Madrid

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.

Navigating this guide

It’s simple, just pick your destination, and we’ll walk you through the most comfortable and convenient ways to get there by train. Each route we recommend is designed to avoid unnecessary stress—no tight transfers, no chaotic airport lines, and no racing through stations with seconds to spare.

We also include tips to make your journey smoother: how to book tickets, where to grab a decent coffee or lunch between trains, and suggestions for places to stay if you choose to break up the trip and explore cities you might’ve otherwise passed right through. It’s a slower way to travel, but a far richer one.

top destinations

Paris

rome

gibraltar

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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.

Compare Spain’s high speed services
OptionsOuigoiryoAVEAvlo
Class options2331
Free Combinado Cercanías
Power socket*
WiFi(+€)
Quiet Carriage
Small luggage
Large luggage(+€)(+€)
Seat selection(+€)(+€)
Catering(+€)(+€)(+€)

Travel Tips

FARES – For the cheapest prices, book the first leg up to 9 months ahead of your trip. The second leg can be booked up to 4 months ahead. Madrid-Barcelona tickets start at €7 and Barcelona-Paris at €39

STATION TIP – There is an X-Ray baggage check at Barcelona Sants before boarding. Make sure to queue with some time to spare.

BOOKING INFO – Easiest w/small booking fee: www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com.
Cheapest w/o booking fees: purchase the first segment at www.renfe.com and then head to www.sncf-connect.com for the Barcelona-Paris ticket

1. For the cheapest prices, book the first leg up to 9 months ahead of your trip. The second leg can be booked up to 4 months ahead.
2. If you’re booking a 1st class TGV ticket, you can choose your preferred seats at thetrainline.com and sncf-connect.com using a seat map.

1. Early bird

2. Late morning

3. Overnight

4. alternative via san sebastián

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.

Compare services
OptionsOuigoiryoAVEAvlo
Class options2331
Free Combinado Cercanías
Power socket*
WiFi(+€)
Quiet Carriage
Small luggage
Large luggage(+€)(+€)
Seat selection(+€)(+€)
Catering(+€)(+€)(+€)

Travel Tips

FARES – Madrid-Barcelona tickets start at €7, Barcelona-Lyon at €39 and Lyon-Milan/Milan-Rome at €29.

STATION TIP – There is an X-Ray baggage check at Barcelona Sants before boarding. Make sure to queue with some time to spare.

BOOKING INFO – Easiest w/small booking fee: www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com.
Cheapest w/o booking fees: purchase the first segment at www.renfe.com and then head to www.sncf-connect.com for the Barcelona-Paris ticket

1. For the cheapest prices, book the first leg up to 9 months ahead of your trip. The second leg can be booked up to 4 months ahead.

option 1 – dinner in lyon

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.

Compare services
OptionsOuigoiryoAVEAvlo
Class options2331
Free Combinado Cercanías
Power socket*
WiFi(+€)
Quiet Carriage
Small luggage
Large luggage(+€)(+€)
Seat selection(+€)(+€)
Catering(+€)(+€)(+€)

Travel Tips

FARES – Madrid-Barcelona tickets start at €7, Barcelona-Lyon at €39 and Lyon-Milan/Milan-Rome at €29.

STATION TIP – There is an X-Ray baggage check at Barcelona Sants before boarding. Make sure to queue with some time to spare.

BOOKING INFO – Easiest w/small booking fee: www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com.
Cheapest w/o booking fees: purchase the first segment at www.renfe.com and then head to www.sncf-connect.com for the Barcelona-Paris ticket

1. For the cheapest prices, book the first leg up to 9 months ahead of your trip. The second leg can be booked up to 4 months ahead.

option 1 – dinner in lyon

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