You can travel from Lourdes to Madrid via car, bus, train, or flight. A private car is the fastest and only direct option and takes 6-7 hours. Flying requires getting to a nearby airport like Pau or Toulouse for a flight to Madrid, which makes for a total travel time of 6-7 hours. The train is the cheapest way to get from Lourdes to Madrid. The trip takes 10 to 12 hours and requires a transfer to cities like San Sebastian, Toulouse, or Paris. Bus options are extremely limited, cost more than the train, and take 10 to 16 hours.
How long does it take to get from Lourdes to Madrid by train?
The train journey from Lourdes to Madrid requires a transfer and generally takes between 10 to 14 hours. First, you take a regional train from Lourdes to a larger city with high-speed train connections to Madrid, such as San Sebastian, Toulouse, or Paris. The duration varies based on transfer times and the specific routes chosen.
Is there a direct bus from Lourdes to Madrid?
No, there isnât a direct bus. Taking the bus requires multiple changes, with the fastest option taking 10 hours. Certain parts of the route only have a few departures a week, meaning your travel schedule is extremely limited.
Can you fly directly from Lourdes to Madrid?
No, there are no direct flights from Lourdes. You can only fly from nearby airports such as San Sebastian or Toulouse. The flight duration is about one to one and a half hours. You can reach these airports by bus, train, or a private car service from Lourdes. This, combined with the 2 hours for check-in and security makes the total travel time around 6 hours.
After enjoying Lourdes' serene atmosphere and religious festivals, cross the border to Spain on an enriching car trip to Madrid. Getting from Lourdes to Madrid by private car with Daytrip is more than just a drive; itâs a great way to explore some of the best spots in southern France and northern and central Spain.
Your car trip will take you around six to seven hours, not counting any enriching stops you make. The distance stretches along around 403 miles (650 km) and covers a range of landscapes and historical sites.
Take the direct route passing Huesca and Zaragoza, or opt for the scenic route up to the coast before cutting through the heart of Spain.
Start exploring from the French side of your trip with a stop at Rocher de la Vierge. According to legend, a statue of the Virgin Mary appeared on the rock after a divine light stroke, which led lost fishermen safely to the shore. Later, Gustave Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame) was commissioned to build the metal bridge here that is still in use.
Then, learn about the ancient craft of salt-making firsthand at the Anana Salt Valley, admire the UNESCO-listed cathedral in Burgos, or immerse yourself in Spanish literary history at Alcala de Henares, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
When you're not sightseeing, you can still learn about local history and culture by chatting with your English-speaking driver. As you pull up to your destination in Madrid, your driver will unload your luggage and see you off as you start your adventure in Madrid.
About Madrid
Madrid is the lively capital of Spain, the second largest city in the European Union, and the heart of the Iberian Peninsula. The city is an elegant collage of wide boulevards, exquisite parks like the Buen Retiro, world-class museums such as Prado Museum, housing Europeâs richest collections of artworks by masters like VelĂĄzquez, Goya, and El Greco.
Madrid is alive in its busy streets all day, every day, from the historic Plaza Mayor to the Gran VĂa, Madrid's premier shopping and entertainment district. Cultural traditions are deeply embedded in Madrilenian life, with events like the San Isidro bullfighting festival drawing crowds every spring.
You'll also find Madrid is a hub of innovation and contemporary arts, as demonstrated by the Matadero, a former slaughterhouse turned cultural center, or the Reina SofĂa National Art Centre, which is dedicated to modern and contemporary Spanish artists like Picasso and Salvador DalĂ.
From Lourdes to Madrid: Travel tips
When you take a private car from Lourdes to Madrid, you don't have too much to worry about. But to make your journey as smooth as possible, here are a few essential travel tips:
Plan your stops
Decide the places youâd like to explore along the way and add them to your itinerary when booking your car ride. You select from Daytrip's curated selection or choose your own. On the most direct route, you can still stop at Zaragoza to explore its rich history and architecture, including the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar.
### Stay hydrated and snacked
Bring water and snacks for the journey, especially if you're driving or taking the train to stay comfortable. When you're riding with Daytrip, you can also ask your driver to stop at a restaurant or cafe along the way.
### Check weather conditions
Be prepared for potential weather changes, especially when crossing the Pyrenees. Bring along a warm jacket or a sweater in case it gets chilly.
How to get from Lourdes to Madrid
Traveling from Lourdes to Madrid is possible through various modes of transportation, each offering different experiences. Here are the main ways to make the journey:
Lourdes to Madrid by bus
There are occasional direct bus services between Lourdes and Madrid, but most require at least one change.
The bus departure schedule is irregular, meaning the journey can take 10 to 16 hours depending on which bus combination you take. With tickets averaging over 100 euros, the bus isn't as budget-friendly as you'd expect.
### Lourdes to Madrid by train
There's no direct train service from Lourdes to Madrid. The most direct option is to take a train from Lourdes to San Sebastian, and then change to a train to Madrid. You can also take a train from Lourdes to a major French city like Toulouse or Paris, then transfer to a high-speed train (TGV or Renfe-SNCF) to Madrid.
Either way, this trip would take 10 to 12 hours depending on transfer times. But with tickets as low as 55 euros, it's the cheapest way to get from Lourdes to Madrid.
### Lourdes to Madrid by rental car
The drive covers approximately 403 miles (650 km), taking you through the Pyrenees and the Spanish countryside. It takes about six to seven hours, depending on traffic and exact starting and ending points. Driving yourself means you have complete control over every aspect of your trip. However, driving through the Pyrenees can be difficult, and then once you arrive in Madrid, downright hectic.
### Lourdes to Madrid by private car with Daytrip
For speed and convenience, book a door-to-door private car ride with Daytrip. You still have complete control over the trip, from when you want your English-speaking driver to pick you up to the sightseeing stops along the way.
The main difference is that you will not need to worry about driving in a foreign country, tolls, and parking. You will have the luxury of your driverâs help in picking you up from your exact location, handling your luggage, and taking you to your destination. The only thing left for you is to decide where youâd like to explore on the way and enjoy your trip.
### Lourdes to Madrid by plane
While there are no direct flights from Lourdes to Madrid, you can drive or book a private car service to nearby airports such as San Sebastian or Toulouse, where direct flights to Madrid are available.
Flight time is approximately one to one and a half hours, but including airport transfer times and the extra time needed for check-in and security, the total travel time is over 6 hours.
Things to do when you get to Madrid
One thing is sure about your trip from Lourdes to Madrid; you will never be bored in Spain's lively capital! Take a look at some of the best things to do when you get to Madrid:
Brush up on art history in Madridâs many museums
Madrid has over 60 museums scattered throughout the city, and The Prado Museum is a cornerstone of Madrid's cultural heritage. Its extensive collection of European art includes VelĂĄzquez's "Las Meninas" and Goya's "The Third of May 1808". Book a guided tour for a deeper understanding of the works displayed.
If you prefer more modern and contemporary art, the Reina SofĂa National Art Centre can't be missed. Housed in a historic hospital that was expanded by French architect Jean Nouvel, itâs one of the largest modern art museums in the world. Exhibitions focus on Spanish artists like Picasso and Dali. If you ever wanted to see "Guernica" in person, this is where you'll find it!
### Stroll through the Buen Retiro Park
Madrid's Buen Retiro is an oasis of calm in the heart of the city. Once a royal garden, this expansive park features carefully landscaped grounds, majestic statues, and the striking Crystal Palace (which is temporarily closed to visitors). Take a boat tour of the park's lake for a nice perspective of its beauty.
### Experience flamenco at Corral de la MorerĂa
For a taste of authentic Spanish culture, get tickets to the Corral de la MorerĂa, one of Madrid's most prestigious flamenco venues. Youâll get an intimate look at Spainâs iconic music and dance style while dining on authentic Spanish cuisine.
### Dine at Sobrino de BotĂn
Indulge in traditional Spanish cuisine at Sobrino de BotĂn. Founded in 1725, BotĂn is recognized by the Guinness World Records as the oldest restaurant in the world. Try roasted suckling pig and lamb, prepared in an original wood-fired oven. The long history and time-honored methods add an extra layer to the dining experience.
When is the best time to visit Madrid
Summer is high season in Madrid, with blazing temperatures and crowds of visitors filling the streets and attractions.
Just like many other cities in Europe, the best time to visit Madrid is during spring or fall, from April to June, and from September to November. The weather is pleasant, there are fewer crowds, and usually you'll get better prices on transportation and accommodation.
Visitez ces sites en chemin
Rocher de la Vierge
According to legend, a divine light from this rock saved local fisherman during a storm. Today, the holy site offers divine views of the coastline. The Fishermenâs SalvationÂ
San Sebastian
Grand architecture, and more Michelin star restaurants than anywhere in Europe make this coastal city a feast for the senses. Â Star of the CoastÂ
Anana Salt Valley
For thousands of years, salt has been mined in the bed of this dried-up Triassic sea, the progression of which has been preserved to this day. Panning through the CenturiesÂ
Burgos
Once the seat of the Crown of Castile, this medieval cityâs myriads of landmarks, including its UNESCO-listed Cathedral, will leave visitors in awe. The Catholic Capital of CastileÂ
Bodegas Portia
This winery will wow visitors with its award winning architecture and rich red wines. Wine and DesignÂ
Alcala de Henares
The birthplace of Cervantes, and home to a 16th century university, this UNESCO-listed city has left an indelible mark on Spanish language and culture. Cunning LinguistsÂ
