Travel by train from Madrid to Lisbon.

The trenhotel departing from Charmartin in Madrid nightly at 9:50 (I think)is your only choice. We did this in March and it was an interesting experience. I had read some on-line about how luxurious it was, that a meal was provided in preferred class,etc. Not so much. Anyway, we paid $360 US buying tickets online in advance for two adults round trip in gran clase preferente which is a private room. Other options are shared same sex bedrooms, or first and second class no sleeper. So if you were willing to sit up all night I think you can go quite cheaply. The trip takes 10 hours or so, the train rocks back and forth, stops quite a few times and can be pretty loud. At about 3 a.m there was a tremendous beating on our door and it turned out to be Portugese police doing a passport check. Train staff told me it happens about once a month.

Train cars were old. Our 'first class' cabin was a tiny pink 1970's vintage room with everything well worn. Staff comes and drops down the bunk when you want and you rock and roll all night. Bathrooms spartan but worked. Only food is a cafeteria car that had chips, sandwiches, an entree and beer and wine. They offered a small breakfast as well.

Bottom line this is not remotely what we expected but we sort of enjoyed it in a weird way. On the way to Lisbon I couldn't sleep and it was a rough trip. On the way back we decided to stay up, brought a bottle of wine and some cheese with us and by the time we did go to bed we slept o.k. Also we enjoyed getting up about 6 a.m. and drinking coffee in the cafeteria car and looking at some great scenery.

So its pretty basic, but if you like trains it is an interesting experience. I would definitely bring the food and drink I wanted to make the journey nicer. If I was younger I would just book the cheapest seat way in advance and it would be is a cheap way to get the Lisbon or vice versa. On both end of the trip it is nice to arrive at breakfast time.

Muit' obrigad' mexico,
Thanks for your excellent reply. I will keep it for future use. Unfortunately, I've decided to abandon the idea of train and continue with my flight. I had really hoped there may be a daylight train, but your narrative inspires me to to use this night train on another occasion.
I assume the Lisbon to Madrid service would be similar - or is it by daylight too?

They both leave at 9 something at night. I think Madrid left at 9:50 and Lisbon 9:10 or something like that to account for the time change to Portugal and the stop at two stations in Lisboa with the idea that you arrive about 8.am. in your destination city. It was kind of cool but time consuming ,and again, I think you have to like train travel. BTW we really liked Portugal if you haven't been. Enjoy your trip.

I'm also looking at doing Madrid to Lisbon and this was so extremely helpful. Thank you!

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