<!-- Source: https://madridvalencia.com/ -->
# The Madrid to Valencia Train

Plan your Madrid to Valencia train trip in one place: real fares, direct trains, sample train times, station guides, and honest booking tips for one of the busiest high speed routes out of the Spanish capital.

## Quick facts
- Distance: 389 km
- Shortest travel time: 1h 54m
- Lowest train ticket price: $57
- Avg. daily departures: 18
- Earliest / latest departure: 07:30 – 21:00

## Madrid to Valencia, Plateau to Coast
The Madrid to Valencia train route leaves the Spanish capital's high plateau, climbs briefly through the hill country near Cuenca, then drops down toward the Mediterranean for the final stretch into central Valencia. As the crow flies the two cities sit around 300 km apart, but the rail route covers roughly 389 km as it works its way through that terrain — still one of the fastest city-to-city train journeys in Spain.

### Direct Trains vs. Trains with a Stop
Most Madrid to Valencia trains are direct trains, running non-stop between Madrid Puerta de Atocha and Valencia Joaquín Sorolla in as little as 1 hour 54 minutes. A smaller number of high speed trains make one brief stop, at Cuenca or Requena-Utiel, which usually adds only a few minutes to the overall journey time.

## Train Companies on the Madrid to Valencia Route
- **Renfe AVE Trains** — Spain's flagship high speed service, up to 310 km/h, Estándar and Confort classes, free WiFi, power sockets, buffet car.
- **Renfe Avlo Trains** — Renfe's low cost high speed brand, one simple ticket class.
- **iryo Trains** — Independent high speed operator launched in 2022, onboard entertainment platform, at-seat service on higher classes.
- **OUIGO Trains** — Low cost high speed service operated by SNCF, café-bar onboard, some of the lowest advance fares on the route.

## Onboard Services
Free WiFi, power outlets, air conditioning, a cafeteria car with hot and cold drinks, hand luggage allowance, and guide dogs welcome.

## Train Stations
- **Madrid Puerta de Atocha Station** — main departure point, south Madrid, metro and Cercanías connections.
- **Valencia Joaquín Sorolla Station** — central Valencia, close to the old town and Turia Gardens.

## City Centre Highlights
**Madrid:** Museo del Prado, Retiro Park, Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor.
**Central Valencia:** City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia Cathedral, Turia Gardens, Malvarrosa Beach.

## How to Book Train Tickets from Madrid to Valencia
1. Book well in advance — around 63 days ahead for the best prices.
2. Compare prices across Renfe AVE, Avlo, iryo and OUIGO.
3. Travel off-peak — early morning, late evening, and midweek are cheaper.
4. Try a low cost operator (Avlo or OUIGO) if flexibility matters less than price.
5. Remember the average fare on the day of travel (~€32) is much higher than the lowest advance fare.

## Compare Prices: Train, Bus, Car and Flight
| Mode | Journey time | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Train | 1h 54m | from $57 |
| Car | ~3h 40m | fuel + tolls |
| Bus | ~4h 15m | from $20 |
| Flight | ~1h 5m air time | from $72 |

## FAQ
**How long is the Madrid to Valencia train journey?** The fastest direct train takes 1 hour 54 minutes; average journey time is closer to 1h58m–2h.

**How much does a ticket cost?** From around $57, with low-cost advance fares from OUIGO/Avlo sometimes as low as €7–€9.

**Are there direct trains?** Yes, most services are direct; a few stop briefly at Cuenca or Requena-Utiel.

**How many trains run daily?** About 18 direct high speed departures, 07:30 to 21:00.

**What is the distance?** About 389 km by rail (≈300 km as the crow flies).

**Which companies run the route?** Renfe (AVE, Avlo), iryo, and OUIGO.

**Which stations are used?** Madrid Puerta de Atocha (departure) and Valencia Joaquín Sorolla (arrival).

Full FAQ (18 questions) is on the homepage.

---

Book tickets: https://highspeedtrains.com