- Must visit
Château et Remparts de la Cité de Carcassonne
Although primarily a monument, the castle complex includes museum-style interpretation on the fortress and restoration history. It is one of the city's essential heritage experiences.
Cheapest price
$39
Average price
$91
Fastest journey
12 h 50 m
Average duration
18 h 22 m
Buses per day
5
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 $91 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $39.
Of the 5 buses that leave Madrid for Cité de Carcassonne on Sun, Jun 21, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct buses cover the 590 km distance in an average of 18 h 22 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 12 h 50 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest buses will take 1 d 12 h 30 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.










Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $36. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 43m. 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 bus costs an average of $36, and a train costs an average of $119.
Distance: 366 miles (590 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$73 Average price Cheapest | $124 Average price | $156 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
12h 29m Average total duration 11h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 13m Average total duration Fastest 5h 43m 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 bus is $51 (€42) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne costing on average $124 (€102).
Other travel options to Cité de Carcassonne take longer:
Bus takes on average 11h 59m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan 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 Sun | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 05:30AM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 14h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 14h50 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:20AM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 36h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $140 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:20PM | Arrival Time 01:05AM | Duration 36h45 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $130 |
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 $90 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 12h50 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:50PM | Arrival Time 08:40AM | Duration 12h50 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 09:40AM | Duration 12h50 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $80 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:25PM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 20h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 01:05AM | Duration 25h06 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $107 |
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Cité de Carcassonne buses for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:55 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 17h45 | 9:40 AM Carcassonne, Boulevard de Varsovie | 2 transfers | |
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 | |
| Sunday, June 21 | |||||
![]() | 4:30 AM Madrid | 14h50 | 7:20 PM Cité de Carcassonne | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 3 times per day, taking around 11h 59m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $36 (€30) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:40, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 366 miles (590 km) distance in 12h 50m.
Distance 366 miles (590 km) |
Average bus duration 11h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price $36 (€30) |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 12h 50m |
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 Fri |
Best time to book 91 days |
Discover the best of Carcassonne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Carcassonne trip today.
Although primarily a monument, the castle complex includes museum-style interpretation on the fortress and restoration history. It is one of the city's essential heritage experiences.
Fine arts museum in the Bastide with paintings, ceramics and decorative arts from the 17th century onward. A good choice for visitors wanting a quieter cultural stop beyond the medieval citadel.
Small museum inside the Cité presenting a recreated historic classroom and school materials. It is a niche but charming stop for families and visitors interested in everyday local history.
The open space between the inner and outer ramparts, offering a strong sense of the city's defensive design. Walking here is one of the best ways to appreciate the fortress at ground level.
Riverside walking area around the old bridge with some of the finest views back to the medieval walls. Especially popular for sunset photos and social-media-friendly panoramas.
The lower town laid out in a grid, with shops, squares and a more local rhythm than the medieval citadel. It is ideal for seeing everyday Carcassonne beyond the UNESCO headline site.
The city’s signature dish: slow-cooked white beans with duck confit, pork, and sausage, traditionally baked until richly caramelized.
Air-cured mountain ham from the nearby Montagne Noire, prized in the region for its deep flavor and traditional charcuterie methods.
Duck leg slowly cooked in its own fat until tender, a classic dish across southwest France and common on Carcassonne menus.
Established bistro-style restaurant appreciated for hearty local cooking, friendly service, and dependable southwestern French specialties.
Elegant fine-dining restaurant in the Hôtel de la Cité, known for refined regional cuisine and a formal setting within the medieval city.
Well-known restaurant inside the Cité serving polished southwest French classics, especially cassoulet, in a historic stone-vaulted atmosphere.
Generally cheaper than Paris and the Riviera. Lodging varies by season, while casual dining and coffee are reasonably priced.
Service is usually included. Leaving small change or rounding up is appreciated; about 5-10% for excellent restaurant service. Round up taxis; tips are not expected for counter service.
Official public transport app
Carcassonne, 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