There are 5 ways to get from Barcelona to Madrid by train, bus, rideshare, car or plane
Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner.
Barcelona to Madrid by train
Travel safe during COVID-19
Rules to follow in Spain
1.5m
Recommended
Travel within Spain
There are no current restrictions
COVID-19 help in Spain
If you need help, visit the national COVID-19 website or call the COVID-19 Helpline 112
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, travel within Spain is currently allowed.
Explore travel optionsDomestic travel is not restricted, but some conditions may apply
- Face masks are recommended
- There is a social distancing requirement of 1.5 metres
- There are no current restrictions
The national COVID-19 helpline number in Madrid is 112.
Wearing a face mask on public transport in Madrid is recommended.
The social distance requirement in Madrid is 1.5 metres.
Make yourself known to an official member of staff and/or call the national coronavirus helpline number on 112.
Last updated: 8 Mar 2023
Exceptions may apply, for full details: European Union.
We're working around the clock to bring you the latest COVID-19 travel updates.
This information is compiled from official sources. To the best of our knowledge, it is correct as of the last update.
Visit Rome2rio travel advice for general help.
Questions & Answers
The cheapest way to get from Barcelona to Madrid is to rideshare which costs €27 - €29 and takes 7h 17m.
The quickest way to get from Barcelona to Madrid is to train which costs €35 - €120 and takes 2h 30m.
Yes, there is a direct bus departing from Barcelona and arriving at Madrid. Services depart three times a day, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 7h 35m.
Yes, there is a direct train departing from Barcelona-Sants and arriving at Madrid-Puerta De Atocha. Services depart hourly, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 2h 30m.
It is 505 km from Barcelona to Madrid. It is approximately 623.2 km to drive.
The best way to get from Barcelona to Madrid without a car is to train which takes 2h 30m and costs €35 - €120.
The train from Barcelona-Sants to Madrid-Puerta De Atocha takes 2h 30m including transfers and departs hourly.
Barcelona to Madrid bus services, operated by ALSA, depart from Barcelona station.
Barcelona to Madrid train services, operated by Renfe AVE, depart from Barcelona-Sants station.
The best way to get from Barcelona to Madrid is to train which takes 2h 30m and costs €35 - €120. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs €45 - €130 and takes 7h 35m, you could also fly, which costs €20 - €70 and takes 3h 26m.
- Distance: 505.3 km
- Duration: 2h 30m
What companies run services between Barcelona, Spain and Madrid, Spain?
Renfe AVE operates a train from Barcelona-Sants to Madrid-Puerta De Atocha hourly. Tickets cost €60 - €120 and the journey takes 2h 30m. Renfe Viajeros also services this route 5 times a day. Alternatively, ALSA operates a bus from Barcelona to Madrid 3 times a day. Tickets cost €85 - €130 and the journey takes 7h 35m. FlixBus also services this route 4 times a week.
- Website
- iberia.com
Flights from Barcelona to Madrid
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 25m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- €24 - €120
Flights from Barcelona to Madrid via Valencia
- Ave. Duration
- 3h 5m
- When
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday
- Estimated price
- €24 - €120
- Website
- vueling.com
Flights from Barcelona to Madrid
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 25m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- €24 - €120
- Website
- aireuropa.com
Flights from Barcelona to Madrid
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 30m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- €20 - €120
Flights from Barcelona to Madrid via Palma Mallorca
- Ave. Duration
- 3h 12m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- €20 - €120
- Website
- ryanair.com
Flights from Barcelona to Madrid via Palma Mallorca
- Ave. Duration
- 3h 15m
- When
- Monday and Saturday
- Estimated price
- €24 - €180
Rome2rio's guide to Renfe AVE
Contact Details
- Phone
- +34 91 232 03 20
- Website
- renfe.com
Train from Barcelona-Sants to Madrid-Puerta De Atocha
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 30m
- Frequency
- Hourly
- Estimated price
- €60 - €120
- Website
- https://www.renfe.com/es/en
- Promo
- €60 - €80
- Promo+
- €68 - €73
- Flexible
- €90 - €120
Spain's excellent and extensive rail system connects cities across Spain and into neighbouring countries. Renfe's high-speed AVE trains can reach speeds of up to 350km/h, making travel between major cities very efficient. All medium- and long-distance trains require a seat reservation; ticket sales for these trains usually open 30-60 days before travel. Most Renfe trains have two classes: Turista (2nd class) and Preferente (1st class), although some AVE trains offer Turista Plus. There is free WiFi for Preferente passengers and for those with a +Renfe loyalty card.
Rome2rio's guide to Renfe Viajeros
Contact Details
- Phone
- +34 91 232 03 20
- Website
- renfe.com
Train from Barcelona-Sants to Madrid-Puerta De Atocha
- Ave. Duration
- 3h 17m
- Frequency
- 5 times a day
- Estimated price
- €35 - €50
- Website
- https://www.renfe.com/es/en
A Spanish subsidiary of National Express, ALSA provides bus and coach services across Spain and neighbouring countries including Portugal, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Poland and Malta. Founded in 1923, ALSA values service and the customer experience. Buses are equipped with communal TV screens showing movies, individual behind-seat screens, ALSA radio, app for books and music, and free WiFi. ALSA services are accessible to people with disabilities, and guide dogs are welcome on all journeys. There are three types of tickets on offer (Frequent Traveller Pass, Share Pass and ALSA Pass), along with discounts for senior citizens, students and children.
Contact Details
- Phone
- +34 910 207 007
- alsa@alsa.es
- Website
- alsa.es
Bus from Barcelona to Madrid
- Ave. Duration
- 7h 35m
- Frequency
- 3 times a day
- Estimated price
- €85 - €130
- Website
- https://www.alsa.com/en/web/bus/home
One of Europe’s leading bus companies, Flixbus serves 2000+ destinations in 29 countries, including Germany, France, Italy, Austria, the Netherlands and Croatia and into Scandinavia and eastern Europe, as well as some US cities. Coaches have toilets, free WiFi and power outlets, plus snacks and drinks for purchase on board. Flixbus is a good choice for the budget-conscious traveller; purchase tickets in advance for the cheapest fares (note: there is no option to reserve a seat in advance).
Rome2rio's guide to FlixBus
Contact Details
- Phone
- +49 30 300 137 300
- service@flixbus.com
- Website
- flixbus.de
Bus from Barcelona to Madrid
- Ave. Duration
- 7h 15m
- Frequency
- 4 times a week
- Estimated price
- €45 - €70
- Website
- https://www.flixbus.co.uk
- Book at
- https://shop.global.flixbus.com/
Frequently asked questions
Rome2rio's guide to BlaBlaCar.es
Contact Details
- Website
- blablacar.com
Rideshare from Barcelone to Madrid
- Ave. Duration
- 7h 17m
- Frequency
- Every 30 minutes
- Estimated price
- €27 - €29
- Book at
- blablacar.es
Want to know more about travelling around Spain
Rome2rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.
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Read the travel guideMore Questions & Answers
The quickest flight from Barcelona Airport to Madrid Airport is the direct flight which takes 1h 25m.
Barcelona to Madrid bus services, operated by ALSA, arrive at Madrid station.
Barcelona to Madrid train services, operated by Renfe AVE, arrive at Madrid-Puerta De Atocha station.
Yes, the driving distance between Barcelona to Madrid is 623 km. It takes approximately 6h 2m to drive from Barcelona to Madrid.
Ryanair, Vueling Airlines, Air Europa and Iberia offer flights from Barcelona Airport to Madrid Airport.
Book your Barcelona to Madrid train tickets online with Omio.
Book your Barcelona to Madrid bus tickets online with Omio and Busbud.
There are 725+ hotels available in Madrid. Prices start at €87 per night.
The best way to get from Barcelona to Barcelona Airport is to train which takes 25 min and costs .