- Must visit
ZKM | Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe
Major contemporary art and media museum known for interactive digital art, changing exhibitions, and its influence on media art internationally.
Cheapest price
$167
Average price
$210
Fastest journey
1 d 1 h 35 m
Average duration
1 d 3 h 35 m
Buses per day
10
Distance
1348 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Madrid to Karlsruhe is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Karlsruhe will cost around $210 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $167.
It's difficult to get from Madrid to Karlsruhe without transferring at least once.
4822 · 51511
3160 · 30492
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
3160 · 30492
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Karlsruhe among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $64. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 25h 10m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 1.3 - 3.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $64, and a train costs an average of $314.
Distance: 837 miles (1348 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$98 Average price Cheapest | $314 Average price | $342 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
25h 40m Average total duration Fastest 25h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 42h 13m Average total duration 41h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 17h 51m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
1.3 - 3.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Karlsruhe:
A bus is $215 (€174) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Madrid to Karlsruhe costing on average $314 (€254).
Other travel options to Karlsruhe take longer:
Bus takes on average 25h 10m.
Train takes on average 41h 43m.
Tickets start at around $98 (€80) compared to roughly $342 (€277) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $244 (€197). The journey takes 25h 10m versus 17h 51m 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 BlaBlaCar Bus, Alsa.
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 06:30AM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 29h05 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $136 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 06:35AM | Arrival Time 08:50AM | Duration 26h15 | Departure days Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 07:35AM | Arrival Time 09:50AM | Duration 26h15 | Departure days Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:35AM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 26h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 08:35AM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 26h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $99 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 25h35 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 06:27PM | Duration 28h37 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $100 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:50PM | Arrival Time 07:27PM | Duration 28h37 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $109 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:55PM | Arrival Time 11:00PM | Duration 32h05 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $104 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:55PM | Arrival Time 06:15PM | Duration 26h20 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $120 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:40PM | Arrival Time 06:15PM | Duration 25h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $114 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 29h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:25PM | Arrival Time 12:00AM | Duration 27h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $114 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 01:05AM | Duration 28h35 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $99 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 12:00AM | Duration 27h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $113 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:25PM | Arrival Time 03:45AM | Duration 30h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $107 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 02:05AM | Duration 28h35 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $107 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 03:05AM | Duration 28h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $94 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 30h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $111 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 10:23AM | Duration 34h24 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $109 |
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Karlsruhe buses for tomorrow, Monday, May 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4822 · 51511 | 6:30 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 29h05 | 11:35 AM Karlsruhe, Hinterm Hauptbahnhof (Südeingang) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:40 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 25h35 | 6:15 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:25 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 27h35 | 12:00 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:50 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 27h10 | 12:00 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:50 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 29h00 | 1:50 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
3160 · 30492 | 10:30 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 28h35 | 3:05 AM Karlsruhe, Hinterm Hauptbahnhof (Südeingang) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 11:35 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 34h48 | 10:23 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:35 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 30h10 | 5:45 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 11:59 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 34h24 | 10:23 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:59 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 29h46 | 5:45 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
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 Karlsruhe run on average 7 times per day, taking around 25h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $64 (€51) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:35, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 837 miles (1348 km) distance in 25h 35m.
Distance 837 miles (1348 km) |
Average bus duration 25h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $64 (€51) |
Buses per day 7 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 25h 35m |
First bus 12:35 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Karlsruhe — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Karlsruhe trip today.
Major contemporary art and media museum known for interactive digital art, changing exhibitions, and its influence on media art internationally.
Regional history museum inside Karlsruhe Palace, featuring archaeology, decorative arts, and cultural history collections from Baden and beyond.
Important fine arts museum with works from the Middle Ages to modern periods, especially strong in German, Dutch, and French painting.
Large park stretching behind the palace, ideal for relaxed walks, seasonal photos, and classic views that define Karlsruhe's green character.
Historic main square with the pyramid, town hall, and church frontage, serving as the symbolic and urban center of Karlsruhe.
Hilltop viewpoint above Durlach with broad views over Karlsruhe and the Rhine plain, popular for sunsets, photos, and short scenic outings.
Swabian-style pasta pockets filled with meat, spinach, bread, and herbs, commonly served in broth or pan-fried. A beloved regional classic often found in Baden and Karlsruhe.
Soft egg noodles layered with cheese and topped with fried onions. This hearty southern German dish is popular across Baden-Württemberg and widely eaten in Karlsruhe.
Baden-style pot roast marinated in vinegar, wine, and spices, then braised until tender. It reflects the rich culinary traditions of the Baden region.
Traditional restaurant focused on Baden dishes and wines, appreciated for its classic interior and regional cooking.
Established hilltop restaurant with panoramic views, known for refined regional cuisine and a special-occasion atmosphere above Karlsruhe.
Well-known local brewery restaurant serving house beer and hearty Baden pub dishes in a lively, traditional setting.
Moderate by German standards. Public transport is reasonable, while hotels and central dining cost more.
Service is usually included. Round up in cafés and taxis. In restaurants, 5-10% is common for good service; hand the tip directly when paying.
Official public transport app
Karlsruhe Hbf, Karlsruhe -> Marktplatz, Karlsruhe
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Karlsruhe 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 Karlsruhe, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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