- Must visit
Real Monasterio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial
The monastery’s state rooms, basilica, libraries and royal collections form the town’s premier museum experience and Spain’s artistic highlight.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Madrid to El Escorial
Showing times and prices for Aug 27
Cheapest price
$2
Average price
$3
Fastest journey
20 m
Average duration
32 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
42 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Madrid to El Escorial is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to El Escorial will cost around $3 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $2.
Fast buses
Of the 5 buses that leave Madrid for El Escorial on Thu, Aug 27, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Aug 27 the direct buses cover the 42 km distance in an average of 32 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 20 m .
On Thu, Aug 27 the slowest buses will take 1 h 10 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.
9:00 AM0h20Madrid9:20 AMEl Escorial$21One-way0 transfers- 1:49 PM0h20Madrid2:09 PMEl Escorial$21One-way0 transfers
- 6:30 AM0h30Madrid7:00 AMEl Escorial$41One-way0 transfers
- 8:30 PM0h20Madrid8:50 PMEl Escorial$41One-way0 transfers
- 3:30 PM1h10Madrid4:40 PMEl Escorial$41One-way0 transfers
- 9:00 AM0h20Madrid9:20 AMEl Escorial$21One-way0 transfers
- 8:30 PM0h20Madrid8:50 PMEl Escorial$41One-way0 transfers
- 1:49 PM0h20Madrid2:09 PMEl Escorial$21One-way0 transfers
- 6:30 AM0h30Madrid7:00 AMEl Escorial$41One-way0 transfers
- 3:30 PM1h10Madrid4:40 PMEl Escorial$41One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Madrid to El Escorial
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Madrid to El Escorial among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $5. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 36m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $5, and a bus costs an average of $24.
Distance: 26 miles (42 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$26 Average price | $5 Average price Cheapest | $10 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 18m Average total duration 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 6m Average total duration Fastest 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 56m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Madrid to El Escorial is a train with an average price of $5.
This is compared to other travel options from Madrid to El Escorial:
A train is $21 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Madrid to El Escorial costing on average $26.
The fastest way to travel from Madrid to El Escorial is by train with an average journey time of 36m.
Other travel options to El Escorial take longer:
Bus takes on average 48m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Madrid and El Escorial including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Madrid to El Escorial among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the quicker way to make this trip, and the time saved usually justifies the slightly higher cost.
You'll arrive about 8m sooner (48m by bus vs 56m by car). Tickets start at around $26 compared to roughly $10 in fuel and tolls — a bit more, but you're getting time back, skipping traffic and parking, and you can work or rest on board.
Direct coaches are operated by BlaBlaCar, Alsa, Consorcio de Transportes de Madrid.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel splits across several people), want flexibility on timing, or plan to stop en route.
Madrid to El Escorial Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 07:00AM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 08:30AM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 08:40AM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 09:20AM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $2 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 09:50AM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 10:20AM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 01:35PM | Duration 0h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:49PM | Arrival Time 02:09PM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $2 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 05:30PM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:40PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 0h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $2 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:40PM | Arrival Time 11:20PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:20PM | Arrival Time 11:30PM | Duration 0h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $2 |
Live departures
Madrid to El Escorial bus times
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to El Escorial buses for today, Wednesday, August 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:20 AM Madrid | 0h30 | 9:50 AM El Escorial | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 3:30 PM Madrid | 0h20 | 3:50 PM El Escorial | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 8:40 PM Madrid | 0h10 | 8:50 PM El Escorial | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, August 27 | |||||
| 6:30 AM Madrid | 0h30 | 7:00 AM El Escorial | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 9:00 AM Madrid | 0h20 | 9:20 AM El Escorial | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Madrid to El Escorial by train or bus
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.
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Why should you book Madrid to El Escorial buses with Omio?
Alsa as well as Consorcio de Transportes de Madrid offer buses services from Madrid to El Escorial.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Madrid to El Escorial.
Why book with Omio vs Alsa?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Alsa, but also compare tickets for the likes of Consorcio de Transportes de Madrid to find the best option for your trip from Madrid to El Escorial.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Alsa with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Madrid to El Escorial.
Why book with Omio over Checkmybus, Rome2rio or Busbud?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Madrid to El Escorial.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Madrid to El Escorial
SpainSpain
Buses from Madrid to El Escorial run on average 5 times per day, taking around 48m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $24 but you can travel from only $5 by train.
There are 5 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 08:20, the last at 08:20. The fastest bus covers the 26 miles (42 km) distance in 50m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $5
Distance 26 miles (42 km) |
Average bus duration 48m |
Cheapest ticket price $24 |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 50m |
First bus 8:20 AM |
Last bus 8:20 AM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 7 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $5
Bus providers: BlaBlaCar, Alsa, Consorcio de Transportes de Madrid from Madrid to El EscorialYou can travel by bus between Madrid to El Escorial with BlaBlaCar, Alsa, Consorcio de Transportes de Madrid for as low as $5. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Alsa
About
Alsa is the main provider of bus travel in Spain and a subsidiary of the UK’s National Express. It operates an extensive network of regional, national, and international routes, transporting more than 300 million passengers annually. Alsa’s modern fleet offers varying levels of comfort and amenities. The standard Alsa Normal buses include free Wi-Fi, onboard bathrooms, footrests, and entertainment. For a more premium experience, Alsa Supra, Alsa Eurobus, and Alsa Premium services provide enhanced comfort and luxury features.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
50m
Cheapest Price
$24
Alsa frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 48 hours before departure for a partial refund. Changes allowed for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Accessible seating.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for an additional fee; must be packed.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets must travel in the hold.
BlaBlaCar
About
BlaBlaCar is a French online marketplace for carpooling, connecting drivers with empty seats and passengers traveling to the same destination to share costs. Founded in 2006, it operates in Europe and Latin America, boasting 26 million active members. The platform also includes BlaBlaCar Bus, an intercity bus service. BlaBlaCar's name comes from its rating system for drivers' chattiness: "Bla" for quiet, "BlaBla" for talkative, and "BlaBlaBla" for very chatty. The company aims to be the leading marketplace for shared travel, offering affordable and sustainable solutions by combining carpooling with bus journeys.
Luggage & cancellation policy
BlaBlaCar frequency
5 a day
Consorcio de Transportes de Madrid
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5m
Cheapest Price
$5
Consorcio de Transportes de Madrid frequency
51 a day
Complete guide to El Escorial
Things to do in El Escorial
Discover the best of El Escorial — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect El Escorial trip today.
- Must visit
Biblioteca del Monasterio de El Escorial
Monastery library visit featuring rare manuscripts, globes and frescoes; one of Europe’s great historic reading rooms inside the main complex.
- Must visit
Panteón de Reyes del Monasterio de El Escorial
Royal pantheon visit within the monastery, admired for black marble design and its exceptional connection to Spain’s Habsburg and Bourbon dynasties.
- Must visit
Calle Floridablanca
Broad monumental avenue framing classic views of the monastery façade, ideal for first impressions, architecture walks and evening strolls.
- Must visit
La Herrería
Large historic parkland and dehesa on the edge of town, appreciated for easy walks, open views and a strong sense of the royal landscape.
- Must visit
Monte Abantos
Granite summit area above town with expansive Sierra views; a favorite local escape for hiking, photography and sunset panoramas.
- Gluten-free
Cocido Escurialense
Slow-cooked bean stew from nearby San Lorenzo de El Escorial, often with meats and blood sausage. A hearty mountain dish strongly tied to the monastery area.
- Gluten-free
Cochinillo Asado
Roast suckling pig with crisp skin and tender meat. Common in traditional mesones around the Sierra and a classic celebratory Castilian dish.
- Gluten-free
Cordero Asado
Wood-fired roast lamb, usually seasoned simply with salt and water. A hallmark of inland Castilian cooking valued for its purity and rich flavor.
Restaurante Charolés
Historic restaurant near the monastery known for traditional Castilian roasts, game, and old-world dining rooms with a classic formal atmosphere.
Mesón Las Tinajas
Classic mesón-style venue offering Spanish staples, grilled meats, and generous portions in a relaxed, traditional atmosphere.
Asador del Rey
Well-known asador serving roast meats, hearty regional dishes, and tapas in a traditional setting popular for family meals and local gatherings.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Madrid region; dining and lodging are lower than central Madrid, while monastery-area cafes and hotels can cost a bit more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €10-15 for a simple meal or takeaway.
- Mid-range
- €18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €45-70 per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €1.50-3 for coffee.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; taxis are usually rounded up, and small change is fine in cafes.
Tarjeta Transporte
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €1.50
- Day pass
- €8.40
To the city center
El Escorial -> Plaza de España, El Escorial
- Distance
- 800 m
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Most local travel is on Comunidad de Madrid buses and Cercanías trains; check fares and routes in the official CRTM channels before travel.
- Contactless bank card payment is not generally available on CRTM buses or Cercanías for regular fares; buy a ticket or use the Tarjeta Transporte card.
FAQs: Bus from Madrid to El Escorial
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to El Escorial 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 El Escorial, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Madrid to El Escorial can start from as little as $24 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Madrid to El Escorial is $26 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Madrid to El Escorial is 50m to travel the 26 miles (42 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Madrid to El Escorial leaves at 8:20 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Madrid to El Escorial leaves at 8:20 AM.
Yes, there are 5 direct buses a day from Madrid to El Escorial with BlaBlaCar, Alsa, Consorcio de Transportes de Madrid. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Madrid to El Escorial, you can count on BlaBlaCar, Alsa, Consorcio de Transportes de Madrid for the best way to get you to El Escorial. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Madrid and El Escorial and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
Passengers board the bus most frequently from Madrid, Principe Pio, which is located around 0 miles (1 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at El Escorial, Estación de Tren, located 1 away from the city centre.
A day trip to El Escorial from Madrid is worth doing with a journey time of 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Madrid to El Escorial is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Madrid and El Escorial including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Madrid to El Escorial:
- Alsa
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible seating.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Madrid to El Escorial for bus company Alsa.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Madrid to El Escorial depends on the bus companies:
- Alsa
- You can cancel your ticket up to 48 hours before departure for a partial refund. Changes allowed for a fee.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company Alsa.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Madrid to El Escorial.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Madrid to El Escorial:
- Alsa
- One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Madrid to El Escorial:
- Alsa
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Madrid to El Escorial. The following conditions apply:
- Alsa
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets must travel in the hold.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Madrid to El Escorial with the following bus company: Alsa
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Madrid to El Escorial with the following bus company: Alsa.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Madrid to El Escorial with the following bus company: Alsa.
Since both Madrid and El Escorial are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Madrid to El Escorial among Omio's users.
Spain uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers can use both cash and cards, but cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, while cash may be preferred for small purchases, markets, and rural locations.
In El Escorial, travelers should be aware of pickpocketing in crowded areas, especially near the Royal Monastery and popular tourist spots. It is advisable to stay vigilant with personal belongings and avoid accepting unsolicited help from strangers. There are no widespread scams reported, but standard precautions such as using official ticket counters and authorized guides help ensure a safe experience.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Madrid to El Escorial
Most Madrid to El Escorial buses use the Madrid, Principe Pio to El Escorial, Estación de Tren station pair. Use this guide to compare Madrid and El Escorial bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Madrid
Arrival bus stations in El Escorial
Which Madrid station do buses to El Escorial leave from?
Buses from Madrid to El Escorial leave from Madrid, Principe Pio. The station is 1 miles (2 km) from Madrid city centre at Príncipe Pío, Moncloa - Aravaca, 28008 Madrid, Spain.
Madrid, Principe PioPríncipe Pío, Moncloa - Aravaca, 28008 Madrid, Spain
City-centre transport
Getting to Madrid, Principe Pio from Madrid city centre
Madrid, Principe Pio is 1 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
BusN18, N19, N20 · 6m · $1 · every ~34 min
N18, N20, N19 · 7m · $1 · every ~34 min
Madrid, Principe Pio bus station facilities and services
Madrid, Principe Pio has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Multiple eateries and cafes inside the station.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi available in the waiting area. ATMs are aTM machines located near the ticket counters.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Principe Pio.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Madrid, Principe Pio: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Principe Pio: Wheelchair accessible ramps and elevators.
Which El Escorial station do buses from Madrid arrive at?
Buses from Madrid to El Escorial arrive at El Escorial, Estación de Tren. El Escorial, Estación de Tren is 0 miles (1 km) from El Escorial city centre.
El Escorial, Estación de TrenEl Escorial, 28280 El Escorial, Madrid, Spain
City-centre transport
Getting to El Escorial, Estación de Tren from El Escorial city centre
El Escorial, Estación de Tren is 1 km from El Escorial city centre. Public transport options include:
TRUE
El Escorial, Estación de Tren bus station facilities and services
El Escorial, Estación de Tren has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at El Escorial, Estación de Tren. ATMs are available at El Escorial, Estación de Tren.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at El Escorial, Estación de Tren.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at El Escorial, Estación de Tren: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at El Escorial, Estación de Tren: Ramps available for wheelchair access.
More options for your journey from Madrid to El Escorial
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from El Escorial and Madrid
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