SUPER EASY: How To Travel From Madrid to Granada By Train

Curious about planning travel by high speed train from Madrid to Granada in Spain? Look no further than this travel guide where I answer common questions and walk you through the WHOLE process. Traveling from Madrid to Granada by train is simpler than you think, and a few tips can make your trip easier with less stress.

Granada, Home of Tapas And The Alhambra

Why travel to Granada? For the FOOD! Tapas originated in Granada, and every food lover dreams of making the pilgrimage to experience the unique food culture. The concept is simple: order a drink and receive a tapa. 

If you continue ordering drinks, the food gets better. Tapas level up the more drinks you order. AWESOME. 

To make the trip better, Granada throws in the Alhambra, one of the most visited architectural features in the world. Beautiful intricate carvings engrave the walls, doorways, and statues, making the Alhambra a structure unlike any other. 

Why Book The High Speed Train From Madrid To Granada?

The answer is simple. Traveling by high speed train to Granada is the simplest, easiest, and most cost-effective method. The train is direct with only a few short stops. 

With this being my first high speed train ride, I was left with unanswered questions and plenty of uncertainty during the whole process. 

For me, uncertainty means stress, and more stress equals no fun.

This travel guide separates into three parts about what to expect during the whole planning and traveling process. Each section contains vital information with a FAQ at the end of each. 

Follow my advice for a stress free train ride through Spain’s breathtaking countryside to Granada.

Part 1: Planning Travel From Madrid to Granada By Train

Outlined below are the details and steps for planning your trip and buying your tickets. Read through each section carefully and make the best decisions for your trip. 

Renfe, The Company For Train Travel to Granada

Train travel in Europe is world renown for efficiency, comfort, and affordability. In Spain, it’s no different with the main train company, Renfe, taking the lead in helping travelers visit destinations around Spain. 

For train travel to Granada, Renfe is the only company that offers the route and they do not disappoint. Fast, efficient service with no snags.

What Train Station Do I Use In Madrid and Granada?

All travelers in Madrid will use Puerta de Atocha for any long-distance, high speed trains going to Granada.

There is only one train station in Granda which hosts all incoming train traffic coming to the city. Enter and leave Granda through the one train station. That simple!

Madrid Train Station: Pl. del Emperador Carlos V, 28045 Madrid, Spain

Granada Train Station: Av. de Andaluces, 20, 18014 Granada, Spain

Buying Train Tickets to Granada

Purchasing your train tickets from Madrid to Granada is the most important part of planning. Tickets range from 32 – 125 EUR depending on when you purchase tickets and which features you select. Depending on your needs, there are several options available for how to purchase tickets. 

Buy Train Tickets From An Attendant – Need Personal Service

If you are paying cash, need special questions answered, or need personalized attention, Renfe offers customer and ticket services with in person help around the train station. 

Many attendants speak multiple languages, making the travel process more streamlined. If at any time you have questions about the trip, feel free to ask anyone in the customer service areas.

Buy Train Tickets at Renfe Kiosk – Experienced Travelers 

If you live in Spain or are familiar with the process, feel free to use the electronic Renfe ticket kiosks located around the train station. The process is simple and easy to follow, and you can buy tickets in advance for an upcoming trip.

Buy Renfe Tickets Online – The Best Choice 

I recommend buying tickets online at renfe.com and as far in advance as possible. The online process is easy, with their website explaining the differences in ticket prices and seat options. You also receive an electronic ticket that you can print, or leave on your phone for easy scanning at the gate. 

I stored the electronic ticket in the wallet section of my iPhone and pulled it up when needed.

*TIP* Use an internet browser with a translation feature. Although the Renfe website features an English version, ticket searches remain in Spanish, so the translation feature in the browser is needed like Google Chrome or Safari. 

Purchase the Right Granada Train Ticket For You

Looking through the options, I usually opt for the cheapest tickets. My needs are simple, and I am happy without picking my seat location. 

If you need travel flexibility, want a more comfortable seat, or a specific cabin location, all this will cost extra. When purchasing online, extra charges are easily laid out and simple to navigate.

If you plan on flying or traveling out of Madrid, be sure to buy your return fare. You will save money and guarantee your ride back to Madrid. 

*TIP* The longer in advance you purchase your tickets the cheaper the fare. As fewer tickets become available, the prices increase to match demand. 

Reading Your Digital Ticket

Below is my digital ticket used for my trip with specifics blurred out. 

Buy Snacks And Drinks Before Your Trip to Granada

Like me, you travel for food, so delicious snacks are essential. The abysmal food selection at the train station and onboard left me disappointed. Like any travel port, restaurants mark up prices serving mediocre food while vending machines offer an eye-gouging $3 bottles of water. 

Do yourself a favor and eat before your trip and buy snacks to bring on the train before arriving at Puerta de Atocha. Bottled drinks and packaged foods are allowed through security, so sandwiches, sodas, fruit, chips, and cookies are allowed.

Anything purchased in the train station holds a huge markup that will cost a fraction of the price at any bodega or convenience store near the station.

The train offers snacks and drinks, but again with a significant markup and a small selection. In my opinion, the purchase isn’t worth it. 

*TIP* Bakeries and snack shops around Madrid offer delicious Spanish ham sandwiches of around 3 Euros. 

FAQ for Planning A Train Ride To Granada

How long is the train ride?

Roughly 3.5 – 4 hours depending on which train ride you pick.

Are there multiple class cabins?

Yes. The basic cabin tickets were comfortable with plenty of room but look online to see if you are interested in any additional features. 

How Much Are Train Tickets to Granda from Madrid?

As of this writing, tickets range from 32-135 Euro per person each way. 

Can I get a refund for my ticket if my travel plans change?

Yes, refund options are available but you must select this option for your ticket. Travel flexibility comes at an extra cost. 

How Much Luggage can I bring?

Even for the basic fare, each passenger is allowed up to three bags up to 25kg each, but check Renfe’s website in case this policy changes. 

Part 2: What To Expect In Puerta de Atocha Train Station in Madrid

You purchased tickets, snacks and are ready for the high speed train from Madrid to Granada. What happens next? 

Find Your Train

Upon walking into Puerta de Atocha, head to the section where long-distance trains are located. If you get lost, ask any ticket attendant or employee and they will point you in the right direction. 

Keep your eyes peeled for screens that display the different train times and their port. There are two main terminals: the lower-level Baja and the upper-level Pimera. Find which terminal your train leaves from and head that way. If you cannot find the port, ask any employee for directions. 

Go Through Security

At the entrance to the terminal is security which is simpler and faster than airline security. If there is a line, it moves quickly. The security guard will scan your ticket and direct you to the X-ray machines for your luggage. 

Put all of your bags and coats through the scanner. Terminal security forgoes metal detectors and there is no need to take off shoes, belts, or take out electronics from your bag. Security is a simple and fast process. 

*TIP* Do not go through security too early. Seating is limited in the waiting area by the gates with nothing to do but stand and wait. 

Wait For Boarding

Now you wait. In this waiting area, numbered platforms line the wall with attendants ready to begin boarding. Most trains board 30 minutes before scheduled departure. 

Find an information screen and locate your train and platform. Attendants will announce over the loudspeaker when trains begin boarding, so keep an eye and ear out for yours. 

Find Your Cabin and Seat

After getting scanned at the boarding gate, you will walk to the train just down a small ramp or escalator. On the side of each section of the train is the cabin number. Find yours and enter. On the sides of the walls, the seat numbers are displayed on a square black sign.

Store Your Luggage

Luggage racks extend above the seats and at both entrances of each cabin. Store your luggage, grab a seat and you are ready for Granada!

FAQ For Puerta de Atocha Train Station In Madrid

How Far In Advance Should I Arrive at Puerta de Atocha?

If you purchased tickets online and brought snacks, I recommend arriving one hour before departure, giving you enough time to navigate the station and get through security. 

When Can I Go Through Security? 

Pass through security up to 90 minutes before your scheduled departure.

Can I Bring Food Through Security? 

Yes, as long as it’s not messy. If it’s wrapped and cannot spill, the food is allowed through.

Can I Buy Food Past Security While Waiting?

Yes. Restaurants and a few stores service waiting travelers, but if you leave too early or late in the day, don’t rely on these stores being open.

Are There Bathrooms in the Waiting Area? 

Yes. Nothing fancy, but it gets the job done.

Part 3: The High Speed Train from Madrid to Granada

Now the fun begins. Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenic ride through Spain. The train passes through the beautiful countryside filled with fruit and olive orchards. How is the high speed train experience to Granada? Let’s find out. 

The Basic Seats Come With Plenty of Perks

Although these are the cheap seats, you have everything needed and more!

Fast, Free Wifi

Connect to the wifi with ease and simplicity. Pick Renfe in your wifi networks and follow the directions to log in. The wifi is fast and free!

Plenty of Space

I thought the leg and seat room was spacious and comfortable; way better than an airplane. 

Electrical Outlets For Everyone

Each seat gains access to a European electrical outlet, but no USB port. Use the correct adapter to stay fully charged the whole trip.

The Overall Train Experience

Bathrooms Were Large and Clean

The bathroom cleanliness surpassed my expectations with plenty of space to move around. Compared to an airline bathroom, I experienced pure luxury. 

The High Speed Train Ride Was Relatively Smooth

If planes make you uneasy or sick, the high speed train traveled with relative ease with some swaying from turns or gusts of wind. Nowhere near the shakiness of turbulence. 

Refreshments Were Available At A Price

If you need more drinks or snacks, there is a car that serves up food like chips and candy. If you want alcohol, they have that too. 

The Cabins Are Climate Controlled

No matter the season, the cabins blow hot and cold air keeping the traveling conditions optimal. 

The Spanish Terrain Is Beautiful To Watch

Zipping past fruit and olive orchards sounds simple, but seeing Spain for yourself is a real treat. The diverse landscape, rolling hills, and towing mountains made the hours fly by. 

FAQ For The Train Ride to Granada

Is the Train Non Stop?

No. There are about 3-5 stops along the way and each one lasts less than a minute. No delays with stopping or long breaks in different cities. Do Not Get Off The Train at any other stop besides Granada. 

What Speed Does The Train Travel?

The average speed ranges but we hovered around 230kmph or 142mph with a top speed of about 300kmph or 186mph.

Can You Change Seats after Leaving the Station?

Maybe. Passengers should stay in their assigned seats but if there are empty ones, no train personnel comes and double checks seating assignments. Remember, the train stops at other cities, so some seats are reserved for other passengers boarding later in the trip.