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Barcelona, Catalonia to Madrid, Community of Madrid from $30: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Barcelona, Spain
to
Madrid, Spain

How to Get from Barcelona to Madrid: 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.

$30 RideshareBest price
509.76 kmDistance
2h 30m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Barcelona to Madrid 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
various
Train
Average Duration
2h  30m
Estimated price
$23-85
Recommended
Company
BlaBlaCar.es
Rideshare
Average Duration
7h  17m
Estimated price
$30-32
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 509.76 km
Duration: 2h 30m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
3h  24m
Estimated price
$27-106
Company
ALSA
Bus
Average Duration
8h  39m
Estimated price
$44-82
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
6h  2m
Estimated price
$110-170

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 06/01Tu 07/01We 08/01Th 09/01Fr 10/01Sa 11/01Su 12/01
Bus $8 $5 $5 $11 $40 $13 $40
Train $18 $20 $20 $20 $30 $21 $22
Fly $26 $20 $24 $21 $28 $33 $42
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Barcelona to Madrid

Traveling from Barcelona to Madrid reveals two distinct cultures: Barcelona’s vibrant Mediterranean allure contrasts with Madrid’s spirited cosmopolitan vibe.

Best Neighbourhoods in Madrid

Madrid boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering a unique experience.

Malasaña
• Known for its vibrant street art scene.
• Popular for trendy cafes and bars.
Chueca
• Celebrated as Madrid’s LGBTQ+ hub.
• Features lively markets and boutiques.
Retiro
• Home to the stunning Retiro Park.
• Offers art galleries and cultural venues.

Best Times To Visit Madrid's Attractions

Timing your visits to Madrid's attractions can elevate your experience and help you avoid crowds.

Prado Museum
Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for fewer visitors.
Royal Palace of Madrid
Weekdays are ideal, especially late afternoon to enjoy quieter tours.
Retiro Park
Mornings during weekdays provide a peaceful stroll and fewer crowds.

Madrid Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Madrid experiences a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Spring and fall offer the most pleasant temperatures, making these seasons ideal for exploring the city comfortably.

Dining Recommendation in Madrid

Try the iconic Cocido Madrileño at La Taberna del Capitán Alatriste, which showcases a hearty, stew-like blend of meat and vegetables that differs sharply from Barcelona's seafood-centric dishes. The restaurant’s traditional atmosphere complements this rich culinary experience, highlighting Madrid’s emphasis on cozy, communal dining and local ingredients.

Barcelona - Madrid operators

Explore transport companies operating between Barcelona and Madrid, 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 Barcelona-Sants to Estación de tren de Atocha

Average Duration
2h 30m
Estimated price
55-80
Contact phone
+34 910 150 000
Website
https://iryo.eu/en/home

Train from Barcelona-Sants to Estación de tren de Atocha

Average Duration
2h 52m
Estimated price
30-85
Contact phone
+34 910 780 990
Website
https://www.ouigo.com/es/en

Train from Barcelona-Sants to Estación de tren de Atocha

Average Duration
2h 55m
Estimated price
23-35
Contact phone
+34 91 232 03 20
Website
https://www.renfe.com/es/en

Train from Barcelona-Sants to Estación de tren de Atocha

Average Duration
3h 17m
Estimated price
50-75
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+34 910 207 007
Website
https://www.alsa.com/en/web/bus/home

Bus from Estación de Autobuses Barcelona Nord to Aeropuerto Madrid Barajas T4

Average Duration
7h 35m
Estimated price
50-80
Contact phone
+33 1 71 53 01 80
Website
https://www.blablacar.co.uk/

Bus from Estación de Autobuses Barcelona Nord to Aeropuerto Madrid Barajas T4

Average Duration
6h 30m
Estimated price
40-65
Rideshare
Website
https://blablacar.com

Rideshare from Barcelona to Madrid

Average Duration
7h 17m
Estimated price
30-32
Plane Show flights
Website
iberia.com

Plane from Barcelona (BCN) to Madrid (MAD)

Average Duration
1h 25m
Estimated price
28-170
Website
vueling.com

Plane from Barcelona (BCN) to Madrid (MAD)

Average Duration
1h 25m
Estimated price
28-170
Website
aireuropa.com

Plane from Barcelona (BCN) to Madrid (MAD)

Average Duration
1h 30m
Estimated price
35-200
Website
ryanair.com

Plane from Barcelona (BCN) to Madrid (MAD)

Average Duration
1h 30m
Estimated price
40-290

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

Traveling between Barcelona and Madrid 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.

🚗 Embark on an exciting road journey from Barcelona to Madrid, covering a distance of 389 miles in approximately 6 hours and 2 minutes. Enjoy the scenic views and diverse landscapes along the way. 💰 Discover affordable travel options with prices ranging from €101 to €157 for a car trip from Barcelona to Madrid. Plan your budget accordingly and make the most of your travel experience through Spain's beautiful countryside.
Average price
€101 - €157
Useful tips for car travellers
• Along the AP-2 and A-2 highways, you'll find several gas stations; expect prices to be around €1.50 per liter. Stations like Repsol and BP offer competitive pricing and usually have amenities such as food and restrooms.
• In Madrid, be aware of the Madrid Central zone where traffic restrictions apply; parking costs range from €15 to €30 per day depending on the location, so consider using public transport after parking outside the central zone.
• Upon arrival in Madrid, utilize parking apps like Parkopedia to locate available parking spots efficiently; expect to encounter ZTL (Zona de Tráfico Limitado) areas where access is restricted; familiarize yourself with the local traffic laws to avoid fines.
🚄 Take a direct train from Barcelona-Sants to Estación de tren de Atocha in Madrid. Services run every 30 minutes, making it a convenient option for travelers. The journey typically lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes. 🌆 Enjoy a comfortable ride as you cover the 601 km distance between Barcelona and Madrid by train. The affordable ticket prices, ranging from €21 to €78, make this mode of transportation budget-friendly. Renfe AVE operates the Barcelona to Madrid train services with reliable schedules.
Departure Point
Barcelona-Sants station
Arrival Point
Estación de tren de Atocha station
Useful tips for train travellers
Onboard Services: If you take the AVE train, which is the high-speed train operated by Renfe, you can expect a full catering service. They offer a menu with options for breakfast, lunch, or dinner depending on your time of travel, with dishes ranging from local specialties to international cuisine. You can also purchase drinks, snacks, and even have meals delivered to your seat if you're in First Class.
Seating Options: The AVE trains offer several classes including Comfort Class (Economy), Business Class, and First Class. Comfort Class provides comfortable seating with adjustable headrests and a reclining feature. Business Class offers more space, quieter cars, and welcome drinks. First Class features even more legroom, exclusive lounges at the stations, and complimentary meals served on board.
Multiple Operators: The main operators for the Barcelona to Madrid route are Renfe (the national train service) and Ouigo (a budget option under SNCF). You can visit their websites for more information and bookings: Renfe - renfe.com; Ouigo - ouigo.com
🛫 The quickest flight from Barcelona Airport to Madrid Airport is a direct flight taking only 1 hour and 25 minutes, making it a convenient option for travelers looking to reach Madrid efficiently. Airlines such as Ryanair, Vueling Airlines, Air Europa, and Iberia operate flights on this popular route. 🏨 The flight duration from Barcelona to Madrid is approximately 3 hours and 24 minutes, allowing passengers to relax or plan their itinerary for their time in the Spanish capital. With multiple airlines offering flights between these two vibrant cities, travelers can choose the flight schedule that best suits their needs. 💸 Ticket prices for flights between Madrid and Barcelona can range from €25 to €98, providing passengers with a range of options to fit their budget. Whether flying for business or pleasure, this route offers a convenient and affordable way to travel between two iconic Spanish destinations.
Departure Point
Barcelona Airport
Arrival Point
Madrid Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Book your flight with Vueling Airlines or Iberia for one of the most streamlined experiences; they offer direct routes that often include flexible check-in options and onboard dining that enhances your travel experience.
• Upon arrival at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, navigate easily to the city center by following the signs to the Aeropuerto T4 station, where you can take the Cercanías train, which reaches Atocha station in about 30 minutes; remember to check the Cercanías schedule at Renfe's website for up-to-date information.
• Expect to pay approximately €30-€40 for a taxi from Madrid Airport to the city center; it’s advisable to use the official taxi ranks outside of the terminal to ensure a fair price for your ride.
🚌 When traveling from Barcelona to Madrid by bus, there is no direct route available. You will need to transfer at Aeropuerto Madrid Barajas T4 after departing from Estación de Autobuses Barcelona Nord. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 8 hours and 39 minutes. 🛣️ The distance between Barcelona and Madrid is 519 km, with the bus route taking around 7 hours and 35 minutes. The bus service is operated by ALSA, offering a long-distance journey with prices ranging from €41 to €76. The route involves stops in Zaragoza on the way to Madrid. 🚆 Alternatively, you can consider taking a train from Barcelona to Madrid for a faster option. The train journey takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, covering a distance of 601 km. Trains depart from Barcelona-Sants and arrive at Estación Madrid - Puerta de Atocha, operated by Renfe.
Departure Point
Estación de Autobuses Barcelona Nord station
Arrival Point
Aeropuerto Madrid Barajas T4. Bus largo recorrido station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• When booking your bus trip with ALSA, consider purchasing your ticket in advance online at alsa.ma to secure the best prices, as they can vary significantly on the day of travel.
• Bring snacks and water for the trip, as the 8h 39m journey from Barcelona Nord to Aeropuerto Madrid Barajas T4 may not have frequent breaks, and food options at designated stops can be limited.
• Upon arrival at Aeropuerto Madrid Barajas T4, familiarize yourself with the airport layout; signs are predominantly in Spanish and English, and you can access Madrid city via the Metro Line 8 which connects directly to Nuevos Ministerios, making transfers easier if you're heading into the city.

Trips from Barcelona