Madrid to Lisbon: Fly, Take the Direct Bus, or the Slow Rail Route

There is no direct train from Madrid to Lisbon since the overnight Trenhotel Lusitania was withdrawn, so the fastest option is a flight of about 1h20 on one of the busiest air corridors in Iberia. On the ground, direct ALSA and FlixBus coaches run Madrid to Lisbon in around 7 to 8 hours for the lowest fares. The rail alternative is slow and involves changing via Badajoz on the Spanish side and Portuguese regional trains, so it is a scenic curiosity rather than a practical choice. Here is how the options compare.

Heading south in Portugal after? Read our Lisbon to Faro train guide.

Fastest	Flight, about 1h20 in the air
No direct train	The Trenhotel Lusitania sleeper was withdrawn and not replaced
Cheapest	Direct ALSA or FlixBus coach from about EUR 10 advance
Route	Madrid to Lisbon, about 625 km by road

Mode	Operator	Duration	Approx fare	Overnight
Flight	TAP Air Portugal / Iberia / Ryanair Fastest by far and very frequent, one of the busiest air routes in Iberia. Low-cost fares are cheap booked ahead, but add airport transfers.	about 1h20 plus airport time	approx €40 to €150	No	Compare on Kiwi →
Bus	ALSA / FlixBus coach (direct) The practical overland option: direct coaches with no change, many departures a day, the lowest fares, some overnight runs.	about 7 to 8 hours	from EUR 10 advance	No	Check on 12Go →
Train	Renfe + CP via Badajoz (with changes) Slow and indirect since the Lusitania sleeper ended: a Spanish train to Badajoz, then Portuguese regional trains via Entroncamento. For rail enthusiasts only.	about 9 to 11 hours	varies by leg	No	Check on 12Go →

Fares are approximate and shown for comparison. Confirm live prices and times on 12Go before booking.

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Is there a direct train from Madrid to Lisbon?

No. The overnight Trenhotel Lusitania was withdrawn and never restored, so rail travel now means changing via Badajoz onto Portuguese regional trains, a slow 9 to 11 hour journey. The direct coach or a flight is far more practical.

How long does it take to get from Madrid to Lisbon?

A flight is about 1h20 in the air. Direct ALSA and FlixBus coaches take around 7 to 8 hours, while the indirect rail route via Badajoz runs 9 to 11 hours with changes.

What is the cheapest way from Madrid to Lisbon?

A direct ALSA or FlixBus coach booked ahead, from about EUR 10, is the cheapest, at around 7 to 8 hours. Low-cost flights can also be cheap and are much faster.

Can you get a bus from Madrid to Lisbon?

Yes. ALSA and FlixBus run frequent direct coaches with no change, taking around 7 to 8 hours, with many departures a day and some overnight runs that save a hotel night.

What is the best way to get from Madrid to Lisbon?

For speed, fly: about 1h20 on a very frequent corridor. For value and no airport hassle, take a direct ALSA or FlixBus coach, around 7 to 8 hours. The rail route is slow and only worth it if you want the scenery.

Hotel options and prices come from Agoda and update at booking time; sample data shown if live pricing is unavailable. Transport fares are estimates, confirmed on 12Go.