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Travelling by train from Madrid to Seville
Planning to travel from Madrid to Seville by train? You've come to the right place!
The train from Madrid to Seville usually takes 2 hours and 51 minutes but can take just 2 hours and 33 minutes on the fastest services. You'll be travelling direct on this route with either Renfe or iryo – their trains offer comfortable seating, space for luggage and, on most services, free WiFi.
Trains depart from Madrid Atocha station and arrive at Sevilla Santa Justa, the city’s main railway station. Renfe AVE trains operate at speeds of up to 186 mph during the journey and offer First Class, including wide reclining leather seats and access to their Club rooms, if you fancy travelling in style.
Whether you’re heading to Seville to take in the UNESCO Real Alcázar or experience the flamenco, head straight to our Journey Planner at the top of the page to book your train tickets from Madrid to Seville. Or, if you want to learn about the train journey first, keep reading to find more information on:
- iryo, AVE, Avlo and Alvia classes
- Onboard services on iryo, AVE, Avlo and Alvia
- Travelling from Madrid airport to the city centre
- How to get to Madrid Atocha station
- Madrid Atocha station facilities
- Arriving at Sevilla Santa Justa station
- Free travel on Cercanías trains with an AVE or iryo ticket
- Using public transport in Seville
- Discover Spain
- Explore Europe with an Interrail Pass
- Trains from Seville to other Spanish cities
- Review: Travelling from Madrid to Seville with an AVE train.
Madrid to Seville by train
It takes an average of 3h 18m to travel from Madrid to Seville by train, over a distance of around 242 miles (390 km). There are normally 25 trains per day travelling from Madrid to Seville and tickets for this journey start from £6.10 when you book in advance.
FAQs about the train journey from Madrid to Seville
Want to know more about your journey from Madrid to Seville? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
What is the quickest journey time between Madrid and Seville by train?
Are there direct trains from Madrid to Seville?
What's the distance between Madrid and Seville by train?
Who runs the trains from Madrid to Seville?
Can you travel from Madrid to Seville without taking a flight?
What is the best way to get to Seville from Madrid?
What time is the first train from Madrid to Seville?
What time is the last train from Madrid to Seville?
How often do trains go from Madrid to Seville?
Do you need to prebook train tickets from Madrid to Seville?
Is there a return trip from Madrid to Seville?
AVE, iryo, Renfe and Alvia trains from Madrid to Seville
AVE
iryo
Renfe
Alvia
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
Operating since the end of 2022, iryo is a new high-speed train company in Spain. It’s a consortium between the Spanish airline Air Norstrum and the train company Trenitalia, one of the greatest leaders in European rail transport. The first private Spanish high-speed company to operate, iryo runs high-speed services on the Madrid – Zaragoza – Barcelona route and connects Madrid – Cuenca – Valencia/Alicante and Madrid – Cordoba – Seville/Malaga. They are doing this all with a fleet of ETR1000 model trains that offer the highest level of comfort in Spain, with a combination of advanced propulsion and highest quality onboard services, including WiFi connection and catering service. 98% of the parts of the trains are 100% recyclable, making this trip sustainable as well!
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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.
More information
Renfe's Alvia services combine high-speed tracks with lower speed sections, reaching speeds of up to 155 mph (250 km/h) on international lines and 125 mph (200 km/h) on conventional lines. These trains connect the cities of Madrid, Barcelona and Alicante with the other main Spanish cities. Alvia offers two types of classes – Turista (Second Class) and Preferente (First Class). The latter has wider seats, carriages with fewer seats, offers complimentary food and drinks, free newspapers, and access to parking and Club meeting rooms.
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iryo, AVE, Avlo and Alvia classes from Madrid to Seville
Compare the different travel classes offered by iryo, AVE, Avlo and Alvia when travelling from Madrid to Seville.
iryo
AVE
Avlo
Alvia
Inicial
If you're looking for a reasonably-priced experience without compromising on the best service and comfort, Inicial Class is ideal for you!
- Luggage storage
- Entertainment portal
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Fold-down table
- Power sockets at each seat
- Free WiFi
- Trolley service
- Single seat options
- Only YOU Hotel access
- Catering at your seat
Singular
Singular Class is ideal for business travellers looking for flexibility and comfort. If you need to, you can adapt your ticket to your needs at the time.
- Luggage storage
- Entertainment portal
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Fold-down table
- Power sockets at each seat
- Free WiFi
- Trolley service
- Single seat options
- Only YOU Hotel access
- Catering at your seat
Singular Only YOU
If you're looking for added comfort and full flexibility, Singular Only YOU class is a fantastic choice, with access to select hotels too.
- Luggage storage
- Entertainment portal
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Fold-down table
- Power sockets at each seat
- Free WiFi
- Trolley service
- Single seat options
- Only YOU Hotel access
- Catering at your seat
Infinita Bistró
iryo's Infinita Bistró Class offers plenty of amenities on board, including wider leather reclining seats, free WiFi and at-seat meal service offering a complimentary gourmet meal. You'll need to book your meal 24 hours in advance.
- Luggage storage
- Entertainment portal
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Fold-down table
- Power sockets at each seat
- Free WiFi
- Trolley service
- Single seat options
- Only YOU Hotel access
- Catering at your seat
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
Economy Class
Travel in Avlo’s Economy Class and you can connect to the free WiFi and grab some snacks from the vending machine.
- Vending machine
- Luggage storage
- Entertainment portal
- Free WiFi
- Air-conditioning
- Fold-down table
- Adjustable seats/footrests
Estándar
Travel in Alvia's Estándar Class (Standard Class) and you'll enjoy many amenities, including air-conditioning, at-seat power sockets and footrests.
- Luggage storage
- Fold-down table
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
Confort
Upgrade to Alvia's Confort Class (First Class) and enjoy comfier seats, more legroom, an at-seat catering service and access to Renfe's Club lounges.
- Luggage storage
- Fold-down table
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
Onboard services on iryo, AVE, Avlo and Alvia
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Madrid to Seville.
iryo
AVE
Avlo
Alvia
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you are travelling with a Básica ticket on an Avlo train, you can travel with 1 piece of hand luggage and 1 suitcase. Both pieces of luggage are not subject to a weight limit, but the hand luggage cannot exceed 27 x 36 x 25 cm and the suitcase cannot exceed 55 x 35 x 25cm in dimensions. If you’d like to add 1 extra piece of luggage, you’ll need to pay a fee of €10 if you buy at the time of purchase and €30 if you get it at the station.
On Avlo trains, there is no onboard dining service. However, you will find a vending machine, serving a diverse variety of hot and cold drinks and snacks. Please note that the vending machine only accepts card payment.
If you’re travelling with Avlo, you can enjoy free WiFi through the PlayRenfe platform. As soon as you’re connected you can enjoy films, television shows, newspapers and much more.
Children under 3 years old travel for free with Avlo, as long as they do not occupy a seat. Children under 14 travel for €5 (maximum of 2 child tickets per adult).
Only folding bikes and scooters are allowed on board Avlo trains, as long as they do not exceed the dimensions permitted for suitcases – 55 x 35 x 25cm.
You can travel with your pet for only €10, provided that you have a small pet, such as a dog, cat, ferret or bird (not poultry). Your pet must not weigh more than 10 kg and must travel inside a cage or carrier, which must not exceed dimensions of 60 x 35 x 35 cm.
Please note there is a maximum of 1 pet per person and all pets must always travel with their own pet ticket and not take up a seat. Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on the train free of charge.
With Avlo, passengers with reduced mobility can request the assistance service. For more information, contact Avlo directly.
On Alvia trains you can take up to three pieces of luggage on board, provided that they are less than 290cm long and weigh less than 25kg in total. Pushchairs and instruments smaller than 30 x 120 x 38 cm are also classed as hand luggage.
Most Alvia trains have an onboard café-bar, as well as an at-seat trolley service with a wide selection of food and drinks.
On board Alvia services, you can connect to PlayRenfe, a platform offering free WiFi and hours of entertainment.
Children under 4 travel free on Alvia services with a free child's ticket. Plus, passengers under 14 get a 40% discount on their chosen tariff.
With Alvia, folded bicycles that are less than 180cm long and are stored in a case count as hand luggage. If your bike is larger than this, it will count as special luggage and must be no larger than 120 x 90 x 40 cm - you must also detach the pedals and rotate the handlebars 90 degrees.
You can take your pet with you if they weigh less than 10kg, travel in a carrier no larger than 60 x 35 x 35 cm, and have a pet ticket. In Elige Confort a pet ticket is free, while in Básico a pet ticket costs 25% of the price of a ticket.
Alvia has an assistance service for passengers with reduced mobility or a disability. To arrange assistance, you can call (+34) 900 400 555 (international calling charges may apply).
Cheap train tickets from Madrid to Seville
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 to Seville 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.
Travelling from Madrid airport to the city centre
If you’re flying to Madrid, you’ll probably land at Madrid-Barajas Airport. Not sure how to get from the airport to central Madrid? Keep reading for more details.
How to get from Madrid-Barajas Airport to central Madrid
As the main international airport serving the Spanish capital, Madrid Barajas Airport can be easily reached by Metro or bus.
Metro from Madrid-Barajas Airport
To get from Madrid-Barajas Airport to the city centre, you can take the Metro from Terminal T2 or Terminal T4. Jump on Line 8 and go straight to Nuevos Ministerios Metro station in the centre of Madrid in just 12 minutes. From here, you can jump on another Metro and reach just about every part of Madrid!
Buses from Madrid-Barajas Airport
The Exprés Aeropuerto (Airport Express) runs 24 hours a day and stops at O'Donnell, Plaza de Cibeles and Madrid Atocha – home to Madrid’s largest train station. During the day, buses run every 15 minutes and at night, there’s a bus every 35 minutes. You can jump on the bus at Terminals T1, T2 and T4. In total, the journey takes around 40 minutes.
How to get from central Madrid to Madrid Atocha station
Before your journey to Seville, you need to travel to Madrid Atocha station. Not sure how to get there? We’ve got you covered!
Located in the heart of the city, Madrid Atocha station can easily be reached thanks to the city’s fast and reliable public transport system. You can get there by:
- Metro: From the city centre, you can take Metro Line 1 to Atocha Renfe Metro station.
- Bus: There are various buses available from the city centre to Madrid Atocha station.
- Walking: From Puerta del Sol, the city’s main square, you can get to Madrid Atocha on foot in around 25 minutes.
What’s on offer at Madrid Atocha station?
Want to grab a bite or buy something to read before your train journey? There are plenty of things to keep you busy at Madrid Atocha station while waiting for your train to arrive:
- Restaurants and cafés
- Shops
- Newsstand
- Cash machines
- Toilets
- Police station
- Post office
- Tourist Office
- Parking.
What are Renfe’s Club Lounges?
Travelling in First Class with AVE? You can take advantage of Renfe’s Sala Club lounge at Madrid Atocha station. Before your journey, you can make the most of the following:
- Free WiFi
- Complimentary drinks
- Free newspapers
- Modern, comfortable spaces
- Plug sockets for charging devices.
Arriving at Sevilla Santa Justa station from Madrid
No matter which train operator you decide to travel with, your train will arrive at Sevilla Santa Justa station.
Once you’ve left the station, you can start to explore Seville’s main landmarks. From Sevilla Santa Justa station, it’s easy to get to the city centre thanks to the local public transport. You can get there by:
- Bus: 2 bus services (bus 32 and bus 21) can take you to the city centre from the train station. Bus 32 towards Plaza Duque stops at Ponce de León, Plaza de la Encarnación (where Las Setas are), and Plaza Duque. Bus 21 towards Plaza de Armas stops at Puerta de la Carne, Juzgados de Sevilla, Puerta de Jérez, Teatro de la Maestranza, Plaza de Toros and Marqués de Paradas in the city centre.
- Walk: From Sevilla Santa Justa station, walk for about 30 minutes and you’ll reach Seville Cathedral and the Royal Alcázar of Seville.
Free travel on Cercanías trains with a long-distance train ticket
If you buy a ticket for one of Renfe’s long-distance services, such as AVE, you can benefit from free travel on Cercanías and other regional trains before and after your journey. This is known as a Combinado Cercanías ticket.
This means that if you need to get to the station where your long-distance journey starts, or if you want to travel onward from your destination station, you may be able to use regional trains at no extra cost!
You’re also able to get a Combinado Cercanías ticket if you’re travelling with iryo.
Find out more on our dedicated Combinado Cercanías page, which contains information about eligible tickets and the cities included in the offer.
Using public transport in Seville
If you want to navigate Seville quickly and conveniently, you can use the city's public transport system.
- Metro: Seville has one metro line with 22 stations, connecting you to the suburbs of the city.
- Tram: Also known as the MetroCentro, the tram goes through the city centre, connecting Plaza Nueva to Avenida de la Constitucíon (near the cathedral).
- Bus: Seville has a great bus network – around 44 bus routes operate during the day and 9 at night. Most buses depart from Puerta de Jérez (south of the city centre) or Plaza Ponce de León (east of the city centre).
- Train: There are many trains operated by iryo and Renfe that depart from Sevilla Santa Justa station and connect the city with other Spanish destinations, including Granada, Cordoba, and Cádiz.
Discover Spain
Once you've soaked in the beauty of Seville, there's a world of Spanish charm in other cities across the country waiting for you to explore.
Explore Europe by train with an Interrail Pass
After visiting Seville, why not continue exploring Europe by train? With an Interrail Pass, you can travel across 33 European countries as much as you want on participating European train networks for a set amount of travel days.
You can use an Interrail Pass if you're a European citizen or a non-European who is an official legal resident of a European country (this includes UK citizens). If you’re not a European citizen or someone legally resident in Europe, such as an American or Canadian citizen, you can use a Eurail Pass instead.
Where should you travel next after Seville?
Sure, you might have had a good time in Seville, but your Spanish adventure doesn’t have to stop there. Why not check out some of these trips below?
Head from Seville to Cádiz
It’s easy to travel from Seville to Cádiz with Renfe’s high-speed Alvia train. The train takes less than 2 hours – you’ll get from one city centre to another in no time! After you get off at Cádiz station, you’ll be able to reach the city’s main attractions, including Tavira Tower, Cádiz Cathedral and La Caleta Beach.
Board a train to Granada
If you’re looking to explore more of Andalusia, why not head to Granada? Renfe trains run directly from Seville to Granada and can take 2 hours and 31 minutes on the fastest services. Plus, you don’t have to worry about traffic nor parking – simply turn up at Sevilla Santa Justa station and hop on a train!
Speed away to Barcelona
Want to visit another of Spain’s bustling cities? Barcelona might be the place for you. Renfe’s high-speed AVE trains run directly from Seville to Barcelona and can take less than 6 hours to reach the Catalonian capital. Once you arrive, you’ll be ready to enjoy the city’s unique architecture and vibrant culture scene right away.
