aiplannerFly via
Iberia
EUR 25-1501h 25m - 1h 30m
Depart: Multiple times daily (e.g., 8-14 flights per day)Arrive: Varies by departure
Direct flights connecting Spain's two largest cities, offering frequent services.
Flights typically depart from Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) and arrive at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD). Iberia primarily operates from Terminal 4 (T4) at Madrid-Barajas. Barcelona-El Prat has two main terminals, T1 and T2, with free shuttle buses connecting them.
Air Europa
EUR 30-1601h 25m - 1h 30m
Depart: Several daily departures (e.g., 2-4 flights per day)Arrive: Varies by departure
Offers direct connections between Barcelona and Madrid, providing a convenient travel option.
Operates from Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) and Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD). Air Europa typically uses Terminal 2 (T2) at Madrid-Barajas for domestic and Schengen flights.
Vueling
EUR 20-1001h 25m - 1h 30m
Depart: Multiple times dailyArrive: Varies by departure
A popular low-cost carrier offering frequent direct flights on this domestic route.
Vueling is a major airline at Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN), typically operating from Terminal 1 (T1). At Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD), Vueling flights usually arrive at Terminal 1 (T1).
Train via
Renfe AVE
EUR 35-1702h 30m - 2h 50m
Depart: Hourly departures (e.g., around 30-40+ services daily)Arrive: Varies by departure
Spain's high-speed rail service offering fast and comfortable journeys between the two major cities.
Trains depart from Barcelona Sants station and arrive at Madrid Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes. Both stations are major transport hubs with excellent metro and bus connections to city centers. Renfe also offers budget-friendly high-speed Avlo trains on this route.
Iryo
EUR 25-1502h 37m - 2h 52m
Depart: Several daily services (e.g., around 45 daily departures combined with other operators)Arrive: Varies by departure
A private high-speed rail operator providing competitive services on the Barcelona-Madrid corridor.
Iryo trains operate between Barcelona Sants and Madrid Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes, offering modern facilities and services.
Ouigo Spain
EUR 10-802h 30m - 2h 50m
Depart: Multiple daily departuresArrive: Varies by departure
A low-cost high-speed train service, offering an affordable option for travel between Barcelona and Madrid.
Ouigo trains serve Barcelona Sants and Madrid Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes, focusing on budget-conscious travelers.
Bus via
ALSA
EUR 19-707h 20m - 8h 5m
Depart: Multiple departures daily (e.g., over 22 services daily)Arrive: Varies by departure
The primary bus operator in Spain, offering numerous daily bus services between Barcelona and Madrid.
Buses typically depart from Barcelona Nord Bus Station (Estació d'Autobusos Nord) and arrive at Madrid Estación Sur (Méndez Álvaro), a major bus terminal in Madrid. Some services also stop at Madrid Barajas Airport T4.
FlixBus
EUR 70-10010h 35m - 11h 30m
Depart: Several daily rides, including night bus optionsArrive: Varies by departure
An international bus company offering budget-friendly long-distance travel options.
FlixBus services connect Barcelona Nord Bus Station with Madrid Estación Sur, providing amenities like free Wi-Fi and power sockets. Journey times can be longer compared to other bus operators.
Drive via
Self-drive
Fuel: EUR 70-100 (one-way estimate, tolls extra)5h 30m - 7h 50m
Depart: FlexibleArrive: Flexible
Driving offers flexibility and the opportunity to explore sights along the way.
The driving distance is approximately 504-625 km (313-385 miles). Tolls apply on several Spanish motorways (AP-2, AP-7, AP-68, AP-6, R-2, R-4, R-5) between Barcelona and Madrid, adding to the overall cost. Fuel costs are an estimate and can vary based on vehicle efficiency and current fuel prices.
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