Read real reviews from real users
Looking to travel from Marseille to Madrid by train? You've come to the right place!
On average, it takes around 14 hours 11 minutes to travel from Marseille to Madrid by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 8 hours 21 minutes though. You'll usually find 4 trains per day running along the 816 km route between these two destinations. You may need to make 2 changes during the journey to Madrid. If you're traveling from July 28, 2023, you'll be able to catch a direct Renfe train on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays (see below for details).
Plan your trip ahead of time and book early if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Tickets from Marseille to Madrid start from £48.47 when you book in advance, so start a search in 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 train schedule where you can view first and last train times.
Marseille to Madrid direct from €29 *
¡Hola Madrid! Head to Spain with Renfe – soon you’ll be able to go direct from Marseille to Madrid on a high-speed AVE train on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. This AVE route launches on July 28, 2023. With tickets from €29, say adiós to flying and hop on a Renfe train to Spain. You’ll get free WiFi, comfortable seats and even air-conditioning – travel from Marseille to Madrid stress-free and in style. Tickets available to buy now with Trainline.
* Prices subject to availability.
It takes an average of 11h 8m to travel from Marseille to Madrid by train, over a distance of around 507 miles (816 km). There are normally 4 trains per day traveling from Marseille to Madrid and tickets for this journey start from $67.02 when you book in advance.
First train | 8:04 am | |
---|---|---|
Last train | 3:28 pm | |
Departure station | Marseille | |
Arrival station | Madrid | |
Journey time | From 7h 41m | |
Distance | 507 miles (816 km) | |
Frequency | 4 trains per day | |
Changes | Direct trains available | |
Price | From $67.02 | |
Train and bus operators |
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.
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.
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:
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.
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 Marseille to Madrid 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.
The average journey time by train between Marseille and Madrid is 11 hours and 8 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.
The fastest journey time by train from Marseille to Madrid is 7 hours and 41 minutes.
Train tickets from Marseille to Madrid can start from as little as $67.02 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 Marseille to Madrid without having to change trains. There is 1 direct train from Marseille to Madrid each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
The first train from Marseille to Madrid leaves at 08:04. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
The last train from Marseille to Madrid leaves at 15:28. 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 Marseille to Madrid cover a distance of around 507 miles (816 km) during the journey.
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Madrid to Marseille.