- Must visit
Museo Casa Natal de Cervantes
Birthplace museum of Miguel de Cervantes, recreated with period rooms and exhibits that connect visitors with Spain’s most famous writer.
Cheapest price
€41
Average price
€42
Fastest journey
7 h 20 m
Average duration
7 h 20 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
474 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Barcelona to Alcalá de Henares is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Barcelona to Alcalá de Henares will cost around €42 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €41.
Of the 2 buses that leave Barcelona for Alcalá de Henares on Sun, Aug 16, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Aug 16 the direct buses cover the 474 km distance in an average of 7 h 20 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 20 m .
On Sun, Aug 16 the slowest buses will take 7 h 20 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Barcelona to Alcalá de Henares among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €24. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 28m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €24, and a flight costs an average of €39.
Distance: 294 miles (474 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€52 Average price | €38 Average price Cheapest | €86 Average price | €96 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 27m Average total duration 6h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 19m Average total duration 2h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 28m Average total duration Fastest 1h 28m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 44m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.4 - 2.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Barcelona to Alcalá de Henares:
A train is €14 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Barcelona to Alcalá de Henares costing on average €52.
A train is €48 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Barcelona to Alcalá de Henares costing on average €86.
Other travel options to Alcalá de Henares take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 49m.
Bus takes on average 6h 57m.
Tickets start at around €52 compared to roughly €96 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €44. The journey takes 6h 57m versus 5h 44m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by Alsa, BlaBlaCar.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:30AM | Arrival Time 07:00AM | Duration 29h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €69 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:50AM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 12:20PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €23 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price €38 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 05:20PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €32 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €38 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €38 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price €38 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 11:20PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €20 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 12:20AM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 05:55AM | Duration 32h45 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price €199 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:10PM | Arrival Time 07:00AM | Duration 32h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price €181 |
The table below shows live departures for Barcelona to Alcalá de Henares buses for today, Saturday, August 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:30 PM Barcelona | 7h20 | 9:50 PM Alcalá de Henares | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:30 PM Barcelona | 7h20 | 10:50 PM Alcalá de Henares | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Barcelona to Alcalá de Henares run on average 5 times per day, taking around 6h 57m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €38 but you can travel from only €24 by train.
There are 5 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:01, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 294 miles (474 km) distance in 7h 20m.
Distance 294 miles (474 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 57m |
Cheapest ticket price €38 |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 7h 20m |
First bus 12:01 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Alcalá de Henares — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Alcalá de Henares trip today.
Birthplace museum of Miguel de Cervantes, recreated with period rooms and exhibits that connect visitors with Spain’s most famous writer.
Excellent archaeological museum in a former convent, presenting the history of the Madrid region from prehistory to the medieval period.
Interprets Roman Complutum through mosaics, sculptures, and everyday objects, making the ancient roots of Alcalá easy to understand.
Arcaded main square and social heart of the city, lined with historic buildings and ideal for starting any walk through Alcalá.
Iconic colonnaded street in the old center, famous for shopping, architecture, and direct links between key university and civic sights.
Historic square beside the cathedral, quieter than Plaza de Cervantes and rich in medieval atmosphere, monuments, and local character.
Costrada de Alcalá is the city’s signature layered pastry with puff pastry, meringue, cream, and almonds, created by local confectioners and closely tied to Alcalá’s identity.
Rosquillas de Alcalá are flaky puff pastries glazed with a sweet yolk icing. They are a classic local sweet sold in traditional pastry shops across the city.
Almendras garrapiñadas are sugar-coated almonds associated with convent sweet-making in Alcalá. They are a beloved snack and gift with strong local tradition.
Well-known traditional Castilian asador specializing in roast meats and hearty regional dishes in a classic dining room.
Historic restaurant in a former monastery hotel, known for refined Castilian cuisine and an elegant setting in the old town.
Established tavern-restaurant near the historic center, appreciated for tapas, grilled dishes, and a lively local atmosphere.
Moderate for Spain: lodging near Madrid can raise costs, but dining, coffee, and local rail fares stay reasonable for most visitors.
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up; cafés often just small change.
Official public transport app
Alcalá de Henares, C. Doña Inés de Ulloa (Rotonda) -> Plaza de Cervantes, Alcalá de Henares
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Barcelona to Alcalá de Henares by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Alcalá de Henares, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Barcelona to Alcalá de Henares buses use the Barcelona, Estació d'Autobusos Nord to Alcala De Henares, Vía de Servicio Guadalajara (Centro Comercial La Dehesa) station pair. Use this guide to compare Barcelona and Alcalá de Henares bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Barcelona, Estació d'Autobusos Nord is 2 km from Barcelona city centre. Public transport options include:
Barcelona, Estació d'Autobusos Nord has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafetería de la estación (in the station), Tapas 24 (0.4 km), Pizzeria Roma (0.6 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and inside the waiting area.
Ticket office support is available at Barcelona, Estació d'Autobusos Nord.
Available at Barcelona, Estació d'Autobusos Nord: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Barcelona, Estació d'Autobusos Nord: Elevators, ramps.
Barcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants is 1 km from Barcelona city centre. Public transport options include:
Barcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafetería de la estación (in the station), Fast Food Corner (in the station), Local Cuisine Spot (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and in the waiting area.
Ticket office support is available at Barcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants.
Available at Barcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Barcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants: Elevators, ramps.
Alcala De Henares, Vía de Servicio Guadalajara (Centro Comercial La Dehesa) is 3 km from Alcalá de Henares city centre. Public transport options include:
Alcala De Henares, Vía de Servicio Guadalajara (Centro Comercial La Dehesa) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: There is a small café nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at Alcala De Henares, Vía de Servicio Guadalajara (Centro Comercial La Dehesa). ATMs are available at Alcala De Henares, Vía de Servicio Guadalajara (Centro Comercial La Dehesa).
Ticket office support is available at Alcala De Henares, Vía de Servicio Guadalajara (Centro Comercial La Dehesa).
Available at Alcala De Henares, Vía de Servicio Guadalajara (Centro Comercial La Dehesa): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Alcala De Henares, Vía de Servicio Guadalajara (Centro Comercial La Dehesa): Basic access for individuals with reduced mobility is provided.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need