- Must visit
Cristóbal Balenciaga Museoa
Nearby contemporary art center in Getaria, often paired with Zarautz visits for strong Basque modern art programming and quality exhibitions.
Cheapest price
$72
Average price
$76
Fastest journey
5 h 45 m
Average duration
5 h 57 m
Buses per day
16
Distance
343 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Madrid to Zarautz is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Zarautz will cost around $76 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $72.
It's difficult to get from Madrid to Zarautz without transferring at least once.










Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Zarautz among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $60. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 4m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $60, and a flight costs an average of $38.
Distance: 213 miles (343 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$76 Average price | $63 Average price Cheapest | $120 Average price | $89 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 15m Average total duration 8h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 15m Average total duration 5h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 4m Average total duration Fastest 1h 4m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 30m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.0 - 2.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | 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 Zarautz:
A train is $13 (€11) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Madrid to Zarautz costing on average $76 (€62).
A train is $56 (€46) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Zarautz costing on average $120 (€97).
Other travel options to Zarautz take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 45m.
Bus takes on average 8h 45m.
Tickets start at around $76 (€62) compared to roughly $89 (€72) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $13 (€10). The journey takes 8h 45m versus 4h 30m 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 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 12:30AM | Arrival Time 07:07AM | Duration 6h37 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator ALSA | Departure Time 02:00AM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:00AM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator ALSA | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator ALSA | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 02:37PM | Duration 6h37 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator ALSA | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator ALSA | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator ALSA | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator ALSA | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator ALSA | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 08:37PM | Duration 7h37 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 05:40PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator ALSA | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator ALSA | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:10PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator ALSA | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:45PM | Arrival Time 08:55PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator ALSA | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator ALSA | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 11:30PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:50PM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 11:00PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator ALSA | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 12:37AM | Duration 6h07 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 11:10PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $39 |
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Zarautz buses for today, Friday, August 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:10 PM Madrid | 5h20 | 8:30 PM Zarautz | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:00 PM Madrid | 4h50 | 8:50 PM Zarautz | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:45 PM Madrid | 4h10 | 8:55 PM Zarautz | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:50 PM Madrid | 3h50 | 9:40 PM Zarautz | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:30 PM Madrid | 4h40 | 11:10 PM Zarautz | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:30 AM Madrid | 6h37 | 7:07 AM Zarautz - Zubiaurrezahar Kalea 1 - Bus Geltokia | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 2:00 AM Madrid | 5h45 | 7:45 AM Zarautz | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 2:00 AM Madrid | 6h30 | 8:30 AM Zarautz - Suhiltzaileen Biribilgunea | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 7:00 AM Madrid | 6h00 | 1:00 PM Zarautz - Suhiltzaileen Biribilgunea | 1 transfer | |
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 Zarautz run on average 4 times per day, taking around 8h 45m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $72 (€59) but you can travel from only $38 (€31) by flight.
There are 4 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 18:30. The fastest bus covers the 213 miles (343 km) distance in 5h 30m.
Distance 213 miles (343 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $72 (€59) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 5h 30m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 6:30 PM |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Zarautz — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Zarautz trip today.
Nearby contemporary art center in Getaria, often paired with Zarautz visits for strong Basque modern art programming and quality exhibitions.
Archaeological and historical museum in a medieval tower, essential for understanding Roman remains, noble families, and Zarautz’s urban evolution.
Museum focused on photography and cinema, notable for its accessible displays and strong niche appeal for visual culture enthusiasts.
Long sandy beach famed for surfing and scenic walks, the defining attraction of Zarautz and a daily focal point for locals and visitors.
Seafront promenade ideal for walking, cycling, and sunset views, linking beach life with elegant villas and everyday town activity.
Coastal walking route toward Getaria with superb sea views, vineyards, and a memorable perspective on the Basque shoreline.
Fresh grilled turbot from the Bay of Biscay, a Basque classic prized in coastal towns like Zarautz for its clean flavor and simple charcoal cooking.
Whole grilled sea bream, commonly served in local seafood restaurants. It reflects Zarautz’s fishing heritage and the Basque love of excellent fish cooked simply.
Small snacks on bread or plates, central to Basque bar culture. In Zarautz they often feature local seafood, tortillas, peppers, and seasonal produce.
Refined Basque tasting menus by Karlos Arguiñano’s team in an elegant setting overlooking Zarautz beach.
Well-regarded traditional grill house in Zarautz, popular for txuleta, grilled fish, and straightforward Basque cooking.
Casual, respected pintxos and rice spot near the seafront, valued for quality produce and a lively local atmosphere.
Moderate for coastal Spain: stays rise in summer, but pintxos, set lunches, and local trains keep daily costs manageable.
Tipping is optional. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; small change for cafes; taxis usually rounded up.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Zarautz 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 Zarautz, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Madrid to Zarautz buses use the Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) to Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses station pair. Use this guide to compare Madrid and Zarautz bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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