Considering travelling from Madrid to Seville by train? This guide will tell you everything you need to know to make the most satisfying choice of train itinerary between the Spanish capital and one of the highlights of Southern Spain.

Overview of train services

Renfe (Ave, Alvia, Intercity)

Renfe is the national railway operator of Spain. ​​Spain's railway landscape was forever changed in 1941, when Renfe emerged as a driving force, ultimately unifying the country's national and international rail network under one comprehensive umbrella.

The Renfe train from Madrid and Seville operates under three distinct labels describing three very different journeys:

  • AVE: modern, more luxurious high-speed trains

  • Alvia: mid-market, somewhat slower high-speed trains

  • Intercity: medium-speed regional (sometimes older) trains

Route

The Renfe Alvia and AVE train from Madrid to Seville offer fast, direct journeys between Madrid Atocha Station and Seville Santa Justa Station. Intercity regional trains use the same departure and arrival stations, but with stops along the way.

Train features

AVE trains offer the highest standard of comfort, modernity and luxury amenities, including wifi and seat charging stations, as well as a dining car and at-your-seat dining at upper service classes. Intercity regional trains tend to be more basic, but still offer reasonable comfort.

Benefits

Travelling by Renfe offers a wide range of daily departure times to align with your itinerary. Affordable Seville train tickets and varied levels of service cater to diverse budgets and preferences, without the expense, hassle or extra legwork of car rental or airfare. The extensive network of connecting services facilitated by Renfe allows you to conveniently incorporate other Spanish destinations into your train route from Madrid to Seville.

iryo

iryo, a newcomer to Spain's high-speed rail scene launched in 2022, brings a fresh perspective to train travel in Spain. A private rail operator, iryo is known for its commitment to comfort, modernity and luxury, with a sleek fleet of newer trains.

Route

iryo operates fast, direct Madrid to Seville high-speed train service from Madrid Atocha Station to Seville Santa Justa Station.

Train features

iryo distinguishes itself by exclusively offering modern, sleek trains equipped with advanced amenities. Passengers will appreciate the little things, like complimentary Wi-Fi and relaxing seats that feel more like home.

Benefits

With their modern and stylish trains, passengers experience top-tier comfort and convenience throughout their train ride from Madrid to Seville. While not the most economical choice for a fast train from Madrid to Seville Spain, the speed combined with luxury makes iryo an attractive option to many travellers.

Schedule details

Quickest journey time and total distance

The high-speed, modern direct train from Madrid to Seville can make the journey in approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes. Renfe Alvia trains may take a little longer, while regional Intercity trains with stops will take longer still.

Earliest and latest departure times

The first weekday train from Madrid to Seville departs Atocha Station at approximately 06:20. The latest weekday train departs at approximately 21:25.

The first weekend train from Madrid to Seville departs Atocha Station at approximately 06:50. The latest weekend train departs at approximately 21:25.

Average number of daily trains

Approximately 50 trains trains depart Madrid Atocha Station daily bound for Seville Santa Justa Station.

Frequency of departures

Trains from Madrid to Seville depart Atocha Station roughly once every 16 minutes.

Ticket information

Ticket prices

The cost of a train from Madrid to Seville is going to vary based on several factors, including the season, traffic, and advanced notice. Below are some live pricing estimates for tickets under a variety of circumstances:

  • Cheapest train from Madrid to Seville: US$16.00.

  • Average cost of a ticket on this route if you book 30 days in advance: US$59

  • Average cost of a ticket on this route if you book 7 days in advance: US$42

Importance of booking in advance

Scoring the best deals on your Madrid to Seville train tickets starts with booking ahead of time. Popular holidays and rush hour travel dates tend to book far in advance, while booking early can unlock special deals and bonus rates offered by the operators.

Booking in advance also guarantees your preferred travel date, operator, class of service and train time from Madrid to Seville.

Train tickets from Madrid to Seville typically open up for booking 12 months in advance.

Point-to-point tickets vs. rail passes

When planning your train trip from Madrid to Seville, you will inevitably encounter the choice between choosing a point-to-point ticket and a rail pass.

Point-to-point tickets

Point-to-point tickets are bookings for specific seats on a specific train leaving at a specific time. You can’t use the ticket for any other train or time and you must sit in your assigned seat. The advantages of these tickets are your ability to schedule your itinerary in advance and to save money on a more economical method of booking.

Rail passes you can use from Madrid to Seville

Passes typically let you consume a set number of train travel days (even if it’s more than one train ride per day) over a fixed period of months using national carriers. You can essentially pick your travel days at a whim, making for a more flexible, spontaneous, freewheeling Spanish adventure.

Eurail Passes (available to non-European residents) and Interrail Passes (available to European residents) offer the Global Pass — for all of Europe — or single country or regional passes.

Train stations served

Madrid Atocha Station

Madrid's largest railway station is a testament to the city's intriguing history. Designed by Alberto de Palacio Elissague and Gustave Eiffel, the original station, inaugurated in 1851, featured a remarkable wrought-iron train shed spanning over 150 metres, showcasing their innovative use of materials during that era.

As the years went by, Madrid Atocha Station naturally adapted and flourished. After a fire destroyed the original train shed in 1992, the station was redesigned, adding an awe-inspiring tropical garden within the new train shed. Now serving a whopping 120 million passengers annually, Madrid Atocha Station acts as a crucial gateway, linking the capital to the farthest reaches of Spain and beyond.

Facilities and services

  • ​​Ticket counters

  • Self-service ticket machines

  • Information desks

  • Restrooms

  • Baby changing facilities

  • Luggage storage/lockers

  • Lost and found

  • Wi-Fi access

  • Waiting areas

  • Shops (retail and convenience stores)

  • Restaurants and cafes

  • ATMs

  • Currency exchange

  • Car rental services

  • Taxi rank

  • Parking facilities

  • Accessibility services (wheelchair access, assistance for disabled passengers)

  • Bike parking

  • Charging stations for electronic devices

  • Left luggage service

  • Tropical garden

  • AVE lounge for First-Class passengers

  • Security checkpoints

  • Pharmacy

  • Travel agencies

  • Hotel nearby

  • Commuter train services (Cercanías)

  • Long-distance bus connections

  • Connection to Madrid Metro

Seville Santa Justa Station

Seville Santa Justa Station is a major transportation hub of Southern Spain, serving 13 million passengers per year. In service since 1899 and renovated several times since, the current station is a harmony of Moorish curves and Art Deco modernism for a distinctly Andalucian vibe. The stately entrance arch gives way to a grand oversized concourse — dramatic, authoritative, transportative.

Facilities and services

  • ​​Ticket counters

  • Self-service ticket machines

  • Information desks

  • Restrooms

  • Baby changing facilities

  • Luggage storage/lockers

  • Lost and found

  • Wi-Fi access

  • Waiting areas

  • Shops (retail and convenience stores)

  • Restaurants and cafes

  • ATMs

  • Car rental services

  • Taxi rank

  • Parking facilities

  • Accessibility services (wheelchair access, assistance for disabled passengers)

  • Bike parking

  • Charging stations for electronic devices

  • Left luggage service

  • Security checkpoints

  • Pharmacy

  • Travel agencies

  • Commuter train services (Cercanías)

  • Long-distance bus connections

  • Connection to public transport (buses)

  • Hotel nearby

Travelling with Renfe (Ave, Alvia, Intercity) and iryo – boarding process

Security and boarding procedures

Both Renfe and iryo have instituted efficient security and boarding processes. Typically, they have security checkpoints at major stations for safety reasons. Before stepping onto the platform, your bags may undergo screening and you may have to pass through a metal detector.

Following this, simply present your valid ticket or rail pass to the staff positioned at the platform entrance. Most operators provide a digital ticket option scanned from your smartphone for added convenience. The platform will often have displays indicating the Madrid to Seville train schedule along with departure times.

Navigating the stations and boarding

These train stations prioritise efficiency, making it simple to locate your departure platform with clear signage. Look out for digital displays that often list arriving and departing trains along with corresponding platform numbers. Station staff are available should you require directions or have questions.

Allow 20-40 minutes for the boarding process when catching the train from Madrid to Seville. You will often scan your ticket at electronic gates positioned before accessing the platform. Both stations offer a step-free environment with escalators, ramps and elevators available to help passengers navigate different levels.

Train classes of service

Renfe (Ave, Alvia, Intercity)

Turista (Standard)

If budget is a concern, Turista is a fantastic choice that won't leave you feeling pinched. The seats are comfortable and have charging outlets, while the air conditioning and space more than satisfy. Wifi may be an extra fee, depending on the train.

Turista Plus

Take a step up from Turista with bigger, more comfortable seats that offer more privacy.

Preferente (First Class)

If opulence is your thing, then Preferente is the way to go — the Renfe version of Madrid to Seville train First Class. The most space, comfort and privacy at your seat, including meal and refreshment services to your seat and lounge access at select stationst.

Iryo

Inicial (Standard)

Affordable elegance with plush seats, power outlets at every seat, onboard Wi-Fi and a snack bar to purchase refreshments from.

Singular (First Class)

A step up from inicial with extra leg room, more privacy and a light snack plus a drink included in your fare.

Infinita (business Class)

Luxurious seats that recline nearly flat, plus the most privacy and a gourmet meal served right to your seat. Priority boarding and flexible rebooking available.

Travel documentation and customs requirements

As the train journey from Madrid to Seville crosses no international borders, documentation and customs requirements are minimal.

Documentation required

Travel on the train from Madrid to Seville Spain for EU or Schengen area citizens simply requires a valid photo ID, such as a passport or national identity card. Non-EU citizens may need to carry their passport and possibly a visa, based on their specific nationality and the purpose of travel.

Customs requirements

​​Because both cities are within Spain, travel between Madrid and Seville does not typically include border controls. If bringing items restricted by customs regulations like alcohol, tobacco or large amounts of currency, ensure you understand these rules fully to ensure compliance.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a direct train from Madrid to Seville?

Yes, Renfe AVE, Renfe Alvia, and iryo each offer a direct train from Madrid to Seville. Renfe Intercity regional trains make stops along the way.

Is there a train from Madrid airport to Seville?

No, there is no direct train from Madrid to Seville Airport (SVQ). Once you arrive at Sevilla Santa Justa Station you will need to transfer to SVQ via local metro, bus or ground transit.

Is there a direct train from Madrid Airport to Seville Train Station?

No, there is no direct train from Madrid Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) and Seville. You will need to transfer from MAD to Madrid Atocha Station via metro, bus or ground transit and get a ticket on a train from Madrid airport to Seville.

Which train station in Madrid goes to Seville?

The Madrid to Seville train station of departure is Madrid Atocha Train Station.

How long is the train journey from Madrid to Seville?

The fastest train from Madrid to Seville takes 2 hours and 20 minutes. Regional trains with stops may take longer.

How far is Madrid to Seville by train?

The distance from Madrid to Seville by train is approximately 390 kilometres.

Is there a night train from Madrid to Seville?

No, there is currently no sleeper train from Madrid to Seville due to the short journey distance.

Can you take a day trip from Madrid to Seville by train?

Yes, the Madrid to Seville train duration is short enough that you could make a day trip out of it. Try to pick the fastest high-speed train you can, as well as the earliest and latest departure/return pair so you can spend most of the day soaking in the magic of Seville.

Is the train from Madrid to Seville scenic?

The train ride from Madrid to Seville is far from ugly, but it isn’t one of the most scenic routes in all of Europe. Most of the ride traverses the relatively empty Andalucian Plateau. Things get more interesting closer to Seville as the plateau gives way to quaint villages and countryside.