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About the train journey from Heidelberg to Madrid

Want to travel from Heidelberg to Madrid by train? Start your journey with us.

The train from Heidelberg to Madrid usually takes 20 hours 23 minutes on average to travel 865 miles (1393 km), although the quickest services can take as little as 15 hours 21 minutes. You can expect to find 5 trains per day running on this popular route. As there aren’t any direct services running between Heidelberg and Madrid, you’ll need to make 2 changes on your way to Madrid. You can choose to travel with TGV, AVE or Avlo to get to Madrid. As the main rail operators on this route, their trains offer modern comfortable seating and plenty of space for luggage as standard.

To help you get the best train deals, we'll highlight the cheapest train ticket prices from Heidelberg to Madrid in our Journey Planner. Just remember, the sooner you book your tickets, the more you'll save!

Keep reading for more information about the train journey to Madrid, including FAQs, timetables with first and last train times and tips on booking cheap train tickets. If you’re ready to book, just start a search for tickets with us today.

Heidelberg to Madrid by train

First train

04:20

Last train

17:13

Departure station

Heidelberg

Arrival station

Madrid

Journey time

From 15h 21m

Distance

865 miles (1393 km)

Frequency

5 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Train and bus operators

Deutsche Bahn, OUIGO, SNCF, iryo, Renfe, ALSA

Heidelberg to Madrid train times

Check out the next trains departing from Heidelberg to Madrid for Tuesday 19th November 2024. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
03:20 18:45 15h 25m, 6 changes
06:19 21:40 15h 21m, 4 changes
08:13 07:23 23h 10m, 3 changes
13:18 14:45 25h 27m, 2 changes
16:13 14:45 22h 32m, 4 changes

Deutsche Bahn, ICE (Intercity Express), IC (Intercity) and OUIGO trains from Heidelberg to Madrid

You can travel from Heidelberg to Madrid on Deutsche Bahn, ICE (Intercity Express), IC (Intercity) and OUIGO trains. When you search for times and tickets, we might also show you some other options with multiple connections or operators if they’re available.

PhotoJoachimKohlerBremen, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0

The Deutsche Bahn Group is owned by the German State and controls the majority of rail traffic in Germany as well as in many border regions of the country. Every year, Deutsche Bahn transports several million passengers and many stations in Germany are served exclusively by DB trains, including the ICE, IC and EC fleet.

PhotoNelso Silva, under licence CC BY-SA 2.0

The high-speed train of Deutsche Bahn, with a maximum speed of 205 mph (330 km/h), the ICE connects major cities and is also used for international travel to neighbouring countries such as Austria, France and Denmark. This train is equipped with air conditioning, a dining car, a children's compartment and power sockets. Passengers enjoy a free WiFi connection throughout the duration of the ICE trip.

PhotoFalk2, under licence CC4.0

An express train running on German domestic routes, the Intercity is a little slower than the ICE and is also used for long distance trips. The integrated circuit covers long distances with a maximum speed of 125 mph (200 km/h). In recent years, trains of the new generation "Intercity 2" run on some lines at 100 mph (160 km/h) only – these trains, however, offer extra legroom and extra space for toddlers. They are also equipped with air conditioning, a food carriage and wheelchair parking spaces.

PhotoCramos, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0

OUIGO is the low-cost brand of French rail company SNCF, who operate trains in France and Spain. In France, all seats on OUIGO are Second Class and tickets can only be purchased online. You can also pay for additional extras, such as reserving a seat in the ‘quiet area’, at-seat power sockets and extra luggage. OUIGO has been operating in Spain since May 2021, and their trains include an onboard bar and a premium class of service called OUIGO Plus.

TGV INOUI, Intercity (IC), ICE and iryo classes from Heidelberg to Madrid

Compare the different travel classes offered by TGV INOUI, Intercity (IC), ICE and iryo when travelling from Heidelberg to Madrid.

Onboard services on TGV INOUI, Intercity (IC), ICE and iryo

Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Heidelberg to Madrid.

LuggageLuggageLuggage

On board TGV INOUI trains, you can take up to 2 pieces of luggage measuring no more than 70 x 90 x 50 cm, plus one hand luggage measuring no more than 40 x 30 x 15 cm. If you are bringing an XL baggage (maximum 90 x 130 cm), it will replace one of the two 70 x 90 x 50 cm pieces of luggage authorised.

All your luggage must be labelled before entering the train.

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

All TGV INOUI trains are equipped with a café-bar carriage offering a range of food and drink to suit you at any time of day. The Bar is always situated in carriage 4 or 14 of the train. There's a range of local and responsibly sourced products on offer to whet your appetite.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

TGV INOUI trains have free WiFi on board for you to use throughout your journey, allowing you to stay connected, reply to emails or even relax and enjoy what's offered on the TGV INOUI entertainment portal.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

Children under 12 can get a half price ticket on TGV INOUI trains. Children under 4 travel free when they travel on your lap.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

If you've got a foldable bicycle, you can take it on the train as hand luggage, so long as it's no larger than 130 x 90 cm once folded. Or, if you can dismantle your bike, you can transport it in a cover or case no larger than 130 x 90 cm. You can still travel with a bike that cannot be folded or dismantled - you'll need to reserve a bike space on the train when you buy your ticket. Bike tickets cost €10 per bike, per journey.

PetPetPets

Small pets are allowed on board TGV INOUI trains provided they weigh less than 10kg. They must travel in a carrier no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm. Tickets for small pets cost €7. Larger dogs can also travel on TGV INOUI services, provided they are wearing a muzzle and are kept on a lead. Tickets for larger dogs cost €20. Guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free of charge on all SNCF trains.

WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

For disabled passengers or those with reduced mobility, you can request assistance through 'Accès Plus'. With this service, a member of staff will meet you at the station and help you get to your seat on the train. To book assistance, contact Accès Plus after you book your tickets (and no later than 48 hours before your train is due to depart).

LuggageLuggageLuggage

You can take as much luggage as you like for free without making a reservation.

Luggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards.

Luggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead luggage rack. Generally, the standard dimensions of luggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm. Larger items of luggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large luggage racks by the doors.

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

You will find an extensive menu in the on-board restaurant, or you can grab a snack from the bistro carriage. If you opt for the latter, you can enjoy your food and drink in the bistro or take it back to your seat.

If you upgrade to First Class, you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat.

Although the menu changes every three months, you will always find a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

Currently, free WiFi is available on certain IC trains. Deutsche Bahn are gradually installing free WiFi on all their IC trains.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

On IC trains, children under 5 years old travel free of charge and don’t need a ticket. Kids up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old.

On board, you will find family and children areas which are bookable.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

You need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bicycle on a IC train. The reservation for your bike is included in the price.

Bike storage spaces are usually located in second class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages.

PetPetPets

With IC, you can travel with your pet. If you have a small dog or pet, you do not need an extra ticket and they can travel for free in a transport box. If your dog or pet is bigger than the size of a house cat, you will need an additional ticket, which costs 50% less than a standard ticket. Dogs not travelling in a transport box must be on a lead and wear a muzzle.

Assistance dogs travel free of charge and do not have to wear a muzzle on the train.

WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

Deutsche Bahn offer the Mobility Service, where staff will help you board, disembark or change trains. Staff will also answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.

LuggageLuggageLuggage

You can take as much luggage as you like for free without making a reservation.

Luggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards.

Luggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead luggage rack. Generally, the standard dimensions of luggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm. Larger items of luggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large luggage racks by the doors.

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

When travelling with ICE, you can enjoy an extensive menu in the on-board restaurant, or you can grab a snack from the bistro carriage. If you choose the latter, you can enjoy your food and drink in the bistro or take it back to your seat.

Upgrade to First Class and you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat.

DB change their menu every three months, but you will always find a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

If you’re travelling on a ICE train, you can connect to the free WiFi and catch up on some work or your favourite TV show.

You can also connect to the ICE portal, where you’ll find a wide range of entertainment, such as films, television, audiobooks, games, newspapers and magazines.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

On DB’s ICE trains, kids under 5 years old travel for free and don’t need a ticket. Children up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old.

You can also book family areas and children compartments on all ICE trains.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

With ICE, you need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bicycle onboard. The reservation for your bike is included in the price.

Generally, bike storage spaces are located in second class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages.

PetPetPets

You can travel with your pet on all ICE trains. You do not need an extra ticket If you have a small dog and they can travel in a transport box. If your dog or pet is bigger than the size of a house cat, you will need an additional ticket, which costs 50% less than a standard ticket. Dogs not travelling in a transport box must be on a lead and wear a muzzle.

Assistance dogs travel free of charge and do not have to wear a muzzle on the train.

WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

DB’s Mobility Service can assist you with boarding, disembarking or changing trains. Also, staff are happy to answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.

LuggageLuggageLuggage

You can carry up to 3 pieces of luggage on iryo trains, as long as they do not exceed 25kg in total. These 3 pieces can be 2 suitcases with a maximum size of 85 x 55 x 35cm and a backpack or handbag that does not exceed the dimensions of 36 x 27 x 15cm.

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

iryo offers different menus with high-quality products in all classes. You can buy your favourite meal from their onboard restaurant/bar carriage, which is usually near coach 2.

If you’re travelling in the Infinita Bistró Class, you can enjoy the Infinita Bistró food service – your meal will be served straight to your seat. Please note that you’ll need to book your meal at least 24 hours in advance.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

You can enjoy free WiFi in all classes on iryo trains, as well as an onboard entertainment platform providing a wide selection of movies, TV series, live news and Spotify.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

Children aged 0-3 travel for free on all iryo trains. Children aged 4-13 get a discounted ticket while those aged 14-18 need to pay the full price. Please note that children aged under 18 need to be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

You can take your bike on board iryo trains for free if it’s folded and does not exceed 90 x 120 x 40cm. Also, your bike must travel without the pedals and with the handlebar rotated 90 degrees.

PetPetPets

iryo allows pets that do not exceed 10kg in weight, as long as they travel inside a carrier with a maximum size of 60 x 35 x 35cm. You'll need to buy a ticket for your pet in advance. In addition, guide dogs can travel at no additional cost.

WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

There are seats for people with reduced mobility on iryo trains. Step-free access is also available both when boarding and when getting off the train.

Cheap train tickets from Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg to Madrid take?

The average journey time by train between Heidelberg and Madrid is 20 hours and 23 minutes, with around 5 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 Heidelberg and Madrid by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Heidelberg to Madrid is 15 hours and 21 minutes.

Is there a direct train from Heidelberg to Madrid?

No, there are no direct train services from Heidelberg to Madrid. Travelling from Heidelberg to Madrid by train will require a minimum of 2 changes.

What time does the first train from Heidelberg to Madrid leave?

The first train from Heidelberg to Madrid leaves at 04:20. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from Heidelberg to Madrid leave?

The last train from Heidelberg to Madrid leaves at 17:13. 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 Heidelberg and Madrid by train?

Trains travelling from Heidelberg to Madrid cover a distance of around 865 miles (1393 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Madrid to Heidelberg.

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