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How to get from Madrid to Valencia
The fastest way from Madrid to Valencia is the high-speed train, about 1 h 40 to 2 h from Madrid to Valencia Joaquín Sorolla. With three companies on the line, the train is often the cheapest option too; buses take about 4 h and driving about 3 h 30.
Best option: Train. High-speed trains are frequent, fast and, thanks to competition between Renfe, Iryo and Ouigo, often very cheap when booked ahead.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| train High-speed trains (Renfe AVE, Iryo, Ouigo) from Madrid Puerta de Atocha or Chamartín to Valencia Joaquín Sorolla | about 1 h 40 to 2 h | roughly every 30–60 minutes | about €10–60 depending on company and how early you book | Joaquín Sorolla station is a short walk or shuttle ride from Valencia Nord and the city centre. |
| bus Long-distance coaches (ALSA and others) from Madrid Estación Sur to Valencia bus station | about 4 h | several a day | about €15–30 | Mainly useful if trains are sold out. |
| car A-3 motorway | about 3 h 30 | fuel only, the A-3 is toll-free | Valencia has a low-emission zone and paid parking in the centre; check rules for your rental car. | |
| flight Madrid-Barajas to Valencia airport | about 1 h in the air | a few a day | varies | With airport transfers and security it is slower than the train. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Compare Renfe, Iryo and Ouigo; fares for the same time can differ a lot.
- Check which Madrid station your train leaves from: Atocha and Chamartín are not interchangeable.
- Arrive 15–20 minutes early; there is bag screening before boarding high-speed trains.
- Ouigo's cheapest fares include only a small bag; larger luggage costs extra.
Common questions
Can I do Madrid to Valencia as a day trip?
Yes. High-speed trains take about 1 h 40 to 2 h each way and run from early morning to late evening. Leaving Madrid around 8:00 and returning on an evening train gives you most of a day for the old town, the Central Market and the City of Arts and Sciences.
Is there a direct train?
Yes. Renfe AVE, Iryo and Ouigo all run direct high-speed trains from Madrid to Valencia Joaquín Sorolla. Depending on the service, trains leave from Madrid Puerta de Atocha or Chamartín, so check your ticket. There is no need to change trains.
What is the cheapest way from Madrid to Valencia?
Often the high-speed train, with low-cost fares from about €10 when booked early on Ouigo or Iryo. Buses cost about €15–30 and take twice as long. On popular days prices rise, so book a few weeks ahead for the best fares.
Do I need to book ahead?
For the best prices, yes. All three train companies use dynamic pricing, so fares climb as departure approaches, and Friday and Sunday trains can sell out. Seats are assigned, so a ticket is needed for each train; you cannot just board without one.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.