Your driver will meet you at your address in Madrid.
You’ll travel in comfort for 6 hours.
Your driver will drop you off at your address in Lisbon.
Buckle up, you’re going from Madrid to Lisbon! This lengthy road trip will take you from Spain's most populated city to Portugal's most populated city.
There are various routes you can take. The A-5 takes you past the 9th to 12th-century fortress Alcazaba de Trujillo in an elevated part of Cabeza del Zorro. If you take a private car transfer with Daytrip, you can stop through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the old town of Caceres as a sightseeing stop. Whichever method of transport you choose, there’s plenty to see both on the way to and in Lisbon itself.
Before you make your way from Madrid to Lisbon, there’s some fascinating history behind Lisbon that will enhance your cultural journey. Lisbon has been inhabited by many groups that have left their footprint behind, including the Romans, Visigoths, and Norwegian Crusaders. After Athens, Lisbon is the second-oldest European capital city and one of the oldest cities in the world.
A must-see during your visit is the Alfama neighborhood, the oldest in Lisbon. The name originates from the Arabic word “al-hamma” meaning “hot fountains” or “baths.” This area holds many Fado restaurants and the Fado Museum.
If you’re a museum lover, you’re in the right city! You can delve into optical illusions, gravity-defying art, and plenty of photo opportunities at 3D Fun Art Museum Lisboa, which is excellent for families or couples with youthful spirits. Meanwhile, the National Coach Museum has an extensive display of royal carriages, and the Money Museum displays various currencies from over the centuries, including the gold coin “morabitino,” which is the last of its kind.
You’ll be spoiled with options for eating in this city, with delicious cuisine bursting from restaurants that line the cobbled streets. Check out Ti Alcina, located at R. do Crucifixo 25, or O Trevo located at Praça Luís de Camões 48, for genuine Portuguese restaurants, with the latter known for its delicious sandwiches. Fill your stomach with a meal that will go the distance, with a hearty old-school meal at As Velhas at R. da Conceição da Glória 21.
Keep these travel tips in mind before your Madrid to Lisbon transfer!
Even though Lisbon has been graced with lovely weather, the sky can be unpredictable, so it's wise to pack layers. Even during summer, a light jacket for the evening is advisable. Lastly, comfortable walking shoes are necessary, as Lisbon has many steep hills and stairs.
While Spain and Portugal are part of the Eurozone, making financial transactions seamless, you should notify your bank before you travel to prevent your card from declining.
Lisbon is generally safe, but like in any major city, maintaining awareness of your surroundings is key. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.
Luckily, fewer people in Lisbon take a siesta than in Madrid. If they do, it’s likely to start after lunch between 1 pm and 3 pm.
Tipping is appreciated but optional. But remember that wages are low in Portugal and tipping is common in tourist places.
You have many options for your Madrid to Lisbon transfer to fit any budget or timeline. Check out these methods of transportation below!
You can take a bus from Madrid to Lisbon, but buckle up for a long journey. A bus ticket can cost between $30 and $80 (28 - 74 euros), and your trip will be about 7 hours and 30 minutes or 8 hours.
Taking the train is a delightful option if you're not in a rush to go far and appreciate the journey as much as the destination. Prices range from $35 to $55 and require you to transfer a few times along the way. Taking an overnight train can also be a great way to get over jetlag without wasting time.
With a flight time of just over an hour and 20 minutes, you’ll be sipping Portuguese coffee in no time. Airlines offer several flights daily, so you can easily find a schedule that fits your itinerary. However, you must factor in arrival times at the airport, security line waiting times, and possible delays—this can bring travel time up to 4 hours. Flight costs range from $45 to $160, depending on the airline and season.
You can book your trip far in advance, knowing everything will be handled. Skip navigating public transportation and language barriers. Schedule a ride with Daytrip.
We ensure door-to-door dropoffs – meaning we don’t drop you off at the nearest landmark but at your exact destination. Each driver speaks English and will take you to your designated sightseeing stops between Madrid and Lisbon. The benefit of having a local driver is access to local insights. Prices range from $140 to $425 per seat depending on your choice of vehicle (van, compact MPV, sedan, or luxury sedan).
You’ve finally arrived! After your transfer from Madrid to Lisbon, you’ll want to see these sights:
Torre de Belém (Belém Tower) is a symbol of Portugal’s age of discoveries. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers breathtaking views of the Tagus River. It’s a masterpiece of Manueline and Moorish architecture that you shouldn't miss.
Another iconic UNESCO site is the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Jerónimos Monastery). This monastery reflects Portugal's wealth during the age of discoveries. It’s a great example of the late Gothic Manueline style of architecture.
You can’t miss Praça do Comércio, the grand square previously known as the Royal Yard, which faces the Tagus River and is where the royal palace stood until the devastating earthquake of 1755. Today, it's a spacious area surrounded by yellow Pombaline architecture, ideal for sunset strolls.
Once an industrial complex, LX Factory is a vibrant cultural and creative center filled with shops, art installations, and quirky spaces. You can check out the market on Sundays to buy crafts, unique accessories, and produce.
Head to Miradouro da Senhora do Monte for one of the most spectacular 360-degree views of Lisbon, yet it's less crowded compared to other viewpoints.
Named after Britain’s Edward VII, who visited Lisbon in 1903, Parque Eduardo VII offers stunning greenhouses and a unique view of the city that welcomes tourists and locals. Jardin da Estrala is another romantic and family-friendly garden opposite the Basílica da Estrela. Perfect for couples who want to bask in the sun and have a picnic.
Grab a drink at the Restaurante Javá Rooftop bar, offering stunning views of the city. Afterward, make your way to Plateau, an 80s-themed nightclub full of youngins and older generations alike. If you’re looking for authentic Fado music, head to Clube de Fado, located in the historic Alfama district, to experience Portugal’s soulful sound.
When traveling from Madrid to Lisbon, remember that in spring, from March to May, Lisbon experiences mild temperatures and blooming landscapes, making it an ideal time to visit. Days are warm, while nights are cool. June to August sees hot and dry days, but rainfall increases from September to November in the fall. Lisbon's winters are milder from December to February than in most European cities.
Regarding tourist season, the peak months are June to August, when you can expect crowds at significant sights and higher accommodation rates. The off-peak season is from November to February.
This ancient town’s native sons conquered the New World, and enriched their home with their newfound wealth. Almost El Dorado
Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old Town of this ancient city is a blend of Roman, Islamic, Northern Gothic and Italian Renaissance styles. The Monumental City
This ancient Roman capital is home to the most impressive and extensive Roman ruins in all of Spain. Rome Away from Rome
The premier frontier fortress south of the Tagus, Elvas is a town literally built for battle. Star of the Frontier
Encircled by ancient walls, the entire old town of this ancient city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bursting with History
This charming small town he heart of Portugal’s wine country is rich in culture and scenery. Wine with a View
“I was unsure about this company but a few good reviews on Trip Advisor made me take the chance. I am so happy that we did. We needed a ride from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. Our driver Saksun was an excellent driver - it's not a long distance to drive (by Texas standards!) but the road is challenging and there are a lot of places where improvements to the road are being made. It took around 3 hours with a stop at a place with very clean bathrooms, very interesting hot springs and a place to get a snack and cold drinks. Saksun had a vehicle that was fantastic for this type of drive - a very comfortable ride indeed and was obviously well maintained and very clean. I highly recommend this company. I used to post on trip advisor as "lakekariba" but got out of the habit of doing so. This company was so easy to use and the result was so enjoyable that I felt that the company Daytrip and the driver Saksun had earned our trust and a glowing review. Gillian and Ted Pearsall Austin, Texas”
lakekariba
Dec 4, 2024“We used Daytrip to travel between Budapest and Vienna with a 2 hour stop for lunch in Bratislava. Our driver Zsombor arrived on time at our hotel in Budapest and was very friendly and informative throughout our trip. His vehicle was roomy and clean and he was kind enough to provide us with some bottled water for the trip. Our quick visit stop in Bratislava was very nice as well. He gave us plenty of time to explore the city and have lunch before meeting him again when it was time to head for Vienna. Daytrip provided us with a happy and trouble free transfer between Budapest and Vienna. Many thanks to your team and especially to your driver Zsombor!”
pgh1125
Dec 3, 2024“On a recent trip from the states to Madrid to Portugal wanted to see more of the country side so decided a car service from Lisbon to Madrid could be fun. Boy was I right! Easy booking, great suggestions for stops along the way. MORE important the driver Mario S was AMAZING. Great driver, full of knowledge, easy to be around (very important when one is in a car for 12+ hours). He was professional, knowledgeable, friendly, informative - made everything so easy. We loved him!”
alicemarief2020
Oct 31, 2022“Our family of 9 got a pleasant trip late night from Lisbon airport to Madrid with 2 very nice drivers (Albertino R. and Fernando S). It the real great experience how to escape the lines in the airport with hours of check in and check out. Thanks you DayTrip!”
Thi Hoang Anh N
Jul 1, 2018All Daytrip drivers speak English* as well as their native language (and sometimes additional languages too!). They'll be happy to discuss local history and culture with you, as well as answer any questions you may have. And because they speak the language, they're able to provide you with a unique opportunity to connect with local culture. *Drivers for Lite service aren't required to speak English but must meet all other standards.
We screen all our drivers for criminal and traffic records, and personally interview each one. We also inspect their cars for safety, comfort, and reliability. All cars must be less than ten years old, in excellent operating condition, and insured as required by local law. And because our drivers are locals, they're familiar with the rules and customs of the road.
If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!
Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.
Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).
Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.
Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!
If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.
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