Departure Schedule
Morning departures
Fastest trip2 hrs 49 min
Longest trip3 hrs 15 min
Earliest07:20
Latest11:35
Departures6
Afternoon departures
Fastest trip2 hrs 44 min
Longest trip3 hrs 11 min
Earliest12:35
Latest17:30
Departures6
Evening departures
Fastest trip2 hrs 49 min
Longest trip3 hrs 15 min
Earliest18:35
Latest20:55
Departures4
Travelling from Madrid to Malaga by Train
Without a doubt, one of the most time-saving options to discover the miracles of sun-kissed Spain is taking a train from Madrid to Malaga. Stations for departure and arrival are Madrid-Puerta de Atocha and Málaga-María Zambrano, respectively, and it's worth booking cheap train tickets well ahead: promotional tickets can start at a low price if booked in advance, with the cheapest tickets generally available 60 to 90 days ahead, since ticket prices can rise sharply close to departure dates. Renfe AVE is the flagship high-speed service in Spain, and AVE trains can reach speeds up to 310 km/h (193 mph) on this direct journey, which covers a distance of approximately 430 kilometers — an absolute favorite among adventurers for this train journey, since AVE trains bring you from the spectacular Spanish capital to the southern part of the country in as little as 2 hours 42 minutes, the shortest travel time recorded, with the average journey time running between 2 hours 45 minutes and 3 hours. Train departures typically start around 07:20 AM and end around 08:55 PM, with the last train scheduled around 9:00 PM to 9:30 PM, and trains run approximately every 60–120 minutes throughout the day.
Madrid to Malaga trains Information
Madrid
Puerta de Atocha, SpainChamartin, SpainMadrid - Atocha Cercanias, SpainPrincipe Pio, SpainMadrid Estacion Sur, SpainMadrid Avenida de America Bus Station, Spain
417 km
Malaga
2 h 44 m
Shortest travel time:
$40
Lowest ticket cost:
16
Avg. daily departures:
07:20
Earliest departure:
20:55
Latest departure:
Popular questions about trains from Madrid to Malaga
Noted for great onboard service and short travel times, AVE high-speed train in one of the top-choice on Madrid - Malaga rail route.
As there are no direct rail services available between the mentioned destinations, you first need to reach the Atocha station, which regularly sends trains to the city of Malaga. Trains to Madrid's central station depart from Aeropuerto T4 every hour, so you won't spend much time waiting.
Train tickets from Madrid to Malaga start at $40. The cheapest tickets are generally available 60 to 90 days before departure, and prices can rise sharply closer to the travel date.
There are about 16 trains a day from Madrid to Malaga. The first train leaves Madrid at around 07:20 and the last one at around 20:55.
Buses from Madrid to Málaga take about 5 hours 40 minutes at an average bus ticket price of €37, while driving takes 5 to 5.5 hours. Both are much slower than the train, which takes from 2 hours 44 minutes, but they can suit travelers prioritizing price over speed.
The train journey from Madrid to Malaga takes from 2 hours 44 minutes on the fastest AVE trains to about 3 hours 15 minutes.
Trains depart from Madrid Puerta de Atocha and arrive at Málaga María Zambrano, the city’s main train station.
Passengers can bring luggage at no extra cost and store it on the overhead racks or in the luggage areas at the end of each car. For details, see Rail Ninja’s Renfe luggage rules guide.
Most services run as direct trains with no need to change trains, though some off-peak departures may require a connection. Check the details when you book.
Cheap train tickets are usually easiest to find 60 to 90 days before departure, with the AVE high speed train offering the best combination of low fares and fast journey times if you buy train tickets well ahead of your travel date.
The last train from Madrid to Málaga María Zambrano leaves at around 20:55. Times can change by season, so check the current timetable before you travel.
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