- Must visit
ZKM | Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe
Major contemporary art and media museum complex known for interactive digital art, changing exhibitions, and strong international reputation.
Cheapest price
$73
Average price
$117
Fastest journey
1 d 1 h 25 m
Average duration
1 d 1 h 56 m
Buses per day
11
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 $117 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $73.
Of the 11 buses that leave Madrid for Karlsruhe on Fri, Jul 10, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 10 the direct buses cover the 1348 km distance in an average of 1 d 1 h 56 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 d 1 h 25 m .
On Fri, Jul 10 the slowest buses will take 1 d 2 h 15 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.
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Normal
FlixBus · FlixBus
54152
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
Normal
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
54152
NormalOmio 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 $63. 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 $63, and a train costs an average of $309.
Distance: 837 miles (1348 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$97 Average price Cheapest | $309 Average price | $337 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 $212 (€174) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Madrid to Karlsruhe costing on average $309 (€254).
Other travel options to Karlsruhe take longer:
Bus takes on average 25h 10m.
Train takes on average 41h 43m.
Tickets start at around $97 (€80) compared to roughly $337 (€277) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $240 (€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, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $135 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:35AM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 26h15 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 08:35AM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 26h15 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 25h35 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:50PM | Arrival Time 07:27PM | Duration 28h37 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $108 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:55PM | Arrival Time 06:05PM | Duration 26h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:40PM | Arrival Time 06:05PM | Duration 25h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $99 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:25PM | Arrival Time 12:00AM | Duration 27h35 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $173 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 02:10AM | Duration 29h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $106 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:55PM | Arrival Time 01:50AM | Duration 27h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 03:05AM | Duration 28h35 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $92 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 10:23AM | Duration 34h48 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $113 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 29h46 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $105 |
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Karlsruhe buses for today, Thursday, July 9. 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+ FlixTrain | 2:50 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 28h37 | 7:27 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:55 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 26h10 | 6:05 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:40 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 25h25 | 6:05 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:50 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 29h20 | 2:10 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:55 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 27h55 | 1:50 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:35 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 30h10 | 5:45 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:59 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 29h46 | 5:45 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
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 Karlsruhe run on average 7 times per day, taking around 25h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $63 (€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 $63 (€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 complex known for interactive digital art, changing exhibitions, and strong international reputation.
State museum in Karlsruhe Palace with collections on archaeology, world cultures, and regional history in a landmark setting.
Important fine arts museum with works from old masters to modern art; a key stop for painting lovers when exhibitions are open.
Large park behind Karlsruhe Palace, ideal for strolling, picnics, and classic views along the city’s radial layout.
Central square with the Karlsruhe Pyramid, historic buildings, and a strong sense of the city’s planned urban identity.
Popular hill and viewpoint above Durlach with panoramic city views, especially attractive at sunset and in social media photos.
Swabian pasta pockets filled with minced meat, spinach, onions, and herbs, often served in broth or pan-fried. A classic in Baden-Württemberg and widely enjoyed in Karlsruhe.
Soft egg noodles layered with melted cheese and topped with fried onions. A beloved southern German comfort dish commonly found in Karlsruhe taverns.
A thin, crisp tart from nearby Alsace and Baden, traditionally topped with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon. It is a regional staple around Karlsruhe.
Established traditional restaurant known for Baden and Alsatian specialties, regional wines, and a warm historic atmosphere in central Karlsruhe.
Well-known rustic venue serving hearty Baden and German dishes in a classic beer hall setting. Popular for traditional local meals and generous portions.
Established fine-dining restaurant with panoramic views, refined modern cuisine, and a special-occasion atmosphere above the city.
Moderate by German standards. Public transport and casual dining are manageable, while hotels and central restaurants cost more.
Service is usually included. In restaurants, round up or leave about 5-10% for good service. Round up taxi fares. Small tips are appreciated in cafés; not expected for counter service.
Official public transport app
Karlsruhe, Hinterm Hauptbahnhof -> Karlsruhe Marktplatz
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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