Private car transfer
from Lisbon to Madrid

On the road to Madrid, you'll encounter numerous sightseeing stops like Evora, Palmera, Elvas, and Merida. Unlike any other transportation option, Daytrip's local drivers can take you to these interesting sites and share handy travel insights and tips to ensure you enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience.

After you've had your fill of side quests, Madrid awaits. Daytrip's door-to-door private car service will drop you off safely in this cheerful and vibrant city. Then, it's up to you to explore the busy museums, charming historic spots, streets lined with shops, restaurants with world-class cuisine, and an unbeatable nightlife vibe. Trust us: when you visit Madrid, you'll see why the hype is real and why any other European city cannot beat Madrid's authenticity!

Madrid is located more or less in the center of the Iberian Peninsula and is surrounded by natural parks and mountains. It is in the center of Spain, so it's easy for travelers to reach Madrid, especially from Lisbon, by flight, bus, train, or private car service like Daytrip.

Madrid is most commonly visited for its lively nightlife scene, friendly atmosphere, and incredible cuisine, but many also enjoy it because it offers many intriguing, exciting, and thought-provoking attractions that dazzle and amuse. Two prime examples of the wondrous attractions one can visit when exploring Madrid are the Royal Palace and the Plaza Mayor.

After visiting these historical attractions, it's a good idea to explore the many museums in Madrid, like the Thyssen, Reina Sofia, and Del Prado. These museums each feature collections of some of the most beautiful art in the world by famed Spanish artists Picasso, Goyo, Velazques, and Miro. So, if you're an art fan, it's best to set aside at least a half day to truly enjoy what the museums have to offer visitors.

In addition, if you're traveling for the nightlife, you won't be disappointed. No matter where you visit in Madrid, the nightlife promises to be lively, thriving, and enticing. From ancient pubs and modern bars to hole-in-the-wall restaurants, there's a scene in which everyone feels comfortable. So, don't delay; plan your visit from Lisbon to Madrid with Daytrip today!

Set aside enough time

Madrid is one of the best cities in the world to visit as a walkable city, so you must set aside enough time to explore, especially if you plan to make a few stops at popular attractions and landmarks while driving from Lisbon.

We recommend planning to stay in Madrid for at least two to three days, as this will give you enough time to explore the city and visit cultural attractions and quirky shops.

Plan around siesta

After you cross the border into Spain you'll find many businesses closed for a few hours in the afternoon, including restaurants. "Siesta" (literally "nap" but more of a lunch break these days) is typically from 1:00 or 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 or 5:00 p.m. Try to be on the road at this time so your sightseeing stops aren't ghost towns when you visit!

Don't stress about tipping

Other European cities make tipping feel near mandatory, but not Madrid. Tipping is not the norm for most Spaniards, so even along the way, if you stop and sightsee, you won't really need to worry about tipping too much. So tip conservatively and keep your hard-earned money for exploring.

From Lisbon to Madrid by bus

Numerous bus lines operate trips from Lisbon to Madrid, so you should have no issue booking a trip. Some are more expensive than others, but the most affordable are usually Carris, ALSA, Flixbus, Empresa Municipal de Transportes, or Rede Expressos. Each of these bus lines offers trips daily.

The average ticket cost from one of these bus lines is $38 but can go as high as $88. Even so, this is still cheaper than the cost of a train or plane ticket.

However, although it is affordable, traveling by bus can be frustrating and tedious, considering it might be crowded. The trip averages around six and a half hours. There are also often transfers involved, with some buses requiring up to three changes.

Flight from Lisbon to Madrid

There is a direct flight from Lisbon to Madrid, but you must first take a train, taxi, or bus to the airport. Then, after arriving in Madrid, you need to take a taxi or train and bus to the city center.

So, although the flight is only an hour and a half long, the journey can take up to four and a half hours to complete when you factor in getting to and from the airport and the 2 hours needed for check-in and security.

Flying is also more costly than it appears. For example, the flight cost alone can be about $200, and then you need to factor in the cost of bus and train tickets. Ultimately, traveling this way might not be worth it, but the choice is yours.

From Lisbon to Madrid by train

Before booking a train ticket from Lisbon to Madrid, you must be aware that train trips between these cities are commonly later in the day. Often, you will catch a train in the afternoon around noon and only arrive in Madrid late in the evening, so if an evening trip isn't what you're looking for, it might be best to consider alternative options.

In addition, Comboios De Portugal is one of the only train lines operating trips, and you will need to transfer three times and catch a Renfe Viajeros train in between to take you the rest of the way to Madrid. Unfortunately, this makes the trip time-consuming and longer than the bus. On average, the train trip will take about eight hours and 45 minutes. Tickets are also pricey.

From Lisbon to Madrid by private car

Out of all the travel options available, we recommend traveling by private car service Daytrip. This door-to-door service offers significantly less hassle for an affordable price. A one-way trip costs 131 euros per seat, and you're guaranteed a smooth, safe, reliable, and comfortable travel experience.

In addition, Daytrip isn't like public transportation because you can plan when you want to leave Lisbon. You'll also get to make sightseeing side trips if there are a few places you want to tick off your travel list along the way.

Moreover, our professional English-speaking drivers are also well-versed in the local area, so you can expect travel tips and a memorable drive since they know the roads and how to navigate them expertly.

Juan March Foundation

If you love to explore different cultural attractions, you'll want to add a trip to the Juan March Foundation to your travel list. This cultural foundation offers something wholly unique from the rest, and it thrives on introducing visitors to lesser-known artists and alternative art that cannot be found elsewhere in the world.

No matter when you visit, expect to be dazzled and surprised as the foundation continuously displays different styles of paintings, architecture, drawings, and sculptures. In addition, although it is primarily a museum, it also hosts concerts and conferences to challenge and relax. So be sure to pop in!

Cerro del Tío Pío

If you're looking for something that's free and outdoors to do when visiting Madrid, you'll want to stop at Cerro del Tío Pío, a park with one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the Spanish city, especially during sunset. So, if you have time, you should find a spot atop one of the park's hills and watch day turn into night.

If you want to experience Madrid at its best, when temperatures are balmy and when the nightlife comes alive, we recommend visiting during the fall – September to November – or spring – March to May.

In addition, if you want to visit a more toned-down Madrid and want the best deals with the least amount of crowds, travel to the city during the winter months. A plus to the chilly weather is that all the shops will be open, which isn't the case during the summer when it's peak season.

Summer is generally the most popular time to visit Europe, but we'd recommend avoiding this. The crowds are out in full force, and temperatures average 89° F (31° C).