Trains from Lisbon to Madrid
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Taking the train from Lisbon to Madrid
Lisbon and Madrid are two great capitals separated by more than 500km. With daily train services available from city centre to city centre, taking the train is the most direct way to travel.
Arriving into the pulse of the city by train, you don’t have to wait for luggage to arrive, or lengthy transfers from the airport. What’s more, with Trenhotel you can leave Portugal at night and arrive in Spain in the morning without having to change – choose your cabin, relax and save on both travel time and accommodation.
For those conscious about their environmental footprint, it’s also a more sustainable way to transfer between the capitals. Take the train and you’ll be using much less CO2 in the process than you would by car or plane.
Taking nine and a half hours on direct services, you’ll be in the Spanish capital just in time for breakfast. For further information on the route, including train times and FAQs, all you need to do is read on.
Cheap train tickets from Lisbon to Madrid
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Lisbon to Madrid by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from Lisbon to Madrid? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Lisbon to Madrid take?
The average journey time by train between Lisbon and Madrid is 19 hours and 39 minutes, with around 2 trains per day. 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.
What's the fastest journey time between Lisbon and Madrid by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Lisbon to Madrid is 18 hours and 36 minutes.
Is there a direct train from Lisbon to Madrid?
No, there are no direct train services from Lisbon to Madrid. Travelling from Lisbon to Madrid by train will require a minimum of 3 changes.
What time does the first train from Lisbon to Madrid leave?
The first train from Lisbon to Madrid leaves at 16:00. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Lisbon to Madrid leave?
The last train from Lisbon to Madrid leaves at 22:00. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Lisbon and Madrid by train?
Trains travelling from Lisbon to Madrid cover a distance of around 312 miles (501 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Madrid to Lisbon. If you’re looking for other options, you can also catch the bus from Lisbon to Madrid.