Madrid is both the capital and largest city in Spain, making it an instant magnet for intrepid travelers seeking an unforgettable getaway. If you want to soak up some of the most famous highlights of the country, hop on an affordable bus to Madrid. With Busbud, it's easy to find the right itinerary for your schedule and your budget.
Buses to Madrid
Buses are a popular option for traveling to Madrid, especially for budget-conscious travelers. Bus companies such as ALSA, Avanza, and FlixBus offer regular services from different cities in Spain and across Europe to Madrid.
These buses are equipped with comfortable seats, air conditioning, and onboard amenities such as Wi-Fi and toilets. Traveling by bus is also an excellent option for those who prefer to enjoy scenic routes.
Bus companies
Madrid is a well-connected city, and several bus companies offer services to and from the city. Some of the main bus companies that operate in Madrid include Alsa, Socibus, Avanza, FlixBus, and Damas.
Alsa: Alsa is one of the leading bus companies in Spain and it operates several bus routes to Madrid from various cities within Spain, including Barcelona, Valencia, Zaragoza, Malaga and Granada, and from some international destinations, like Lisbon. Alsa's buses are comfortable, modern, and equipped with amenities such as air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and reclining seats. The company has different bus classes, so you can select trips in their economy buses or in their extra comfortable executive buses.
Socibus offers regular services from Northern to Southern Spain, traveling between cities like San Sebastian, Bilbao, Madrid, Sevilla and Cadiz. Their buses are equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, footrests, bathrooms, trays, power outlets and onboard amenities.
Avanza is another famous bus company that offers services to Madrid from different cities in Spain and Portugal, including cities like Lisbon, Barcelona, Cuenca, Marbella, Vigo, Valladolid, Valencia and Salamanca. The buses are quite comfortable, and travelers can enjoy reclining seats, air conditioning, footrests, reading lights, and, in some buses, Wi-Fi and multimedia screens.
FlixBus is a budget-friendly option that offers services to Madrid from cities in Spain, Portugal, and other European countries. Their buses are equipped with comfortable seats, free Wi-Fi, and electrical outlets.
Finally, Damas is a bus company that offers services from cities in the south of Spain, such as Malaga and Almeria, to Madrid, with comfortable and modern buses. These bus companies offer travelers a range of options to choose from, ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey to Madrid.
Other bus companies also travel to Spain's capital, but these are some of the most popular ones.
Bus Stations in Madrid
The largest bus station in Madrid is Estación Sur de Autobuses, or Bus Station South. If you're headed into the city, there's a good chance this is where you'll arrive. Forty bus companies operate out of this station, and there are about 30 shops and cafés here to meet your travel needs. The metro and Cercanias trains service this station.
The Intercambiador de Avenida de América is another important transport interchange in Madrid. This station services long-haul buses reaching the city via Barcelona Highway A-2. Intercity buses and several metro lines service this station as well, so you can easily reach points throughout the city from this arrival point.
The Aeropuerto Madrid-Barajas T4 station is located at the airport. City buses, intercity buses, taxis, and car rentals are all readily available at the airport, so you can easily plan the next leg of your journey from this point.
Trains to Madrid
Trains are a popular and convenient mode of transportation to Madrid, with the city being well-connected by train services.
Spain's national railway company, Renfe, operates two types of trains: high-speed trains (AVE) and regular trains. The high-speed trains travel at speeds of up to 310 km/h, connecting Madrid to big cities, like Barcelona and Valencia. Regular trains are usually more affordable and travel to many different cities across the country. These trains are equipped with comfortable seats, air conditioning, and onboard amenities such as food and drink service.
Besides Renfe, two other train companies offer intercity services from Madrid: Ouigo and Iryo. Ouigo is a low-cost high-speed option for trips between Madrid and Barcelona, with stops in Zaragoza and Tarragona. The company also travels to Valencia.
Iryo, on the other hand, offers a more exclusive and comfortable experience, in modern high-speed trains. These trains offer premium onboard services and a fast, quiet and sustainable way to travel to Madrid from Barcelona, Zaragoza, Cuenca, Valencia, Cordoba and Sevilla.
Train stations in Madrid
Atocha Station is the city's main train station, located in the southern part of Madrid. It is the primary station for high-speed trains connecting Madrid with different cities across Spain. It is also a significant transportation hub for suburban trains and metro services, making it easy for travelers to access different parts of the city.
Atocha Station is a beautiful and historic building, with a tropical garden and pond located in the center of the station. It offers a range of facilities for travelers, including shops, restaurants, and luggage storage. Atocha Station is an essential transportation hub for those traveling to and from Madrid by train.
Chamartin Station is located in the northern part of the city and primarily serves as a hub for long-distance trains and regional services. It is a modern and spacious station with a range of facilities for travelers, including shops, restaurants, and luggage storage. Chamartin Station is an essential transportation hub for those traveling to the northern regions of Spain, such as Galicia, Asturias, and Cantabria.