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How to take the train from London to Madrid
Yes, it is possible to travel from London to Madrid by train! Want to find out more? You've come to the right place.
Embark on a true railway adventure and take the train from London to Madrid – a journey that’s sure to leave you with a few stories to tell! This particular route may not be the fastest compared to flying, but what it does offer is incredibly scenic views from your window and a chance to mingle with the locals. What could be better? Plus you'll get to travel in style and comfort on Eurostar and Renfe-SNCF's modern trains.
Starting at London St Pancras, your journey will involve at least two changes (one in Paris, one in Barcelona) and takes around 15 hours using the fastest trains and connections, so we’d recommend bringing plenty to entertain yourself with. Alternatively, split your journey up by spending a day or two in Paris or Barcelona along the way.
Ready to book? Start a search for train tickets from London to Madrid in our Journey Planner at the top of the page, or keep reading for timetables, FAQs and more information about the journey.
London to Madrid by train
It takes an average of 19h 9m to travel from London to Madrid by train, over a distance of around 785 miles (1264 km). There are normally 6 trains per day travelling from London to Madrid and tickets for this journey start from £126.64 when you book in advance.
Cheap train tickets from London 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 London 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 London 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 London to Madrid take?
The average journey time by train between London and Madrid is 19 hours and 9 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 London and Madrid by train?
The fastest journey time by train from London to Madrid is 13 hours and 39 minutes.
How much does the train from London to Madrid cost?
Train ticket prices from London to Madrid can start from as little as £126.64 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 London to Madrid?
No, there are no direct train services from London to Madrid. Travelling from London to Madrid by train will require a minimum of 2 changes.
What time does the first train from London to Madrid leave?
The first train from London to Madrid leaves at 07:04. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from London to Madrid leave?
The last train from London to Madrid leaves at 20:01. 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 London and Madrid by train?
Trains travelling from London to Madrid cover a distance of around 785 miles (1264 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Madrid to London.