Train Cologne - Madrid prices from €72.97

18/05/2024
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Cologne to Madrid by train

The journey from Cologne to Madrid by train is 1,431.13 km and takes 33 hrs 3 mins. There are 6 connections per day, with the first departure at 08:14 and the last at 16:14. It is possible to travel from Cologne to Madrid by train for as little as €72.97 or as much as €148.96. The best price for this journey is €72.97.

Lowest Price€72.97
Journey Duration33 hrs 3 mins
Connection per Day6
Lowest Price€72.97
Highest Price€148.96
First Departure08:14
Last Departure16:14
Distance1,431.13 km
DepartureCologne
ArrivalMadrid
CarriersIryo, FlixBusMore

Cologne to Madrid Train Times

Departure date
Saturday 18 May 2024

Compare prices and tickets from Cologne to Madrid

Cheap train tickets from Cologne to Madrid
Looking for the best deal on a train ticket for your trip? Here are 4 ways to get cheap train tickets from Cologne to Madrid.

Book in advance and save

If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from Cologne to Madrid, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.

Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys

Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from Cologne to Madrid.

Always check special offers

Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.

Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains

If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.

Best time to book Cologne to Madrid travel

Virail Pro Tip ✌: Booking 10 days in advance save 10% on average

Best time to book cheap train tickets from Cologne to Madrid

The cheapest Cologne - Madrid train tickets can be found for as low as €106.82 if you’re lucky, or €141.11 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as €248.93.

Find the best day to travel to Madrid by train

When travelling to Madrid by train, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!

Carriers on this route

Find out more about the carriers on this route.

AVE stands for "Alta Velocidad Española", which means "Spanish High Speed". AVE is a high-speed train service operated by the Spanish national railway company Renfe. With the AVE trains you can travel to many major cities in Spain, including routes to Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Malaga, and Zaragoza.

Established in 2018, BlaBlaCar Bus was born out of BlaBlaCar's acquisition of OUIBUS in November of that same year. The company officially launched in June 2019 and has since been offering long-distance bus services across Europe. Initially known as BlaBlaBus, the company went on to adopt the name Ouibus, before finally deciding on its present name, BlaBlaCar Bus. BlaBlaCar Bus operates a network of routes that link several cities, including Aix-en-Provence, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Brussels, Genoa, Lille, London, Lyon, Marseille, Milan, Nice, Paris, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, San Sebastián, and Turin.

FlixBus, a long-distance bus company, operates in both Europe and the United States. Founded in 2013, it has grown to become one of the largest bus operators in Europe, connecting over 2,500 destinations in 30 countries. Originating in Germany, FlixBus has expanded quickly to neighboring countries including France, Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Croatia, while also offering regular services to Norway, Spain, and England. With affordable fares and comfortable amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard toilets, FlixBus provides a convenient and enjoyable travel experience.

Flixtrain is a European low-cost passenger rail service that offers affordable and comfortable train travel to various destinations across Germany. It is owned and operated by FlixMobility, the parent company of FlixBus, which is a popular bus transportation service in Europe. Flixtrain operates on several routes, including Berlin to Stuttgart, Berlin to Cologne, and Hamburg to Cologne, among others.

Iryo is a Spanish high-speed train operator, founded in 2019 and serving Spain's major cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Seville, Valencia and Zaragoza. iryo operates on the national rail network in Spain, using the latest AVE high-speed trains to transport passengers at speeds of up to 310 km/h.

In 2013, the French national railway company SNCF introduced OUIGO to offer budget-friendly TGV travel options. Choose between the lightning-fast OUIGO Grande Vitesse, reaching speeds of 300 km/h, or the more leisurely OUIGO Classique, which offers a nostalgic train ride experience.

TGV stands for Train à Grande Vitesse, which translates to a high-speed train. It is a type of high-speed train that operates in France and other parts of Europe. The TGV was first introduced in 1981 and has since become a popular mode of transportation for domestic and international travel. The TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse), now refers to a type of train that can reach a speed of 320km/h on high-speed lines in France. In France and Europe, there are two types of TGV operated by SNCF Voyageurs: the TGV INOUI, which offers a higher level of comfort, and the low-cost TGV OUIGO.

Express InterCity is a type of train service that operates in many countries around the world. It is designed to provide fast and efficient transportation between major cities, with limited stops along the way. Express InterCity trains typically offer amenities such as comfortable seating, air conditioning, and onboard food and beverage service. They may also have first-class or business-class seating options for passengers who want extra comfort and amenities. Express InterCity trains are often a popular choice for business travelers, tourists, and commuters who need to travel between cities quickly and conveniently.

Ticket types and facilities from Cologne to Madrid

Compare the different ticket types and the facilities provided by AVE, FlixTrain and Iryo when traveling from Cologne to Madrid.

Básico

The Basico are the most affordable tickets, but they come with certain restrictions, such as no changes or refunds. They also typically have limited availability and must be purchased well in advance.
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Elige Estándar

The Elige tickets provide enhanced flexibility for exchanging or canceling your reservation. Elige Estándar," provides travelers with the standard, regular seating arrangement known as the "Estándar seat." Additionally, you can choose your preferred seat by paying an extra fee, and upgrading to Premium is also possible.
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Elige Confort

If you go for "Elige Confort," you get the bigger and likely more comfortable XL Confort seat. The Elige tickets provide enhanced flexibility for exchanging or canceling your reservation. Additionally, you can choose your preferred seat by paying an extra fee, and upgrading to Premium is also possible.
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Prémium

Renfe AVE's Premium tickets are the priciest but also the most flexible, limited to Confort class only. They allow free train changes and provide the benefit of boarding the next train for free in case you miss your scheduled one.
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Standard

A standard ticket on FlixTrain is a regular ticket / second class ticket. Flixtrain standard ticket offers you a comfortable seat, guaranteed Wi-Fi, access to power outlets, and one carry-on and one checked luggage with size restrictions.
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Singular

The "Singular fare" offers flexibility for entrepreneurs and companies with personalized customer service from iryo assistants.
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Inicial

iryo's Inicial fare provides affordable travel without compromising on comfort or service.
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Singular ONLY YOU

The "Singular Only YOU" fare is designed for entrepreneurs and companies, providing the best conditions for changes and cancellations in the ticket.
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Infinita

Infinita is iryo's all-inclusive fare that offers the best travel options with flexibility and comfort.
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Standard Class / TGV

OUIGO Grande Vitesse offers a single class, akin to second-class travel, which accounts for its affordable ticket prices. Adult fares start at €10, depending on the destination, while children can travel for €5. Tickets for OUIGO can only be purchased online.
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Standard Class / Classical

OUIGO Train Classique only have one class, which is equivalent to second class travel, which is why ticket prices are cheap. Tickets are available from €10 for adults (depending on destination) and €5 for children, and OUIGO train tickets are only available online.
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Second Class

Deutshce Bahn's second class ensures a comfortable journey with standard seating arrangements with free Wi-Fi, power socket, and. Second class passengers can buy food and drinks from the bar/bistro car or restaurant car.
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First Class

First Class travel with Deutsche Bahn provides a luxurious experience with comfortable seats and many amenities such as spacious seating with personalized on-seat service and exclusive lounge access at major stations. First-class passengers can have their orders delivered to their seats, but if you do not want to wait, you can also dine in the restaurant car or buy food and drinks from the bar/bistro car.
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Facility Description

Find out more about the different facilities available onboard with each carrier on this route.

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Travel in comfort as all AVE trains are air-conditioned.
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Stay connected at high speeds with PlayRenfe, AVE's complimentary WiFi service, ensuring you remain online even at 300 km/h.
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The Silent Carriage is available exclusively for standard seats on AVE trains, excluding the AVE International route between Spain and France, as well as Euromed trains. Due to its popularity, early ticket purchase is advised.
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Every AVE seat is fitted with power sockets and at-seat radios for your convenience.
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AVE provides a complimentary care and assistance service for individuals with limited mobility. To utilize this service, please reach out to AVE directly.
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On AVE trains, you're welcome to bring along 3 bags, each not surpassing 85 x 55 x 35 cm and 25 kg (55 lbs) in weight. Moreover, instruments are considered hand luggage if they're within 30 x 120 x 38 cm and safely tucked in a case.
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Visit the onboard AVE bar carriage for a treat or wait for the food trolley that travels through the train. Prémium Ticket holders can enjoy in-seat dining featuring Chef Ramón Freixa's expertise. Please ensure you request special menus, from vegetarian to Halal, at least 12 hours before departure to enjoy a tailored meal experience.
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You can bring along your bike or scooter, just make sure it's folded and snug in a case. Don't forget to remove the pedals and give those handlebars a 90-degree turn. If your case's total dimensions are under 180cm, it counts as hand luggage. Anything larger falls into the special luggage category but keep it within 120 x 90 x 40 cm.
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Connect effortlessly on FlixTrain and enjoy free WiFi, whether you're catching up on work, chatting, or simply browsing.
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Keep your devices charged and ready. FlixTrain seats come equipped with power sockets and USB outlets.
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For your safety and the comfort of everyone on board, FlixBus permits you to bring one carry-on bag that should fit under the seat or in the overhead compartment. You're also allowed one checked bag, but make sure you can load and unload it by yourself and store it in the overhead space or under your seat. Kindly ensure your luggage isn't bulky or poses a risk to others. Remember, it's up to you to keep track of your belongings during the trip.
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FlixTrain prioritizes comfort for all. Passengers with mobility concerns can book designated seats and utilize complimentary transportation for foldable wheelchairs and mobility aids. Reach out to FlixTrain for any assistance required.
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While FlixTrain doesn't offer onboard catering, you're welcome to bring along your own snacks and beverages.
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With FlixTrain, you can pack an extra piece of luggage, but it's a good idea to book early since train space is limited. Got sports equipment or a big musical instrument? They're welcome too, though an extra fee might apply. If you're cycling around, you can park your bike in specific areas for just 9 Euro, but ensure it's standard-sized and free of extra attachments. Remember to reserve a spot for your bike early, as space fills up fast
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Connect to free WiFi on iryo trains in any class. Enjoy movies, TV shows, live news, and Spotify for entertainment.
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Every seat on iryo trains comes with power sockets, and those in the Infinita and Singular Cafe class boast additional USB ports.
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On iryo trains, flexible baggage policy lets you travel comfortably with up to 3 pieces of luggage, including a piece of hand luggage. Maximum size for 2 larger pieces is 85x55x35cm, while hand luggage must be 36x27x15cm. Total weight limit is 25kg.
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iryo trains are designed for inclusivity, offering designated seats for passengers with reduced mobility and ensuring step-free access during both boarding and disembarking.
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iryo offers quality menus for all classes. Find the onboard restaurant/bar usually close to coach 2. For Infinita Class passengers, meals are served at your seat, but remember to book 24 hours in advance.
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Enjoy fresh and comfortable air on the ETR1000 train; its cutting-edge air-conditioning system refreshes the entire carriage's air in just 3 minutes, ensuring a generous 35 m3/h of fresh outside air for every passenger.
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On Iryo trains, you can bring along one disassembled bicycle or electric scooter per coach, as long as it's tucked into a bag and stays within 90x120x40cm. It's free to transport! Just keep in mind that you'll handle the loading, safekeeping, and unloading. Also, be considerate of other passengers' comfort and safety, and remember any damages caused are on you.
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You have access WiFi (OUIFI) and delve into the OUIFUN entertainment portal for an added fee.
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On Ouigo trains, only top deck seats in select coaches come with power sockets. Note that these seats come at an additional charge, and the bottom deck lacks sockets altogether.
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OUIGO lets you bring two small hand luggage items or one piece measuring 36 x 27 x 15 cm for free, along with cabin baggage at 55x35x25cm with no weight restrictions. For larger items, a fee of €5 applies for online bookings made in advance, and it goes up to €20 if you pay in-person at the station.
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For travelers with mobility concerns, TGV INOUI offers the 'Accès Plus' service. This provides dedicated assistance from the station directly to the train seat. It is advisable for passengers to contact 'Accès Plus' after securing their tickets and ensure arrangements are made at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure.
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In France, OUIGO's Train classique services provide an at-seat snack service, though this isn't available on the high-speed trains. For those traveling in Spain, a visit to the OUIBAR in coach 4 serves up a variety of beverages and snacks.
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Travel in comfort with all coaches being air-conditioned.
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Planning to bring along bigger items like a bike, scooter, skis, or a musical instrument? If you book online in advance, it's just a €5 fee. But, if you decide to pay at the station, the fee goes up to €20.
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On ICE trains, enjoy free WiFi and access the ICE portal for movies, TV shows, audiobooks, games, and reading material.
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Seek tranquillity on ICE Frankfurt in Coach 21 (second class) and Coach 28/29 (first class). On ICE 104/105 Basel, it's Coach 31 (second class) and Coach 38/39 (first class).
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Stay charged with a power socket available for every two seats on the train.
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On ICE-trains, you can bring any amount of luggage without restrictions. Store small bags either in the overhead racks or beneath your seats. For bigger luggage items, use the racks found in the compartments or close to the exterior doors.
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For assistance in boarding, changing trains, or other queries, reach out to DB’s Mobility Service. The staff is always ready to assist and ensure a smooth journey.
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With ICE, choose between a full menu at the onboard restaurant or quick snacks at the bistro. For First Class passengers, complimentary food and drinks are served directly to your seat. DB's diverse menu, updated quarterly, features local and vegetarian/vegan options.
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ICE trains not only offer air conditioning but are also innovating with eco-friendly systems that both cool and heat using natural refrigerants.
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On Deutsche Bahn trains, make sure it's disassembled and snugly packed in a case or cover with your name labeled on it, and you can bring it on board for free. You're also allowed one regular and one hand luggage item. Just ensure your bike doesn't get in the way of other travelers or block aisles. Note: Special bikes aren't permitted, but if you're an international traveler, there's no need to worry about peak-time restrictions.
Services on board Iryo, FlixBus and OUIGO from Cologne to Madrid
Compare services on board when travelling from Cologne to Madrid by train.
Facilities Iryo FlixBus OUIGO DB - InterCity Express (ICE) BlaBlaCar Bus FlixTrain AVE TGV Gipsyy
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Cologne to Madrid CO2 Emissions by Train

Ecology
Train
100.18kg
Bus
107.33kg
Flight
286.23kg
Car
228.98kg
What are the CO2 emissions from Cologne to Madrid by train? The CO2 emissions from taking the train between Cologne and Madrid are 100.18kg.
How much CO2 do I save by taking the train between Cologne and Madrid? By taking the train between Cologne and Madrid you will save 186.05kg CO2 emissions compared to a flight, 7.15kg compared to a bus and 128.8kg compared to a car.

Anything we can improve?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a train ticket from Cologne to Madrid?
A train ticket from Cologne to Madrid is €103.59. However the price varies depending on how early you buy, and if it's peak time to travel. Occasionally you can find them for as cheap as €72.97.
What's the cheapest train ticket from Cologne to Madrid?
The cheapest ticket you can get from Cologne to Madrid is €72.97. We recommend booking as early as possible and off-peak hours to get the cheapest ticket possible. Off-peak times are usually from 09:30 to 16:00, and after 19:00.
What's the distance between Cologne and Madrid by train?
Cologne to Madrid is 1,431.13 km.
How long does the train between Cologne and Madrid take?
Cologne to Madrid is on average 33 hrs 3 mins. However the fastest option will get you there in 25 hrs 3 mins.
Which companies operate from Cologne to Madrid?
The train journey from Cologne to Madrid is covered by 8 operator(s). On Virail you can find these carriers that provide services on this route: Iryo, FlixBus, OUIGO, DB - InterCity Express (ICE), BlaBlaCar Bus, FlixTrain, AVE, TGV and Gipsyy.
How many train connections per day go from Cologne to Madrid?
Cologne to Madrid has 6 connection(s) per day on average.
What time does the first train from Cologne to Madrid leave?
The earliest train from Cologne to Madrid departs at 08:14. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
What time does the last train from Cologne to Madrid depart?
The latest train from Cologne to Madrid departs at 16:14. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
Should I book my ticket from Cologne to Madrid in advance?
If you can, we recommend booking your ticket as early as possible to ensure you get better savings. The cheapest train ticket we have found is €72.97 but this may be subject to change depending on the day of travel, hour you wish to depart and how far in advance you book.
What's the fastest journey time between Cologne to Madrid by train?
The fastest journey time by train between Cologne and Madrid is 25 hrs 3 mins.
Is there a direct train from Cologne to Madrid?
Yes, there is a direct train between Cologne and Madrid.
What are the CO2 emissions for Cologne to Madrid by train?
The train journey from Cologne to Madrid creates 100.18kg of CO2 emissions.