- Must visit
Badisches Landesmuseum
Major regional museum inside Karlsruhe Palace, with archaeology, applied arts, and cultural history collections.
Cheapest price
$143
Average price
$290
Fastest journey
1 d 1 h 25 m
Average duration
1 d 3 h 4 m
Buses per day
8
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 $290 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $143.
It's difficult to get from Madrid to Karlsruhe without transferring at least once.
4822 · 51511
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
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 $75. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 25h 17m. 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 $75, and a train costs an average of $316.
Distance: 837 miles (1348 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$104 Average price Cheapest | $316 Average price | $350 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
25h 47m Average total duration Fastest 25h 17m 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 (€170) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Madrid to Karlsruhe costing on average $316 (€254).
Other travel options to Karlsruhe take longer:
Bus takes on average 25h 17m.
Train takes on average 41h 43m.
Tickets start at around $104 (€84) compared to roughly $350 (€281) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $246 (€198). The journey takes 25h 17m 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 $143 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:35AM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 26h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $100 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 08:35AM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 26h15 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $99 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 25h35 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $100 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:55PM | Arrival Time 06:05PM | Duration 26h10 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $281 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:40PM | Arrival Time 06:05PM | Duration 25h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $249 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:25PM | Arrival Time 12:00AM | Duration 27h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $269 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 02:10AM | Duration 29h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $210 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 30h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $210 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 29h46 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $231 |
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Karlsruhe buses for today, Sunday, August 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:40 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 25h25 | 6:05 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 | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:35 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 30h45 | 6:20 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:59 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 30h21 | 6:20 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| Monday, August 24 | |||||
4822 · 51511 | 6:30 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 29h05 | 11:35 AM Karlsruhe, Hinterm Hauptbahnhof (Südeingang) | 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 8 times per day, taking around 25h 17m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $75 (€60) 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 25m.
Distance 837 miles (1348 km) |
Average bus duration 25h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price $75 (€60) |
Buses per day 8 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 25h 25m |
First bus 12:35 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Wed |
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 regional museum inside Karlsruhe Palace, with archaeology, applied arts, and cultural history collections.
Leading center for art and media with exhibitions on digital culture, contemporary art, and immersive technology.
State art museum showing works from old masters to modern periods in a distinguished historic setting.
Grand central square lined with major buildings and the city pyramid, ideal for orientation and architecture.
Large landscaped park behind the palace with tree-lined paths, gardens, and space for relaxed walks.
Wooded hill and lookout area above Durlach, popular for walks, sunsets, and broad views of the Rhine plain.
A hearty Baden potato soup, often finished with cream and herbs. It is a regional comfort dish common across Baden homes and inns.
Thin pancakes sliced into strips and served in clear beef broth. Popular in Baden and Swabia, it is a classic starter in traditional restaurants.
Handmade egg noodles from nearby Swabian tradition, often served with cheese or lentils. Widely eaten in Karlsruhe and across Baden-Württemberg.
Michelin-starred fine dining with creative tasting menus and polished service. Best for a high-end meal showcasing modern German cuisine.
Traditional Baden restaurant in a historic setting, known for regional classics, seasonal menus, and a refined but welcoming atmosphere.
Established brewery venue serving house beers and hearty German dishes. Lively, casual atmosphere popular for local food and social evenings.
Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, while transit is affordable and many casual meals stay reasonably priced.
Service is usually included, but rounding up is standard. Add about 5-10% in restaurants, round up taxi fares, and leave small change at cafes.
Official public transport app
Karlsruhe, Hinterm Hauptbahnhof (Südeingang) -> 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.

Most Madrid to Karlsruhe buses use the Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses to Karlsruhe Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Karlsruhe, Hinterm Hauptbahnhof (Südeingang). Use this guide to compare Madrid and Karlsruhe 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.
Karlsruhe, Hinterm Hauptbahnhof (Südeingang) is 1 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:
Karlsruhe, Hinterm Hauptbahnhof (Südeingang) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Karlsruhe, Hinterm Hauptbahnhof (Südeingang). ATMs are available at Karlsruhe, Hinterm Hauptbahnhof (Südeingang).
Ticket office support is available at Karlsruhe, Hinterm Hauptbahnhof (Südeingang).
Available at Karlsruhe, Hinterm Hauptbahnhof (Südeingang): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlsruhe, Hinterm Hauptbahnhof (Südeingang): The station is accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
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