Spain’s capital is full of grand architecture and iconic museums. But beyond the palaces and boulevards, Madrid is a city made for wandering, people-watching, and lingering over long lunches.
This city has become one of our favorite stops—not just for its sights, but for how it feels. It’s a city with energy, but without the rush. And thanks to its central location and high-speed rail links, Madrid is also one of the best-connected cities in Europe—making it an ideal hub for your train journey.
Paris
VIA BARCELONA
Traveling from Madrid to Paris is a breeze. This scenic journey between two of Europe’s most iconic cities replaces the airport hassle with beautiful views of the French and Spanish countryside along the way. To the rolling hills in northern Catalonia to the impressive views of the Pyrenees and the vineyards in Provence, the direct high-speed train makes the trip smooth and stress-free. Arrive right in the heart of Paris ready to explore the city of lights. If you’re up for more adventure, it’s easy to extend your trip and head to the Champagne region, or even onward to London, Amsterdam, or Brussels.
| Options | Ouigo | iryo | AVE | Avlo |
| Class options | 2 | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| Free Combinado Cercanías | ✖ | ✅ | ✅ | ✖ |
| Power socket | * | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| WiFi | (+€) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Quiet Carriage | ✖ | ✖ | ✅ | ✖ |
| Small luggage | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Large luggage | (+€) | ✅ | ✅ | (+€) |
| Seat selection | ✖ | ✖ | (+€) | (+€) |
| Catering | (+€) | (+€) | (+€) | ✖ |
1. Early bird
1. Madrid to Barcelona
Your train departs Madrid Atocha at 06:15 and arrives at Barcelona Sants by 08:45.
Avlo is Renfe’s low-cost high-speed train—simple, modern, and streamlined. It’s a single-class experience with no onboard catering, but you’ll enjoy free WiFi throughout. The basic fare includes 1 piece of hand luggage and 1 suitcase.
2. Barcelona to Paris
You have plenty of time before boarding the TGV Duplex train at Barcelona Sants as it departs at 09:28 and arrives at Paris Gare de Lyon at 16:12.
This sleek double-deck train cruises at 320 km/h (199 mph) and offers both 1st and 2nd class seating, a café-bar, power outlets at every seat, and of course, free WiFi. For sweeping scenic views, request a seat on the upper deck—just choose any seat number above 60.
2. Late morning
1. Madrid to Barcelona
If you prefer avoiding waking up at the crack of dawn, kick off your day a bit later, have breakfast and then head out to Madrid Atocha.
You’ve got several great options, we suggest checking out these:
Avlo departs at 10:27 and arrives at 13:19
AVE departs at 11:30 and arrives at 14:42
Iryo departs at 12:25 and arrives at 15:10
Fares start at €9.
2. Barcelona to Paris
The TGV Duplex departs Barcelona Sants at 16:25, you will arrive at Paris Gare de Lyon at 23:25.
This sleek double-deck train cruises at 320 km/h (199 mph) and offers both 1st and 2nd class seating, a café-bar, power outlets at every seat, and of course, free WiFi. For sweeping scenic views, request a seat on the upper deck—just choose any seat number above 60.
3. Overnight
1. Madrid to Barcelona
Travel to Barcelona the day before your Paris journey—high-speed trains depart from Madrid Atocha nearly every hour, so you’ll have plenty of flexibility.
For an easy overnight stay, we recommend Hotel Moxy Barcelona, other good options include Barceló Sants and Nobu. Meeting Point Hostels is also good when you’re traveling on a budget.
2. Barcelona to Paris
You have plenty of time before boarding the TGV Duplex train at Barcelona Sants as it departs at 09:28 and arrives at Paris Gare de Lyon at 16:12.
This sleek double-deck train cruises at 320 km/h (199 mph) and offers both 1st and 2nd class seating, a café-bar, power outlets at every seat, and of course, free WiFi. For sweeping scenic views, request a seat on the upper deck—just choose any seat number above 60.
Fares start at €39 in 2nd class, or €59 in 1st class.
Note: There’s an X-Ray baggage check at Barcelona Sants before boarding.
3. Accomodation in Barcelona
For an easy overnight stay, we recommend Hotel Moxy Barcelona, other good options include Barceló Sants and Nobu. Meeting Point Hostels is also good when you’re traveling on a budget.
4. alternative via san sebastián
1. Madrid to San Sebastián
Hop on a direct Intercity train from Madrid-Chamartín to San Sebastián-Donostia. The journey takes around 5 hours, with comfortable seating and onboard amenities like Wi-Fi and a café-bar. Book your ticket in advance at Renfe or Trainline. Trains typically depart in the morning or early afternoon—perfect timing to arrive in San Sebastián with a full evening to enjoy the coast and famous pintxos.
2. San Sebastián to france
From San Sebastián’s Amara station, take the Euskotren Topo commuter train to Hendaye in France. Trains run roughly every 30 minutes and the ride takes just 35 minutes. No need to book in advance—just buy a ticket at the station. It’s a simple, scenic ride that crosses the Spanish-French border smoothly, with no customs or passport checks. Hendaye station is just a few steps away once you arrive.
3. Onwards to Paris
From Hendaye, board a TGV INOUI high-speed train direct to Paris Montparnasse. The ride takes about 4:30 hours and includes onboard Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a café-bar. Be sure to book in advance at SNCF Connect, Rail Europe, or Trainline. You’ll glide through the French countryside and arrive in Paris by late afternoon or evening—no airport lines, no stress.
Paris day trips
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Rome
overnight in lyon
This is an itinerary designed to be savored, not rushed. This train ride is a scenic alternative to a direct flight that turns the journey into part of the adventure. This route takes you from Spain to Italy with an overnight stop in Lyon—perfect for breaking up the trip and discovering one of France’s most charming cities. After a short stop in Barcelona, continue through the French countryside to Lyon, passing vineyards and even views of the Pyrenees and Mount Canigou. You will get the chance to enjoy a night in the Gastronomic Capital of the World and continue your journey aboard a comfortable Frecciarossa train that includes breathtaking views of the Alps as you go into Italy. After a quick (and easy) transfer in Milan, you’ll be on your way to Rome in no time.
| Options | Ouigo | iryo | AVE | Avlo |
| Class options | 2 | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| Free Combinado Cercanías | ✖ | ✅ | ✅ | ✖ |
| Power socket | * | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| WiFi | (+€) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Quiet Carriage | ✖ | ✖ | ✅ | ✖ |
| Small luggage | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Large luggage | (+€) | ✅ | ✅ | (+€) |
| Seat selection | ✖ | ✖ | (+€) | (+€) |
| Catering | (+€) | (+€) | (+€) | ✖ |
dinner in lyon
1. Madrid to Barcelona
Your train departs Madrid Atocha at 11:30 and arrives at Barcelona Sants by 14:42.
2. Barcelona to Lyon
You have plenty of time before boarding the TGV Duplex train at Barcelona Sants as it departs at 16:25 and arrives at Lyon Part Dieu, right in the heart of Lyon, at around 21:36. The station is surrounded by great hotels for every budget, and excellent restaurants and casual spots nearby that stay open late.
3. lyon to rome
After breakfast the following day, head over to Lyon Part Dieu and board the Frecciarossa train that takes you to Turin and Milan at 09:30 you’ll arrive at Milano Centrale at 14:07. the Frecciarossa FR 9639 train to Rome leaves Milano Centrale at 14:30 and you’ll be in Roma Termini by 17:40.
Rome day trips
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gibraltar
This overland route takes you from Madrid to the southern tip of Spain with a beautiful ride through the mountains and a quick border walk into British territory. It’s simple, smooth, and filled with great views along the way.
| Options | Ouigo | iryo | AVE | Avlo |
| Class options | 2 | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| Free Combinado Cercanías | ✖ | ✅ | ✅ | ✖ |
| Power socket | * | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| WiFi | (+€) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Quiet Carriage | ✖ | ✖ | ✅ | ✖ |
| Small luggage | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Large luggage | (+€) | ✅ | ✅ | (+€) |
| Seat selection | ✖ | ✖ | (+€) | (+€) |
| Catering | (+€) | (+€) | (+€) | ✖ |
high-speed to algeciras
1. Madrid to Algeciras
Start your day with a direct Alvia S730 train from Madrid Atocha to Algeciras. Trains usually leave around 08:05, arriving at San Roque-La Línea at 13:23 and Algeciras at 13:37.
These high-speed trains are comfortable and well-equipped with Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a café-bar. The route passes through beautiful mountains and hills, including a unique gauge-change section near Antequera.
2. Algeciras to La línea
From Algeciras station, you have two options to get to La Línea, the Spanish town next to Gibraltar:
Bus: Walk across the roundabout to San Bernardo bus station and take the M-120. It runs every 30 minutes on weekdays (every 45 minutes on weekends) and takes about 45 minutes, costing around €2.50.
Taxi: Around €25 for the 22-minute ride.
3. la línea to gibraltar
Once in La Línea, you’ll find the border crossing just steps away. Walk through Spanish and UK passport control—usually quick and easy—and into Gibraltar.
From there, choose your own adventure:
- Walk straight into town (15 mins)
- Take a local Gibraltar bus into the center
- Grab a Gibraltar taxi just past the checkpoint (most accept Euros)
And yes, you’ll literally walk across Gibraltar’s airport runway to get into town!