León is one of the most beautiful and monumental cities in northern Spain. Thanks to its spot on the Camino de Santiago, its soaring Cathedral, great food and lively vibe, it’s perfect for quick getaways or longer stays. The best part: León is superbly connected with Madrid, so planning a smooth trip is easy.
Train — the fastest and most comfortable option
High-speed trains are the easiest way to reach León from Madrid. Daily services run from Madrid Chamartín–Clara Campoamor to León on AVE and Alvia trains operated by Renfe.
- Journey time: about 2 h to 2 h 15 min depending on the service
- Price: from €25 if booked in advance, rising to €60 on busy dates
- Frequency: several departures from early morning to late evening
- Convenience: León station is a short walk from the historic centre
- On board: Wi-Fi, power sockets and the option to travel Standard or Premium
Tip: For weekends and holidays, book early—trains often sell out.
Web: https://www.renfe.com/
Car — flexibility to explore the province
Driving gives you total freedom to discover León and its surroundings.
- Driving time: about 3 h 30 min
- Distance: ~335 km
- Suggested route: A-6 to Astorga, then AP-71 to León
- Cost: fuel plus AP-71 toll ~€6
Nice stops en route include Astorga (Gaudí’s Episcopal Palace and the famous cocido maragato) and Benavente with its Parador. In León you won’t need a car for the centre, but it’s great for day trips to El Bierzo, Las Médulas, Riaño or the León Mountains.
Tip: If you’re staying downtown, check parking options in advance because the old town has traffic restrictions.
Bus — the budget-friendly choice
If you want to keep costs down, the coach is a solid option. ALSA runs multiple daily services.
- Journey time: 4 h to 4 h 30 min depending on stops
- From: Estación Sur (Méndez Álvaro) in Madrid
- To: León bus station, close to the centre
- Price: typically €20–€30, depending on advance purchase and fare type
Modern coaches offer reclining seats, Wi-Fi on many services, and a wide schedule.
Tip: Overnight departures help you save a night’s accommodation and arrive early to make the most of your day.
Web: https://www.alsa.es/
Plane — only when arriving from other cities
León has a small airport, but there are no direct flights from Madrid given the short distance and excellent rail link. León Airport (LEN) mainly runs seasonal routes from cities like Barcelona, Palma, Málaga or Valencia.
Tip: If you land at LEN from elsewhere, the airport sits ~6 km from the centre and is served by public transport and taxis.
Quick comparison
| Transport | Approx time | Typical price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train AVE or Alvia | 2 h – 2 h 15 min | €25 – €60 | Speed and comfort |
| Car | ~3 h 30 min | Fuel + ~€6 toll | Exploring the province |
| Bus ALSA | 4 h – 4 h 30 min | €20 – €30 | Cheapest option |
| Plane | Not recommended | — | Only from other cities |
Conclusion
For most travellers, the train is the sweet spot: fast, comfortable and city-centre to city-centre in about two hours. If you plan day trips beyond the city, driving is ideal. For tight budgets, the bus remains the best value.
Once here, stay in the historic centre so you can walk everywhere, soak up the atmosphere in the plazas and enjoy León’s gastronomy without worrying about transport.
Stay in the centre with León Apartamentos
At León Apartamentos you’ll find modern, central and fully equipped spaces—perfect for weekend escapes or longer stays. Book directly to get the best conditions and enjoy a stress-free base steps from the Cathedral and the old town.
