- Must visit
Museum of Broken Relationships
A globally known contemporary museum presenting personal objects and stories from failed relationships. Creative, emotional, and one of Zagreb’s signature cultural stops.
Cheapest price
$176
Average price
$264
Fastest journey
1 d 10 h 30 m
Average duration
1 d 14 h 11 m
Buses per day
6
Distance
1701 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Madrid to Zagreb is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Zagreb will cost around $264 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $176.
Of the 6 buses that leave Madrid for Zagreb on Sun, May 31, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, May 31 the direct buses cover the 1701 km distance in an average of 1 d 14 h 11 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 d 10 h 30 m .
On Sun, May 31 the slowest buses will take 1 d 16 h 20 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 · FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Zagreb among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $122. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 6m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 1.7 - 4.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $122, and a flight costs an average of $98.
Distance: 1056 miles (1701 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$183 Average price Cheapest | $326 Average price | $427 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
38h 51m Average total duration 38h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 6m Average total duration Fastest 4h 6m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 21h 58m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
1.7 - 4.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 5.1 - 10.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
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 Zagreb:
A bus is $143 (€115) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Zagreb costing on average $326 (€263).
Other travel options to Zagreb take longer:
Bus takes on average 38h 21m.
Tickets start at around $183 (€148) compared to roughly $427 (€344) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $244 (€196). The journey takes 38h 21m versus 21h 58m 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 Union Ivkoni International, Union Ivkoni.
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 | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 34h30 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $167 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:50PM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 40h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $169 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:05PM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 36h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $170 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:25PM | Arrival Time 12:35PM | Duration 40h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $176 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 12:35PM | Duration 39h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $147 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 44h06 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $186 |
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Zagreb buses for tomorrow, Sunday, May 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:00 AM Madrid Mendez Alvaro Estacion Sur | 34h30 | 8:30 PM Zagreb, Strojarska cesta (Autobusni Kolodvor) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:50 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 40h20 | 7:10 AM Zagreb, Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:05 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 36h35 | 7:40 AM Zagreb, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:50 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 39h45 | 12:35 PM Zagreb, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:50 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 39h45 | 12:35 PM Zagreb, Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:59 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 44h06 | 8:05 PM Zagreb, Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare 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 Zagreb run on average 7 times per day, taking around 38h 21m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $122 (€98) but you can travel from only $98 (€79) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 00:40, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 1056 miles (1701 km) distance in 36h 30m.
Distance 1056 miles (1701 km) |
Average bus duration 38h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price $122 (€98) |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 36h 30m |
First bus 12:40 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Zagreb — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Zagreb trip today.
A globally known contemporary museum presenting personal objects and stories from failed relationships. Creative, emotional, and one of Zagreb’s signature cultural stops.
A major fine arts museum with European paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts. Housed in a grand historic building near central Zagreb.
Important museum known for its Egyptian collection, mummy and Zagreb linen book, plus extensive prehistoric and Roman finds.
The main city square and the natural starting point for exploring Zagreb, surrounded by historic facades, shops, and frequent public events.
The most atmospheric historic quarter of Zagreb, with cobbled streets, government buildings, churches, and many of the city’s classic views.
A lively pedestrian street known for its atmosphere and historic urban character, popular for strolling between the center and Upper Town.
Baked or boiled pastry filled with fresh cheese and sour cream, one of Zagreb's best-known traditional specialties from the Hrvatsko zagorje region.
Roast turkey served with mlinci, a traditional baked flatbread softened in roasting juices. It is a festive dish strongly associated with Zagreb and northern Croatia.
A Zagreb-style veal or pork schnitzel stuffed with ham and cheese, then breaded and fried. It is one of the city's signature comfort dishes.
Well-known traditional restaurant serving classic Zagreb and north Croatian dishes such as turkey with mlinci, sarma, and schnitzels.
Popular casual spot in the old town specializing in baked and boiled štrukli with sweet and savory variations in a cozy setting.
Established central restaurant with a polished atmosphere and a broad menu of Croatian specialties, grilled meats, seafood, and seasonal dishes.
Moderate by EU standards: cafes and transit are reasonable, while central hotels and fine dining cost more.
Service is usually included. Round up small bills in cafes and taxis; 5-10% is appreciated in restaurants for good service.
Official public transport app
Zagreb Bus Station, Zagreb -> Ban Jelačić Square, Zagreb
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Zagreb 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 Zagreb, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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