A step-by-step travel guide Take the train from Copenhagen to Madrid

The trip from Copenhagen to Madrid by train is fantastic. The journey takes 3 days, through beautiful landscapes, stopping in Cologne and Barcelona on the way.

  1. Day 1
  2. ⏳⏳ ⏳⏳ ⏳ ⏳⏳ ⏳⏳ ⏳⏳ ⏳ ⏳⏳
  3. ⏳⏳ ⏳ ⏳⏳ ⏳ ⏳⏳ ⏳ ⏳⏳ ⏳

Good to know when traveling from Copenhagen to Madrid

Do I have to book seat reservations?

Regular train tickets

Some trains require that you have a seat reservation. Seat reservations are included when mandatory with all regular tickets purchases made on All Aboard. If you wish to reserve seats when they are not included you can do so either at the train station or on the operator website.

Seat reservation for Interrail

Seat reservations are usually not required for local and regional trains. However, it is needed for most high-speed, international, and night trains. But make sure to book seats if you need to be somewhere at a certain time, traveling with kids or if it's high season. Unsure if you need a seat reservation? Check your route here.

Reservations for travelers with Interrail pass can be purchased at the train station, on the rail operator website, and on Interrail.eu.

Some rail operators will ask for your "pass cover number". This is a code which used to come with the old paper passes. You can generate such a code using your Interrail mobile pass here.

Onboard catering & food

Most of the trains in Europe have restaurant cars open to all passengers, regardless of the fare. What is offered depends on the operator but also during what time you travel. They usually serve hot food, drinks and snacks available for all customers.

Onboard catering during covid-19

Many train operators don't have onboard catering due to the current situation. And face masks are required on many trains so if possible – eat and drink before you hop on the train.

Can I charge my phone on the train?

Most long distance trains in Europe have power sockets available. In some cases, the number of power sockets may be limited in the 2nd class cars. In 1st class, however, it's most common that there are power sockets somewhere around each seat. If it's super important to you, the best way to really know is to google the name of the train (that can be found on your ticket) and you'll find out.

Wondering if there's free wifi available? Find more information here: Is there wifi on the train?

Available in more languages

See the travel guide in Deutsch, Français, Español, and Svenska.