There are 7 ways to get from Madrid to Lisbon by bus, night bus, train, night train, 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.
Recommended option
Bus • 8h 30m
22€ - 28€
6 alternative options
Bus via Madrid Estacion Sur • 8h 57m
55€ - 79€
Night bus, train • 9h 25m
41€ - 53€
Train, night train • 11h 13m
57€ - 76€
Rideshare • 6h 42m
29€ - 50€
Drive • 5h 57m
70€ - 110€
Fly • 4h 3m
30€ - 85€
Travel safe during COVID-19
International entry into Portugal from Spain
- Entry is partially open for citizens and permanent residents of Spain
Restricted for: Foreign nationals from outside EU Schengen Area
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Conditions of entry into Portugal from Spain
- Negative COVID-19 test issued at most 3 days before arrival
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- Negative COVID-19 test issued at most 3 days before arrival
- 14-day mandatory self-quarantine
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Rules to follow in Portugal
2m
Mandatory
Considerations leaving from Spain
The official advice is to avoid non-essential international travel to high risk countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but conditions apply when entering Portugal from Spain.
Explore options for future travelDomestic travel is not restricted, but some conditions may apply
- Face masks are mandatory
- There is a social distancing requirement of 2 metres
- Observe COVID-19 safety rules
- Nationwide control measures in place
- Inter-regional travel is permitted
- Regional restriction measures in place
- Further restrictions may be implemented at short notice
The national COVID-19 helpline number in Lisbon is 808 24 24 24.
Wearing a face mask on public transport in Lisbon is mandatory.
The social distance requirement in Lisbon is 2 metres.
Make yourself known to an official member of staff and/or call the national coronavirus helpline number on 808 24 24 24.
No, but conditions apply when returning to Spain from Portugal.
See options for return travel.
Last updated: 21 Apr 2021
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 Madrid to Lisbon is to bus which costs 22€ - 28€ and takes 8h 30m.
The fastest way to get from Madrid to Lisbon is to fly. Taking this option will cost 30€ - 90€ and takes 4h 3m.
Yes, there is a direct bus departing from Madrid Estación Sur and arriving at Lisbon Sete Rios. Services depart twice daily, and operate Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The journey takes approximately 8h 30m.
No, there is no direct train from Madrid to Lisbon. However, there are services departing from Madrid-Principe Pio and arriving at Santa Apolónia via Salamanca. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 11h 13m.
The distance between Madrid and Lisbon is 502 km. The road distance is 629 km.
The best way to get from Madrid to Lisbon without a car is to bus which takes 8h 30m and costs 22€ - 28€.
The bus from Madrid Estación Sur to Lisbon Sete Rios takes 8h 30m including transfers and departs twice daily.
Madrid to Lisbon bus services, operated by Rede Expressos, depart from Madrid Estación Sur station.
Madrid to Lisbon train services, operated by Renfe Viajeros, depart from Madrid-Principe Pio station.
The best way to get from Madrid to Lisbon is to bus which takes 8h 30m and costs 22€ - 28€. Alternatively, you can fly, which costs 30€ - 90€ and takes 4h 3m.

- Distance: 502.3 km
- Duration: 8h 30m
What companies run services between Madrid, Spain and Lisbon, Portugal?
Rede Expressos operates a bus from Madrid Estación Sur to Lisbon Sete Rios twice daily. Tickets cost 22€ - 28€ and the journey takes 8h 30m. Alternatively, Iberia, Air Europa and two other airlines fly from Madrid to Lisbon every 4 hours.

- Website
- iberia.com
Flights from Madrid to Lisbon
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 20m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- 24€ - 150€

- Website
- flytap.com
Flights from Madrid to Lisbon
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 35m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- 28€ - 180€

- Website
- aireuropa.com
Flights from Madrid to Lisbon
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 20m
- When
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
- Estimated price
- 21€ - 110€

- Website
- easyjet.com
Flights from Madrid to Lisbon
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 25m
- When
- Friday and Sunday
- Estimated price
- 26€ - 180€

Comboios de Portugal (CP) is the national railway network of Portugal that spans over 2700km, with trains split into three main types: regional, urban and intercity trains; international and domestic high-speed trains; and international night trains. Portugal's main stations are Santa Apolónia in Lisbon and Campanha in Porto – these connect to trains in Portugal's cities and international destinations. The Alfa Pendular, the fastest train in Portugal, is a popular travel choice, as it can run at a speed of up to 250 km/h. You can book train tickets up to 60 days in advance.
Contact Details
- Phone
- +351 707 210 220
- Website
- cp.pt
Train from Coimbra-B to Lisboa - Santa Apolonia
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 7m
- Frequency
- Hourly
- Estimated price
- 15€ - 22€
- Website
- Comboios De Portugal
- Urbano
- 15€ - 22€
Night train from Salamanca to Santa Apolónia
- Ave. Duration
- 7h 33m
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- 40€ - 55€
- Website
- Comboios De Portugal
- Urbano
- 40€ - 55€

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
- 902 320 320
- Website
- renfe.com
Train from Madrid-Principe Pio to Salamanca
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 40m
- Frequency
- Every 4 hours
- Estimated price
- 17€ - 22€
- Website
- Renfe Viajeros

Rede Nacional de Expressos is a cheap and convenient way to get around the country. In business since 1995, Portugal’s biggest bus operator services villages and cities across the country. Tickets can be purchased up to 30 days before the date of travel, with discounted fares available via their free RFLEX Card. Most coaches have WiFi and power sockets.
Contact Details
- Phone
- 707 22 33 44
- cliente@rne.pt
- Website
- rede-expressos.pt
Bus from Madrid Estación Sur to Lisbon Sete Rios
- Ave. Duration
- 8h 30m
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Estimated price
- 22€ - 28€
- Schedules at
- rede-expressos.pt

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
- +34 902 42 22 42
- Website
- alsa.es
Bus from Madrid Estacion Sur to Lisbon Sete Rios
- Ave. Duration
- 8h 45m
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- 50€ - 75€
- Website
- alsa.com

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 1807 123 99 123
- info@flixbus.de
- Website
- flixbus.de
Night bus from Madrid to Coimbra
- Ave. Duration
- 6h 25m
- Frequency
- 3 times a week
- Estimated price
- 25€ - 31€
- Website
- flixbus.co.uk

Rome2rio's guide to BlaBlaCar.es
Contact Details
- Website
- blablacar.com
Rideshare from Madrid to Lisbon
- Ave. Duration
- 6h 42m
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Estimated price
- 29€ - 50€
- Book at
- blablacar.es
Want to know more about travelling around Portugal
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 Madrid Airport to Lisbon Airport is the direct flight which takes 1h 15m.
Madrid to Lisbon bus services, operated by Rede Expressos, arrive at Lisbon Sete Rios station.
Lisbon is 1h behind Madrid. It is currently 6:05 AM in Madrid and 5:05 AM in Lisbon.
Madrid to Lisbon train services, operated by Comboios De Portugal, arrive at Santa Apolónia station.
Yes, the driving distance between Madrid to Lisbon is 629 km. It takes approximately 5h 57m to drive from Madrid to Lisbon.
Air Europa, easyJet, Iberia and TAP Portugal offer flights from Madrid Airport to Lisbon Airport.
There are 11035+ hotels available in Lisbon. Prices start at 75€ per night.