Lisbon to Madrid by train

There is no direct train between Lisbon and Madrid. The journey requires three trains and two separate bookings. You travel via Badajoz, where the Spanish and Portuguese rail networks meet, and the full trip takes around 9 to 11 hours depending on your connections. That is a long day. Plan the segments before you go.

Both Portugal and Spain use EUR, so all fares are in the same currency throughout.

How the journey works

The route runs in three segments:

• Lisbon Oriente to Entroncamento, CP Intercity (IC) or Alfa Pendular. Around 1 hour.

• Entroncamento to Badajoz, CP Regional train. Around 2 hours 50 minutes. No seat reservation required.

• Badajoz to Madrid Puerta de Atocha-Almudena, Renfe Alvia or Media Distancia (MD). Around 4 hours 10 minutes to 5 hours 10 minutes depending on the service.

In the Madrid-to-Lisbon direction, the segments reverse: Madrid Puerta de Atocha-Almudena, then Badajoz, then Entroncamento, then Lisbon Oriente (or Santa Apolonia).

Badajoz is where you change from the CP network to Renfe, or the other way around. Check your exact connection time when booking. If your CP regional train is delayed and you miss the Renfe train, you will need to buy a new ticket for the next available departure.

Two separate bookings

There is no single booking channel for the whole journey. Buy the Renfe segment (Badajoz to Madrid) at renfe.com. Buy the CP segments (Lisbon to Badajoz) at cp.pt. That is two separate transactions on two different platforms. Third-party resellers such as Trainline or Omio may offer both legs in one transaction, but each segment still operates under its own operator’s change and refund rules.

Book both parts before you travel. The regional Entroncamento to Badajoz service is rarely full, but the Renfe Alvia from Badajoz to Madrid fills up. Book it early, especially around public holidays or in summer.

Journey times and timetable

The full journey takes approximately 9 to 11 hours with transfers. Treat that as a planning range. Your actual time depends on the departure you choose and how your connections line up at Badajoz and Entroncamento.

Departures from Lisbon are limited. Check the CP timetable for current options from Lisbon Oriente or Santa Apolonia.

There is no overnight train on this route. The Trenhotel Lusitania, which ran overnight between Lisbon and Madrid, was discontinued in March 2020 and has not been reinstated. All current services are daytime only.

Segment journey times

Tickets and fares

Booking the Renfe segment (Badajoz to Madrid)

Renfe sells tickets in three fare categories:

Fares vary by departure, class, and how far in advance you book. Book at renfe.com to see current EUR prices. Advance fares are substantially cheaper than last-minute fares.

Booking the CP segments (Lisbon to Badajoz)

CP sells tickets at cp.pt. Promo fares offer significant discounts and are available up to 60 days before travel. Booking at least a week ahead typically gets you a better price. The Entroncamento to Badajoz regional leg is inexpensive and does not require a seat reservation.

CP adjusts its fares annually. Check cp.pt for current prices.

Ticket conditions

All tickets on both operators can be cancelled within 2 hours of purchase. After that, conditions depend on the fare type. Promo fares on both CP and Renfe are typically non-refundable.

CP refund conditions (where applicable):

• Flexible (normal) fare: refundable up to at least 15 minutes before departure; a fee may apply for ticket-office refunds

• Round trip: 40% fee

• Promo/discount tickets: non-refundable

Refunds for bank card payments are returned to the original card.

Which stations to use

In Lisbon: Most CP long-distance services depart from Lisbon Oriente, which has a metro connection and is the easier station for most travellers. Some services also use Lisbon Santa Apolonia. Check your ticket for the exact departure station before you travel.

In Madrid: Renfe services from Badajoz arrive at Madrid Puerta de Atocha-Almudena. The station was officially renamed from Atocha in 2022, and you may still see the old name in some places. It connects to Metro line 1.

Train companies and services

Renfe (Spanish leg)

Renfe operates the Badajoz to Madrid segment. Two service types run on this corridor:

• Alvia: The better option if you want comfort. Air-conditioned, with power outlets, a cafe-bar, and free WiFi on some trains. A quiet zone is available. Seat reservation is required.

• Media Distancia (MD): A regional service. Less comfortable than Alvia but air-conditioned. Reservation required.

Choose the Alvia where your timetable allows it. The journey from Badajoz to Madrid takes four to five hours; the extra comfort is worth it.

Small pets in carriers travel free on Renfe. Larger dogs must be muzzled and leashed and need a paid ticket. Each passenger can bring one item of hand luggage and up to three additional bags. Electric scooters are not permitted.

Iryo, the newer Spanish high-speed operator, does not serve the Badajoz corridor. Renfe is the only option for the Spanish segment.

CP (Comboios de Portugal), Portuguese leg

CP operates both Portuguese segments:

• Alfa Pendular (AP): CP’s premium tilting train. Used on some Lisbon to Entroncamento departures. First and second class, with a cafe-bar.

• Intercity (IC): The standard long-distance service on this corridor. First and second class, cafe-bar on most trains.

• Regional: The service for the Entroncamento to Badajoz segment. Basic and air-conditioned. No seat reservation required.

Rail passes

Interrail and Eurail passes are valid on both Renfe and CP services. The pass covers the right to travel; reservations are still required on most trains on this route and must be bought separately.

Book your Renfe reservation at renfe.com and your CP reservation at cp.pt or at a CP station. The two systems are entirely separate; you cannot buy a CP reservation through Renfe, or vice versa.

Pass-holder reservation fees vary. Check each operator’s website for current amounts before you travel.

Getting there by other means

The train is not always the fastest option on this route. A comparison:

• By train: 9 to 11 hours, three trains, two bookings, changes required at Badajoz and Entroncamento.

• By bus: Around 7 to 8 hours with operators such as Flixbus or Alsa. Usually cheaper than the train, and a single booking.

• By flight: Around 1.5 hours in the air. Add 2 or more hours each end for airports and transfers. TAP Air Portugal, Iberia, and Vueling operate this route. Fastest door-to-door if the timing works.

• By car: Around 6 to 7 hours via the A6 and IP7 motorways.

If your main goal is to get between the cities, the bus or a flight is faster. The train suits travellers who want the journey itself, or who are continuing by rail across Europe.

Time zone

Spain is one hour ahead of Portugal all year. Mainland Portugal is on UTC+0 in winter and UTC+1 in summer; mainland Spain is on UTC+1 in winter and UTC+2 in summer. Timetables show local time, so the clock moves forward one hour when you cross the border at Badajoz. Allow for that when you plan connections, particularly if you need onward transport on arrival.

Practical tips

• Book both parts before you travel. The Entroncamento to Badajoz regional train is rarely a problem, but the Renfe Alvia from Badajoz fills up.

• Give yourself a generous connection time at Badajoz. If a CP delay causes you to miss your Renfe train, you will need to buy a new ticket. The two operators are independent; CP’s delay is not Renfe’s problem.

• Check the exact departure station in Lisbon. Some CP services start at Santa Apolonia; others at Oriente. They are not interchangeable.

• The Badajoz to Madrid leg is the longest single train on this journey, at four to five hours. If you value comfort, choose the Alvia over the Media Distancia.