- Must visit
Musée Maritime de La Rochelle
An excellent maritime museum focused on La Rochelle's seafaring history, with preserved vessels and harbor-side exhibits. A strong choice for understanding the city's identity as an Atlantic port.
Cheapest price
$56
Average price
$68
Fastest journey
11 h 29 m
Average duration
11 h 38 m
Buses per day
9
Distance
672 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Madrid to La Rochelle is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to La Rochelle will cost around $68 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $56.
Of the 9 buses that leave Madrid for La Rochelle on Sat, Jun 06, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 06 the direct buses cover the 672 km distance in an average of 11 h 38 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 11 h 29 m .
On Sat, Jun 06 the slowest buses will take 11 h 44 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.
FlixBus
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4004 · 4031
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Normal · NormalOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Madrid to La Rochelle among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $35. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 12h 16m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $35, and a train costs an average of $206.
Distance: 417 miles (672 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$59 Average price Cheapest | $208 Average price | $178 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
12h 46m Average total duration Fastest 12h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 17h 58m Average total duration 17h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 55m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Madrid to La Rochelle:
A bus is $149 (€121) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Madrid to La Rochelle costing on average $208 (€168).
Other travel options to La Rochelle take longer:
Train takes on average 17h 28m.
Tickets start at around $59 (€47) compared to roughly $178 (€144) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $119 (€96). The journey takes 12h 16m versus 8h 55m 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 FlixBus, BlaBlaCar.
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 FlixBus | Departure Time 02:50PM | Arrival Time 04:55AM | Duration 14h05 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 03:14AM | Duration 11h44 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator Internorte | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 03:14AM | Duration 11h44 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 03:14AM | Duration 11h44 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 03:14AM | Duration 11h29 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator Internorte | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 03:14AM | Duration 11h29 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:55PM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 13h50 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 15h40 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 17h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 17h06 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $66 |
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to La Rochelle buses for today, Friday, June 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3160 · 5616 | 10:30 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 15h40 | 2:10 PM La Rochelle, P+R Jean Moulin | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:35 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 17h30 | 5:05 PM La Rochelle, Jean Moulin | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:59 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 17h06 | 5:05 PM La Rochelle, Jean Moulin | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, June 6 | |||||
4004 · 4031 | 3:30 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 11h44 | 3:14 AM La Rochelle, P+R Jean Moulin | 1 transfer | |
Normal · Normal | 3:30 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 11h44 | 3:14 AM La Rochelle, Place De Verdun | 1 transfer | |
Normal · Normal | 3:30 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 11h44 | 3:14 AM La Rochelle, Place De Verdun | 1 transfer | |
Normal · Normal | 3:45 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 11h29 | 3:14 AM La Rochelle, Place De Verdun | 1 transfer | |
Normal · Normal | 3:45 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 11h29 | 3:14 AM La Rochelle, Place De Verdun | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 3:55 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 13h50 | 5:45 AM La Rochelle, Jean Moulin | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 La Rochelle run on average 6 times per day, taking around 12h 16m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $35 (€28) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:10, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 417 miles (672 km) distance in 11h 44m.
Distance 417 miles (672 km) |
Average bus duration 12h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price $35 (€28) |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 11h 44m |
First bus 12:10 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 6 days |
Discover the best of La Rochelle — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect La Rochelle trip today.
An excellent maritime museum focused on La Rochelle's seafaring history, with preserved vessels and harbor-side exhibits. A strong choice for understanding the city's identity as an Atlantic port.
A well-regarded natural history museum with zoology, geology, and ethnography collections in a historic setting. Good for families and visitors interested in science and regional heritage.
Set in an elegant mansion, this museum explores links between La Rochelle and the Americas through art, trade, and colonial-era history. Especially interesting for history-focused visitors.
The historic center, with arcaded streets, stone facades, and lively squares, is the best area for wandering without a strict plan. It is central to the city's appeal.
A colorful former fishermen's quarter known for bright facades, street art atmosphere, and lively harbor views. It is especially popular for photos and sunset walks.
A long urban park ideal for walking, jogging, and relaxing near the center. It offers greenery, water features, and an easy break from the busy port area.
Small mussels farmed on wooden poles along the Atlantic coast, often served marinière with white wine. A classic local seafood specialty around La Rochelle.
Renowned oysters from the nearby Marennes-Oléron basin, prized for their refined, briny flavor and strong link to Charente-Maritime.
Traditional Charentais mussels cooked under a layer of burning pine needles, giving them a smoky aroma. It is a festive regional preparation.
Celebrated fine dining restaurant by the sea, known for refined sustainable seafood and elegant service. One of La Rochelle's landmark gastronomic addresses.
Well-known upscale restaurant facing the old port, appreciated for polished seafood cuisine, seasonal products, and a smart but relaxed atmosphere.
Established seafood-focused restaurant linked to chef Christopher Coutanceau, offering a more casual bistro experience with quality local produce.
Moderate by French standards. Cafes and casual meals are reasonable, while seafood, hotels, and summer prices rise.
Service is included in restaurant prices. Small change or rounding up is appreciated for good service; 5-10% is optional. Round up taxis; tipping is not expected in bars or cafes.
Official public transport app
La Rochelle P+R Jean Moulin -> La Rochelle-Ville Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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