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About the train journey from Madrid Atocha to Marseille
Want to travel from Madrid Atocha to Marseille by train? Start your journey with us.
The train from Madrid Atocha to Marseille usually takes 16 hours 36 minutes on average to travel 507 miles (816 km), although the quickest services can take as little as 8 hours 7 minutes. You can expect to find 5 trains per day running on this popular route. Good news! There are direct trains available to Marseille, so you can just make yourself comfortable as soon as you board the train and just enjoy the journey. You can choose to travel with AVE or Renfe to get to Marseille – both train companies offer modern comfortable services that will whisk you there in no time.
To help you get the best train deals, we'll highlight the cheapest train ticket prices from Madrid Atocha to Marseille in our Journey Planner. Just remember, the sooner you book your tickets, the more you'll save, as advance tickets start from £100.03.
Keep reading for more information about the train journey to Marseille, 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.
Madrid Atocha to Marseille by train
It takes an average of 16h 36m to travel from Madrid Atocha to Marseille by train, over a distance of around 507 miles (816 km). There are normally 5 trains per day travelling from Madrid Atocha to Marseille and tickets for this journey start from £100.03 when you book in advance.
| First train | 06:40 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 19:54 | |
| Departure station | Madrid Atocha | |
| Arrival station | Marseille | |
| Journey time | From 8h 7m | |
| Distance | 507 miles (816 km) | |
| Frequency | 5 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From £100.03 | |
| Train and bus operators |
FAQs about the train journey from Madrid Atocha to Marseille
Want to know more about your journey from Madrid Atocha to Marseille? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
What's the fastest journey time between Madrid Atocha and Marseille by train?
Can you take a train directly from Madrid Atocha to Marseille?
How close is Madrid Atocha to Marseille by train?
Which train companies operate from Madrid Atocha to Marseille?
Is it possible to get from Madrid Atocha to Marseille without flying?
What is the best way to travel from Madrid Atocha to Marseille?
What time does the first train from Madrid Atocha to Marseille leave?
What time does the last train from Madrid Atocha to Marseille leave?
How often are trains from Madrid Atocha to Marseille?
Do you need to book the train from Madrid Atocha to Marseille in advance?
Can you buy return train tickets from Madrid Atocha to Marseille?
AVE and Renfe trains from Madrid Atocha to Marseille
AVE
Renfe
AVE is Renfe's flagship high-speed service, with trains capable of reaching up to 193 mph (310 km/h). It’s one of the fastest trains in Europe and connects the main cities of Spain. Most AVE trains offer two comfort classes – Estándard (Standard Class) and Confort (First Class equivalent, with 1-1 configuration, ultra-wide seats, gourmet food and drink and lounge access). All AVE trains have air conditioning, power sockets, free WiFi and a buffet carriage serving a selection of food and drinks. There are three fares for AVE services: the cheapest but least flexible Básico fare, the Elige fare (slightly pricier but more flexible), and the Premium fare for seats in Confort Class.
More information
Renfe is the national train operator in Spain. It operates trains on the longest high-speed railway network in Europe, and the second-longest in the world. The country's major cities are linked up by the high-speed AVE and Avlo trains, while other long-distance routes are served by Altaria, Talgo, Alvia and Euromed trains. Renfe also operates cross-border services into neighbouring Portugal and France. Depending on which service you are travelling on, you'll usually find two classes on Renfe trains - Estándard (Standard Class) and Confort (First Class). Fare types range from the cheapest (but least flexible) Básico fare, to the more flexible Elige fares, to the Premium fare for seats in Confort carriages.
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AVE classes from Madrid Atocha to Marseille
Compare the different travel classes offered by AVE when travelling from Madrid Atocha to Marseille.
Estándar (Standard Class)
In AVE's Estándar Class, you'll enjoy comfortable fuss-free travel. With luggage storage and air-conditioning throughout, there's access to their bar/restaurant carriage serving drinks and snacks and seats are usually in a row of 2 or 4 around a table. On board, you'll enjoy:
- Free WiFi
- Seat reservation
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Entertainment portal
- Fold-down table
- Reading light
- Power sockets at each seat
- Catering at your seat
- Lounge access
- Larger tables
Confort (First Class)
Onboard AVE's Confort Class, you’ll enjoy all the amenities of Estándar Class as well as extra perks, such as complimentary food and drinks, free newspapers and more. Don't forget to enjoy access to Renfe's Club Rooms before your trip to kick it off in style. On board, you'll enjoy:
- Free WiFi
- Seat reservation
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Entertainment portal
- Fold-down table
- Reading light
- Power sockets at each seat
- Catering at your seat
- Lounge access
- Larger tables
Onboard services on AVE
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Madrid Atocha to Marseille.
With AVE, you can travel with up to 3 pieces of luggage that do not exceed 290 cm and 25 kg. In total, the maximum measurements of each piece of luggage are 85 x 55 x 35 cm. Musical instruments also count as hand luggage as long as they do not exceed the dimensions 30 x 120 x 38 cm and are stored in a case.
If you’d like to stretch your legs and grab a coffee during your journey, AVE trains have an onboard bar carriage serving drinks and snacks. If you’d prefer to stay in your seat, AVE staff sell food and drinks from a trolley that will pass through the train during the journey.
On AVE trains, you can take advantage of PlayRenfe – their free WiFi and entertainment service. Giving you access to exclusive content and fast connection speeds, PlayRenfe can be downloaded from the app store on your phone. Once you’re connected, you can access the PlayRenfe portal, where you’ll find exclusive live sport, news, films and TV series.
Children under 3 years old travel for free with AVE, as long as they do not occupy a seat and have their free child ticket. Children from 3 to 14 years old can take advantage of a 40% discount on ticket prices.
On all AVE trains, each passenger can take one bicycle or scooter on board, as long as it’s folded and carried inside a case. Also, the pedals must be removed and handlebars turned 90 degrees. Lastly, if the sum of the dimensions of the case is less than 180cm, it is considered as hand luggage. However, if it’s bigger, it will be considered as special luggage (max dimensions 120 x 90 x 40 cm).
With AVE, you can travel with a pet as long as it weighs no more than 10 kg and travels inside a cage or carrier (60 x 35 x 35 cm). Your pet must have their own pet ticket, unless you’re travelling with a Premium ticket, in which case the pet ticket is free. Guide and assistance dogs travel for free.
AVE offer a free assistance and care service for people with reduced mobility. To request the service, passengers should contact AVE directly.
Cheap train tickets from Madrid Atocha to Marseille
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 Madrid Atocha to Marseille 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.