Lisbon to Madrid: travel options
Approximate direct distance: 502 km • Travel distance depends on the route and transport you choose.
Compare the options
Recorded fares and journey times. Check each operator before booking.
| Transport Mode | Operator | Duration | Price guide | Stations / Airports | Key Booking Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| bus Direct | FlixBus / Alsa (Overnight Coach) | From 7h 50m |
Check fare
Fare source checked: 6 Oct 2026 Fares vary by departure and ticket conditions. Tickets and times: FlixBus / Alsa (Overnight Coach) |
Dep: Lisbon stop printed on the coach ticket
Arr: Madrid stop printed on the coach ticket
|
FlixBus advertises journeys from 7 hours 50 minutes. Check the dated Lisbon stop, Madrid arrival and full fare. Add local travel and time for road delays; compare ALSA separately. |
| flight Direct | TAP Air Portugal | About 1h 20m |
Check fare
Source review date not recorded Fares vary by departure and ticket conditions. Tickets and times: TAP Air Portugal |
Dep: Lisbon Airport LIS
Arr: Madrid Airport MAD
|
Compare the full flight price, luggage and both airport journeys. The air time is roughly 1¼–1½ hours; the complete journey takes longer. Spain is one hour ahead. |
Choosing your journey
A flight can suit a short trip, while a direct coach avoids airport connections. Allow about 1¼–1½ hours in the air or roughly 8–10 hours by coach, then add local travel.
Loading the map...
Compare the complete journey
TAP sells flights between Lisbon and Madrid. Compare the current ticket, bags and airport time with a direct coach. A flight duration is only the time in the air; include both airport journeys and the airline’s arrival instructions.
Read the coach stops before paying
Lisbon Oriente and Madrid Estación Sur are among the stops offered, but your service may use another location. An overnight coach saves a hotel night only if its timing actually replaces that stay and you are comfortable sleeping on board. Arrival does not guarantee early access to your room.
Remember the clock change
Mainland Spain is one hour ahead of mainland Portugal. Tickets normally show local departure and arrival times, so do not subtract them as if the two cities shared a clock. There is no simple direct Lisbon–Madrid passenger train to substitute for this coach journey; a rail plan needs separate connections and a much longer allowance.
Plan the arrival
The Lisbon guide and Madrid guide explain the local journeys, places to stay and visits. Add the main travel ticket separately to your daily spending plan. The distance above is a straight-line comparison between the city centres; your train, road or flight route can be longer.
Leave Lisbon with the right local ticket
For an airport departure, allow the metro or other journey to LIS and the terminal time required by your airline. For a coach, follow the exact stop on your ticket; Oriente is not Sete Rios. The Lisbon city transport ticket and the international booking are separate purchases. Leave your arrival evening in Madrid light after the longer travel day.
