Barcelona to Madrid: Transport Guide

 After a relaxing trip to Barcelona, Marid is an excellent destination to visit next in Spain.

In this travel guide, you’ll find useful information about traveling from Barcelona to Madrid by flight, train, and bus, including timetable, ticket prices, and tips.

Getting from Barcelona to Madrid: Overview

The distance between Barcelona and Madrid is about 314 miles (506 km), and you can get to Madrid by flight, train, bus, and car.

While it takes less than 1.5 hours to fly, traveling by train takes 2.5 hours and by bus takes at least 7 and a half hours.

TypeTimeCostTickets
Flight1 hour 25 minutesFrom €37Check flight ticket
Train2 hours 30 minutesFrom €54Check train ticket
Bus7.5 hoursFrom €42Check bus ticket
Car2 hours 35 minutes€80/3 daysCheck car options
Travel options from Barcelona to Madrid.

Travel tips

Barcelona to Madrid flight

Flying is the fastest way to travel to Madrid. 

AirEuropa, Iberia, and Vueling offer direct flights from Barcelona and Madrid, and the journey takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes. 

Planes frequently depart from Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) and arrive at Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD).

I always use Skyscanner to find cheap flights and get the best deals.

Flight info
Journey time1h 25m
PriceFrom €37
Distance314 miles (506 km)
Frequency15 flights per day
First flight7 am
Last flight10 pm
DepartureBarcelona El Prat Airport (BCN)
ArrivalMadrid Barajas Airport (MAD)
OperatorsAirEuropa, Iberia, and Vueling
Flight information from Barcelona to Madrid.

Barcelona to Madrid train

Renfe AVE and Renfe offer daily trains from Barcelona to Madrid, taking about 2.5 hours on average.

Around 15 trains operate daily, and you can choose direct trains from Barcelona Sants and arrive at Madrid-Puerta de Atocha. Both stations are located within 1 km of the center.

Train info
Journey timeFrom 2h 30m
PriceFrom $21
Distance314 miles (506 km)
Frequency15 trains per day
First train05:50
Last train20:00
Departure stationBarcelona Sants
Arrival stationMadrid-Puerta de Atocha
ChangesDirect trains available
OperatorsRenfe
Train information from Barcelona to Madrid.
ProviderDepartureArrivalTickets
Renfe5:50 am9:10 amBook tickets
Renfe6:20 am8:50 amBook tickets
Renfe7:00 am8:30 amBook tickets
Renfe7:40 am10:10 amBook tickets
Renfe8:00 am11:12 amBook tickets
Renfe8:25 am10:55 amBook tickets
Renfe9:00 am11:45 amBook tickets
Train schedule from Barcelona to Madrid. You can check more train schedules here

How long is the train from Barcelona to Madrid?

The average travel time is 2 hours 45 minutes, covering a 314 miles (506 km) distance. If you take the fastest train, you can shorten the travel time to 2 hours 30 minutes.

How much is the train ticket from Barcelona to Madrid?

The cheapest train ticket for this route is $21 (€17.75), but the average price of train tickets is $63 (€54). You should book your train tickets early to get the best price.

Where are the departure and arrival stations?

All trains leave Barcelona Sants station and arrive at Madrid-Puerta de Atocha station. Both stations are located in the city center, so traveling around is convenient.

When is the first and last train depart from Barcelona to Madrid?

The first train leaves the station at 5:50 am, while the last train departs at 8 pm. However, train schedules may change between weekdays and weekends. Please check the latest schedule here

Barcelona to Madrid bus

Taking a bus is another way to travel to Madrid. 

Alsa offers daily buses between Barcelona and Madrid. The journey takes about 7.5 hours to 8 hours. The bus ticket costs $40 (€32).

Bus info
Journey time7.5h
Price$40 (€32)
Distance314 miles (506 km)
Frequency15 buses per day
First bus7 am
Last bus11:59 pm
Departure stationBarcelona, Estació d’Autobusos Nord
Arrival stationMadrid
OperatorsAlsa
Bus information from Barcelona to Madrid.
ProviderDepartureArrivalTickets
Alsa7:00 am2:35 amBook tickets
Alsa10:30 am6:10 pmBook tickets
Alsa1:00 pm8:20 pmBook tickets
Alsa2:30 pm10:05 pmBook tickets
Alsa10:00 pm5:35 amBook tickets
Alsa11:30 pm7:25 amBook tickets
Alsa11:59 pm7:34 amBook tickets
Bus schedule from Barcelona to Madrid. You can check more bus schedules here

How long is the bus from Barcelona to Madrid?

Buses to Madrid take about 7 hours and 30 minutes to 8 hours. Please note that the bus travel schedule depends on specific dates, weekends, and holidays.

How much is the bus ticket from Barcelona to Madrid?

The bus ticket costs $40 (€32). However, prices may change depending on the time of day and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.

Where are the departure and arrival stations?

The buses depart from Barcelona or Estació d’Autobusos Nord station and arrive at Madrid station.

When is the first and last bus depart from Barcelona to Madrid?

The first bus leaves the station at 7 am, while the last departs at midnight.

Getting around Madrid

The best way to get around Madrid is by metro. There are 11 metro lines, and it operates from 6.05 am to 1.30 am.

When taking public transport in Madrid, you’ll need a Tarjeta Multi, a rechargeable card. You can top up your account at machines in all metro stations.

Single-journey ticket costs €1.50, while the 10-ride option (bus and metro) is €12.20.

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