- Must visit
Musée Matisse
Museum in Cimiez dedicated to Henri Matisse, with paintings, drawings, cut-outs, and personal objects in a historic villa.
Cheapest price
$62
Average price
$103
Fastest journey
17 h 25 m
Average duration
19 h 35 m
Buses per day
9
Distance
976 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Madrid to Nice is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Nice will cost around $103 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $62.
Of the 9 buses that leave Madrid for Nice on Tue, Jun 16, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jun 16 the direct buses cover the 976 km distance in an average of 19 h 35 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 17 h 25 m .
On Tue, Jun 16 the slowest buses will take 20 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.

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FlixBus
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NormalOmio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Nice among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $45. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 35m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 0.9kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $45, and a flight costs an average of $36.
Distance: 606 miles (976 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$83 Average price Cheapest | $220 Average price | $198 Average price | $249 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
19h 24m Average total duration 18h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 35m Average total duration Fastest 3h 35m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 32m Average total duration 10h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 39m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
1.0 - 2.4kg CO2 emissions | 2.9 - 5.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.3 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | 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 Nice:
A bus is $115 (€93) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Madrid to Nice costing on average $198 (€160).
A bus is $138 (€111) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Nice costing on average $220 (€178).
Other travel options to Nice take longer:
Train takes on average 10h 2m.
Bus takes on average 18h 54m.
Tickets start at around $83 (€67) compared to roughly $249 (€202) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $167 (€135). The journey takes 18h 54m versus 12h 39m 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 Alsa, FlixBus, Gipsyy, Union Ivkoni International, 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 Alsa | Departure Time 12:14AM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 19h31 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 01:15AM | Arrival Time 07:15PM | Duration 18h00 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator iryo | Departure Time 06:09AM | Arrival Time 01:35AM | Duration 19h26 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $113 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 01:35AM | Duration 19h05 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $88 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 01:35AM | Duration 18h35 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator iryo | Departure Time 07:22AM | Arrival Time 01:35AM | Duration 18h13 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $119 |
Operator iryo | Departure Time 08:22AM | Arrival Time 01:35AM | Duration 17h13 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $135 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 08:35AM | Arrival Time 05:05AM | Duration 20h30 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $86 |
Operator iryo | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 01:35AM | Duration 16h45 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $111 |
Operator iryo | Departure Time 09:57AM | Arrival Time 01:35AM | Duration 15h38 | Departure days Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $131 |
Operator iryo | Departure Time 11:22AM | Arrival Time 01:35AM | Duration 14h13 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $154 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 09:40AM | Duration 20h25 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 09:40AM | Duration 19h40 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator iryo | Departure Time 02:42PM | Arrival Time 09:40AM | Duration 18h58 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $125 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 03:15PM | Arrival Time 09:40AM | Duration 18h25 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 07:00AM | Duration 15h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $88 |
Operator iryo | Departure Time 03:52PM | Arrival Time 09:40AM | Duration 17h48 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $183 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:55PM | Arrival Time 03:10PM | Duration 23h15 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $109 |
Operator iryo | Departure Time 04:37PM | Arrival Time 09:40AM | Duration 17h03 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $148 |
Operator iryo | Departure Time 05:22PM | Arrival Time 09:40AM | Duration 16h18 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator iryo | Departure Time 06:19PM | Arrival Time 09:40AM | Duration 15h21 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator iryo | Departure Time 06:32PM | Arrival Time 09:40AM | Duration 15h08 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $167 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:05PM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 17h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $122 |
Operator iryo | Departure Time 07:29PM | Arrival Time 09:40AM | Duration 14h11 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $86 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 07:15PM | Duration 22h45 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 24h40 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $148 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 24h50 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $119 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:55PM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 24h30 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $135 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 20h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator Gipsyy | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 20h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 20h45 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $80 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 20h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator Gipsyy | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 20h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 23h50 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $153 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 07:15PM | Duration 19h30 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 01:15AM | Duration 25h16 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $143 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 07:15PM | Duration 19h16 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $48 |
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Nice buses for today, Monday, June 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 7:05 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 17h25 | 12:30 PM Nice, Aéroport Nice Côte d'Azur (Gare routière - Terminal 1) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:00 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 20h45 | 7:45 PM Nice | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 11:00 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 20h45 | 7:45 PM Nice, Aéroport Nice Côte d'Azur | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:30 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 20h15 | 7:45 PM Nice | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 11:30 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 20h15 | 7:45 PM Nice, Aéroport Nice Côte d'Azur | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:59 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 25h16 | 1:15 AM Nice, Aéroport Nice Côte d'Azur (Gare routière - Terminal 1) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:59 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 31h06 | 7:05 AM Nice, Gare Routière Vauban | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight 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 Nice run on average 9 times per day, taking around 18h 54m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $45 (€36) but you can travel from only $36 (€29) by flight.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:14, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 606 miles (976 km) distance in 17h 25m.
Distance 606 miles (976 km) |
Average bus duration 18h 54m |
Cheapest ticket price $45 (€36) |
Buses per day 9 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 17h 25m |
First bus 12:14 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 56 days |
Discover the best of Nice — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Nice trip today.
Museum in Cimiez dedicated to Henri Matisse, with paintings, drawings, cut-outs, and personal objects in a historic villa.
National museum holding one of the world’s most important collections of Marc Chagall’s Biblical message works.
Nice’s museum of modern and contemporary art, known for postwar European and American works and its rooftop views.
Nice’s iconic seafront boulevard, ideal for walking, cycling, sunset views, and classic Riviera atmosphere.
The old town’s narrow lanes, colorful facades, markets, and lively squares make it a core area for first-time visitors.
Hilltop park and viewpoint with panoramic city and sea views, ruins, greenery, and one of Nice’s best photo spots.
Nice’s signature salad of tomatoes, raw vegetables, olives, anchovies or tuna, and hard-boiled eggs. It is the city’s best-known classic and reflects the produce of the Riviera.
A thin chickpea-flour pancake baked in a hot oven or wood-fired oven, usually served with pepper. It is one of Nice’s most iconic street foods.
A local onion tart topped with anchovies and black olives. It is a classic Niçois snack with sweet slow-cooked onions and strong Mediterranean flavors.
An established fine-dining restaurant with a refined tasting-menu approach that blends Mediterranean ingredients with polished modern technique.
A well-known old-town restaurant serving traditional Niçois and Italian-influenced dishes in a classic, friendly family-run atmosphere.
A small, celebrated Niçois institution known for traditional specialties such as petits farcis, pasta, and market-driven Riviera cooking in an intimate setting.
Prices are above average for France, especially in summer. Budget eats are manageable, but hotels and seafront dining cost more.
Service is usually included. Rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good restaurant service is appreciated but not required. Small change for cafés and taxis is common.
Official public transport app
Nice, Aéroport Nice Côte d'Azur Gare routière Terminal 1 -> Nice-Ville Station, Nice
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Nice 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 Nice, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need