- Must visit
Museo del Prado
World-class art museum with masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and Bosch; essential for Spanish and European painting.
Cheapest price
$164
Average price
$326
Fastest journey
1 d 6 h 30 m
Average duration
1 d 10 h 12 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
1247 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Zurich to Madrid is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich to Madrid will cost around $326 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $164.
It's difficult to get from Zurich to Madrid without transferring at least once.
4733 · 3186
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
4733 · 3186
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Zurich to Madrid among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $89. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 16m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.4 - 1.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $89, and a train costs an average of $393.
Distance: 774 miles (1247 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$167 Average price Cheapest | $253 Average price | $393 Average price | $497 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
27h 1m Average total duration 26h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 16m Average total duration Fastest 3h 16m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 12h 53m Average total duration 12h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 16h 23m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
1.2 - 3.1kg CO2 emissions | 3.7 - 7.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - 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 Zurich to Madrid:
A bus is $85 (€70) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Zurich to Madrid costing on average $253 (€208).
A bus is $225 (€186) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Zurich to Madrid costing on average $393 (€324).
Other travel options to Madrid take longer:
Train takes on average 12h 23m.
Bus takes on average 26h 31m.
Tickets start at around $167 (€138) compared to roughly $497 (€410) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $330 (€272). The journey takes 26h 31m versus 16h 23m 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.
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 BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 03:25AM | Arrival Time 09:55AM | Duration 30h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $116 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:25PM | Arrival Time 07:55AM | Duration 35h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $162 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:25PM | Arrival Time 08:40AM | Duration 35h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $123 |
The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Madrid buses for today, Thursday, July 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:25 PM Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof) | 35h30 | 7:55 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:25 PM Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof) | 35h00 | 7:25 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:25 PM Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof) | 35h15 | 8:40 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 2 transfers | |
| Friday, July 31 | |||||
4733 · 3186 | 3:25 AM Zürich, Sihlquai Bus Terminal (Carparkplatz Sihlquai) | 30h30 | 9:55 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 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 Zurich to Madrid run on average 3 times per day, taking around 26h 31m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $89 (€73) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:14, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 774 miles (1247 km) distance in 26h 30m.
Distance 774 miles (1247 km) |
Average bus duration 26h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price $89 (€73) |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 26h 30m |
First bus 12:14 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Madrid — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Madrid trip today.
World-class art museum with masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and Bosch; essential for Spanish and European painting.
Leading modern art museum best known for Picasso’s Guernica, plus major works by Dalí and Miró.
Celebrated collection of European masters from Van Eyck to Hopper in a refined palace setting.
Madrid’s most famous park offers gardens, a boating lake, monuments, and relaxed walks in the city center.
Lively grand avenue known for architecture, shopping, theaters, and nonstop energy from day to night.
Elegant boulevard linking major museums and landmarks, ideal for a classic central Madrid walk.
A hearty chickpea stew with meats, vegetables, and broth, especially traditional in Madrid and often served in stages.
Crisp fried squid rings served in a baguette roll. This iconic Madrid street food is especially linked to bars around Plaza Mayor.
Tripe stew with chorizo and morcilla in a rich sauce. A classic old Madrid tavern dish with deep local roots.
Refined two-Michelin-star dining focused on seasonal Spanish produce, with elegant modern cooking in a polished fine-dining room.
Traditional Madrid restaurant known for cocido madrileño served in stages, with an old-school dining room and loyal local following.
Historic century-old tavern famed for roast suckling pig and Castilian dishes in a classic, wood-lined setting near Plaza Mayor.
Moderate for Western Europe: hotels vary, dining is reasonable, and public transport is good value for tourists.
Tipping is modest: round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up. In cafés, small change is enough.
Official public transport app
Madrid Estación Sur de Autobuses -> Puerta del Sol
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zurich to Madrid 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 Madrid, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Zurich to Madrid buses use the Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof) to Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses station pair, with some services arriving at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid). Use this guide to compare Zurich and Madrid bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Zürich, Sihlquai Bus Terminal (Carparkplatz Sihlquai) is 1 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:
Zürich, Sihlquai Bus Terminal (Carparkplatz Sihlquai) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located inside the terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Zürich, Sihlquai Bus Terminal (Carparkplatz Sihlquai).
Available at Zürich, Sihlquai Bus Terminal (Carparkplatz Sihlquai): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich, Sihlquai Bus Terminal (Carparkplatz Sihlquai): Elevators, ramps.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need