How to get from Madrid to Granada
Madrid and Granada both buzz with the vibrant atmosphere in which Spain prides itself. From Madrid’s metropolitan elegance to the ancient castles and grit of Granada, you will run the gamut of Spanish architecture and culture (and maybe pick up some world-famous tapas along the way). If you decide to take a car transfer from Granada and Madrid, you can also enjoy some exceptional sights, including the olive oil-centric Jaen, UNESCO-listed Ubeda, the Gothic Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion, historic Consuegra, multi-cultural Toledo, and the previously-royal town of Aranjuez.
How to get from Madrid to Granada
If you’re traveling from Madrid to Granada, you have several travel options. For travelers on a budget, the bus is the cheapest way to travel from Madrid to Granada. The fastest way to travel from Madrid to Granada is by train or car, though a car is of course the best way to travel from Madrid to Granada since it’s so convenient. It’s also possible to take a flight from Madrid to Granada, though with airport waiting times, it is the slowest and most expensive option.
Madrid to Granada by train
To travel from Madrid to Granada by train, you need to get to Madrid Atocha station and purchase a ticket to Granada main station, or you can buy your tickets in advance online. The earliest train is at 7:20 AM, and the last train is at 7:35 PM, with trains departing every 2 hours. Renfe operates the train from Madrid to Granada. Train tickets from Madrid to Granada cost €64 on average for the 3-6 hour trip (while there are some direct routes, many involve a change in Antequera). The distance from Madrid to Granada is about 420 kilometers. Trains have bathrooms on board and usually offer a dining car.
Train intervals 2 hours
First/Last departure 7:20 AM/7:35 PM
Avg. price $84 (€64)
Distance ~420 km
Duration ~3-6 hours
Operating companies Renfe
Madrid to Granada by bus
To travel from Madrid to Granada by bus, go to either Madrid Estacion Sur or Avenida de America and purchase a ticket to Granada Estación De Autobús. While you can buy your ticket at the station, it’s best to purchase them in advance. The earliest bus is at 1:30 AM, and the last bus is at 8:30 PM, with one bus leaving every hour. The bus from Madrid to Granada is run by Alsa. Bus tickets from Madrid to Granada cost between €20-€48 for the 5-hour trip. The distance from Madrid to Granada is about 420 kilometers. All options offer direct service from Madrid to Granada.
Time intervals 1 per hour
First/Last departure 1:30 AM/8:30 PM
Avg. price $22-$52 (€20-€48)
Distance ~420 km
Duration ~5 hr
Operating companies Alsa
Madrid to Granada Flight
To travel by plane, you need to get to Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport. As usual with flights, you’ll want to buy your tickets in advance. For traveling such a short distance, only direct flights make sense. The plane tickets cost between €74-181 for the 1-hour 5-minute flight from Madrid to Granada. It’s recommended to arrive at the airport 2 hours before the flight, making this the slowest and most expensive option.
Flights per day 4
Departure times 8:10 AM, 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 8:45 PM
Avg. price $78-$191 (€74-€181)
Distance 420 km
Duration ~1 hr 5 min
Operating companies Iberia
Madrid to Granada Private Car Transfer
For speed and convenience, a private car transfer with Daytrip is the best way to travel from Madrid to Granada. You will be picked up at your accommodation in Madrid, and the driver will take care of your luggage. You’ll then be able to enjoy door-to-door service to your accommodation in Granada and can even add sightseeing stops on the way!
You can add sightseeing stops at some of Spain's hidden beauties or historic sites along the journey. Consider stopping in Toledo, with its old architecture and magnificent church, or touring Consuegra, a village with famous windmills. This lets you turn your trip into a mini-adventure with highlights along the path many people overlook. So you can arrive in Granada rejuvenated and eager to discover, knowing you have traveled with the freedom to create your trip your own way.
Price from $134 per seat (€123)
Distance 421 km
Duration ~4 h 10 min
