Lisbon to Madrid by train

• No Direct Train: The journey requires 3 trains and 2 separate bookings.
• Route: Madrid to Badajoz (Renfe), Badajoz to Entroncamento (CP), Entroncamento to Lisbon (CP).
• Travel Time: Around 7.5 to 8.5 hours depending on the schedule.
• Cost: Tickets range from $60–$80 (€55–€75), depending on booking time and class.
• Classes: Standard and First Class options available on both Renfe and CP trains.
• Daytime Travel Only: The overnight Trenhotel Lusitania service was discontinued in March 2020.
• Booking Tips: Book at least 21 days in advance for discounts. Promo tickets can save up to 65%.

This route combines scenic views and efficient rail services, making it a great way to explore both capitals. Keep in mind the one-hour time difference between Spain and Portugal when planning connections.

Train Ticket Types and Classes

Regular and First Class Options

Traveling between Lisbon and Madrid involves different service levels depending on the segment. For the Spanish portion (Madrid to Badajoz), Renfe offers three ticket options, each with distinct features and policies:

For the Portuguese leg (Entroncamento to Lisbon), Comboios de Portugal (CP) provides two main seating options:

• Standard Class: Comfortable seating for a basic travel experience.
• First Class: Offers reclining seats and extra legroom for added comfort.

Overnight services are not available on this route, as explained below.

Night Train Accommodations

The Trenhotel Lusitania service, which previously operated overnight trips, was discontinued in March 2020. Currently, only daytime trains are available.

Special Fare Options

To provide more flexibility and cost management, several special fare options are available:

All tickets can also be canceled within 2 hours of purchase. Premium ticket holders enjoy unlimited free changes and the highest refund rates.

Name change fees:

• Basic: $45
• Choose Standard/Premium: $23 (Premium includes one free change)

Train Companies and Routes

CP and Renfe Services

Two national rail operators manage this route: Renfe in Spain and Comboios de Portugal (CP) in Portugal.

Renfe offers the following services:

• Alvia: A higher-end option with air conditioning, power outlets, and a café-bar.
• Media Distancia (MD): A regional service offering second-class seating.
• Regional Express (RE): Basic regional connections for shorter trips.

CP provides these options:

• Intercity (IC): A primary service with both first- and second-class seating, plus a café-bar.
• Regional (R): A simpler service featuring air-conditioned single-coach trains.
• Alfa Pendular (AP): A more comfortable, premium option available on select routes.

Now, let’s look at the routes connecting major transfer points.

Route Options

Traveling from Lisbon to Madrid requires multiple train legs, as no direct service connects these cities. Here are two route options with details on departure times, transfer points, and arrivals:

Route Summary

Here’s a breakdown of each segment of the journey:

The total journey spans around 458 miles (737 km) ^[1]. Currently, only daytime travel options are available for this route.

How to Book and Prices

Booking Methods

You can purchase tickets through several official channels: the Renfe and CP websites, ticket counters at major stations like Madrid Atocha or Lisbon Santa Apolónia, mobile apps, or by phone. Once you’ve chosen your booking method, check out the available fare options to find the best deal.

Ticket Prices

The booking method and timing can affect the price. Last-minute second-class tickets typically cost around $112, but booking in advance can lower the price to about $109. For the lowest rates, look for promotional, non-refundable fares, which can be as cheap as $89 if booked 5–60 days before your travel date. For current first-class and other ticket prices, visit the Renfe and CP websites.

Booking at least 21 days in advance usually gets you the best price. Keep in mind that ticket costs can change depending on the season.

How to Save Money

Advance Booking Discounts

Want to save big on train travel? Book your tickets at least 8 days in advance with CP’s ‘Promo Tickets’ and enjoy discounts of up to 65%. Even booking just 5 days ahead can get you up to 56% off. These promotional tickets are available up to 60 days before your travel date and can be purchased through CP’s website, mobile app, customer service, or station offices.

Discount Cards and Special Rates

Looking for additional ways to cut costs? CP offers various discounts based on your travel needs:

Keep in mind: Promotional fares cannot be combined with other discounts ^[2]. If you’re planning several trips, rail passes might be a better option for saving money.

Rail Pass Options

For those taking multiple train journeys, consider an Interrail or Eurail pass. These passes are valid for both Renfe and CP services along this route. Here’s what you need to know about reservations:

• Madrid–Badajoz: Seat reservation required
• Badajoz–Entroncamento: No reservation needed
• Entroncamento–Lisbon: Reservations required for Alfa Pendular and Intercity trains, but not for regional trains

These passes can be a convenient and budget-friendly choice for frequent travelers.

Train Times and Duration

Daily Train Schedule

There are six daily train connections between Lisbon and Madrid, spread across the morning, afternoon, and evening. Here’s how the services are distributed:

Travel Time by Route

The journey spans about 311 miles (502 km). Travel time varies depending on the departure:

• Morning services: 8 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 45 minutes
• Afternoon services: 8 hours to 8 hours 30 minutes
• Evening services: 7 hours 30 minutes to 8 hours

The evening service operated by Renfe is the fastest option, making it a great choice for those who want to make the most of their daytime hours at the destination.

Timetable Overview

Here’s a sample timetable showing key departures, journey durations, and arrival times:

Note: These times reflect standard schedules ^[3].

Extra Fees and Rules

When planning your trip, it’s important to consider additional fees and specific rules that could impact your travel experience.

Seat Reservation Fees

If you’re traveling the Lisbon–Madrid route, seat reservations are mandatory. For CP and Renfe trains, these reservations are typically included in the ticket price. However, always check the booking terms to confirm whether any extra charges apply.

Ticket Changes and Refunds

Refund policies depend on the type of ticket and how it was purchased:

Refunds for tickets bought online must be requested at least 15 minutes before departure. If you paid using a bank card, the refund will be processed back to the same card. In case of train delays, you might qualify for a full or partial refund.

Baggage Rules

Each passenger can bring up to 3 pieces of hand luggage, with a total weight limit of 25 kg (55 lbs). The maximum dimensions per piece are 33.5 x 21.7 x 13.8 inches (85 x 55 x 35 cm), and the combined dimensions of all items should not exceed 114 inches (290 cm).

• Prohibited Items: Electric scooters and unicycles are not allowed as of December 12, 2023.
• Allowed Items: Mobility devices and electric bicycles are permitted. Folding bicycles and kick scooters are allowed if stored in a case under 70.9 inches (180 cm) ^[4].

Summary

Traveling between Lisbon and Madrid offers a mix of scenic views, multiple train options, and flexible ticketing to meet different preferences. Spanning 458 miles (737 km), this route connects two lively capitals through picturesque landscapes ^[1]. The trip involves three trains, operated by CP and Renfe, and requires two separate bookings ^[1].

Ticket prices typically range from $60 to $80 (€55-75), depending on the segment and class. Booking around 21 days in advance often provides the best deals. Both Interrail and Eurail passes are valid for these routes, though some segments require seat reservations ^[1].

This journey highlights the strengths of Portuguese and Spanish rail systems, offering various comfort levels and pricing options to suit a range of travelers.