There are 6 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.
Travel safe during COVID-19
Rules to follow in Spain
1.5m
Mandatory
Travel within Spain
Domestic border crossings may be subject to approval, testing and quarantine
Nationwide control measures in place
Regional restriction measures in place
Observe COVID-19 safety rules
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
There are currently travel restrictions within 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 1.5 metres
- Domestic border crossings may be subject to approval, testing and quarantine
- Nationwide control measures in place
- Regional restriction measures in place
- Observe COVID-19 safety rules
The national COVID-19 helpline number in Madrid is 112.
Wearing a face mask on public transport in Madrid is mandatory.
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: 7 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 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 60€ - 120€ and takes 3h 12m.
No, there is no direct bus from Barcelona to Madrid. However, there are services departing from Barcelona and arriving at Cibeles via Aeropuerto T4. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 8h 19m.
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 3h 12m.
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 3h 12m and costs 60€ - 120€.
The train from Barcelona-Sants to Madrid-Puerta De Atocha takes 3h 12m 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 3h 12m and costs 60€ - 120€. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs 45€ - 70€ and takes 8h 19m, you could also fly, which costs 35€ - 95€ and takes 3h 27m.
- Distance: 505.3 km
- Duration: 3h 12m
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 3h 12m. Alternatively, ALSA operates a bus from Barcelona to Madrid - Barajas Airport T4 3 times a day. Tickets cost 45€ - 65€ and the journey takes 7h 20m.
- Website
- iberia.com
Flights from Barcelona to Madrid
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 25m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- 35€ - 140€
- Website
- vueling.com
Flights from Barcelona to Madrid
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 25m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- 35€ - 140€
- Website
- aireuropa.com
Flights from Barcelona to Madrid
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 35m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- 28€ - 100€
Rome2rio's guide to Renfe AVE
Contact Details
- Website
- renfe.com
Train from Barcelona-Sants to Madrid-Puerta De Atocha
- Ave. Duration
- 3h 12m
- Frequency
- Hourly
- Estimated price
- 60€ - 120€
- Website
- Renfe AVE
- Promo
- 60€ - 85€
- Promo+
- 70€ - 75€
- Flexible
- 90€ - 120€
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 Barcelona to Madrid - Barajas Airport T4
- Ave. Duration
- 7h 20m
- Frequency
- 3 times a day
- Estimated price
- 45€ - 65€
- Website
- alsa.com
- Phone
- +34 (0) 977 553 680
- Website
- empresaplana.cat
Bus from Barcelona to Tarragona
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 25m
- Frequency
- Every 30 minutes
- Schedules at
- empresaplana.cat
- Phone
- +34 (0) 902119814
- hife@hife.es
- Website
- hife.es
Bus from Tarragona to Madrid
- Ave. Duration
- 7h 3m
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- 40€ - 75€
- Schedules at
- hife.es
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.
Related travel guides
Train travel in Spain: A guide to Renfe
Top tips on how to best navigate the nation by train, from Alicante to Zaragoza
Read the travel guideWhat are the different types of Renfe trains in Spain?
A simple guide to the different trains, routes and facilities, so you can identify which service is right for you.
Read the travel guideIs ride-sharing platform BlaBlaCar right for you?
Don't have a car, or can't get there on public transportation? This carpooling platform could be your answer.
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 - Barajas Airport T4 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.
Vueling Airlines, Air Europa and Iberia offer flights from Barcelona Airport to Madrid Airport.
Book your Barcelona to Madrid train tickets online with Omio.
There are 8924+ hotels available in Madrid. Prices start at 75€ per night.
The best way to get from Barcelona to Barcelona Airport is to bus which takes 16 min and costs 11€ - 14€.