- Must visit
Museu Picasso
Major museum dedicated to Pablo Picasso, especially strong on his early years and Barcelona connection. One of the city’s most visited art museums.
Cheapest price
$50
Average price
$58
Fastest journey
7 h 20 m
Average duration
7 h 30 m
Buses per day
21
Distance
492 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona will cost around $58 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $50.
Of the 21 buses that leave Madrid Barajas Airport for Barcelona on Sat, May 23, 20 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, May 23 the direct buses cover the 492 km distance in an average of 7 h 30 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 20 m .
On Sat, May 23 the slowest buses will take 7 h 35 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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NormalOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $32. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 3m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $32, and a flight costs an average of $62.
Distance: 305 miles (492 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$58 Average price | $54 Average price Cheapest | $173 Average price | $131 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 8m Average total duration 10h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 2m Average total duration 2h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 3m Average total duration Fastest 2h 3m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 59m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona:
A train is $4 (€3) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona costing on average $58 (€47).
A train is $119 (€96) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona costing on average $173 (€140).
Other travel options to Barcelona take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 32m.
Bus takes on average 10h 38m.
Tickets start at around $58 (€47) compared to roughly $131 (€106) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $73 (€59). The journey takes 10h 38m versus 5h 59m 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 Alsa | Departure Time 12:14AM | Arrival Time 08:04AM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 01:15AM | Arrival Time 09:05AM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00AM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:20AM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:20AM | Arrival Time 12:20PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:10AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 01:10PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 03:40PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 05:20PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:55AM | Arrival Time 07:35PM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:50PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:10PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 03:15PM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:20PM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 11:10PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 04:45PM | Arrival Time 12:20AM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 10:20PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 11:10PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 11:40PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:10PM | Arrival Time 01:50AM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 07:45PM | Arrival Time 03:25AM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:20PM | Arrival Time 02:00AM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 10:45PM | Arrival Time 06:20AM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 05:00AM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 05:20AM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 07:05AM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 04:35AM | Duration 28h36 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $106 |
The table below shows live departures for Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona buses for today, Friday, May 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Normal | 1:15 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 7h50 | 9:05 PM Barcelona, Estació d'Autobusos Nord | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 1:15 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 7h35 | 8:50 PM Barcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 3:15 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 7h35 | 10:50 PM Barcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 3:15 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 7h50 | 11:05 PM Barcelona, Estació d'Autobusos Nord | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 4:45 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 7h35 | 12:20 AM Barcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 4:45 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 7h50 | 12:35 AM Barcelona, Estació d'Autobusos Nord | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 7:45 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 7h55 | 3:40 AM Barcelona, Estació d'Autobusos Nord | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 7:45 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 7h40 | 3:25 AM Barcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 10:45 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 7h50 | 6:35 AM Barcelona, Estació d'Autobusos Nord | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 10:45 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 7h35 | 6:20 AM Barcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:59 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 28h36 | 4:35 AM Barcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, May 23 | |||||
Normal | 12:14 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 7h35 | 7:49 AM Barcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 12:14 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 7h50 | 8:04 AM Barcelona, Estació d'Autobusos Nord | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 1:15 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 7h50 | 9:05 AM Barcelona, Estació d'Autobusos Nord | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 1:15 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 7h35 | 8:50 AM Barcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 9:15 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 7h35 | 4:50 PM Barcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 9:15 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 7h50 | 5:05 PM Barcelona, Estació d'Autobusos Nord | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 11:55 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 7h40 | 7:35 PM Barcelona, Estació d'Autobusos Nord | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 11:55 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 7h25 | 7:20 PM Barcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona run on average 18 times per day, taking around 10h 38m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $49 (€39) but you can travel from only $32 (€26) by train.
There are 17 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 07:15, the last at 22:59. The fastest bus covers the 305 miles (492 km) distance in 7h 35m.
Distance 305 miles (492 km) |
Average bus duration 10h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price $49 (€39) |
Buses per day 18 |
Direct buses 17 |
Fastest bus 7h 35m |
First bus 7:15 AM |
Last bus 10:59 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Discover the best of Barcelona — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Barcelona trip today.
Major museum dedicated to Pablo Picasso, especially strong on his early years and Barcelona connection. One of the city’s most visited art museums.
Catalonia’s national art museum, best known for Romanesque murals, Gothic art, and fine views from Montjuïc. A top choice for art and architecture lovers.
Hilltop museum focused on Joan Miró, with an excellent collection of paintings, sculptures, and temporary exhibitions in a landmark modern building.
Barcelona’s most famous promenade, linking Plaça de Catalunya to the waterfront. Busy, historic, and central for first-time visitors.
Historic Gothic Quarter of narrow lanes, medieval squares, and layered Roman remains. One of the city’s essential walking areas.
Elegant boulevard lined with major Modernisme buildings, luxury shops, and some of Barcelona’s best-known architectural highlights.
Rustic bread rubbed with ripe tomato, olive oil, and salt. It is a signature Catalan staple served with many meals.
Roasted eggplant, red peppers, and onion, usually dressed with olive oil. A classic Catalan vegetable dish with smoky flavor.
A fresh salad of shredded salt cod, tomato, onion, and olives. It is a traditional Catalan seafood starter popular in Barcelona.
Acclaimed fine dining restaurant offering creative modern tasting menus by leading Barcelona chefs. Ideal for a high-end culinary experience.
Historic traditional restaurant serving classic Catalan cuisine in an old-world dining room. Known for heritage dishes and a long-standing reputation.
Established grand restaurant famous for rice dishes, seafood, and classic Catalan cooking. A refined yet traditional Barcelona institution.
Moderate for Western Europe. Tapas and transit are manageable, but central hotels and tourist areas cost more.
Service is usually included. Locals often round up or leave 5-10% for good restaurant service; small change for cafes and taxis is enough.
Official public transport app
Barcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants -> Plaça de Catalunya, Barcelona
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona 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 Barcelona, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need