Cheapest
Average
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Barcelona to Madrid is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
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Fastest Journey
7 h 20 m
Average
7 h 27 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
504 km
Of the 2 buses that leave Barcelona for Madrid every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
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Distance | 312 miles (504 km) | |
Average bus duration | 7 h 35 min | |
Average bus ticket price | $26 (€23) | |
Bus frequency | 1 a day | |
Direct bus | Yes, there is 1 direct bus a day | |
Bus providers | Agreda, Alsa Supra or Alsa |
Buses from Barcelona to Madrid cover the 312 miles (504 km) long journey taking on average 7 h 35 min with our travel partners like Agreda, Alsa Supra or Alsa. Normally, there is 1 bus operating per day, including direct services available. You can get the cheapest bus tickets for this route for as low as $21 (€19), but the average price of bus tickets is $26 (€23). Travelers depart most frequently from Barcelona, Estació d'Autobusos Nord and arrive in Madrid, Estación Sur/Gare routière Méndez Alvaro - 83.
Find the best buses from Barcelona to Madrid with Omio's travel partners Alsa from $21 (€19). We can find you the best deals, schedules and tickets when comparing and booking the best trip.
Alsa is the main bus company in Spain, a subsidiary of the UK bus company National Express. Alsa offers a wide variety of national and international routes and transports more than 300 million passengers every year. Apart from the Standard fare, Alsa provides ticket types like Minimum, Reduced and Flexible fares on select routes for those looking to save money on bus journeys. While most travelers don’t mind traveling on normal buses with basic services like bathrooms, free WiFi, footrests and onboard entertainment, some others may want to check out Alsa’s deluxe buses like the Alsa Supra, Alsa Eurobus and Alsa Premium, which provide more luxurious amenities on specific routes.
For your bus from Barcelona to Madrid approximately 18 direct buses depart daily. The earliest bus departs around 7:00 a.m. and the latest bus around 8:00 p.m. The journey takes an average of 8h 4min, but the fastest bus can get you there in 7h 20min. The trip covers 313 miles (194 km) of scenic views and you’ll arrive in Madrid in no time.
For your bus to Barcelona from Madrid there are 18 direct buses daily. The buses run about every hour, so you won’t have to wait long. The trip covers 313 miles (194 km) and takes 8h 4min. The earliest bus departs around 7:00 a.m. and the final bus around 8:00 p.m. These times change, so get the Omio App to get the latest travel news.
The bus from Barcelona to Madrid takes 8h 4min and covers 313 miles (194 km). The fastest bus can get you there in 7h 20min. For your journey, 18 direct buses depart close to every hour, and because there are no stops along the way, you’ll get to Madrid faster. For your reading pleasure on the train, be sure to look at Window Seat magazine. It has lots of useful information about train travel.
Casa Batllo in Barcelona. Source: Shutterstock
Departure bus station: For your bus departing Barcelona to Madrid, the bus station is Barcelona Sants Station. Its located 0.5 miles (0.8 km) from the city center and the distance is easily walkable. You can take bus line 54 from Plaza Universitat or Metro line 1, but it’s much easier to just walk the distance since it’s so close to the station. Your other option is to hire a taxi, but again it’s a short trip to the city center. The station has restaurants and shops, as well as charging stations.
Arrival bus station: While you can get Barcelona to Madrid tickets cheap at the station, the arrival station is Estación Sur. The station is only 1.8 miles (3 km) from the city center, and it’s easily walkable and a great way to see the city. You can use public transportation by taking bus lines 8 or 102, and Metro line 6. These routes will take you to other connecting stops in the event you want to explore the area. You can also get a taxi at the station. The station has cafes and shops plus ATMs.
Alsa bus company is the only carrier for your bus from Madrid to Barcelona, so you won’t have to compare different buses. Alsa has 18 daily bus departures, and the service offers many choices when it comes to fares. Alsa has three different fares that are designed to save you money. Their fleet of sleek buses offers comfort during your journey, like adjustable seats and wide, panoramic windows. The earliest bus departs around 7:00 a.m. and the latest bus around 8:00 p.m. The trip to Madrid takes around 8h 4min, but some buses might get you there faster. If you book your Alsa bus early, you could save money on your fare. We recommend booking at least one month in advance.
While Alsa offers cheap tickets from Barcelona to Madrid, its superior service and buses make it one of the most popular bus travel providers in Europe. They have three different coaches that suit every budget, and their plush, adjustable seats and plentiful legroom make travel a joy. You also have three choices in fare options, from value to premium fares. Alsa has 18 different buses departing daily, and their efficient and friendly service makes travel an experience you’ll never forget.
Your Barcelona to Madrid bus is more than just a bus ride, as travel by bus is one of the most sustainable ways to travel. Buses emit less Co2 than other forms of travel, and that’s good for the environment. Alsa strives to improve its fleet of buses every year, with new technologies in fuel efficiency, and cutting-edge green engine improvements. So, the next time you book your fare, know that you’re taking care of the earth.
For your Alsa bus from Madrid to Barcelona, there are so many choices when you book your bus fare. Alsa offers three different ticket choices, from a value fare to a premium fare, and this saves you money. You can also choose between three coach options, with a basic and premium bus for your journey. All Alsa’s buses provide the ultimate comfort for your journey. Their luggage allowance lets you take up to 66 lbs (30 kg) of bags, plus a carry-on item. Alsa lets you take sports equipment like bicycles, too. The equipment must be covered, and bags are available for purchase in the event you don’t have one. The coaches’ floor-to-ceiling windows offer you magnificent views as you make your way on your scenic adventure. Alsa is a leader in facilitating passengers with disabilities, and all their buses include tools to get you where you want to go. Wheelchair lifts help simplify transfers, and special seats and spaces provide safe comfort during your trip.
For ideas on how to get from Barcelona to Madrid the cheapest way, we’d like to make a few suggestions. Overall, taking extra time to carefully organize your trip before booking tickets is the best course. Booking your tickets in advance will save you big on your trip. We recommend you book at least one month in advance, or even longer if you can. Trips booked early will discount tickets. Another option is to choose routes that have stops or that take longer. You should also be mindful of when you book your travel day. There are always certain days that are busier and more expensive, so pick a day like Monday for the best deals. Many times, you’ll find discounts with specials, too. Buying more than one ticket often comes with deep discounts per ticket. The best course of action is to plan and study prices, routes, and the best time to travel.
Puerta de Alcala in Madrid. Source: Shutterstock
After you arrive on your bus from Barcelona to Madrid, it’s time to explore the city and see the sights. Madrid is a bustling European city, and you won’t want to miss places like Plaza Mayor. This marvelous square is in the center of Madrid and surrounded by lively cafes, restaurants, and shops. It’s a great place to grab a drink and people-watch. For a day of culture, spend it at the Prado Museum (Museo del Prado). We recommend skipping the lines and booking the tour, as you’ll get a lesson in the history of all the pieces of art. It’s an enormous place with a varied collection of art from all over the world. After, grab a bite at the café’s that are around the museum. Madrid is full of world-renowned restaurants with famous chefs, and the food is locally sourced from the city’s farmers and tradesmen. Don’t miss these sites:
When departing from Barcelona, you have various bus station options to start your trip from including Barcelona, Estació d'Autobusos Nord, Barcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants and Barcelona, Pl. Universitat. When arriving in Madrid, you can end your trip in bus stations like Madrid, Estación Sur/Gare routière Méndez Alvaro - 83, Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) and Madrid, Estación de Plaza Elíptica.
Passengers board the bus most frequently from Barcelona, Estació d'Autobusos Nord, which is located around 1.9 miles (3.1 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Madrid, Estación Sur/Gare routière Méndez Alvaro - 83, located 3 miles (4.9 km) away from the city centre.
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