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Madrid, Community of Madrid to Leon, Castile and Leon from $19: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Madrid, Spain
to
Leon, Spain

How to Get from Madrid to Leon: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$19 RideshareBest price
290 kmDistance
3h 16m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Madrid to Leon with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
Renfe Viajeros
Train
Average Duration
3h  24m
Estimated price
$32-57
Recommended
Company
various
Rideshare
Average Duration
4h  7m
Estimated price
$19-19
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 290 km
Duration: 3h 16m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
ALSA
Bus
Average Duration
3h  45m
Estimated price
$28-45
Company
Renfe Viajeros
Train
Average Duration
4h  32m
Estimated price
$35-55
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
3h  16m
Estimated price
$60-90

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 06/01Tu 07/01We 08/01Th 09/01Fr 10/01Sa 11/01Su 12/01
Bus $15 $14 $16 $21 $31 $21 $31
Train $14 $19 $19 $25 $17 $31 $30
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Traveling From Madrid to Leon

The journey from Madrid to Leon offers a delightful contrast between the bustling atmosphere of Spain's capital and the charming, historic streets of Leon, where you can immerse yourself in rich culture and stunning architecture.

Best Neighbourhoods in Leon

Leon boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its own lively character.

Historic Center
• Home to the stunning Gothic Cathedral.
• Vibrant tapas bars and local shops abound.
El Humedal
• Known for its lush parks and outdoor spaces.
• A favorite for local dining and breweries.
La Chantría
• Offers a more residential, relaxed vibe.
• Ideal for exploring cozy cafes and boutiques.

Best Times To Visit Leon's Attractions

Planning your trip to Leon? Here are the best times to explore major attractions.

Leon Cathedral
Visit early in the morning to enjoy quieter views of the stunning stained glass.
San Isidoro Basilica
Late afternoon offers a serene atmosphere with fewer tourists.
Casa Botines
Weekdays attract less foot traffic, allowing for a more leisurely tour.

Leon Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Leon experiences a continental climate with warm summers and chilly winters, making spring and early autumn ideal for visiting. Being aware of the weather can enhance your travel experiences, as mild temperatures allow for outdoor exploration while avoiding peak summer crowds.

Dining Recommendation in Leon

While in Leon, savor the exquisite flavors of 'cecina,' a cured beef delicacy that beautifully contrasts with the vibrant tapas scene of Madrid. Dining in Leon presents a cozy atmosphere infused with local charm, where you can appreciate the authenticity of regional ingredients and traditional preparations.

Madrid - Leon operators

Explore transport companies operating between Madrid and Leon, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+34 91 232 03 20
Website
https://www.renfe.com/es/en

Train from Madrid-Chamartin to Leon

Average Duration
2h 13m
Estimated price
$30-45

Train from Madrid-Principe Pio to Leon

Average Duration
4h 32m
Estimated price
$35-55

Train from Madrid-Chamartin to Leon

Average Duration
3h 24m
Estimated price
$30-60
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+34 910 207 007
Website
https://www.alsa.com/en/web/bus/home

Bus from Madrid Moncloa to Leon

Average Duration
3h 45m
Estimated price
$28-45
Rideshare
Website
https://www.blablacar.com

Rideshare from Madrid to León

Average Duration
4h 7m
Estimated price
$19-19

Madrid to Leon: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Madrid and Leon offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Driving from Madrid to León, covering 210 miles, offers a scenic journey through the Spanish countryside, with an approximate travel time of 3 hours and 16 minutes. 💰 Prices for a car trip between Madrid and León range from €55 to €83, providing a cost-effective and flexible travel option for those looking to explore different regions of Spain.
Average price
€55 - €83
Useful tips for car travellers
• On your journey from Madrid to León, take the A-6 highway for the most direct route; however, be prepared for potential traffic, especially around the outskirts of Madrid during peak hours.
• Gas stations are readily available along the route, with prices averaging around €1.60 per liter for gasoline; stop at larger stations like Repsol or Cepsa for more reliable service and pay at the pump options.
• Upon arriving in León, keep an eye out for restricted traffic zones (Zonas de Bajas Emisiones) in the city center; parking options are available, with daily rates ranging from €10 to €20, depending on the location and demand.
🚆 The journey from Madrid to Leon by train offers a convenient and comfortable travel option. Services depart twice daily from Madrid-Principe Pio station, with a direct route to Leon, taking approximately 4 hours and 32 minutes. 🚆 With ticket prices ranging from €29 to €52, taking the train from Madrid to Leon is not only a practical choice but also an affordable one. Arriving at Leon station after a 3-hour and 24-minute journey, passengers can explore the charming city known for its stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage.
Departure Point
Madrid-Principe Pio station
Arrival Point
Leon station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On the train from Madrid to León, you can enjoy catering services that include a selection of snacks, beverages, and light meals available for purchase. The onboard café usually offers options like sandwiches, pastries, coffee, and soft drinks, making it convenient to grab a bite during your journey.
• Trains on this route mostly offer three types of seating: Turista (Economy), Preferente (First Class), and Club (Business Class). The Preferente seats provide additional legroom and complimentary refreshment service, while the Club seats offer a more private experience with even greater comfort and amenities.
• When booking your ticket, you will find multiple operators like Renfe (renfe.com) and ALSA (alsa.es) providing service from Madrid to León. Be sure to compare prices and schedules to find the best option for your travel needs.
🚌 The direct bus from Madrid Moncloa to Leon operated by ALSA departs every two hours, making it convenient to travel between the two cities with daily service available. The journey typically takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete. 💰 The prices for a bus ticket from Leon to Madrid range from €26 to €41, offering budget-friendly choices for those looking to explore these two distinct cities in Spain without the need to drive or worry about parking. Enjoy a smooth and efficient journey from Madrid to Leon by bus with ALSA services.
Departure Point
Madrid Moncloa station
Arrival Point
Leon station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Madrid to Leon.

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The distance between Madrid and León in Spain is approximately 180 miles by air and 209.9 miles by road. Traveling by train from Madrid to León takes approximately 3 hours and 33 minutes, while driving by car from Leon to Madrid takes about 3 hours and 16 minutes. Lastly, the bus journey from Madrid to León typically takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Madrid to Leon is to rideshare, which costs €17 and takes 4 hours and 7 minutes. This option may take slightly longer than driving, which takes 3 hours and 16 minutes, but it is considerably cheaper. If time is of the essence, driving would be the quickest option, taking around 3 hours and 16 minutes, but it is more expensive, with costs ranging from €56-€83.
The prices for a train ticket between Madrid and Leon can range from €29 to €53. On the other hand, the prices for a bus ticket between Leon and Madrid can vary from €42 to €69. It is advisable to check with the specific train or bus company for accurate and up-to-date pricing information.
To travel from Madrid to León without using public transportation, you can consider carpooling through BlaBlaCar. It is a convenient rideshare option if you don't have a driver's license or wish to avoid public transport. The driving distance between Madrid and León is approximately 210 miles, and it takes around 3 hours and 16 minutes to drive. The prices for carpooling services from Madrid to León can vary between €56 and €83.
The best way to travel from Madrid to Leon without a car is by bus. The bus journey takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes and the ticket prices range from €42 to €69. There are several bus companies that operate on this route and offer frequent departures throughout the day. Traveling by bus is a convenient and cost-effective option for getting from Madrid to Leon without having to drive.
Yes, there are direct transportation options between Madrid and Leon. You can take a train from Madrid-Principe Pio station to Leon, with services departing twice daily and the journey taking approximately 4 hours and 39 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Madrid Moncloa station to Leon, with services departing four times a day and the journey taking approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. Both modes of transportation offer convenient and direct links between the two cities.
There are plenty of accommodation options near Leon. With over 385 hotels available, you will have a wide range to choose from. Prices start at €51 per night, providing options for different budgets. It is recommended to book ahead of time to secure your preferred accommodation near Leon.