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Take the train from Montpellier to Madrid in 6 hours 25 minutes
If you want to travel from Montpellier to Madrid by train, you've come to the right place.
You can expect the journey from Montpellier to Madrid by train to take around 9 hours 42 minutes. If you want to get there as quickly as possible, it can take as little as 6 hours 25 minutes on the fastest services. You’ll usually find around 4 trains per day running on this route, which spans 448 miles (720 km). You’ll usually have to make 1 change along the way on your journey to Madrid.
Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to search for cheap ticket prices and we'll show you how much you can save.
If you want to know more about the journey, keep reading for timetables, tips on finding cheap tickets and FAQs, including first and last train times. Want to go straight to booking? Start a search with us today!
Montpellier to Madrid by train
It takes an average of 8h 14m to travel from Montpellier to Madrid by train, over a distance of around 448 miles (720 km). There are normally 4 trains per day travelling from Montpellier to Madrid and tickets for this journey start from £29.69 when you book in advance.
| First train | 09:33 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 18:17 | |
| Departure station | Montpellier | |
| Arrival station | Madrid | |
| Journey time | From 6h 12m | |
| Distance | 448 miles (720 km) | |
| Frequency | 4 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From £29.69 | |
| Train and bus operators |
Renfe and AVE trains from Montpellier to Madrid
Renfe
AVE
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
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.
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AVE classes from Montpellier to Madrid
Compare the different travel classes offered by AVE when travelling from Montpellier to Madrid.
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 Montpellier to Madrid.
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 Montpellier 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 Montpellier 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 Montpellier 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 Montpellier to Madrid take?
The average journey time by train between Montpellier and Madrid is 8 hours and 14 minutes, with around 4 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 Montpellier and Madrid by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Montpellier to Madrid is 6 hours and 12 minutes.
How much does the train from Montpellier to Madrid cost?
Train ticket prices from Montpellier to Madrid can start from as little as £29.69 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 Montpellier to Madrid?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Montpellier to Madrid without having to change trains. There is 1 direct train from Montpellier 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 Montpellier to Madrid leave?
The first train from Montpellier to Madrid leaves at 09:33. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Montpellier to Madrid leave?
The last train from Montpellier to Madrid leaves at 18:17. 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 Montpellier and Madrid by train?
Trains travelling from Montpellier to Madrid cover a distance of around 448 miles (720 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Madrid to Montpellier.