Cheap bus tickets from Barcelona to Madrid
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Bus from Barcelona to Madrid: Journey Information
There is one daily bus from Barcelona to Madrid. Traveling by bus from Barcelona to Madrid usually takes around 20 hours and 27 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus bus can make the trip in 18 hours and 5 minutes.
| Distance | 314 mi (505 km) |
| Shortest duration | 18h 5m |
| Cheapest price | $89.36 |
| Trips per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus |
| Bus lines | 1 |
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Barcelona to Madrid Bus Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Barcelona to Madrid?
There are usually 11 daily train trips available from Barcelona to Madrid.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$166.12 | Avg. Price$70.56Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips11 |
Duration | Duration20h 27m | Duration3h 15mFaster |
There are several bus options that can take you from Barcelona to Madrid:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Barcelona to Madrid?
Bus tickets for a trip from Barcelona to Madrid cost $122.25 on average. Bus tickets on this route can be a bit expensive due to the length of the trip. But even with a higher price tag, taking the bus is often more affordable than flying to Madrid. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
Average bus ticket prices from Barcelona to Madrid by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Barcelona to Madrid in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $67 to $189. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 8, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Madrid this week, bus tickets are available starting at $120.
Average bus ticket prices from Barcelona to Madrid by month
Taking the bus from Barcelona to Madrid is usually cheapest in February, when the average ticket price is only $100. If you're planning to take the bus from Barcelona to Madrid during August, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $227. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.
Prices as travel date approaches
Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. To find the cheapest bus tickets, book your trip at least 29 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $52.65 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Barcelona to Madrid?
There are multiple buses that travel from Barcelona to Madrid, including FlixBus. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular bus lines:
| BUS | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 1 | 20h 27m | $166.12 |
First launched in Germany in 2013, FlixBus has become one of the largest intercity bus companies in Europe. Its fleet travels through nearly every country in Europe, including the U.K. FlixBus operates an average of 1 trips from Barcelona to Madrid, and usually makes the trip in about 20 hours and 27 minutes. On your trip, you'll enjoy Wi-Fi and live GPS, as well as restrooms, air conditioning, and power outlets.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Barcelona to Madrid
There is usually only one bus per day from Barcelona to Madrid. However, it is not a direct bus, so you will have to get off your original vehicle to change buses during the trip. Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Barcelona to Madrid; ticket prices start at $32.
TRIPS PER DAY
1
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The bus takes an average of 20 hours and 27 minutes to cover the 314 miles from Barcelona to Madrid. However, the fastest bus only takes 18 hours and 5 minutes. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
DISTANCE (MI)
314
DISTANCE (KM)
505
There is usually only one bus per day from Barcelona to Madrid. It leaves the station in Barcelona at 11:10pm each day. The time might vary for specific dates, so be sure to search on Wanderu for the most up-to-date information.
EARLIEST BUS
2:30am
LATEST BUS
11:10pm
Because many passengers travel from Barcelona to Madrid at the beginning of the work week, Monday is usually the busiest day for buses. If you are planning to travel on a Monday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out. On the other hand, Wednesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the bus, traveling mid-week is your best bet.
MOST CROWDED
Monday
LEAST CROWDED
Wednesday
City Information
Barcelona
Featuring a mix of bizarre modern vibes and quaint buildings, Barcelona is a great destination for tourists seeking fun and cultural activities alike. Barcelona takes great pride in its unique architecture, and the most prominent example of its uniqueness is the La Sagrada Família, one of the most iconic buildings in the city. Boasting a unique Gothique-esque architectural style, the cathedral will leave you in awe. The most interesting part is that the church is actually still in construction, and is expected to be finished by 2026. If you want to stroll around the streets of Barcelona, the Barri Gòtic, the oldest part of the city, will be a perfect choice. Here visitors will find old buildings with Medieval or Roman architecture. If you are looking to enjoy Barcelona’s nightlife, head over to Las Ramblas, the most fun area around.
For the best Catalonian dishes, don’t hesitate to head over to Babula Bar 1937, which offers top-tier local cuisine. Barcelona is also rather famous for its seafood, so don’t hesitate to give that a try at one of the many restaurants the city has to offer.
For buses, Estació del Nord serves as the central hub of intercity services. The Barcelona Sants is the city’s main train station, offering access to many cities in Europe. Commercial air services are provided by the Barcelona-El Prat Airport, which is located 11 miles from the city center.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Barcelona?
Main departure station: Sants
Most buses depart from the main station in Barcelona.
All bus stations in Barcelona:
- Sants
Where does the bus arrive in Madrid?
Main arrival station: Central Bus Station
All buses from Barcelona arrive at one main station in Madrid.
All bus stations in Madrid:
- Central Bus Station
Need a return trip from Madrid to Barcelona?
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