- Must visit
Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Alicante
Leading contemporary art museum with a strong 20th-century collection and a historic building in the old town.
Cheapest price
£35
Average price
£43
Fastest journey
4 h 50 m
Average duration
4 h 57 m
Buses per day
45
Distance
360 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Madrid to Alicante is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Alicante will cost around £43 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £35.
Of the 45 buses that leave Madrid for Alicante every day 9 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 360 km distance in an average of 4 h 57 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 50 m .
The slowest buses will take 5 h and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
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Supra Economy
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NormalOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Alicante among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £8. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 8m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £8, and a flight costs an average of £33.
Distance: 360 km
| Coach | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£27 Average Price Cheapest | £34 Average Price | £151 Average Price |
3h 39m Average total duration 3h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 3m Average total duration 2h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 8m Average total duration Fastest 2h 8m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.1 - 2.2kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Alicante coaches for today, Thursday 13 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Normal · Normal | 10:30 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 7h20 | 17:50 El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses) | 1 change | |
Normal · Normal | 10:30 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 6h20 | 16:50 El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses) | 1 change | |
Normal · Normal | 11:45 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 8h05 | 19:50 El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses) | 1 change | |
Normal · Normal | 12:30 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 7h20 | 19:50 El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses) | 1 change | |
Normal · Normal | 13:45 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 7h05 | 20:50 El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses) | 1 change | |
Normal · Normal | 14:30 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 6h20 | 20:50 El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses) | 1 change | |
Supra Economy · Normal | 15:45 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 7h20 | 23:05 Alicante, Estación de Autobuses | 1 change | |
Supra Economy | 16:30 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 4h50 | 21:20 Alicante, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
Normal · Normal | 16:30 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 6h35 | 23:05 Alicante, Estación de Autobuses | 1 change | |
Normal | 17:30 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 5h35 | 23:05 Alicante, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
Normal | 19:00 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 5h00 | 0:00 Alicante, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
Normal · Normal | 23:30 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 8h25 | 7:55 El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses) | 1 change | |
Normal | 23:30 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 5h00 | 4:30 Alicante, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
Normal · Normal | 23:30 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 7h25 | 6:55 El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses) | 1 change | |
Normal · Normal | 23:30 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 9h25 | 8:55 El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses) | 1 change | |
Normal · Normal | 23:45 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 8h05 | 7:50 El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses) | 1 change | |
| Friday 14 August | |||||
Normal · Normal | 0:30 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 7h20 | 7:50 El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses) | 1 change | |
Normal · Normal | 7:30 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 8h25 | 15:55 El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses) | 1 change | |
Normal · Normal | 7:30 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 7h25 | 14:55 El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses) | 1 change | |
Normal · Normal | 7:30 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 8h25 | 15:55 El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses) | 1 change | |
Normal | 7:30 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 5h00 | 12:30 Alicante, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
Normal · Normal | 7:30 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 7h25 | 14:55 El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses) | 1 change | |
Normal · Normal | 7:30 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 9h25 | 16:55 El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses) | 1 change | |
Normal · Normal | 7:30 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 8h55 | 16:25 El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses) | 1 change | |
Normal · Normal | 7:30 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 8h55 | 16:25 El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses) | 1 change | |
Normal · Normal | 7:45 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 7h05 | 14:50 El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses) | 1 change | |
Normal · Normal | 7:45 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 6h50 | 14:35 Alicante, Estación de Autobuses | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, coach and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Madrid to Alicante run on average 31 times per day, taking around 3h 9m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £8 if you book in advance.
There are 12 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:30, the last at 23:45. The fastest coach covers the 360 km distance in 4h 55m.
Distance 360 km |
Average bus duration 3h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price £8 |
Buses per day 31 |
Direct buses 12 |
Fastest bus 4h 55m |
First bus 0:30 |
Last bus 23:45 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 91 days |
Discover the best of Alicante — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Alicante trip today.
Leading contemporary art museum with a strong 20th-century collection and a historic building in the old town.
Archaeological museum with well-presented exhibits from prehistory to the modern era, suitable for first-time visitors.
Museum devoted to Alicante’s Bonfires festival, with satirical figures and displays explaining a key local tradition.
Palm-lined seafront promenade with patterned paving, harbour views and easy access to the old town and marina.
Historic quarter of narrow lanes, stairways and whitewashed houses climbing below the castle, ideal for slow walks and photos.
Urban beach and promenade beside the centre, popular for swimming, strolling and postcard views of the castle above.
Alicante’s signature rice dish, cooked with rabbit, chicken and snails over vine cuttings. It is prized for its smoky flavour and festival roots.
Dry rice cooked in fish stock with cuttlefish, prawns and monkfish, often finished with aioli. A classic coastal dish across Alicante province.
Creamy rice with salt cod and cauliflower, especially linked to Lent and home cooking in Alicante. Simple ingredients give it a deeply local character.
Contemporary fine dining focused on tasting menus and seasonal Mediterranean cooking in an intimate setting in central Alicante.
Well-known central restaurant for refined Alicante rice dishes and seafood in a polished, modern setting near the marina.
Popular casual spot in the old town serving tapas, montaditos and local specialities in a lively, traditional atmosphere.
Moderate for Spain’s coast: hotels rise in summer, but dining, local transport and casual drinks stay reasonable for most tourists.
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; small change in cafés; taxi fares are usually rounded up.
Official public transport app
Estación de Autobuses Alicante -> Plaça de Luceros, Alicante
There are usually around nine buses from Madrid to Alicante each day, on both weekdays and weekends. Each bus runs directly with no changes and usually has an average journey time of just 4 hours and 50 minutes.
The fastest bus from Madrid to Alicante takes around 4 hours and 45 minutes, while the longest may take up to 5 hours and 50 minutes. Journeys that take place around rush hour in the morning or evening have a longer travel time.
There are usually nine or so services each day between Madrid and Alicante. The first service of the day usually leaves just after midnight. After this, no coaches run until 9:00 a.m. Several buses then run during the day, but services become less frequent after 5:00 p.m., with the last bus of the day departing at just before midnight. There are usually fewer services on Sundays.
Departure bus station: Bus from Madrid to Alicante depart from either Madrid Estación Sur de Autobuses or Barajas Airport's Terminal 4. Madrid Estación Sur de Autobuses is located next to Méndez Álvaro South Train Station, which has a good range of shops and cafes. It also has a taxi rank and plenty of connecting trains and buses to take you the 2.4 miles to Madrid city centre. The other station is at Barajas Airport's Terminal 4, which is 11 miles from Madrid. There are many amenities at the station including cafes, toilets, a taxi rank, and waiting areas. Trains leave for the city centre every six minutes.
Arrival bus station: Buses from Madrid arrive at Alicante's Plaza De La Coruña Bus Station which is by San Juan beach, or at Alicante Estación Autobús Station. Plaza De La Coruña Bus Station is a short 5.3-mile bus journey away from the centre of Alicante. There are no facilities at the bus stop but it is next to a large shopping centre with cafes and toilets. Alicante Estación Autobús Station is less than a mile from the city centre, which can be reached on foot or by bus. It has a cafe, toilets, storage lockers, charging ports, and vending machines.
All of the bus from Madrid to Alicante are provided by Alsa. Most of the services are run with regular Alsa coaches, but two services a day are provided by Alsa Supra. Alsa Supra coaches are more luxurious and have more onboard amenities.
Alsa provides seven services a day, running from breakfast time until the early evening. Alsa Supra coaches generally travel overnight. Both have an average journey time of around 4 hours and 50 minutes to 5 and a half hours.
Alsa allows all passengers to bring 30 kg (66lbs) of luggage for free, as well as a small piece of hand luggage to stow over your seat as you travel. If you wish to bring extra luggage, you can do so for a small fee. Alsa also allows passengers to bring sports equipment such as bikes or skis for an extra fee, and if you wish to travel with these items you'll need to arrive at least 15 minutes before your departure time. All luggage and other items must be properly labelled and appropriately wrapped/protected.
Alsa does not offer a first-class service but their Supra coaches do have extra amenities. If you travel on a Supra coach you'll find leather seats with footrests, free WiFi, an onboard entertainment system that shows TV and films, and VIP waiting areas at selected bus stations.
Passengers can travel with one small domestic animal as long as they weigh under 10 kg and are safely contained in a crate or carrier. You must purchase an extra ticket for your pet, and they will need to travel in the hold.
Disabled passengers are welcome on Alsa buses. Most of their vehicles are equipped with lifting mechanisms to transport passengers in wheelchairs on and off the bus, but it's important to let them know before you travel to make sure your coach is fully equipped. They also request that patients in wheelchairs travel with a companion who is able to assist them throughout the journey. Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on board but you should notify Alsa 48 hours in advance if you plan to bring them with you on your trip. Foldable wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be stored in the hold free of charge.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Alicante by coach. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Alicante, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Madrid to Alicante buses use the Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses to El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses) station pair, with some services arriving at Alicante, Estación de Autobuses. Use this guide to compare Madrid and Alicante bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses is 3 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafetería de la estación (in the station), Restaurante El Brillante (0.5 km), La Taberna de Domínguez (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and in the waiting area.
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses.
Available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses: Elevators, ramps.
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) is 12 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) has practical services for this route, including Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Rodilla, Mahoudrid
ATMs are aTMs located throughout T4, major cards accepted .
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid).
Available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid): WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid): Step-free access, elevators, accessible toilets.
El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses) is 2 km from Alicante city centre. Public transport options include:
El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses).
Available at El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses): Parking, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at El Altet, Aeroport d'Alacant (Salidas - Estación de autobuses): Elevators, ramps.
Alicante, Estación de Autobuses is 1 km from Alicante city centre. Public transport options include:
Alicante, Estación de Autobuses has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafetería de la estación (in the station), Tapas Bar Alicante (0.3 km), Fast Food Outlet Alicante (0.5 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Alicante, Estación de Autobuses.
Available at Alicante, Estación de Autobuses: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Alicante, Estación de Autobuses: Elevators, ramps.
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