- Must visit
Kunsthaus Zürich
Switzerland's leading art museum with major works from the Middle Ages to contemporary art, including Monet, Giacometti, and important Swiss collections.
Cheapest price
$77
Average price
$134
Fastest journey
1 d 2 h 45 m
Average duration
1 d 5 h 41 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
1247 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Madrid to Zurich is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Zurich will cost around $134 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $77.
It's difficult to get from Madrid to Zurich without transferring at least once.
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FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Zurich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $62. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 14m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 1.2 - 3.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $62, and a train costs an average of $329.
Distance: 774 miles (1247 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$123 Average price Cheapest | $239 Average price | $339 Average price | $353 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
21h 50m Average total duration 21h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 14m Average total duration Fastest 4h 14m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 43m Average total duration 6h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 16h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
1.2 - 3.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 3.7 - 7.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - 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 Zurich:
A bus is $116 (€95) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Zurich costing on average $239 (€197).
A bus is $216 (€177) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Madrid to Zurich costing on average $339 (€278).
Other travel options to Zurich take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 13m.
Bus takes on average 21h 20m.
Tickets start at around $123 (€101) compared to roughly $353 (€290) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $229 (€188). The journey takes 21h 20m versus 16h 14m 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 Infobus.
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 04:00AM | Duration 27h46 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 01:15AM | Arrival Time 04:00AM | Duration 26h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 04:00AM | Duration 31h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $128 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 10:45PM | Arrival Time 04:00AM | Duration 29h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 32h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $121 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 04:00AM | Duration 28h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 04:00AM | Duration 28h01 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 32h01 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $172 |
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Zurich buses for today, Wednesday, July 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3187 · 4734 | 8:30 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 31h30 | 4:00 AM Zürich, Sihlquai Bus Terminal (Carparkplatz Sihlquai) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:35 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 32h25 | 8:00 AM Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:59 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 32h01 | 8:00 AM Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof) | 2 transfers | |
| Thursday, July 16 | |||||
Normal · Normal | 1:15 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 26h45 | 4:00 AM Zürich, Sihlquai Bus Terminal (Carparkplatz Sihlquai) | 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 Zurich run on average 4 times per day, taking around 21h 20m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $62 (€51) but you can travel from only $59 (€49) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 00:14, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 774 miles (1247 km) distance in 26h 45m.
Distance 774 miles (1247 km) |
Average bus duration 21h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price $62 (€51) |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 26h 45m |
First bus 12:14 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Zurich — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Zurich trip today.
Switzerland's leading art museum with major works from the Middle Ages to contemporary art, including Monet, Giacometti, and important Swiss collections.
National museum in a castle-like building near the main station. It offers essential insight into Swiss cultural history, design, and nationhood.
Remarkable private collection in a villa, featuring Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and early modern masterpieces in an intimate lakeside setting.
Zurich's famous old town shopping street links the main station to the lake. It is ideal for strolling, people-watching, and seeing the city's polished center.
Historic riverside old town with lanes, guild houses, churches, and viewpoints. It is the essential area for Zurich's medieval atmosphere.
Beautiful lakeside promenade lined with trees, gardens, and views across Lake Zurich. Perfect for a scenic walk in any season.
Sliced veal in a creamy white wine and mushroom sauce, usually served with rösti. It is Zurich’s signature dish and a classic in traditional brasseries.
Pan-fried grated potato cake with a crisp crust and soft center. A Swiss staple closely tied to Zurich and often served with meat, eggs, or cheese.
Swiss cheese fondue made by melting local cheeses with wine and garlic, then dipping bread. It is a beloved cold-weather social meal across Zurich.
Refined Swiss fine dining in a historic setting, led by a renowned chef. Known for modern tasting menus and polished service.
Historic casual restaurant by Lake Zurich, known for Zürich classics like rösti and veal dishes in a traditional guild-house setting.
Elegant old-town restaurant with classic Swiss and French cuisine. A strong choice for fondue, seasonal dishes, and a formal atmosphere.
Zurich is pricier than most European cities. Hotels, dining, and local transit are costly, though supermarkets and takeaway spots can help lower daily spend.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for excellent service. Small rounding is common in cafes and taxis.
Official public transport app
Zürich, Sihlquai Bus Terminal (Carparkplatz Sihlquai) -> Zürich HB
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Zurich 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 Zurich, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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