Madrid to Zurich bus with Alsa

Thu, Jul 16
+ Add return
Alsa
FlixBus
BlaBlaCar Bus
Infobus
Rede Expressos
2,000+ travel companies
Alsa
FlixBus
BlaBlaCar Bus
Infobus
Rede Expressos
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest buses from Madrid to Zurich

Showing times and prices for Jul 16

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from Madrid to Zurich without transferring at least once.

  • AlsaNormal · Normal
    1:15 AM26h45
    Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)
    4:00 AMZürich, Sihlquai Bus Terminal (Carparkplatz Sihlquai)
    $771One-way
    1 transfer
  • AlsaNormal · Normal
    11:59 PM28h01
    Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América
    4:00 AMZürich, Sihlquai Bus Terminal (Carparkplatz Sihlquai)
    $1161One-way
    1 transfer
  • AlsaNormal · Normal
    10:45 PM29h15
    Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)
    4:00 AMZürich, Sihlquai Bus Terminal (Carparkplatz Sihlquai)
    $1321One-way
    1 transfer
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
    11:35 PM32h25
    Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
    8:00 AMKloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof)
    $1421One-way
    2 transfers
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
    11:59 PM32h01
    Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)
    8:00 AMKloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof)
    $2041One-way
    2 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Madrid to Zurich

Omio 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)

Compare bus with

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

Alsa

Most popular bus company

Iberia

Most popular airline

AVE

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Madrid to Zurich is a bus with an average price of $123 (€101).

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).

The fastest way to travel from Madrid to Zurich is by flight with an average journey time of 4h 14m.

Other travel options to Zurich take longer:

Train takes on average 6h 13m.

Bus takes on average 21h 20m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Madrid and Zurich including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Madrid to Zurich among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.

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.

Madrid to Zurich Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest 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

Live departures

Madrid to Zurich bus times

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
BlaBlaCar Bus3187 · 47348:30 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
31h30
4:00 AM Zürich, Sihlquai Bus Terminal (Carparkplatz Sihlquai)1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus11:35 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
32h25
8:00 AM Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof)2 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus11:59 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)
32h01
8:00 AM Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof)2 transfers
Thursday, July 16
AlsaNormal · Normal1:15 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 prices and tickets Madrid to Zurich by train, bus, or flight

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.

Wed
Jul 15
Thu
Jul 16
Fri
Jul 17
Sat
Jul 18
Sun
Jul 19
Mon
Jul 20
Tue
Jul 21
Wed
Jul 22
Thu
Jul 23
Fri
Jul 24
Sat
Jul 25
Sun
Jul 26
Mon
Jul 27
Tue
Jul 28
Wed
Jul 29
Thu
Jul 30
Fri
Jul 31
Sat
Aug 01
Sun
Aug 02
Mon
Aug 03
Tue
Aug 04

Why should you book Madrid to Zurich buses with Omio?

Alsa as well as FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, Infobus and more offer buses services from Madrid to Zurich.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Madrid to Zurich.

Why book with Omio vs Alsa?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Alsa, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus or Infobus to find the best option for your trip from Madrid to Zurich.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Alsa with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Madrid to Zurich.

Why book with Omio over Checkmybus, Rome2rio or Busbud?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus or Infobus to find the best option for your trip from Madrid to Zurich.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Madrid to Zurich.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Madrid to Zurich

SpainSpain
SwitzerlandSwitzerland
Icon of bus

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.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $59 (€49)
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
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $59 (€49)

Bus providers: Alsa, FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, Infobus from Madrid to ZurichYou can travel by bus between Madrid to Zurich with Alsa, FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, Infobus for as low as $59 (€49). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

Alsa

About
Alsa is the main provider of bus travel in Spain and a subsidiary of the UK’s National Express. It operates an extensive network of regional, national, and international routes, transporting more than 300 million passengers annually. Alsa’s modern fleet offers varying levels of comfort and amenities. The standard Alsa Normal buses include free Wi-Fi, onboard bathrooms, footrests, and entertainment. For a more premium experience, Alsa Supra, Alsa Eurobus, and Alsa Premium services provide enhanced comfort and luxury features.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
26h 45m
Cheapest Price
$62 (€51)
Alsa frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 48 hours before departure for a partial refund. Changes allowed for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Accessible seating.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for an additional fee; must be packed.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets must travel in the hold.

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
32h 35m
Cheapest Price
$105 (€86)
FlixBus frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

Infobus

About
Infobus is an international IT company that operates as an online service for finding and purchasing bus, train, and plane tickets, rather than being a bus company itself. Established in 2002, Infobus acts as an intermediary between passengers and various transport carriers, particularly helping smaller bus companies offer online booking services. They utilize their own "BusSystem" to manage routes and ticket sales globally. Infobus covers over 30 countries and 300 cities, offering a wide range of routes and daily departures. While amenities can vary by carrier, Infobus aims to provide affordable and convenient travel with features like online booking, 24/7 support, and prompt notifications.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
23h 30m
Cheapest Price
$79 (€65)
Infobus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; may require prior reservation and an additional fee.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets may require a separate ticket.

BlaBlaCar Bus

About
BlaBlaCar Bus (formerly known as Ouibus or iDBUS) is a long-distance coach company operating in 10 European countries and connecting over 300 destinations. A subsidiary of the French carpooling company BlaBlaCar, it offers comfortable travel with standard amenities such as air conditioning, toilets, USB and power outlets for charging devices, extra legroom, and adjustable seats. Free Wi-Fi is available on select routes. BlaBlaCar Bus offers only a Standard ticket type, which allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and up to two checked bags per person.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
31h 30m
Cheapest Price
$106 (€87)
BlaBlaCar Bus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg and one checked bag up to 20kg.
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a refund in the form of a voucher.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Accessible seating options.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; additional fees may apply.

Complete guide to Zurich

Things to do in Zurich

Discover the best of Zurich — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Zurich trip today.

  • 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.

  • Must visit

Swiss National Museum

National museum in a castle-like building near the main station. It offers essential insight into Swiss cultural history, design, and nationhood.

  • Recommended

Museum Rietberg

Remarkable private collection in a villa, featuring Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and early modern masterpieces in an intimate lakeside setting.

Swiss franc (CHF, Fr.)

Zurich is pricier than most European cities. Hotels, dining, and local transit are costly, though supermarkets and takeaway spots can help lower daily spend.

Average meal costs

Budget
CHF 15-25 for fast food or takeaway.
Mid-range
CHF 30-50 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
CHF 90+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee
CHF 4.50-6.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for excellent service. Small rounding is common in cafes and taxis.

FAQs: Bus from Madrid to Zurich

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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Madrid to Zurich can start from as little as $62 (€51) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Madrid to Zurich is $123 (€101) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Madrid to Zurich is 26h 45m to travel the 774 miles (1247 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Madrid to Zurich leaves at 12:14 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Madrid to Zurich leaves at 11:50 PM.
There are 4 buses a day from Madrid to Zurich which require at least one change with Alsa, FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, Infobus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Madrid to Zurich, you can count on Alsa, FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, Infobus for the best way to get you to Zurich. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Madrid and Zurich and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Zurich from Madrid is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 26h 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Madrid to Zurich is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Madrid and Zurich including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Madrid to Zurich for bus company Alsa, FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, Infobus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Madrid to Zurich:
  • Alsa
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Accessible seating.
  • BlaBlaCar Bus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Accessible seating options.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Zurich are:
  • Lake Zurich, a picturesque lake offering scenic views and recreational activities such as boating and swimming
  • Old Town (Altstadt), a historic district with narrow streets, medieval buildings, and vibrant cultural landmarks
  • Kunsthaus Zurich, an art museum housing an impressive collection of modern and classical artworks
  • Swiss National Museum, a museum showcasing Swiss cultural history with extensive exhibits on art, crafts, and everyday life
  • Lindenhof, a peaceful park offering a beautiful view over the city and a glimpse into Zurich's Roman history.
The best things to do in Zurich include:
  • Uetliberg Mountain, hike or take a train to the summit for panoramic views of the city and surrounding Alps
  • Bahnhofstrasse, indulge in shopping along one of the world's most exclusive shopping streets
  • Zurich Zoo, explore the diverse habitats and wildlife at this well-regarded zoo
  • Opera House, enjoy a performance at one of the leading opera houses in Europe
  • Botanical Garden, wander through the serene gardens and discover a wide variety of plant species.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Madrid to Zurich depends on the bus companies:
  • Alsa
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 48 hours before departure for a partial refund. Changes allowed for a fee.
  • BlaBlaCar Bus
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a refund in the form of a voucher.
  • FlixBus
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company Alsa, FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Madrid to Zurich.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Madrid to Zurich:
  • Alsa
    • One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
  • BlaBlaCar Bus
    • One carry-on bag up to 7kg and one checked bag up to 20kg.
  • FlixBus
    • One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Madrid to Zurich:
  • Alsa
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
  • BlaBlaCar Bus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Madrid to Zurich. The following conditions apply:
  • Alsa
    • Small pets allowed in carriers
    • larger pets must travel in the hold.
  • Infobus
    • Small pets allowed in carriers
    • larger pets may require a separate ticket.
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Madrid to Zurich with the following bus company: Alsa, FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, Infobus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Madrid to Zurich with the following bus company: Alsa, FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, Infobus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Madrid to Zurich with the following bus company: Alsa, FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, Infobus.
Since both Madrid and Zurich are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Madrid to Zurich among Omio's users.
Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF) as its currency. Travelers can use both cash and cards; however, credit and debit cards are widely accepted, especially in cities and larger establishments, making card payments convenient. Cash is still useful for small purchases, local markets, or remote areas where card acceptance may be limited.
In Zurich, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like train stations and popular tourist spots. Scams involving fake charity collectors and overcharging by taxis can also occur. It is advisable to use official transportation services and remain vigilant with personal belongings to ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone