- Must visit
Aquarium La Rochelle
One of Europe's leading aquariums, showcasing Atlantic and tropical marine life. A flagship family attraction connected to La Rochelle's seafaring identity.
Cheapest price
$54
Average price
$73
Fastest journey
11 h 29 m
Average duration
11 h 38 m
Buses per day
20
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 $73 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $54.
Of the 20 buses that leave Madrid for La Rochelle on Wed, Jul 22, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 22 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 Wed, Jul 22 the slowest buses will take 11 h 45 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 · FlixBus
3162 · 51027
Normal · Normal
Normal · Normal
Normal · Normal
Normal · Normal
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FlixBusOmio 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 $34. 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 $34, and a train costs an average of $202.
Distance: 417 miles (672 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$58 Average price Cheapest | $204 Average price | $175 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 $147 (€121) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Madrid to La Rochelle costing on average $204 (€168).
Other travel options to La Rochelle take longer:
Train takes on average 17h 28m.
Tickets start at around $58 (€47) compared to roughly $175 (€144) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $117 (€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 Autobuses Pamplona Madrid | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 03:14AM | Duration 19h44 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 03:14AM | Duration 19h14 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $104 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 03:14AM | Duration 18h14 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $100 |
Operator Autobuses Pamplona Madrid | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 03:14AM | Duration 18h14 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 03:14AM | Duration 17h59 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $101 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 03:14AM | Duration 17h14 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $92 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 03:14AM | Duration 16h59 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $92 |
Operator Autobuses Pamplona Madrid | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 03:14AM | Duration 16h14 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 03:14AM | Duration 15h14 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $92 |
Operator Autobuses Pamplona Madrid | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 03:14AM | Duration 14h59 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator Autobuses Pamplona Madrid | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 03:14AM | Duration 14h14 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:50PM | Arrival Time 04:55AM | Duration 14h05 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $93 |
Operator Internorte | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 03:14AM | Duration 11h44 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 03:14AM | Duration 11h44 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 03:14AM | Duration 11h44 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 03:14AM | Duration 11h29 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator Internorte | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 03:14AM | Duration 11h29 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:55PM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 13h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 06:35PM | Arrival Time 08:35AM | Duration 14h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:20PM | Arrival Time 07:30AM | Duration 12h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:45PM | Arrival Time 07:30AM | Duration 11h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 02:15PM | Duration 14h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 02:15PM | Duration 14h16 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $54 |
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to La Rochelle buses for today, Tuesday, July 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Normal · Normal | 3:30 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 11h44 | 3:14 AM La Rochelle, Place De Verdun | 1 transfer | |
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 | 3:45 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 | |
3162 · 51027 | 6:35 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 13h45 | 8:20 AM La Rochelle, P+R Jean Moulin | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 7:20 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 12h10 | 7:30 AM La Rochelle, Jean Moulin | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 7:45 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 11h45 | 7:30 AM La Rochelle, Jean Moulin | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:35 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 17h30 | 5:05 PM La Rochelle, Jean Moulin | 1 transfer | |
Normal+ 4031 | 7:30 AM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 19h44 | 3:14 AM La Rochelle, P+R Jean Moulin | 1 transfer | |
Supra Economy · Normal+ 4031 | 9:00 AM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 18h14 | 3:14 AM La Rochelle, P+R Jean Moulin | 2 transfers | |
Normal+ 4031 | 9:00 AM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 18h14 | 3:14 AM La Rochelle, P+R Jean Moulin | 1 transfer | |
Supra Economy · Normal+ 4031 | 9:15 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 17h59 | 3:14 AM La Rochelle, P+R Jean Moulin | 2 transfers | |
Normal · Normal+ 4031 | 10:00 AM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 17h14 | 3:14 AM La Rochelle, P+R Jean Moulin | 2 transfers | |
Normal · Normal+ 4031 | 10:15 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 16h59 | 3:14 AM La Rochelle, P+R Jean Moulin | 2 transfers | |
Normal+ 4031 | 11:00 AM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 16h14 | 3:14 AM La Rochelle, P+R Jean Moulin | 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 La Rochelle run on average 6 times per day, taking around 12h 16m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $34 (€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 $34 (€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.
One of Europe's leading aquariums, showcasing Atlantic and tropical marine life. A flagship family attraction connected to La Rochelle's seafaring identity.
Maritime museum featuring preserved ships and exhibits on navigation, trade, and ocean life. Ideal for exploring La Rochelle's strong nautical heritage.
Natural history museum with zoology, ethnography, and regional collections in a historic setting. Excellent for understanding science and global curiosities.
The city's postcard harbor lined with historic towers, quays, and lively promenades. Essential for first-time visitors, photos, and atmosphere day or night.
Elegant arcaded shopping street in the historic center. Great for wandering beneath covered walkways and admiring La Rochelle's distinctive stone architecture.
Historic market district centered on the covered market halls. It is one of the best areas to feel daily local life in the old city.
Fresh Atlantic oysters from nearby Marennes-Oléron, prized for their briny taste and strong link to the Charente coast and local oyster farming.
Blue mussels from the Bay of Aiguillon or nearby coast, often served simply steamed to highlight a classic local shellfish tradition.
Small local shrimp, usually eaten chilled with butter or mayonnaise. A staple seafood snack tied to the fishing culture of La Rochelle.
Refined Michelin-starred dining in the old port area, known for elegant seafood-focused tasting menus and polished service.
Well-known harbor restaurant specializing in fresh fish, oysters, and regional seafood in a lively, traditional setting.
Historic seafood institution near the harbor, celebrated for shellfish platters, fish dishes, and a classic La Rochelle brasserie atmosphere.
Moderate for coastal France; hotels rise in summer, but dining and local transit are manageable versus larger French tourist cities.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service. Taxis can be rounded up; small change is enough in cafes.
Official public transport app
P+R Jean Moulin -> Place de Verdun, La Rochelle
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.

Most Madrid to La Rochelle buses use the Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses to La Rochelle, Jean Moulin station pair, with some services arriving at La Rochelle, P+R Jean Moulin. Use this guide to compare Madrid and La Rochelle 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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need