The cheapest and fastest buses from Madrid to Barcelona
Cheapest price
€40
Average price
€51
Fastest journey
7 h 25 m
Average duration
7 h 33 m
Buses per day
40
Distance
504 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Madrid to Barcelona is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Barcelona will cost around €51 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €40.
Of the 40 buses that leave Madrid for Barcelona on Sat, May 23, 37 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, May 23 the direct buses cover the 504 km distance in an average of 7 h 33 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 25 m .
On Sat, May 23 the slowest buses will take 7 h 35 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
Normal10:30 PM7h50Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América6:20 AMBarcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants€401One-way0 transfers
Normal10:45 PM7h50Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)6:35 AMBarcelona, Estació d'Autobusos Nord€401One-way0 transfers
Normal1:00 PM7h50Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América8:50 PMBarcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants€401One-way0 transfers
Normal1:15 PM7h35Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)8:50 PMBarcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants€401One-way0 transfers
Normal1:15 PM7h50Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)9:05 PMBarcelona, Estació d'Autobusos Nord€401One-way0 transfers
Normal11:55 AM7h25Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)7:20 PMBarcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants€401One-way0 transfers
Normal1:15 PM7h35Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)8:50 PMBarcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants€401One-way0 transfers
Normal4:45 PM7h35Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)12:20 AMBarcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants€401One-way0 transfers
Normal10:45 PM7h35Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)6:20 AMBarcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants€401One-way0 transfers
Normal3:15 PM7h35Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)10:50 PMBarcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants€401One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Madrid to Barcelona
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Barcelona among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €27. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 3m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €27, and a flight costs an average of €53.
Distance: 504 km
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€66 Average price | €56 Average price Cheapest | €185 Average price |
6h 12m Average total duration 5h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 18m Average total duration 4h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 3m Average total duration Fastest 3h 3m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.5 - 3.0kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Madrid to Barcelona bus times
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Barcelona buses for today, Friday, May 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Normal | 7:30 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 7h55 | 3:25 AM Barcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 7:30 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 8h10 | 3:40 AM Barcelona, Estació d'Autobusos Nord | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 7:45 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 7h55 | 3:40 AM Barcelona, Estació d'Autobusos Nord | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 7:45 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 7h40 | 3:25 AM Barcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 11:00 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 7h50 | 6:50 AM Barcelona, Estació d'Autobusos Nord | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 11:30 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 7h50 | 7:20 AM Barcelona, Estació d'Autobusos Nord | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 11:30 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 7h35 | 7:05 AM Barcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 11:30 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 7h50 | 7:20 AM Barcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 11:30 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 8h05 | 7:35 AM Barcelona, Estació d'Autobusos Nord | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:35 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 23h35 | 11:10 PM Barcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants | 2 transfers | |
Normal | 11:45 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 7h20 | 7:05 AM Barcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 11:45 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 7h35 | 7:20 AM Barcelona, Estació d'Autobusos Nord | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:59 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 28h36 | 4:35 AM Barcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, May 23 | |||||
Normal | 6:30 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 8h25 | 2:55 PM Barcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 6:30 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 8h35 | 3:05 PM Barcelona, Estació d'Autobusos Nord | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 7:00 AM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 8h05 | 3:05 PM Barcelona, Estació d'Autobusos Nord | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 7:00 AM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 7h55 | 2:55 PM Barcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 9:00 AM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 7h50 | 4:50 PM Barcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 9:00 AM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 8h05 | 5:05 PM Barcelona, Estació d'Autobusos Nord | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 9:15 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 7h35 | 4:50 PM Barcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 9:15 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 7h50 | 5:05 PM Barcelona, Estació d'Autobusos Nord | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 11:30 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 8h05 | 7:35 PM Barcelona, Estació d'Autobusos Nord | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 11:30 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 7h50 | 7:20 PM Barcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 11:55 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 7h40 | 7:35 PM Barcelona, Estació d'Autobusos Nord | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 11:55 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 7h25 | 7:20 PM Barcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 1:00 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 7h50 | 8:50 PM Barcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 1:00 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 8h05 | 9:05 PM Barcelona, Estació d'Autobusos Nord | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 1:15 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 7h35 | 8:50 PM Barcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 1:15 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 7h50 | 9:05 PM Barcelona, Estació d'Autobusos Nord | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 2:00 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 8h05 | 10:05 PM Barcelona, Estació d'Autobusos Nord | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 2:00 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 7h50 | 9:50 PM Barcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 3:00 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 8h05 | 11:05 PM Barcelona, Estació d'Autobusos Nord | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 3:00 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 7h50 | 10:50 PM Barcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 3:15 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 7h35 | 10:50 PM Barcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 3:15 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 7h50 | 11:05 PM Barcelona, Estació d'Autobusos Nord | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:55 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 21h30 | 1:25 PM Barcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants | 2 transfers | |
Normal | 4:30 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 8h05 | 12:35 AM Barcelona, Estació d'Autobusos Nord | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 4:30 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 7h50 | 12:20 AM Barcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 4:45 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 7h50 | 12:35 AM Barcelona, Estació d'Autobusos Nord | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 4:45 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 7h35 | 12:20 AM Barcelona, Estación de Autobuses de Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Madrid to Barcelona by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
May 22
May 23
May 24
May 25
May 26
May 27
May 28
May 29
May 30
May 31
Jun 01
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Jun 04
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Jun 10
Jun 11
Why should you book Madrid to Barcelona buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Alsa?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Alsa, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus, Alsa Supra or Infobus to find the best option for your trip from Madrid to Barcelona.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Alsa with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Madrid to Barcelona.
Why book with Omio over Checkmybus, Rome2rio or Busbud?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus, Alsa Supra or Infobus to find the best option for your trip from Madrid to Barcelona.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Madrid to Barcelona.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Madrid to Barcelona
Buses from Madrid to Barcelona run on average 38 times per day, taking around 5h 42m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €15 if you book in advance.
There are 35 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:14, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 504 km distance in 7h 35m.
Distance 504 km |
Average bus duration 5h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price €15 |
Buses per day 38 |
Direct buses 35 |
Fastest bus 7h 35m |
First bus 12:14 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 91 days |
Bus providers: Alsa, BlaBlaCar, FlixBus, Alsa Supra, Infobus from Madrid to BarcelonaYou can travel by bus between Madrid to Barcelona with Alsa, BlaBlaCar, FlixBus, Alsa Supra, Infobus for as low as €15. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Alsa
FlixBus
Alsa Supra
Infobus
BlaBlaCar
Buses from Madrid to Barcelona
Alsa is the service provider of bus travel between Madrid and Barcelona. The trip has an average duration of 7 hours and 30 minutes. There are more than 40 buses available every day. The earliest bus departs Madrid at 6:40 a.m., and the last leaves at 1:45 a.m.
What are the departure and arrival stations for buses from Madrid to Barcelona?
Departure Station: Estacion Sur, located two kilometres south of Atocha train station and four kilometres away from the Plaza Mayor and the historic centre. The nearest underground stations are Puente de Vallecas and Delicias.
Arrival Station: Barcelona Nord, two kilometres away from the Ramblas and from the waterfront. Arc de Triomf underground station is barely three minutes away. This is a red line station that travels directly to the city centre. Some buses arrive at Barcelona Sants, located next to the city's main railway station. This station may be handy for travellers who want to visit the Exhibition Centre or the museums on Montjuic hill.
Taking the Bus from Madrid
For most buses from Madrid to Barcelona, passengers will alight at the Intercambiador de Transporte Avenida de América station. Easily connected to the rest of the city via the Madrid Metro, the station lies to the north of the city centre. A limited night service operates, providing 24/7 connections to the main bus interchange, while taxis offer convenient pick-ups and journeys across the city centre and beyond. Journeys from Madrid to Barcelona take on average 7 hours 50 minutes, although express services can take as little as 7 hours.
Getting into Barcelona by Bus
Barcelona is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe, with a thriving arts culture, first-rate cuisine, and celebrated fashions at every turn. The capital of Spain's Catalonia region, Barcelona offers some of the oldest and most iconic architecture in Europe, alongside breath-taking beaches and coastal views. Most buses from Madrid to Barcelona arrive at Estació d'Autobusos Barcelona Nord (Bus Station North), the main bus interchange for regional and international journeys. The bus station is just minutes from the coast and conveniently connected to the rest of the Madrid Metro system. The city has its own subway network, alongside regular bus service and a light-rail tram system, with a limited night service available on some lines.
FAQs: Bus from Madrid to Barcelona
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Barcelona by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Barcelona, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- Alsa
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible seating.
- Alsa Supra
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible restrooms.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Alsa
- You can cancel your ticket up to 48 hours before departure for a partial refund. Changes allowed for a fee.
- Alsa Supra
- You can cancel your ticket up to 48 hours before departure for a partial refund. Within 48 hours, a fee applies.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
- Alsa
- One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
- Alsa Supra
- One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- Alsa
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- Alsa Supra
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- Alsa
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets must travel in the hold.
- Alsa Supra
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- guide dogs travel for free.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Madrid to Barcelona
- 06:00-23:00
- Rodilla, Mahoudrid
- Step-free access, elevators, accessible toilets
- Located inside the terminal, well-signposted, accessible, and generally clean
- No public showers in the bus station area; showers available in airport lounges (approx. €15-€30 for lounge access)
- Metro Line 8, Aeropuerto T4, 12 km
- 06:00-23:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Cafetería de la estación (in the station)
- Restaurante El Rincón (0.5 km)
- La Vaca Argentina (0.7 km).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 200, 114, 115, 122 Metro: 4, 6, 7, 9
- 06:00-23:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Cafetería de la estación (in the station)
- Restaurante El Brillante (0.5 km)
- La Taberna de Domínguez (0.7 km).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 8, 102, 148 Metro: L6 Train: C1, C5
- 06:00-23:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Cafetería de la estación (in the station)
- Fast Food Corner (in the station)
- Local Cuisine Spot (in the station).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 27, 78, 109 Metro: L3, L5 Train: R1, R2, R3
- 06:30-21:30
- Free Wi-Fi
- Cafetería de la estación (in the station)
- Tapas 24 (0.4 km)
- Pizzeria Roma (0.6 km).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 54, 6, H12 Metro: L1 Train: R1, R3, R4
Most popular bus connections from Madrid
More options for your journey from Madrid to Barcelona
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