Travel Time: Barcelona To Madrid By Bus

If you're looking to travel from Barcelona to Madrid, there are a few different ways to get there. You can take a train, bus, plane, or drive. The distance between the two cities is about 380 miles, and the road distance is about 389 miles. The fastest way to travel between the two cities is by taking the high-speed train, which takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. The bus is the cheapest option, but it takes the longest at around 8-9 hours.

Journey duration

The duration of the journey from Barcelona to Madrid by bus depends on several factors, including the time of day, day of the week, and traffic conditions.

On average, the bus journey from Barcelona to Madrid takes between 8 and 9.5 hours. For example, one bus route operated by Union Ivkoni departs from Barcelona Sants Central Bus Station and arrives at Madrid Mendez Alvaro Estacion Sur, with the journey taking approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes. This route operates once a week, on Wednesdays.

Another bus route, operated by ALSA, departs from Barcelona, Estació d'Autobusos Nord, and arrives at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid). This journey takes around 7 hours and 35 minutes, and buses run every four hours.

It is worth noting that bus journeys can be significantly longer than travelling by train or plane. The high-speed train from Madrid to Barcelona, for instance, takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, while flights are even quicker, excluding travel to and from the airport and checking in.

When planning your trip from Barcelona to Madrid, it is advisable to consider your preferred travel time, budget, and convenience.

Ticket prices

The major Spanish bus company, Alsa, offers various routes per day from Avenida de America bus station in Madrid to Barcelona-Sants or Barcelona Nord stations. Alsa bus tickets start at $11 when bought in advance, but they increase in price the longer you wait, with same-day tickets costing up to $50 for a one-way ride.

Union Ivkoni is another bus operator that services this route. Tickets for this operator cost between $24 and $40.

For those looking for a more luxurious experience, there are also private bus operators that offer additional perks such as gourmet dining and premium seating. These tickets tend to be more expensive but still offer good value for money.

It is important to note that ticket prices for buses from Barcelona to Madrid can vary depending on demand and availability, so it is always a good idea to book in advance to secure the best prices.

Bus stations

If you're travelling by bus from Barcelona to Madrid, there are a few bus stations you'll want to familiarise yourself with. Here's a guide to the main bus stations in each city and what you can expect to find there:

Barcelona Bus Stations

Estació d'Autobusos Nord: This is the main bus station in Barcelona and the departure point for most buses to Madrid. It's located in the city centre, making it a convenient option for travellers. The station offers a range of facilities, including ticket offices, waiting areas, cafes, and shops.

Barcelona Sants Central Bus Station: This station is located just west of the city centre and is served by the Barcelona Sants train station, providing easy connections to other parts of the city and beyond. It is a smaller station compared to Estació d'Autobusos Nord, but it still offers basic amenities such as ticket offices and waiting areas.

Madrid Bus Stations

Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid): This bus station is located at Madrid's international airport, making it a convenient option for those arriving or departing by air. It offers a range of facilities, including ticket offices, waiting areas, and luggage storage.

Madrid Mendez Alvaro Estacion Sur: This is the main bus station in Madrid and is likely where your journey will end if you're travelling from Barcelona. It is located just south of the city centre and is well-connected to the city's metro and bus networks. The station offers various facilities, including ticket offices, waiting areas, cafes, and shops.

When planning your bus journey between Barcelona and Madrid, it's a good idea to check the specific departure and arrival points, as there may be multiple options depending on the bus company and route. Additionally, it's worth allowing some flexibility in your schedule, as bus travel times can vary depending on traffic conditions.

Alternatives to the bus

The bus is the cheapest way to travel from Barcelona to Madrid, but it takes around eight hours. So how can you make this journey without taking the bus? Here are some alternative options for travelling between the two cities.

By Train

Spain's two biggest cities are well-connected by train, with the high-speed AVE train taking just under three hours to travel from Madrid's Atocha Station to Barcelona-Sants Station. The lower-cost Avlo train takes the same time but limits passengers to one carry-on bag and doesn't offer a cafeteria car. The regional train takes longer but doesn't require a seat reservation, and you can stop along the way in Zaragoza and Tarragona.

By Plane

Flights are quick, but the overall travel time is significantly longer than the train when you factor in the time it takes to get to and from the airport, check-in, security, and baggage reclaim.

By Car

Renting a car gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace and make your own itinerary, but it can be expensive once you factor in the cost of gas, insurance, and rental, as well as tolls and parking.

By Rideshare

Ridesharing or carpooling can be a good way to save money and meet new people. You can use websites and apps such as eRideShare, Bla Bla Car, or Liftshare to find people travelling the same way as you and share the driving and costs.

Bus operator

The bus from Barcelona to Madrid is operated by Union Ivkoni. The bus departs from Barcelona Sants Central Bus Station and arrives at Madrid Mendez Alvaro Estacion Sur. Services depart once a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The journey takes approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes.

Union Ivkoni offers a range of amenities on their buses, including comfortable seating, air conditioning, and ample luggage storage. The buses also have toilets and some form of entertainment, such as WiFi or onboard movies. Additionally, light snacks and drinks may be available for purchase during the trip.

The cost of the bus ticket varies depending on when you purchase it. If you buy your ticket early, you can find prices as low as $11. However, tickets bought on the same day of travel can cost up to $50 for a one-way trip. It is advisable to book your ticket in advance to secure a seat and take advantage of the lower fares.

When planning your trip, keep in mind that the bus journey is significantly longer than travelling by train or plane. The bus is a good option if you are looking for a more economical choice and if time is not a constraint. However, if you are short on time or prefer a faster mode of transportation, the high-speed train or a flight might be more suitable alternatives.

Frequently asked questions