Cheap bus tickets from Barcelona to Madrid

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Bus from Barcelona to Madrid: Journey Information

There are 2 intercity buses per day from Barcelona to Madrid. Traveling by bus from Barcelona to Madrid usually takes around 27 hours and 30 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
TRY 3,722.03
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 12 daily train trips available from Barcelona to Madrid.

Bus
Train
Avg. PriceTRY 8,328.34Avg. PriceTRY 4,055.83Cheaper
Daily Trips2Daily Trips12
Duration27h 30mDuration3h 14mFaster
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How much is a bus ticket from Barcelona to Madrid?

Bus tickets for a trip from Barcelona to Madrid cost TRY 4,522.86 on average. While it’s a bit pricey for a bus ticket, it’s still significantly more cost-effective than flying. 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

TRY 8,310TRY 5,540TRY 2,770SepOct

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 TRY 2,635 to TRY 8,296. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on October 19, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Madrid this week, bus tickets are available starting at TRY 4,050.

Average bus ticket prices from Barcelona to Madrid by month

TRY 11,150TRY 8,920TRY 6,690TRY 4,460TRY 2,230JFMAMJJASOND

Taking the bus from Barcelona to Madrid is usually cheapest in February, when the average ticket price is only TRY 4,880. 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 TRY 11,127. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.

Prices as travel date approaches

TRY 11,325TRY 9,060TRY 6,795TRY 4,530TRY 2,2650

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 15 days in advance. This way, you can save up to TRY 6,787.21 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from Barcelona to Madrid?

There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Barcelona to Madrid. FlixBus is the one bus line that serves this route. Although it's the sole option, there are a couple of different scheduled times to choose from.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus227h 30mTRY 8,328.23
  • 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 2 trips from Barcelona to Madrid, and usually makes the trip in about 27 hours and 30 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 are usually only 2 buses per day from Barcelona to Madrid. However, neither bus offers direct service, so you will have to get off your original vehicle to transfer buses during the trip. Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Barcelona to Madrid; ticket prices start at TRY 1,764.

Trips per day

2

Direct trips

0

The bus takes an average of 27 hours and 30 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

The first bus leaves at 2:30am and the last bus leaves at 11:10pm. To see the times for all buses from Barcelona to Madrid, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

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, Thursday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Thursday ticket is the way to go.

Most crowded

Monday

Least crowded

Thursday

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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