- Recommended
Musée du Château Comtal
Museum inside the count’s castle presenting archaeological finds and the history of the fortress. Ideal for context before walking the ramparts.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$38
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$76
Fastest journey on Sep 19
12 h 50 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
16 h 59 m
Buses on Sep 19
4
Distance
590 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne will cost around $76 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $38.
It's difficult to get from Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne without transferring at least once.
4822 · 3134
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
4822 · 3134
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $17 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 6h 34m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.2 - 0.5kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $17, while a bus costs an average of $97.
Distance: 366 miles (590 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$97 Average price | $17 Average price Cheapest | $158 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
14h 13m Average total duration 13h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 34m Average total duration Fastest 6h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.6 - 1.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Cité de Carcassonne:
A train is $80 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne costing on average $97.
Other travel options to Cité de Carcassonne take longer:
Bus takes on average 13h 43m.
Tickets start at around $97 compared to roughly $158 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $61. The journey takes 13h 43m versus 8h 41m 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.
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 BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 04:30AM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 14h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 14h50 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:55PM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 17h45 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:55PM | Arrival Time 09:40AM | Duration 17h45 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 12h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:50PM | Arrival Time 08:40AM | Duration 12h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 09:40AM | Duration 12h50 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:25PM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 20h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:50PM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 19h45 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $134 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 01:05AM | Duration 25h06 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $75 |
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:50 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 12h50 | 9:40 AM Carcassonne, Boulevard de Varsovie | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:59 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 25h06 | 1:05 AM Carcassonne, Boulevard de Varsovie | 2 transfers | |
| Saturday, September 19 | |||||
4822 · 3134 | 6:30 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 14h50 | 9:20 PM Carcassonne, Boulevard de Varsovie | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:55 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 17h45 | 9:40 AM Carcassonne, Boulevard de Varsovie | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 Cité de Carcassonne run on average 4 times per day, taking around 13h 43m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $35 but you can travel from only $16 by train.
The earliest bus runs at 00:40, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 366 miles (590 km) distance in 10h 55m.
Distance 366 miles (590 km) |
Average bus duration 13h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $35 |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 10h 55m |
First bus 12:40 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Cité de Carcassonne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cité de Carcassonne trip today.
Museum inside the count’s castle presenting archaeological finds and the history of the fortress. Ideal for context before walking the ramparts.
Fine arts museum with paintings, ceramics, and decorative arts in a townhouse setting. A rewarding cultural break in the lower town.
Contemporary art center in the old chapel of the Jesuits. Hosts changing exhibitions in an atmospheric historic interior.
Lively central square in the Bastide Saint-Louis framed by plane trees and elegant facades. Ideal for soaking up the lower town atmosphere.
The lower town grid of boulevards, shops, and civic buildings. A useful contrast to the medieval citadel and great for everyday local character.
Pleasant riverside route near the old bridge offering postcard views of the fortified city, especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.
A rich slow-cooked bean and meat stew from Languedoc, often made with confit duck and sausage. It is the signature regional dish around Carcassonne.
A dry red wine from the hills near Carcassonne. It is traditional to the area and known for robust blends of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre.
Sparkling wine produced in Limoux near Carcassonne, often said to predate Champagne. It is a classic local apéritif and celebration drink.
Fine dining restaurant by chef Franck Putelat, known for creative Michelin-starred cuisine and polished contemporary service.
Historic restaurant inside La Cité, famed for cassoulet and refined regional cuisine in an elegant old-stone setting.
Traditional dining room in La Cité known for hearty cassoulet and classic southwest dishes in a warm, rustic atmosphere.
Moderate for France. Hotels and dining in the medieval city cost more in peak season, but local buses and simple meals stay reasonable versus larger French tourist cities.
Service is usually included in France. Rounding up or leaving 5-10% for great restaurant service is appreciated. Small change for cafes and taxis is enough.
Official public transport app
Boulevard de Varsovie -> Gare de Carcassonne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne 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 Cité de Carcassonne, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne buses use the Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses to Carcassonne, Boulevard de Varsovie station pair. Use this guide to compare Madrid and Cité de Carcassonne 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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need