Flying into Madrid and taking the high-speed train directly to the Mediterranean coast has become a favorite among travelers. With trains traveling up to 300 km/h, the journey from Madrid to Valencia is now so short that it hardly makes sense to fly between the cities.
Here is the ultimate guide on how to travel quickly and comfortably from Madrid to the Joaquín Sorolla station in the heart of Valencia.
⚡ Quick Overview: Train Madrid to Valencia
- Travel time: Only 1 hour and 50 minutes (direct trains).
- Train companies: Renfe (AVE/Avlo), Ouigo, and Iryo.
- Price: From €9 when booking early, up to €70+ if you book last minute.
Which train company is best for Valencia?
The competition on this route is fierce, which means incredibly cheap tickets for you! You can choose between three main operators:
- AVE / Avlo (Renfe): The national company has the most daily departures. Avlo is their bright yellow low-cost alternative.
- Ouigo: The French double-decker train is often the cheapest choice, perfect if you are traveling on a budget (remember that extra luggage costs money).
- Iryo: The newest and most modern option. Known for excellent legroom, free Wi-Fi, and a fantastic café car on board.
How to book tickets without the stress
The national train company's (Renfe) own website is notoriously complicated, poorly translated, and often rejects foreign bank cards. It also requires you to check Ouigo and Iryo on separate websites to find the best price.
To save time, we highly recommend using Trainline. There, you can compare prices and times for all companies in English with one click. You pay securely with your card or Apple Pay, and get the ticket (QR code) directly on your phone—no need to print anything!
Compare and buy train tickets at Trainline here
Planning your stay? See our guide to the best hotels in Valencia, and discover amazing things to do in the city, like a visit to the famous City of Arts and Sciences.
