Fastest way from Paris to Madrid (Spain): Flight, about 2h (from €71). Cheapest: Bus, from €44 (about 14h 45min). Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 12, 2026): Iberia, Vueling, Transavia France; main departure point: Charles de Gaulle Airport.
There are 2 ways to get from Paris to Madrid (Spain)
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Companies selling this route on 12Go
Offers listed on 12Go on November 12, 2026 for a departure on December 3, 2026. Timetables and prices change with the date: check them before booking.
| Company | Mode | Departs from | From | Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | Bus | Paris Bercy Seine | €44 | 3 |
| Blablacar Bus | Bus | Paris Bercy Seine | €47 | 2 |
| Alsa | Bus | Paris Bercy Seine | €54 | 4 |
| Gipsyy | Bus | Paris Quai de Bercy Stop | €74 | 1 |
| Internorte Transportes Rodoviarios Do Norte | Bus | Paris | €79 | 5 |
| Transavia France | Flight | Paris Orly Airport | €71 | 9 |
| Iberia | Flight | Charles de Gaulle Airport | €80 | 30 |
| Vueling | Flight | Charles de Gaulle Airport | €85 | 20 |
| Air Europa | Flight | Paris Orly Airport | €85 | 6 |
| Scandinavian Airlines | Flight | Charles de Gaulle Airport | €333 | 3 |
Activate an eSIM before you go: internet the moment you land, no SIM to swap, zero roaming fees.
Practical tips
Check the table on this page before choosing: the price gap between bus and plane can be small depending on the date. Do not assume the bus is always the cheapest option.
Paris has several airports. Check your e-ticket for the airport and terminal indicated, so you do not head to the wrong place on departure day.
Long-distance buses do not always leave from the same coach station. Read the departure address on your confirmation and find it on a map the day before, especially if you arrive late.
The lowest fares go first, whether by bus or plane. Book as soon as your dates are fixed, especially for weekends and holiday periods.
To cross into Spain, keep your ID or passport easily accessible, along with your e-ticket on your phone, with a charged battery or a printed backup.
The journey experience
Paris to Madrid is a route where your choice of transport really shapes your day. You have two options here: the plane, built to save time, and the bus, built to save money. The table on this page puts durations and price ranges side by side, so you can decide in seconds based on what matters most to you.
The plane connects Paris airports to Madrid with a direct flight, offering standard comfort and the option to travel light with cabin luggage. It takes a bit of planning to get to the airport and handle check-in, but it remains very efficient. The bus crosses the border in a single journey, with no complicated connections to manage. Reclining seats, power outlets and onboard wifi make the ride bearable, and it is the gentlest option for your budget.
Our advice: if time is your priority or you are going for a short weekend, take the plane. If you are flexible and on a tight budget, the bus is hard to beat. Either way, double-check the departure and arrival points on your e-ticket before leaving, and book early to get the best fares. That way you will have all the information you need, with no unpleasant surprises.
Frequently asked questions — Paris → Madrid (Spain)
It depends on your priority. The plane is the obvious choice if you want to save time: the flight takes about 2 hours. The bus suits you better if budget comes first and you have time to spare, with a journey of around 15 to 16 hours.
By plane, expect about 2 hours to 2 hours 10 minutes of flight time, not including getting to the airport and check-in. By bus, the journey takes around 15 to 16 hours. For a short weekend, the time difference weighs heavily in your decision.
The bus is the cheapest option, with tickets from €44 and typical prices up to €61. The plane starts from €71, with typical fares up to €86. Booking early helps you get the best prices.
The options listed on this page are the plane and the bus, which connect Paris to Madrid as offered. Still, check your e-ticket for the details of your trip, particularly any stops along the way for the bus.
You leave from Paris and arrive in Madrid. The exact location (airport or coach station, terminal or bay) depends on the operator and the departure you choose: it is shown on your e-ticket, so check it before leaving.
Why visit Madrid (Spain)?
- ✓ Admire Velázquez's Las Meninas and Picasso's Guernica at the Prado and Reina Sofía museums
- ✓ Stroll through Retiro Park and rent a rowboat on its lake near the Crystal Palace
- ✓ Taste chocolate churros at Chocolatería San Ginés, then go tapas hopping in La Latina
- ✓ Tour the lavish Royal Palace, then watch the sunset from the Temple of Debod
- ✓ Browse the El Rastro flea market on Sunday morning and catch a match at Santiago Bernabéu stadium
When to visit Madrid (Spain)?
CONTINENTAL MEDITERRANEAN CLIMATE
April to June and September to October — mild temperatures, clear skies and pleasant terraces, without the stifling summer heat
What to do in Madrid (Spain)?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Madrid (Spain)?
3 days cover the essentials: the Prado, Royal Palace, Retiro Park, Plaza Mayor and the Malasaña and La Latina neighborhoods. With 4 to 5 days, add day trips to Toledo, Segovia or El Escorial, easy by train or bus from the city. Book Prado and Royal Palace tickets in advance, and avoid July-August when temperatures often exceed 35°C.
Related searches