- Must visit
National Museum Machado de Castro
Major fine arts and archaeology museum built over the Roman cryptoporticus, with important sculpture, painting, and sacred art collections.
Cheapest price
$49
Average price
$68
Fastest journey
6 h 15 m
Average duration
6 h 35 m
Buses per day
23
Distance
401 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Madrid to Coimbra is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Coimbra will cost around $68 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $49.
Of the 23 buses that leave Madrid for Coimbra on Sun, Jul 12, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jul 12 the direct buses cover the 401 km distance in an average of 6 h 35 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 15 m .
On Sun, Jul 12 the slowest buses will take 6 h 59 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.
3186 · 3172
Normal · Normal
Normal · Normal
Normal · Normal
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FlixBus
Normal
Normal
FlixBus
NormalOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Coimbra among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $12. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 36m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.4 - 1.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $12, and a flight costs an average of $23.
Distance: 249 miles (401 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$30 Average price Cheapest | $111 Average price | $111 Average price | $101 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 12m Average total duration 8h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 36m Average total duration Fastest 1h 36m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 14m Average total duration 6h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 37m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.2 - 2.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular train company | 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 Coimbra:
A bus is $81 (€66) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Madrid to Coimbra costing on average $111 (€91).
A bus is $82 (€67) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Coimbra costing on average $111 (€92).
Other travel options to Coimbra take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 44m.
Bus takes on average 8h 42m.
Tickets start at around $30 (€25) compared to roughly $101 (€83) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $71 (€59). The journey takes 8h 42m versus 5h 37m 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, FlixBus, BlaBlaCar, Rede Expressos.
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 12:05AM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 12h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 12:30AM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 12h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 12:55AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 12h50 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 01:00AM | Arrival Time 11:44AM | Duration 11h44 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 01:15AM | Arrival Time 11:44AM | Duration 11h29 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:25AM | Arrival Time 06:05PM | Duration 9h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 13h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 07:35PM | Duration 10h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 12h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 06:59PM | Duration 6h59 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 06:59PM | Duration 6h29 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 09:44PM | Duration 6h59 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 09:44PM | Duration 6h29 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:20PM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 11:40PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 03:59AM | Duration 6h59 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 03:59AM | Duration 6h29 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 10:29AM | Duration 12h29 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 04:45AM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 04:45AM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 11:44AM | Duration 12h59 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 11:44AM | Duration 12h45 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $47 |
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Coimbra buses for today, Saturday, July 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:25 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 9h40 | 6:05 PM Coimbra, Rua do Padrao (Rodoviária) | 1 transfer | |
Normal · Normal | 9:45 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 13h15 | 10:00 PM Coimbra | 1 transfer | |
3186 · 3172 | 10:00 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 10h35 | 7:35 PM Coimbra, Rua do Padrao (Rodoviária) | 1 transfer | |
Normal · Normal | 10:30 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 12h30 | 10:00 PM Coimbra | 1 transfer | |
Normal | 3:45 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 6h59 | 9:44 PM Coimbra | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 4:15 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 6h29 | 9:44 PM Coimbra | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 11:00 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 6h45 | 4:45 AM Coimbra, Rua do Padrao (Rodoviária) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 11:30 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 6h15 | 4:45 AM Coimbra, Rua do Padrao (Rodoviária) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal · Normal | 11:59 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 12h45 | 11:44 AM Coimbra | 1 transfer | |
| Sunday, July 12 | |||||
Normal · Normal | 12:05 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 12h25 | 11:30 AM Coimbra | 1 transfer | |
Normal · Normal | 12:05 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 11h24 | 10:29 AM Coimbra | 1 transfer | |
Normal · Normal | 12:30 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 12h00 | 11:30 AM Coimbra | 1 transfer | |
Normal · Normal | 12:30 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 10h59 | 10:29 AM Coimbra | 1 transfer | |
4821 · 3125 | 12:55 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 12h50 | 12:45 PM Coimbra, Rua do Padrao (Rodoviária) | 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 Coimbra run on average 16 times per day, taking around 8h 42m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $12 (€10) if you book in advance.
There are 4 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 249 miles (401 km) distance in 5h 30m.
Distance 249 miles (401 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 (€10) |
Buses per day 16 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 5h 30m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 91 days |
Discover the best of Coimbra — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Coimbra trip today.
Major fine arts and archaeology museum built over the Roman cryptoporticus, with important sculpture, painting, and sacred art collections.
University museum with scientific collections, historic instruments, and exhibitions linked to Coimbra’s academic heritage.
Literary house museum dedicated to the celebrated Portuguese writer, preserving manuscripts, books, and personal belongings.
Steep, photogenic medieval lane connecting lower and upper Coimbra, popular for atmosphere, stairs, and old-city character.
Historic botanical garden with shaded paths, exotic plant collections, and a peaceful setting close to the university.
Historic upper town around the university, best explored on foot for heritage streets, viewpoints, and academic atmosphere.
Roast suckling pig from nearby Bairrada, prized for crisp skin and juicy meat. It is one of the region’s most famous celebratory dishes.
Traditional goat stew slowly cooked in red wine, garlic, and spices in a clay pot. It is a classic dish of the Coimbra district countryside.
Salt cod roasted with olive oil, garlic, and potatoes. A beloved central Portuguese preparation commonly found in Coimbra restaurants.
Small, iconic traditional tavern famous for hearty Portuguese dishes, rustic atmosphere, and a very local dining experience.
Established fine dining restaurant in Quinta das Lágrimas, offering upscale Portuguese cuisine in a romantic historic setting.
Refined restaurant at Museu Nacional Machado de Castro, known for modern Portuguese cuisine, elegant plating, and scenic terrace views over Coimbra.
Generally cheaper than Lisbon or Porto. Student-focused areas offer good value, while central hotels and tourist dining cost more.
Service is usually included. Tipping is not mandatory, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good restaurant service is appreciated. Small tips for taxis are optional.
Official public transport app
Coimbra-B Station, Coimbra -> Baixa de Coimbra, Coimbra
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Coimbra 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 Coimbra, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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