The four options compared
| Mode | Duration | Indicative price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plane (direct flight) | 1 h 25 flying, about 4 h door to door | €24 to 180 | The fastest, for travellers in a hurry |
| Bus | 7 h 45 to 8 h 40 | €5 to 35 | Small budget, day or night trips |
| Train | 9 h and more, with changes (Badajoz, Entroncamento) | Variable | Rarely advised: long and complicated |
| Car | About 6 h, 625 km | Fuel, tolls, possible one-way rental | Stopping on the way (Trujillo, Mérida, Évora) |
Our recommendation
Fly if your time is tight: book early for the low end of the range and count the trip to the airport (see from the airport to central Madrid). Take the bus, night or day, if you want to save and have time. Avoid the train unless you like long journeys. For a car, check one-way drop-off in another city (see car rental at the airport).
Before you go
If you stay a few days in Madrid before Lisbon, use them for an excursion to Toledo or Segovia: see excursions from Madrid. To get around town, see getting around Madrid.
Going further
See also Madrid's stations for bus and train departures.
