- Must visit
Museu Memorial do Refugiado e do Cônsul Aristides de Sousa Mendes
Museum in the old border customs building telling stories of refugees, espionage, and crossings during the Second World War. The town's signature museum.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$22
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$30
Fastest journey on Sep 19
3 h 59 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
4 h 17 m
Buses on Sep 19
12
Distance
265 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Madrid to Vilar Formoso is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Vilar Formoso will cost around $30 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $22.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 12 buses from Madrid to Vilar Formoso, including 12 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct buses cover the 265 km distance in an average of 4 h 17 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 59 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest buses will take 4 h 30 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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NormalOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Vilar Formoso among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $50 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 6h 15m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $50, while a bus costs an average of $50.
Distance: 164 miles (265 km)
Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|
$50 Average price Cheapest | $67 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 15m Average total duration Fastest 5h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Tickets start at around $50 compared to roughly $67 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $17. The journey takes 5h 45m versus 3h 16m 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, BlaBlaCar, Rede Expressos, Gipsyy Portugal.
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 12:30AM | Arrival Time 08:45AM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 12:45AM | Arrival Time 08:45AM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:25AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator Gipsyy | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:25AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator Gipsyy | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 07:14PM | Duration 4h29 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:10PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 07:14PM | Duration 3h59 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 03:00AM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator Gipsyy | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 02:59AM | Duration 4h59 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:25PM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 13h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 03:00AM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 02:29PM | Duration 15h44 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator Gipsyy | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 02:59AM | Duration 4h14 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 13h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 08:45AM | Duration 9h46 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $38 |
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Vilar Formoso buses for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Normal | 9:15 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 5h15 | 1:30 PM Vilar Formoso, IP5 (Restaurante Turismo) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:15 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 5h15 | 1:30 PM Vilar formoso, Largo 25 de Abril | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:25 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 5h25 | 1:50 PM Vilar Formoso, Novo Parque Posto de Turismo | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 10:00 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 4h50 | 1:50 PM Vilar Formoso, Novo Parque Posto de Turismo | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:00 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 4h30 | 1:30 PM Vilar formoso, Largo 25 de Abril | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 10:00 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 4h30 | 1:30 PM Vilar Formoso, IP5 (Restaurante Turismo) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 3:45 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 4h29 | 7:14 PM Vilar Formoso, IP5 (Restaurante Turismo) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 4:15 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 3h59 | 7:14 PM Vilar Formoso, IP5 (Restaurante Turismo) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:00 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 4h59 | 2:59 AM Vilar formoso, Largo 25 de Abril | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 11:00 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 5h00 | 3:00 AM Vilar Formoso, IP5 (Restaurante Turismo) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:45 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 4h14 | 2:59 AM Vilar formoso, Largo 25 de Abril | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 11:45 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 4h15 | 3:00 AM Vilar Formoso, IP5 (Restaurante Turismo) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare 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 Vilar Formoso run on average 9 times per day, taking around 5h 45m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $13 if you book in advance.
There are 7 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 164 miles (265 km) distance in 3h 55m.
Distance 164 miles (265 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $13 |
Buses per day 9 |
Direct buses 7 |
Fastest bus 3h 55m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Vilar Formoso — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Vilar Formoso trip today.
Museum in the old border customs building telling stories of refugees, espionage, and crossings during the Second World War. The town's signature museum.
Interpretive space at the station focused on railway heritage, travel, and the role of Vilar Formoso as an international rail border.
Nearby museum in Almeida explaining the fortress, sieges, and military engineering. Excellent context before walking the walls.
Nearby walled circuit in Almeida with bastions, gates, and panoramic views. One of the best walking experiences in the region.
The station forecourt is the town's main public space, ideal for seeing the azulejo-clad station and the atmosphere of a historic border town.
Open area by the former customs facilities that helps visitors understand the scale of the historic frontier complex.
Smoked cured pork sausage from nearby Guarda district, seasoned with paprika and garlic. A staple of Beira border cuisine, often grilled or served in rustic meals.
Hearty bean and cabbage soup with pork, common across Beira Interior. It reflects the region’s rustic, cold-weather cooking and farm-based traditions.
Slow-roasted kid goat, usually with potatoes and olive oil. A celebratory dish widely eaten in inland central Portugal for Sundays and festivals.
Established traditional restaurant near Vilar Formoso in Almeida municipality, appreciated for regional meats, generous portions, and rustic atmosphere.
Traditional Portuguese restaurant in Vilar Formoso known for grilled meats, cod, and hearty regional plates in a relaxed local setting.
Casual local dining spot serving daily specials, grilled fish, and home-style Portuguese cooking popular with residents and cross-border travelers.
Budget-friendly for Portugal. Small-town stays, simple dining, and local transport usually cost less than in Lisbon, Porto, or major resort areas.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, round up or leave 5-10% for good service. Cafes and taxis usually just round up; tips are appreciated, not expected.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Vilar Formoso 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 Vilar Formoso, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Madrid to Vilar Formoso buses use the Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses to Vilar Formoso, IP5 (Restaurante Turismo) station pair, with some services arriving at Vilar Formoso, Novo Parque Posto de Turismo. Use this guide to compare Madrid and Vilar Formoso 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.
Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa) is 2 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located inside the station.
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa).
Available at Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa): Elevators, ramps.
Vilar Formoso, IP5 (Restaurante Turismo) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Restaurant Turismo available for meals.
Wi-Fi is available at Vilar Formoso, IP5 (Restaurante Turismo). ATMs are available at Vilar Formoso, IP5 (Restaurante Turismo).
Ticket office support is available at Vilar Formoso, IP5 (Restaurante Turismo).
Available at Vilar Formoso, IP5 (Restaurante Turismo): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Vilar Formoso, IP5 (Restaurante Turismo): Accessibility facilities not available.
Vilar Formoso, Novo Parque Posto de Turismo has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Vilar Formoso, Novo Parque Posto de Turismo. ATMs are available at Vilar Formoso, Novo Parque Posto de Turismo.
Ticket office support is available at Vilar Formoso, Novo Parque Posto de Turismo.
Available at Vilar Formoso, Novo Parque Posto de Turismo: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Vilar Formoso, Novo Parque Posto de Turismo: Wheelchair accessible entrances available.
Vilar formoso, Largo 25 de Abril has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Vilar formoso, Largo 25 de Abril. ATMs are available at Vilar formoso, Largo 25 de Abril.
Ticket office support is available at Vilar formoso, Largo 25 de Abril.
Available at Vilar formoso, Largo 25 de Abril: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Vilar formoso, Largo 25 de Abril: Station is accessible for people with reduced mobility.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need