Cheap bus tickets from Madrid to Barcelona
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Bus from Madrid to Barcelona: Journey Information
There are 3 intercity buses per day from Madrid to Barcelona. Traveling by bus from Madrid to Barcelona usually takes around 24 hours and 42 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus bus can make the trip in 21 hours and 30 minutes.
| Distance | 314 mi (505 km) |
| Shortest duration | 21h 30m |
| Cheapest price | $66.87 |
| Trips per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus |
| Bus lines | 1 |
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Madrid to Barcelona Bus Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Madrid to Barcelona?
There are usually 11 daily train trips available from Madrid to Barcelona.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$164.99 | Avg. Price$65.82Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips3 | Daily Trips11 |
Duration | Duration24h 42m | Duration3h 15mFaster |
There are several bus options that can take you from Madrid to Barcelona:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Madrid to Barcelona?
Bus tickets for a trip from Madrid to Barcelona cost $111.64 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 Barcelona. 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 Madrid to Barcelona by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Madrid to Barcelona in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $82 to $191. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 17, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Barcelona this week, bus tickets are available starting at $137.
Average bus ticket prices from Madrid to Barcelona by month
Taking the bus from Madrid to Barcelona is usually cheapest in January, when the average ticket price is only $83. If you're planning to take the bus from Madrid to Barcelona during August, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $191. 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 21 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $76.92 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Madrid to Barcelona?
There are multiple buses that travel from Madrid to Barcelona, including FlixBus. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular bus lines:
| BUS | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 3 | 24h 42m | $164.99 |
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 3 trips from Madrid to Barcelona, and usually makes the trip in about 24 hours and 42 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 Madrid to Barcelona
There are 3 scheduled buses that travel from Madrid to Barcelona every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so no matter which bus you take, you will have to transfer buses at least once during your journey. Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Madrid to Barcelona; ticket prices start at $30.
TRIPS PER DAY
3
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The bus takes an average of 24 hours and 42 minutes to cover the 314 miles from Madrid to Barcelona. However, the fastest bus only takes 21 hours and 30 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 3:55pm and the last bus leaves at 11:59pm. To see the times for all buses from Madrid to Barcelona, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
EARLIEST BUS
3:55pm
LATEST BUS
11:59pm
Saturday is usually the day when buses are busiest, as many travelers take the bus to enjoy the weekend in Barcelona. If you are planning to travel on a Saturday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out. On the other hand, Sunday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you are looking for less crowded buses to Barcelona, book your ticket for the last day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Saturday
LEAST CROWDED
Sunday
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 Madrid?
Main departure station: Central Bus Station
Madrid has two bus stations with service to Barcelona.
All bus stations in Madrid:
- Central Bus Station
- Madrid Airport (T4)
Where does the bus arrive in Barcelona?
Main arrival station: Sants
All buses from Madrid arrive at one main station in Barcelona.
All bus stations in Barcelona:
- Sants
Need a return trip from Barcelona to Madrid?
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