Getting to Madrid: By train

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Tropical garden in Atocha

Not only is Madrid the capital of Spain, but it is also the hub of the country's rail network. Major routes include frequent trains to Barcelona on the east coast (2 h 40 min journey), where it is possible to continue on to the French coast, and to Paris to the north with access to most of the rest of Europe.

Main connections between Madrid and other European cities include:

• Portugal— Direct train from Madrid to Lisbon , but also a train from Irún to Lisbon via Madrid.

• France— Direct train from Madrid to Paris, but also a train via Barcelona to the Parisian train station Paris Austerlitz. Also trains to Montpellier via Barcelona and Cartagena (Murcia).

• Switzerland— Train to Zurich via Barcelona.

• Italy— Train to Milan via Barcelona.

Spain's high-speed train (AVE - Alta Velocidad de España) makes the Madrid-Seville run in two and a half hours. The AVE line to Barcelona is ready now and the journey takes 2 h 40 min.

Northbound trains arrive and depart from Chamartín station, while trains to Barcelona, Valencia and southern Spain depart from Atocha railway station.

There is more information available at Spanish Railway System Renfe horarios.renfe.es/hir/ingles.html (+34 902-240-202).

• horarios.renfe.es/hir/ingles.html