A traveler might expect the two capital cities of Iberia, Lisbon and Madrid, to be well-connected by multiple transportation options. They are, but the story is more complicated than just a simple list of how to get from Lisbon to Madrid, as local conditions turn some of the tried-and-true rules of convenient travel in Europe upside down. Travelers on a tight schedule should plan accordingly when making the trip from Lisbon to Madrid.

Step 1

Book a bus ticket, either through the bus company website or by visiting Lisbon's main bus station at Sete Rios. The bus ride typically lasts for 9 1/2 hours, and companies like Avanza (avanzabus.com) schedule multiple departures through the day.

Step 2

Fly to Madrid. EasyJet (easyjet.com) is the main budget air carrier operating out of Lisbon's Aeroporto da Portela (LIS), and usually runs three flights to Madrid every day. Iberia (iberia.com) and TAP (flytap.com), the national carriers of Spain and Portugal respectively, also have daily flights. With a flight time of just over an hour, this is the least time-consuming means of transportation, even including airport wait time.

Step 3

Rent a car and drive. An International Driver's Permit (IDP) is not required to rent a car or drive it in Portugal, but it is required in Spain. The main highway between Lisbon and Madrid is A-5, with a typical travel time by car of seven hours.

Step 4

Ride the train. Trains for Madrid depart from Lisbon's Santa Apollonia and Gare do Oriente, and tickets may be booked either online through Combios de Portugal (cp.pt) or at the stations. The train is notoriously slow, taking more than 10 hours, and only overnight departures are available.

Tip

  • If you rent a car, your IDP is only valid if you also have your domestic driver's license to go with it.
  • All means of transportation between Lisbon and Madrid may require you to show your passport, whether it be to purchase tickets, rent a car, or board a plane.
  • If you drive from Lisbon to Madrid, factor tolls and fuel into your cost estimate. Both gasoline and diesel fuel are much cheaper in Spain, so if you need to tank up and are close to the border, wait until after you cross if you can.

Photo Credits

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