The cheapest and fastest buses from Barcelona to Madrid
Cheapest price
$53
Average price
$57
Fastest journey
6 h 40 m
Average duration
7 h 27 m
Buses per day
10
Distance
504 km
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.
The average ticket from Barcelona to Madrid will cost around $57 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $53.
Of the 10 buses that leave Barcelona for Madrid on Thu, Dec 25, 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Dec 25 the direct buses cover the 504 km distance in an average of 7 h 27 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 40 m .
On Thu, Dec 25 the slowest buses will take 7 h 50 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.

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NormalBarcelona - MadridCompare Alsa, FlixBus


Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Barcelona to Madrid
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Barcelona to Madrid among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €19. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 47m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €19, and a flight costs an average of €69.
Distance: 313 miles (504 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€116 Average price | €75 Average price Cheapest | €274 Average price |
12h 8m Average total duration 11h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 7m Average total duration 3h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 47m Average total duration Fastest 1h 47m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.5 - 3.0kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Barcelona to Madrid Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 01:00AM | Arrival Time 08:50AM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:20AM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 29h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:30AM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:20AM | Arrival Time 01:10PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:20AM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 01:20PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:40PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:20PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 10:35PM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:10PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 11:05PM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 12:20AM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 11:10PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 12:20AM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 01:20AM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 02:50AM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 02:40AM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 05:35AM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 32h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 07:05AM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 07:25AM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 07:34AM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $55 |
Live departures
Barcelona to Madrid bus times
The table below shows live departures for Barcelona to Madrid buses for today, Wednesday, December 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:10 PM Barcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants | 32h50 | 7:00 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 2 transfers | |
| Thursday, December 25 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:20 AM Barcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants | 29h40 | 7:00 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Barcelona to Madrid by train, bus, or flight
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.
Dec 24
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ReviewsReviews for the bus trip from Barcelona to Madrid

Journey information
Overview: Bus from Barcelona to Madrid
Buses from Barcelona to Madrid run on average 19 times per day, taking around 11h 38m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $34 (€27) but you can travel from only $24 (€19) by train.
There are 18 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:14, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 313 miles (504 km) distance in 7h 5m.
Distance 313 miles (504 km) |
Average bus duration 11h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price $34 (€27) |
Buses per day 19 |
Direct buses 18 |
Fastest bus 7h 5m |
First bus 00:14 |
Last bus 23:45 |
Bus providers: Alsa, BlaBlaCar, Infobus, FlixBus, Ouigo, AVE from Barcelona to MadridYou can travel by bus between Barcelona to Madrid with Alsa, BlaBlaCar, Infobus, FlixBus, Ouigo, AVE for as low as $24 (€19). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
AVE
Alsa
Infobus
FlixBus
Ouigo
BlaBlaCar
Bus from Barcelona to Madrid
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.
Barcelona to Madrid Bus Time: Daily Departures
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.
How long is the journey by bus from Barcelona to Madrid?
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
What are the departure and arrival stations for bus from Barcelona to Madrid?
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.
Which bus companies travel from Barcelona to Madrid?
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.
Alsa buses from Barcelona to Madrid
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.
Traveling by bus is a sustainable journey
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.
Bus Barcelona to Madrid: Services on Board
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.
How to find cheap bus tickets from Barcelona to Madrid?
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
To Madrid by bus—travel tips
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:
- Retiro park
- Reina Sofía
- Matadero Madrid
- Museum of Illusions
- Dani by Four Seasons
FAQs: Bus from Barcelona to Madrid
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Barcelona to Madrid 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 Madrid, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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 de Autobuses, located 3.1 miles (5 km) away from the city centre.
- Alsa
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible seating.
- Infobus
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Prado Museum, a renowned art museum housing European masterpieces from the 12th to the early 20th century
- Royal Palace of Madrid, the official residence of the Spanish royal family with opulent architecture and historical artifacts
- Retiro Park, a large and popular park in the city center featuring sculptures, a lake, and the Crystal Palace
- Plaza Mayor, a grand square surrounded by historic buildings and a hub for cultural events and markets
- Gran Vía, a bustling street known for its shopping, theaters, and vibrant nightlife.
- Puerta del Sol, a bustling public square known for its iconic clock and vibrant atmosphere
- Mercado de San Miguel, a historic market offering a variety of gourmet foods and traditional Spanish delicacies
- Explore the vibrant nightlife in the Malasaña district, known for its eclectic bars and live music venues
- Attend a flamenco show to experience traditional Spanish dance and music
- Visit the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to Real Madrid, for a tour or to catch a football match.
- Alsa
- You can cancel your ticket up to 48 hours before departure for a partial refund. Changes allowed for a fee.
- Infobus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Barcelona to Madrid, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
- Alsa
- One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
- Infobus
- One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- Alsa
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- Infobus
- 10€ per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- Alsa
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- Larger pets must travel in the hold.
- Infobus
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- Larger pets may require a separate ticket.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- Guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Barcelona to Madrid
- 06:30-21:30
- Free Wi-Fi
- Cafetería de la estación (in the station)
- Tapas 24 (0.4 km)
- Pizzeria Roma (0.6 km).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 54, 6, H12 Metro: L1 Train: R1, R3, R4
- 06:00-23:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Cafetería de la estación (in the station)
- Fast Food Corner (in the station)
- Local Cuisine Spot (in the station).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 27, 78, 109 Metro: L3, L5 Train: R1, R2, R3
- 06:00-23:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Cafetería de la estación (in the station)
- Restaurante El Rincón (0.5 km)
- La Vaca Argentina (0.7 km).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 200, 114, 115, 122 Metro: 4, 6, 7, 9
- 06:00-23:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Cafetería de la estación (in the station)
- Restaurante El Brillante (0.5 km)
- La Taberna de Domínguez (0.7 km).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 8, 102, 148 Metro: L6 Train: C1, C5
More options for your journey from Barcelona to Madrid
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