Granada to Madrid from $19: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

• While driving from Granada to Madrid, take the A-44 and A-4 highways, which are well-maintained and offer beautiful views; gas stations are available along the way, with prices around €1.50 per liter.

• Expect to pay between €15 and €30 per day for parking in Madrid, and keep an eye out for the restricted traffic zones (Zonas de Bajas Emisiones) that could limit access for your vehicle, especially if it’s older or not environmentally compliant.

• Upon arriving in Madrid, use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to find the best parking spots, as they can direct you to available facilities and help you navigate any detours due to road work or street closures.

• Onboard the Renfe AVE trains, you can enjoy catering services that include a variety of options from light snacks to complete meals, depending on the class of your seat. In First Class (Preferente), meals are often included in the ticket price, whereas in Economy (Turista), you can purchase snacks, beverages, and meals from the cafeteria service on board.

• The Renfe AVE trains offer different seating classes: Preferente (First Class) with spacious seats and complimentary meals, Club (Business Class) combining comfort and space with a quiet environment, and Turista (Economy) with standard seating. The Economy option is budget-friendly, but if you're seeking comfort for the journey, consider upgrading to Preferente for added amenities.

• For your trip from Granada to Madrid, you can choose between Renfe (renfe.com) and OUIGO (ouigo.com). Renfe offers the traditional high-speed services, while OUIGO provides a budget-friendly high-speed travel option. Purchasing tickets in advance online is advisable to get the best fare.

• Upon arrival at Madrid's Atocha Station, you'll find that it is quite large and may be overwhelming if it's your first time. Make sure to locate the 'Consigna' service on the first floor where you can leave your luggage for a few hours. The station also has clean restrooms available, but not showers.

• The fastest way to reach Madrid's city center from Atocha Station is by taking Metro Line 1 (Light Blue Line). The nearest metro station is Atocha Renfe. Board the train towards Valdecarros and get off at the fifth stop for Gran Vía, the heart of the city. Alternatively, you can take bus number 27 directly from the station to the city center.

• Purchase your bus tickets in advance on the ALSA website (alsa.es) for the best prices, as fares between €32 and €50 can vary significantly closer to departure time.

• Arrive at Granada bus station at least 30 minutes early to navigate the station easily; it’s generally straightforward but can get busy, and having time to find your platform will reduce stress.

• Upon arrival at Estación Sur de Autobuses in Madrid, locate the metro entrance just outside the terminal; it connects you directly to the city center via Line 6 (Circular Line) and provides easy access to major areas like Sol and Gran Vía.