- Must visit
Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Alicante (MACA)
Leading contemporary art museum with a strong 20th-century collection in a restored historic building.
Cheapest price on Sep 18
$48
Average ticket price on Sep 18
$58
Fastest journey on Sep 18
4 h 40 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
4 h 54 m
Buses on Sep 18
30
Distance
360 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Madrid to Alicante is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Alicante will cost around $58 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $48.
On Fri, Sep 18, we found 30 buses from Madrid to Alicante, including 9 direct services.
On Fri, Sep 18 the direct buses cover the 360 km distance in an average of 4 h 54 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 40 m .
On Fri, Sep 18 the slowest buses will take 5 h 5 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 to Alicante among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $46 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 1m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $46, while a flight costs an average of $274.
Distance: 223 miles (360 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$54 Average price | $46 Average price Cheapest | $274 Average price | $86 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 32m Average total duration 6h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 1m Average total duration Fastest 2h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 21m Average total duration 2h 21m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 3h 54m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.1 - 2.2kg 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 Madrid to Alicante:
A train is $8 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Madrid to Alicante costing on average $54.
A train is $228 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Alicante costing on average $274.
Other travel options to Alicante take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 31m.
Bus takes on average 6h 2m.
Tickets start at around $54 compared to roughly $86 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $32. The journey takes 6h 2m versus 3h 54m 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, Alsa Supra.
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 12:30AM | Arrival Time 05:20AM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 12:55PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 02:15PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 01:20PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 02:35PM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:40AM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:20AM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 05:40PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:20PM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 08:45PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 11:05PM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 11:20PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 01:40AM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 05:15AM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 07:50AM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $48 |
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Alicante buses for today, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Normal · Normal | 7:45 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 7h05 | 2:50 PM El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses) | 1 transfer | |
Supra Economy | 8:15 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 4h40 | 12:55 PM Alicante, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Supra Economy · Normal | 8:15 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 8h40 | 4:55 PM El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses) | 1 transfer | |
Supra Economy · Normal | 8:15 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 7h40 | 3:55 PM El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses) | 1 transfer | |
Supra Economy · Normal | 8:15 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 6h40 | 2:55 PM El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses) | 1 transfer | |
Normal · Normal | 8:30 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 6h20 | 2:50 PM El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses) | 1 transfer | |
Normal | 9:30 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 5h05 | 2:35 PM Alicante, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal · Normal | 9:30 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 8h25 | 5:55 PM El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses) | 1 transfer | |
Normal · Normal | 9:30 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 7h25 | 4:55 PM El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses) | 1 transfer | |
Normal · Normal | 9:30 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 9h25 | 6:55 PM El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses) | 1 transfer | |
Normal · Normal | 10:30 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 6h20 | 4:50 PM El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses) | 1 transfer | |
Normal · Normal | 10:30 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 7h20 | 5:50 PM El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses) | 1 transfer | |
Normal | 12:30 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 4h55 | 5:25 PM Alicante, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal · Normal | 12:30 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 7h20 | 7:50 PM El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses) | 1 transfer | |
Normal · Normal | 12:30 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 8h25 | 8:55 PM El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses) | 1 transfer | |
Normal · Normal | 2:30 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 6h20 | 8:50 PM El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses) | 1 transfer | |
Normal | 5:30 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 5h35 | 11:05 PM Alicante, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 11:45 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 5h35 | 5:20 AM Alicante, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal · Normal | 11:45 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 8h10 | 7:55 AM El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses) | 1 transfer | |
| Friday, September 18 | |||||
Normal | 12:30 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 4h50 | 5:20 AM Alicante, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal · Normal | 12:30 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 7h25 | 7:55 AM El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses) | 1 transfer | |
Normal · Normal | 12:30 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 8h25 | 8:55 AM El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses) | 1 transfer | |
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 Madrid to Alicante run on average 30 times per day, taking around 6h 2m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $9 but you can travel from only $9 by train.
There are 8 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 223 miles (360 km) distance in 3h 50m.
Distance 223 miles (360 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price $9 |
Buses per day 30 |
Direct buses 8 |
Fastest bus 3h 50m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 91 days |
Discover the best of Alicante — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Alicante trip today.
Leading contemporary art museum with a strong 20th-century collection in a restored historic building.
Archaeological museum with acclaimed interactive displays covering prehistory to modern Alicante.
Fine arts museum in an 18th-century palace, featuring Alicante artists and regional painting collections.
Alicante's iconic waterfront promenade with mosaic paving, palms, and constant seaside city life.
Historic old quarter of whitewashed lanes climbing toward the castle, full of character and viewpoints.
Popular city beach and promenade area beside the old town, excellent for walks and classic coastal views.
Alicante’s signature rice dish, cooked in fish stock with seafood or meat. It is central to local Sunday meals and showcases the region’s rice tradition.
Rice baked in the oven with stock, tomato, chickpeas, and often pork or sausage. A hearty Valencian classic widely eaten in Alicante homes.
Traditional Alicante rice made with tuna, pumpkin, and ñora pepper. It reflects the city’s coastal pantry and old home-style cooking.
Refined Michelin-starred restaurant known for creative Mediterranean tasting menus in an elegant contemporary setting.
Historic traditional venue famous for Alicante tapas, cured fish, and local wines in a classic, lively old-town setting.
Well-known seafood and rice restaurant near the marina, valued for fresh fish, shellfish, and polished but approachable service.
Moderate for Spain: lodging rises in summer, but tapas, local transit, and casual dining stay fairly affordable for most tourists.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, round up or leave 5-10% for good service. Small change is fine in cafes; taxis are usually rounded up.
Official public transport app
Alicante Estación de Autobuses -> Plaça dels Estels, Alicante
Buses offer a convenient, direct way to travel from Madrid to Alicante - the gateway to the popular Costa Blanca region. There's a single direct service between the two Spanish cities, every day of the week. Buses run all year-round, so there's no need to worry about seasonal disruption. Journey times will be around 5 hours 50 minutes.
Only Alsa currently provides services from Madrid to Alicante, providing direct buses complete with plenty of legroom and air conditioning, along with space for luggage, and onboard wifi.
Travelers can expect a relatively long bus journey from Madrid to Alicante. Journey times will generally be 5 hours 50 minutes, with no changes required at any stage.
Buses depart every day from central Madrid to Alicante. However, there aren't many choices, with just a single direct bus on any given day. Services tend to leave in the late afternoon, not long after 5:00 p.m.
Departure Bus Station: Buses from Madrid to Alicante will leave from Madrid's Estacion Sur. Estacion Sur can be found in the southern part of the Spanish capital, approximately 2.5 miles south-east of Centro - the location of most hotels and tourist attractions. Getting to the coach station isn't hard, though. The best option is to catch the Madrid Metro to Mendez Alvaro Estacion Sur. Mendez Alvaro is on Metro Line 6, along with various Cercanias overground lines, which provide links to Atocha Station. Expect Metro journeys from Barajas Airport to take 30-40 minutes at least.
Arrival Bus Station: Buses to Alicante from Madrid will arrive at the Plaza de Coruna, in Playa de San Juan, a suburb in the north-eastern part of the city. The Alsa stop is very close to a range of beaches, and offers ready access to resorts to the north of Alicante via Costa Blanca Station - about 200 meters north of the coach stop. From there, travelers can catch trains north or head south into Alicante itself. The journey from Playa de San Juan to Alicante Station will take about 30 minutes, with various stops along the way. So those headed to the city may want to consider taxis, which are almost certainly the fastest transfer option.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Alicante 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 Alicante, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Madrid to Alicante buses use the Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses to El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses) station pair, with some services arriving at Alicante, Estación de Autobuses. Use this guide to compare Madrid and Alicante bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses is 3 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses 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), Restaurante El Brillante (0.5 km), La Taberna de Domínguez (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and in the waiting area.
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses.
Available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses: Elevators, ramps.
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) is 12 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) has practical services for this route, including Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Rodilla, Mahoudrid
ATMs are aTMs located throughout T4, major cards accepted .
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid).
Available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid): WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid): Step-free access, elevators, accessible toilets.
El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses) is 2 km from Alicante city centre. Public transport options include:
El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses).
Available at El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses): Parking, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses): Elevators, ramps.
Alicante, Estación de Autobuses is 1 km from Alicante city centre. Public transport options include:
Alicante, Estación de Autobuses 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 Bar Alicante (0.3 km), Fast Food Outlet Alicante (0.5 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Alicante, Estación de Autobuses.
Available at Alicante, Estación de Autobuses: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Alicante, Estación de Autobuses: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need