If you’re in a hurry, flying is your best bet. A direct flight takes about 1 hour and 15 to 20 minutes. Of course, remember to add time for getting to and from the airports, plus all the usual check-in and security stuff.
Ryanair, Air Europa, and Iberia all offer direct flights. Other airlines, like TAP Portugal, might have connecting flights. You’ll fly out of Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) and land at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) in Porto.
How much will it cost you? Prices change a lot! They depend on when you book and the time of year.
You might find one-way tickets starting around $26-$37. Round-trip flights can be as low as $54-$56. January is usually the cheapest month to fly, so keep that in mind.
By Bus: The Budget-Friendly Way
Looking to save some cash? The bus is usually your most affordable option. A direct bus ride takes about 7 hours and 30 minutes to 9 hours.
Alsa, FlixBus, Rede Expressos, Gipsyy, and BlaBlaCar Bus are some of the main companies you can choose from. You might find tickets for as little as €10-€15, though they can go up to €65 or more. It just depends on the company and when you book.
Buses typically leave from Estación Sur de Autobuses in Madrid. They’ll drop you off at Porto – Terminal Intermodal de Campanhã. Some services also pick up from Madrid’s Avenida de América Metro or Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD T4).
You’ll often find free Wi-Fi, power outlets, comfy seats, and restrooms on board.
By Train: An Indirect Journey
If you love train travel, know that there are no direct trains from Madrid to Porto. You’ll need to make at least one, and usually three, transfers. This can make the journey quite long, from around 11 hours to over 16 hours.
A common way to go is to take a train from Madrid (perhaps Chamartín or Atocha) to Vigo Guixar. From there, you’d catch another train to Porto Campanhã. Renfe, Spain’s national railway, operates the trains in Spain.
Train tickets can start around €20.99, but often they’re closer to $60-$90. Booking ahead can help you snag cheaper fares. While it can be a nice scenic ride, those multiple transfers make it less convenient and usually slower than a bus or plane.
By Car: Ultimate Flexibility
So, how far is madrid from portugal?
The distance from Madrid to Portugal varies depending on your destination within Portugal. As Portugal shares a long border with Spain, some parts of Portugal are much closer to Madrid than others.
For instance, if you’re heading to Porto, a major city in northern Portugal, the drive from Madrid takes roughly 5 hours and 47 minutes to 6 hours, covering about 550-600 km. Prefer to be in control? Driving yourself gives you the most freedom for this journey.
However, if you were to travel to a city closer to the border, like Elvas, Portugal, the distance from Madrid would be significantly less.
You’ll need to factor in gas and tolls, which could be around €90-€130. If you’d rather sit back, private car transfers are an option. Companies like Daytrip offer door-to-door service and even allow for sightseeing stops. These can cost over €132 per person.
This option is perfect if you want to explore places along the way!
Which option sounds most appealing for your trip?
Section 1: Flying from Madrid to Porto: The Fastest Route
Why Flying is Your Quickest Option
When you’re looking to get from Madrid to Porto in a flash, hopping on a plane is definitely your best bet. A direct flight zips you between the two cities in just about 1 hour and 15 minutes. It’s incredibly fast, letting you maximize your time enjoying Porto.
You’ll find several key airlines operating this route regularly. Look out for Ryanair, Iberia, and Air Europa if you want a direct connection. Sometimes, other airlines like TAP Portugal might offer flights with a quick stop, but if speed is your priority, stick to the direct options.
Want to find the cheapest flights? You have a few tricks up your sleeve. Generally, booking your tickets in advance can save you a good chunk of change. Also, keep an eye out for deals, as prices can fluctuate based on the season and demand. For instance, January is often highlighted as a particularly good month to find lower fares. You can also use flight comparison websites to easily spot the best deals available.
Madrid and Porto Airports: What You Need to Know
Your journey will start at Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD), which is Madrid’s main international airport. It’s a large, well-connected hub, so you’ll find plenty of ways to get there from the city center, whether by metro, train, or bus.
When you land in Porto, you’ll arrive at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO). This airport is conveniently located a bit north of Porto’s city center.
Getting into the heart of Porto from OPO is a breeze. You can hop on the metro, which has a direct line (Line E, the purple line) connecting the airport to downtown Porto, or you can opt for a bus or taxi.
Both airports are designed to make your travel experience as smooth as possible, ensuring you can quickly get to where you need to be.
Section 2: Madrid to Porto by Bus: Budget-Friendly Travel
If you’re looking for a wallet-friendly way to travel from Madrid to Porto, taking the bus is a fantastic choice for you. It offers unbeatable value, letting you save money for more exciting adventures in Portugal!
Unbeatable Value: Bus Travel Details
The average journey time by bus typically ranges from about 7.5 to 9 hours. While it’s a longer ride than flying, you’ll often find it to be quite comfortable.
Many buses offer amenities like free Wi-Fi and power outlets, so you can stay connected or entertained along the way.
Ticket prices for this route are often very attractive. You might find fares for as low as €10-€15, especially if you book in advance.
Prices can go higher, though, up to €65 or more, depending on the bus company and how close to your travel date you purchase your ticket.
To find the best deals, you should definitely book well ahead of time. Also, consider traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays, as these times often have cheaper fares.
Top Bus Operators and Departure Points
Several major bus companies run services between Madrid and Porto. You’ll likely encounter names like Alsa, FlixBus, Rede Expressos, Gipsyy, and BlaBlaCar Bus.
Each of these operators offers different schedules and amenities, so it’s a good idea to check their websites or a comparison site to see what suits you best.
In Madrid, your bus will most commonly depart from Estación Sur de Autobuses. This is Madrid’s main bus station, located on Calle de Méndez Álvaro, 83.
It’s well-connected to the city’s public transport network, including metro and Cercanías trains, making it easy for you to get there.
Some services might also depart from other points, like Madrid’s Avenida de América Metro station or even Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD T4).
When you arrive in Porto, your bus will typically pull into Porto – Terminal Intermodal de Campanhã. This is a modern transportation hub designed for easy connections.
From here, you can easily access Porto’s city center using the metro (Line E connects directly), local buses, or a taxi.
Section 3: Train Journey from Madrid to Porto: Scenic, but with Transfers
If you’re considering a train journey from Madrid to Porto, you should know it’s a very different experience compared to flying or taking the bus.
While train travel can be wonderfully scenic, you’ll need to prepare for some changes along the way.
Understanding Train Connections to Porto
Here’s the main thing to remember: there are no direct trains from Madrid to Porto.
This means you’ll need to make at least one, and more often, several transfers to complete your journey. The reason for this is simply how the rail networks are set up between Spain and Portugal.
Typical transfer points you might encounter include Vigo Guixar in Spain. From there, you would catch a connecting train into Portugal, usually heading towards Porto Campanhã.
Sometimes, your route might involve additional stops, potentially in places like Coimbra or other Spanish cities, depending on the specific train schedule you choose.
Because of these transfers, the overall journey duration can be quite long. You should expect your train trip to take anywhere from approximately 10 hours and 55 minutes to over 16 hours.
When you’re making transfers, be prepared to navigate between platforms and potentially different train stations within a city. It’s a good idea to allow ample time between connections, so you don’t feel rushed.
Booking Your Train Tickets
When it comes to booking your train tickets, you’ll generally be dealing with Renfe, which is Spain’s national railway company. For the Portuguese leg of the journey, you might use Comboios de Portugal (CP).
To secure affordable tickets, you should definitely plan to book well in advance. Train tickets, especially for international routes with connections, tend to get more expensive closer to the departure date.
You can usually start looking for tickets a few months out. Websites like Renfe’s official site, or platforms like Trainline and Omio, can help you compare routes and purchase your tickets.
If your journey involves multiple transfers, sometimes booking each leg separately might be an option, but often, integrated tickets are available to simplify the process for you.
Section 4: Driving from Madrid to Porto: Freedom on the Road
If you cherish independence and the ability to explore at your own pace, driving from Madrid to Porto could be your ideal choice. You get to set your schedule and discover hidden gems along the way!
The Road Trip Experience: Madrid to Porto by Car
Taking a car gives you ultimate flexibility. The driving distance between Madrid and Porto is roughly 550 to 600 kilometers.
You can expect the estimated travel time to be around 5 hours and 47 minutes to 6 hours of pure driving. This, of course, doesn’t include any stops you might want to make for coffee, food, or sightseeing.
You’ll find that much of the route involves well-maintained highways. However, be aware that you will encounter tolls along the way in both Spain and Portugal.
These can add to the overall cost of your trip, so it’s a good idea to factor them into your budget. You can usually pay tolls with cash or a credit card, but some automated toll systems might require a transponder.
Popular routes generally involve taking major autovías (highways) that connect the two cities, offering a direct and efficient drive.
Considering a Private Transfer
If you love the idea of a road trip but prefer not to drive yourself, you might consider booking a private transfer. This option offers significant benefits, especially if you’re traveling with family or a group.
You’ll enjoy door-to-door service, meaning you’ll be picked up directly from your accommodation in Madrid and dropped off right at your destination in Porto.
Perhaps the biggest perk of a private transfer is the ability to have customizable stops. Want to explore a charming Spanish town like Salamanca or a historical site in Portugal like Guimarães on your way?
Many private transfer services will allow you to plan these stops into your journey.
While this is typically the most expensive way to travel, it offers unparalleled comfort, convenience, and the unique opportunity to turn your transit into a personalized sightseeing tour.
Section 5: Choosing Your Ideal Transport: Key Considerations
Now that you know all the ways to get from Madrid to Porto, it’s time to figure out which one is perfect for you. Let’s weigh the options based on what you value most in your travels.
Price vs. Time: Which Matters Most to You?
When planning your journey, you’ll find a clear trade-off between how much you spend and how quickly you arrive.
- Flying: This is by far the quickest option, getting you there in about 1 hour and 15 minutes of flight time. However, it’s generally not the cheapest, with prices fluctuating significantly.
- Bus: If saving money is your top priority, the bus is your champion. You can often find tickets for as little as €10-€15. The trade-off is time, as the journey usually takes 7.5 to 9 hours.
- Train: The train falls in the middle for cost, but it’s the longest in terms of travel time due to transfers, often taking 11 to 16+ hours. It’s not ideal if speed is your main concern.
- Driving/Private Transfer: Driving yourself offers flexibility and a decent travel time of 6 hours, but you’ll pay for fuel and tolls. A private transfer is the most expensive but offers unique benefits.
Consider your budget and how much time you have. If you’re on a tight schedule, flying makes sense. If you’re looking to stretch your budget, the bus is your best friend.
Comfort and Convenience: What to Prioritize
Beyond just price and time, think about what kind of travel experience you prefer.
- Flying: While fast, the overall airport experience (check-in, security, transfers to and from city centers) can sometimes feel less convenient. However, once you’re in the air, it’s quick and generally smooth.
- Bus: Modern buses often come with free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and comfortable reclining seats, making a longer journey surprisingly pleasant. The direct city-center to city-center routes (or close to it) can be very convenient.
- Train: Train travel can be very comfortable, offering more space to move around than a bus or plane seat. However, the multiple transfers on this particular route can make it less convenient and more complex to manage, especially with luggage.
- Driving/Private Transfer: Driving yourself offers the most personal comfort and flexibility – you decide when and where to stop.
A private transfer takes that comfort to the next level, offering door-to-door service and the luxury of customized sightseeing stops. This is the ultimate in convenience if your budget allows.
So, What’s Your Best Bet?
- For speed and getting there fast: You’ll want to fly, especially if you can snag a good deal on a direct flight.
- If you’re on a tight budget: The bus is definitely your most economical choice.
- For comfort and ease (if you don’t mind spending more): A private car transfer offers a super comfy and personalized trip, but it’s the priciest.
- If you enjoy a scenic journey with stops: The train could be an option if you don’t mind the transfers.
It’s a good idea to always check the latest schedules and prices as your travel date gets closer. They can change! Websites like Rome2Rio, Omio, Expedia, Kayak, Busbud, Trainline, and Rail Europe are great for comparing options and booking your tickets.
Important Travel Tips for Your Madrid to Porto Trip
Before you finalize your plans, keep these practical tips in mind:
Currency
Both Spain and Portugal use the Euro (€). You won’t need to worry about currency exchange between the two countries.
Time Zones
This is a crucial one! Spain (Madrid) operates on Central European Time (CET), which is UTC+1. Portugal (Porto) operates on Western European Time (WET), which is UTC+0. This means Portugal is one hour behind Spain.
When you cross the border, remember to set your clock back one hour!
Language
In Spain, they speak Spanish, and in Portugal, they speak Portuguese. While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, especially in Porto, knowing a few basic phrases in each language can be helpful and appreciated.
Useful Travel Resources
- For flights: Use comparison sites like Skyscanner, Kayak, or Google Flights.
- For bus tickets: Check Omio, Busbud, FlixBus, or Alsa’s official website.
- For train tickets: Use Renfe’s official website or Trainline.
- For private transfers: Explore services like Daytrip.
- For general trip planning: Rome2Rio is excellent for comparing all transport modes in one place.
Conclusion
No matter your travel style, getting from Madrid to Porto is straightforward, offering excellent options for every preference.
If speed is your priority, flying is hands down the fastest way, getting you to Porto in just over an hour. For those watching their budget, the bus is your best friend, providing great value for a comfortable, though longer, journey.
If you crave adventure and the freedom to explore at your own pace, driving yourself allows for scenic stops along the way. Lastly, for travelers who prioritize comfort and don’t mind a few changes, the train offers a more relaxed, albeit indirect, journey.
Whatever you choose, remember the one-hour time difference as you cross the border, and prepare to immerse yourself in the vibrant charm of both Madrid and Porto. We hope you have an incredible trip between these two captivating cities,
