Skip to main content
rome2paris

Route guide

Valencia Madrid

303 km · Spain to Spain · Fastest: 2h by train · Cheapest: €17+ by bus

How to travel from Valencia to Madrid

There are 3 ways to travel between Valencia and Madrid — compare duration, price and operators below.

🚄Train
€33–94
Duration: 1h 41m
via Renfe (AVE)
~4.2 kg CO2 per passenger
🚌Bus
€17–41
Duration: 4h 19m
via FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus
~8.0 kg CO2 per passenger
✈️Flight

Not practical for this route.

🚗Car
€36–67
Duration: 3h 22m
~51 kg CO2 per passenger

Where they are on the map

ValenciaMadrid
Valencia and Madrid highlighted among the 50 European cities we cover. Map is schematic, not to scale.

Travel tips for this route

Valencia to Madrid — every option in detail

Valencia to Madrid by train

Trains between Valencia and Madrid run within the Spain national rail network. The typical end-to-end journey is around 1h 41m.

Operators on this corridor include Renfe (AVE).

Train fares are dynamic — typical range is €33 to €94. Advance-purchase tickets (1–2 months ahead) almost always beat walk-up prices.

On routes under 600 km like this one, train often beats flight door-to-door once you factor in airport check-in and transfers.

Climate footprint: about 4.2 kg CO₂ per passenger by train vs roughly 47 kg by flight — taking the train saves ~43 kg on this distance.

Valencia to Madrid by bus

Long-distance coaches connect Valencia and Madrid with a typical journey of 4h 19m. Buses are usually the slowest mode for this corridor but consistently the cheapest.

Operators include FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus.

Fares start from around €17 when booked in advance, rising to €41 for last-minute travel.

Most modern coaches offer Wi-Fi, USB charging and reclining seats. Overnight services exist on longer corridors and can save a hotel night.

Valencia to Madrid by flight

Flight is not a typical choice for this 303 km route.

Valencia to Madrid by car

The driving distance from Valencia to Madrid is approximately 348 km. At motorway speeds, plan on around 3h 22m of driving plus stops.

Fuel-only running cost is in the €36–67 range for a typical car. Toll roads may apply, especially in France, Italy, Spain, Austria and Switzerland — budget extra accordingly.

Climate footprint: approximately 51 kg CO₂ per passenger assuming 1.5 occupants per car.

About this route

The distance between Valencia and Madrid is approximately 303 kilometres. Direct or connecting trains link the two cities through the European rail network. Long-distance coaches offer a budget-friendly alternative on this route. Estimates below reflect typical operator schedules and fare ranges; book in advance for the best prices.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to travel from Valencia to Madrid?+

The fastest way is by train, taking around 1h 41m on average. Slower options (such as bus or car) can take 2–3× longer depending on the route.

What is the cheapest way to get from Valencia to Madrid?+

Bus is typically the cheapest option, with fares starting around €17. Booking 2–4 weeks ahead usually gives the best prices.

Are there direct trains from Valencia to Madrid?+

Yes — both cities are within Spain and connected by the national rail network. Journey time is around 1h 41m.

How far is Valencia from Madrid?+

The straight-line distance is approximately 303 kilometres (188 miles). The actual travel distance by road or rail is usually 10–25% longer.

Is there a bus from Valencia to Madrid?+

Yes. Long-distance coach operators run this route with fares from around €17. Journey time is approximately 4h 19m.