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Considering a trip to the capital of Andalusia and want to find out more information on how to travel by train from Madrid to Seville? You’ve come to the right place!
Generally, the journey time from Madrid to Seville by train is 3 hours and 28 minutes. However, it can take just 2 hours and 55 minutes on the fastest iryo and AVE services to travel the 242 miles between these two cities. As there are direct trains available from Madrid to Seville, you don’t need to worry about changing along your journey either.
When traveling from Madrid to Seville, your train will depart from Madrid Atocha station and arrive at Sevilla Santa Justa station. If you’re traveling with iryo or AVE and fancy traveling in style, upgrade to First Class – you’ll get to enjoy
Once you’ve arrived in Seville, you can start exploring the city! There’s no shortage of things to see and do in this beautiful Andalusian city, but we’d recommend starting with the Royal Alcázar of Seville or the Plaza de España.
Keen to start your journey? Start your search for cheap train tickets from Madrid to Seville in the Journey Planner at the top of the page. If you’d like to learn more about the train journey from Madrid to Seville first, keep reading for information on:
It takes an average of 3h 30m to travel from Madrid to Seville by train, over a distance of around 242 miles (390 km). There are normally 24 trains per day traveling from Madrid to Seville and tickets for this journey start from $7.95 when you book in advance.
First train | 6:50 am | |
---|---|---|
Last train | 9:39 pm | |
Departure station | Madrid | |
Arrival station | Seville | |
Journey time | From 2h 33m | |
Distance | 242 miles (390 km) | |
Frequency | 24 trains per day | |
Changes | Direct trains available | |
Price | From $7.95 | |
Train and bus operators |
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.
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!
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.
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.
If you're looking for a reasonably-priced experience without compromising on the best service and comfort, Inicial Class is ideal for you!
Singular Class is ideal for business travelers looking for flexibility and comfort. If you need to, you can adapt your ticket to your needs at the time.
If you're looking for added comfort and full flexibility, Singular Only YOU class is a fantastic choice, with access to select hotels too.
iryo's Infinita Bistró Class offers plenty of amenities on board, including wider leather reclining seats, free WiFi and in-seat meal service offering a complimentary gourmet meal. You'll need to book your meal 24 hours in advance.
In AVE's Estándar Class, you'll enjoy comfortable fuss-free travel. With baggage storage and air-conditioning throughout, there's access to their dining car serving drinks and snacks and seats are usually in a row of 2 or 4 around a table. On board, you'll enjoy:
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:
Travel in Avlo’s Economy Class and you can connect to the free WiFi and grab some snacks from the vending machine.
Travel in Alvia's Estándar Class (Standard Class) and you'll enjoy many amenities, including air-conditioning, power outlets at every seat and footrests.
Upgrade to Alvia's Confort Class (First Class) and enjoy more comfortable seats, more legroom, an in-seat meal service and access to Renfe's Club lounges.
You can carry up to 3 pieces of baggage on iryo trains, as long as they do not exceed 25kg (55.1lbs) in total. These 3 pieces can be 2 suitcases with a maximum size of 85 x 55 x 35cm (33.4 x 21.6 x 13.7 inches) and a backpack or handbag that does not exceed the dimensions of 36 x 27 x 15cm (14.1 x 10.6 x 5.9 inches).
iryo offers different menus with high-quality products in all classes. You can buy your favorite meal from their onboard restaurant/bar car, which is usually near car 2. If you’re traveling 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.
Kids aged 0-3 travel for free on all iryo trains. Kids aged 4-13 get a discounted ticket while those aged 14-18 need to pay the full price. Please note that kids 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 (22lbs) in weight, as long as they travel inside a carrier with a maximum size of 60 x 35 x 35cm (23.6 x 13.7 x 13.7 inches). You'll need to buy a ticket for your pet in advance. In addition, guide dogs can travel at no additional cost.
There are 2 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 baggage that do not exceed 290cm (114.1 inches) and 25kg (55.1 pounds). In total, the maximum measurements of each piece of baggage are 85 x 55 x 35cm (33.4 x 21.6 x 13.7 inches). Musical instruments also count as hand baggage as long as they do not exceed the dimensions 30 x 120 x 38cm (11.8 x 47.2 x 14.9 inches) 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 dining car. If you’d prefer to stay in your seat, AVE staff will pass through each car with a food and drink cart.
On AVE trains, you can take advantage of PlayRenfe – their free WiFi and entertainment pass. 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 (70.8 inches), it's considered as hand luggage. However, if it’s bigger, it will be considered as special luggage (max dimensions 120 x 90 x 40 cm or 47.2 x 35.4 x 15.7 inches).
With AVE, you can travel with a pet as long as it weighs no more than 10 kg (22 pounds) and travels inside a cage or carrier that measures max 60 x 35 x 35 cm (23 x 13 x 13 inches). Your pet must have their own pet ticket, unless you’re traveling 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.
Traveling with a Básica ticket on an Avlo train? You can travel with 1 piece of hand baggage and 1 suitcase. Both pieces of baggage are not subject to a weight limit, but the hand baggage cannot exceed 27cm (10.6") x 36cm (14.1") x 25cm (9.8") and the suitcase cannot exceed 55cm (21.6") x 35cm (13.7") x 25cm (9.8") in dimensions. If you’d like to add 1 extra piece of baggage, you’ll need to pay a fee of €10 if you buy it 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 payments.
If you’re traveling 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 (21.6" x 13.7" x 9.8").
You can travel with your pet for only €10 ($11.01), 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 (22 lbs) and must travel inside a cage or carrier, which must not exceed dimensions of 60 x 35 x 35 cm (23.6" x 13.7" x 13.7").
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 baggage on board, provided that they are less than 290cm long and weigh less than 25kg in total. Strollers and instruments smaller than 30 x 120 x 38 cm are also classed as hand baggage.
Most Alvia trains have an onboard café-bar, as well as an at-seat 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 baggage. If your bike is larger than this, it will count as special baggage 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).
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.§
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.
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!
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.
When flying to Madrid from abroad, you’ll probably land at Madrid-Barajas Airport. If you want to get from the airport to central Madrid, keep reading for more details.
As the main international airport serving the Spanish capital, Madrid Barajas Airport can be easily reached by metro, bus or train. Read more about trains to and from Madrid Airport in our detailed guide.
Metro from Madrid-Barajas Airport
The quickest and easiest way to get from Madrid-Barajas Airport to the city center is the Metro. From 6:00 am to 2:00 am, 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 center 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 Atocha – home to Madrid’s largest train station. During the day, buses run every 15 minutes and during the night, every 35 minutes. You can jump on the bus at terminals T1, T2 and T4. In total, the journey takes approximately 40 minutes.
Before your journey to Seville, you need to travel to Madrid Atocha station. Not sure how to get there? We’ve got you covered!
Situated in the heart of the city, Madrid Atocha station is easy to get to because of Madrid’s easy, fast and reliable public transport system. You can get there by:
Want to grab something to read or find something to eat? There are plenty of things to do at Madrid Atocha station while waiting for your train to arrive:
For more information, check out our guide to navigating Madrid Atocha train station.
Traveling 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:
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 center thanks to the local public transport. You can get there by:
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 traveling with iryo.
Find out more on our dedicated Combinado Cercanías page, which contains information about eligible tickets and the cities included in the offer.
If you want to navigate Seville quickly and conveniently, you can use the city's public transport system.
If you’re planning a trip to Seville, but unsure where to visit first, here are some ideas for things to see and do in Seville and Spain:
If you want to know how to get to the airport from central Seville, keep reading for more details.
If you’re traveling abroad from Seville, you’ll most likely depart from the city’s main airport, Seville Airport, which is around 6.2 miles from the city center.
The easiest way to get from Seville city center to the airport is by bus. You can take the EA (Especial Aeropuerto) bus from some of the main stops in the city center, including Prado de San Sebastián, Sevilla Santa Justa train station, and Plaza de Armas bus station.
You’ll be able to buy your ticket from the bus driver when you get on board.
Once you’ve finished exploring Seville, why not continue exploring Europe by train? With a Eurail 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 a Eurail Pass if you’re not a European citizen or resident. If you're a European citizen or a non-European who is an official legal resident of a European country, you can use an Interrail Pass instead.
If you’ve enjoyed your time in Seville and want to explore more of Europe, you can easily reach nearby cities by train. To inspire your next trip, here are some of the most popular train journeys from Seville:
The average journey time by train between Madrid and Seville is 3 hours and 30 minutes, with around 24 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.
The fastest journey time by train from Madrid to Seville is 2 hours and 33 minutes.
Train tickets from Madrid to Seville can start from as little as $7.95 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Madrid to Seville without having to change trains. There are 21 direct trains from Madrid to Seville each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
The first train from Madrid to Seville leaves at 06:50. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
The last train from Madrid to Seville leaves at 21:39. 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.
Trains travelling from Madrid to Seville cover a distance of around 242 miles (390 km) during the journey.
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Seville to Madrid.