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Travelling from Ponferrada to Madrid by train
Looking to travel from Ponferrada to Madrid by train? You've come to the right place!
On average, it takes around 6 hours 41 minutes to travel from Ponferrada to Madrid by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 4 hours 9 minutes though. You'll usually find 6 trains per day running along the 210 miles (338 km) route between these two destinations. Once you're onboard, you can sit back and relax, as you won’t need to make any changes on your way to Madrid. This route is operated by Renfe, the Spanish national rail operator, who run long and medium distance trains across the country. During you journey you're likely to travel on one of their high-speed services – AVE, AV-City, Avant, Alvia or Avlo – or a regional Media Distancia, Regional or Express Regional train.
Plan your trip ahead of time and book early if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Tickets from Ponferrada to Madrid start from £23.34 when you book in advance, so use our Journey Planner to view the latest prices.
If you’re feeling ready to book, start looking for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information on the journey to Madrid by train, including our timetable where you can view first and last train times.
Ponferrada to Madrid by train
It takes an average of 6h 41m to travel from Ponferrada to Madrid by train, over a distance of around 210 miles (338 km). There are normally 6 trains per day travelling from Ponferrada to Madrid and tickets for this journey start from £23.34 when you book in advance.
| First train | 06:08 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 18:38 | |
| Departure station | Ponferrada | |
| Arrival station | Madrid | |
| Journey time | From 4h 9m | |
| Distance | 210 miles (338 km) | |
| Frequency | 6 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From £23.34 | |
| Train and bus operators |
Renfe trains from Ponferrada to Madrid
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
Cheap train tickets from Ponferrada 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 Ponferrada 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 Ponferrada 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 Ponferrada to Madrid take?
The average journey time by train between Ponferrada and Madrid is 6 hours and 41 minutes, with around 6 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 Ponferrada and Madrid by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Ponferrada to Madrid is 4 hours and 9 minutes.
How much does the train from Ponferrada to Madrid cost?
Train ticket prices from Ponferrada to Madrid can start from as little as £23.34 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Is there a direct train from Ponferrada to Madrid?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Ponferrada to Madrid without having to change trains. There is 1 direct train from Ponferrada to Madrid each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Ponferrada to Madrid leave?
The first train from Ponferrada to Madrid leaves at 06:08. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Ponferrada to Madrid leave?
The last train from Ponferrada to Madrid leaves at 18:38. 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 Ponferrada and Madrid by train?
Trains travelling from Ponferrada to Madrid cover a distance of around 210 miles (338 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Madrid to Ponferrada.