royal palace, museum, and school.
Madrid Travel Tips
Make the most of your Madrid visit with these tips. Start with purchasing a Madrid Tourist Travel Pass for unlimited travel on public transport. Try the local cuisine to experience Madrid's rich culinary heritage. Opt for guided tours to discover the city's rich history and cultural landmarks. Exploring the city on foot allows you to enjoy the city's vibrant atmosphere and pace.
We're here to assist you if you plan to travel from Paris to Madrid by train. We check thousands of routes by train, bus, and flight to provide the best options. Use our price calendar below to find the best fares for all modes of transportation between Paris and Madrid. Choose the option that best suits your needs and embark on your journey.
Compare prices and tickets from Paris to Madrid
Book in advance and save
If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from Paris to Madrid, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.
Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys
Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from Paris to Madrid.
Always check special offers
Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.
Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains
If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.
Virail Pro Tip ✌: Booking 10 days in advance save 10% on average
Price as departure date approaches
Train companies may charge higher ticket prices as the date of departure approaches. Prices in the next days can range from around $125.34 to $297.24 but may be subject to change. Our advice is to book as early as possible to potentially save up to 58% on your trip!
Best time to book cheap train tickets from Paris to Madrid
The cheapest Paris - Madrid train tickets can be found for as low as $82.13 if you’re lucky, or $170.97 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as $265.21.
Find the best day to travel to Madrid by train
When travelling to Madrid by train, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!
Carriers on this route
Find out more about the carriers on this route.
AVE stands for "Alta Velocidad Española", which means "Spanish High Speed". AVE is a high-speed train service operated by the Spanish national railway company Renfe. With the AVE trains you can travel to many major cities in Spain, including routes to Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Malaga, and Zaragoza.
Iryo is a Spanish high-speed train operator, founded in 2019 and serving Spain's major cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Seville, Valencia and Zaragoza. iryo operates on the national rail network in Spain, using the latest AVE high-speed trains to transport passengers at speeds of up to 310 km/h.
In 2013, the French national railway company SNCF introduced OUIGO to offer budget-friendly TGV travel options. Choose between the lightning-fast OUIGO Grande Vitesse, reaching speeds of 300 km/h, or the more leisurely OUIGO Classique, which offers a nostalgic train ride experience.
TGV inOui, which replaces traditional TGV services by offering a contemporary upgrade, is a high-speed train service operated by the French National Railways, SNCF that make it easy to explore around 50 destinations in neighboring countries such as Belgium, Germany, and Spain. TGV inOUI is designed to offer more comfort and flexibility to travelers, with features such as spacious seats, Wi-Fi, and catering services. It connects major cities in France and provides a fast, convenient, and comfortable mode of travel.
Ticket types and facilities from Paris to Madrid
Compare the different ticket types and the facilities provided by AVE, Iryo and OUIGO when traveling from Paris to Madrid.
Básico
The Basico are the most affordable tickets, but they come with certain restrictions, such as no changes or refunds. They also typically have limited availability and must be purchased well in advance.
WiFi 
Quiet zone 
Power sockets 
Luggage 
Accessibility 
Air conditioning 
Bicycle Elige Estándar
The Elige tickets provide enhanced flexibility for exchanging or canceling your reservation. Elige Estándar," provides travelers with the standard, regular seating arrangement known as the "Estándar seat." Additionally, you can choose your preferred seat by paying an extra fee, and upgrading to Premium is also possible. WiFi Quiet zone Power sockets Luggage Accessibility 
Food and drink Air conditioning Bicycle Elige Confort
If you go for "Elige Confort," you get the bigger and likely more comfortable XL Confort seat. The Elige tickets provide enhanced flexibility for exchanging or canceling your reservation. Additionally, you can choose your preferred seat by paying an extra fee, and upgrading to Premium is also possible. WiFi Quiet zone Power sockets Luggage Accessibility Food and drink Air conditioning Bicycle Prémium
Renfe AVE's Premium tickets are the priciest but also the most flexible, limited to Confort class only. They allow free train changes and provide the benefit of boarding the next train for free in case you miss your scheduled one. WiFi Quiet zone Power sockets Luggage Accessibility Food and drink Air conditioning Bicycle Singular
The "Singular fare" offers flexibility for entrepreneurs and companies with personalized customer service from iryo assistants. WiFi Power sockets Luggage Accessibility Food and drink Air conditioning Bicycle Inicial
iryo's Inicial fare provides affordable travel without compromising on comfort or service. WiFi Power sockets Luggage Accessibility Food and drink Air conditioning Bicycle Singular ONLY YOU
The "Singular Only YOU" fare is designed for entrepreneurs and companies, providing the best conditions for changes and cancellations in the ticket. WiFi Power sockets Luggage Accessibility Food and drink Air conditioning Bicycle Infinita
Infinita is iryo's all-inclusive fare that offers the best travel options with flexibility and comfort. WiFi Power sockets Luggage Accessibility Food and drink Air conditioning Bicycle Standard Class / TGV
OUIGO Grande Vitesse offers a single class, akin to second-class travel, which accounts for its affordable ticket prices. Adult fares start at €10, depending on the destination, while children can travel for €5. Tickets for OUIGO can only be purchased online. WiFi Power sockets Luggage Accessibility Air conditioning Bicycle Standard Class / Classical
OUIGO Train Classique only have one class, which is equivalent to second class travel, which is why ticket prices are cheap. Tickets are available from €10 for adults (depending on destination) and €5 for children, and OUIGO train tickets are only available online. WiFi Power sockets Luggage Accessibility Food and drink Air conditioning Bicycle Second Class (The essentials)
For a practical and affordable journey, TGV INOUI has two fares for second class tickets: The Prems Second, an affordable option, and The Second, the classic second class. Both of them can be exchanged and refunded, subject to certain conditions. The Prem's fare tickets are perfect if you're looking for the lowest prices, starting at just 15€ and available for booking up to 4 months in advance. WiFi Power sockets Luggage Accessibility Food and drink Air conditioning Bicycle First Class (The comfort)
First-class tickets take your journey to the next level, offering enhanced comfort and exclusive benefits, including the option to choose seats in the Quiet Area. Additionally, this ticket offers flexibility for your booking and provides added benefits to Second Class features. WiFi Quiet zone Power sockets Luggage Accessibility Food and drink Air conditioning Bicycle Business Première (The flexibility)
Business Première offers premium advantages like no-cost exchanges or refunds and exclusive amenities including advanced Wi-Fi and access to Grand Voyageur lounges, all while ensuring flexibility in your booking. WiFi Quiet zone Power sockets Luggage Accessibility Food and drink Air conditioning Bicycle Facility Description
Find out more about the different facilities available onboard with each carrier on this route.
Air conditioning Travel in comfort as all AVE trains are air-conditioned. Air conditioning 
WiFi Stay connected at high speeds with PlayRenfe, AVE's complimentary WiFi service, ensuring you remain online even at 300 km/h. WiFi Quiet zone The Silent Carriage is available exclusively for standard seats on AVE trains, excluding the AVE International route between Spain and France, as well as Euromed trains. Due to its popularity, early ticket purchase is advised. Quiet zone Power sockets Every AVE seat is fitted with power sockets and at-seat radios for your convenience.
Power sockets Accessibility AVE provides a complimentary care and assistance service for individuals with limited mobility. To utilize this service, please reach out to AVE directly. Accessibility Luggage On AVE trains, you're welcome to bring along 3 bags, each not surpassing 85 x 55 x 35 cm and 25 kg (55 lbs) in weight. Moreover, instruments are considered hand luggage if they're within 30 x 120 x 38 cm and safely tucked in a case. Luggage Food and drink Visit the onboard AVE bar carriage for a treat or wait for the food trolley that travels through the train. Prémium Ticket holders can enjoy in-seat dining featuring Chef Ramón Freixa's expertise. Please ensure you request special menus, from vegetarian to Halal, at least 12 hours before departure to enjoy a tailored meal experience. Food and drink Bicycle You can bring along your bike or scooter, just make sure it's folded and snug in a case. Don't forget to remove the pedals and give those handlebars a 90-degree turn. If your case's total dimensions are under 180cm, it counts as hand luggage. Anything larger falls into the special luggage category but keep it within 120 x 90 x 40 cm. Bicycle WiFi Connect to free WiFi on iryo trains in any class. Enjoy movies, TV shows, live news, and Spotify for entertainment. WiFi Power sockets Every seat on iryo trains comes with power sockets, and those in the Infinita and Singular Cafe class boast additional USB ports. Power sockets Luggage On iryo trains, flexible baggage policy lets you travel comfortably with up to 3 pieces of luggage, including a piece of hand luggage. Maximum size for 2 larger pieces is 85x55x35cm, while hand luggage must be 36x27x15cm. Total weight limit is 25kg. Luggage Accessibility iryo trains are designed for inclusivity, offering designated seats for passengers with reduced mobility and ensuring step-free access during both boarding and disembarking. Accessibility Food and drink iryo offers quality menus for all classes. Find the onboard restaurant/bar usually close to coach 2. For Infinita Class passengers, meals are served at your seat, but remember to book 24 hours in advance. Food and drink Air conditioning Enjoy fresh and comfortable air on the ETR1000 train; its cutting-edge air-conditioning system refreshes the entire carriage's air in just 3 minutes, ensuring a generous 35 m3/h of fresh outside air for every passenger. Air conditioning Bicycle On Iryo trains, you can bring along one disassembled bicycle or electric scooter per coach, as long as it's tucked into a bag and stays within 90x120x40cm. It's free to transport! Just keep in mind that you'll handle the loading, safekeeping, and unloading. Also, be considerate of other passengers' comfort and safety, and remember any damages caused are on you. Bicycle WiFi You have access WiFi (OUIFI) and delve into the OUIFUN entertainment portal for an added fee. WiFi Power sockets On Ouigo trains, only top deck seats in select coaches come with power sockets. Note that these seats come at an additional charge, and the bottom deck lacks sockets altogether. Power sockets Luggage OUIGO lets you bring two small hand luggage items or one piece measuring 36 x 27 x 15 cm for free, along with cabin baggage at 55x35x25cm with no weight restrictions. For larger items, a fee of €5 applies for online bookings made in advance, and it goes up to €20 if you pay in-person at the station. Luggage Accessibility For travelers with mobility concerns, TGV INOUI offers the 'Accès Plus' service. This provides dedicated assistance from the station directly to the train seat. It is advisable for passengers to contact 'Accès Plus' after securing their tickets and ensure arrangements are made at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure. Accessibility Food and drink In France, OUIGO's Train classique services provide an at-seat snack service, though this isn't available on the high-speed trains. For those traveling in Spain, a visit to the OUIBAR in coach 4 serves up a variety of beverages and snacks. Food and drink Air conditioning Travel in comfort with all coaches being air-conditioned. Air conditioning Bicycle Planning to bring along bigger items like a bike, scooter, skis, or a musical instrument? If you book online in advance, it's just a €5 fee. But, if you decide to pay at the station, the fee goes up to €20. Bicycle WiFi On TGV INOUI trains, enjoy complimentary WiFi access throughout your journey. Whether you're working, replying to emails, or diving into the TGV INOUI entertainment hub, we've got you covered. WiFi Quiet zone With a Business Première ticket, step into an exclusive coach designed for comfort. It's your silent sanctuary, ideal for both work and relaxation.
Quiet zone Power sockets Every seat on TGV inOUI is power-packed! With an outlet at your disposal, you're always charged and ready.
Power sockets Luggage On TGV INOUI trains, you can bring as much luggage as your arms and legs can carry, but remember to properly label your own luggage. Handbags and small items are best stored either at feet-level or under the seat; heavier pieces should be placed in an available corner of the car or along its central aisle. Luggage Accessibility For travelers with mobility concerns, TGV INOUI offers the 'Accès Plus' service. This provides dedicated assistance from the station directly to the train seat. It is advisable for passengers to contact 'Accès Plus' after securing their tickets and ensure arrangements are made at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure. Accessibility Food and drink Travelers on TGV INOUI can look forward to an assortment of food and beverages. The train service presents a curated selection that promises to cater to diverse palates. Food and drink Air conditioning Stay cool and comfortable. All TGV inOUI trains are air-conditioned, ensuring a pleasant journey, irrespective of the weather outside. Air conditioning Bicycle Booking required for non-foldable bikes (€10) on select TGV INOUI trains, foldable bikes under 130x90cm can travel as hand luggage on any TGV INOUI train, disassembled bikes can be taken without booking if stored in a bike bag under 130x90cm. Aquatic or snowboards, folded scooters, and musical instruments can be taken as hand luggage if they are in a carrying case under 130 x 90 cm. Bicycle | Facilities | Iryo | TGV inOui | AVE | OUIGO | AVLO |
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Paris to Madrid CO2 Emissions by Train
Anything we can improve?