- Must visit
Museo del Monasterio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial
Monastery museum displaying paintings, sculpture and decorative arts linked to the royal foundation and its religious life.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Madrid to El Escorial
Showing times and prices for 19 Aug
Cheapest price
£2
Average price
£2
Fastest journey
10 m
Average duration
24 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
42 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Madrid to El Escorial is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to El Escorial will cost around £2 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £2.
Fast coaches
Of the 5 buses that leave Madrid for El Escorial every day 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 42 km distance in an average of 24 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 10 m .
The slowest buses will take 50 m 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.
9:000h20Madrid9:20El Escorial£21One-way0 changes- 22:200h10Madrid22:30El Escorial£21One-way0 changes
- 16:000h50Madrid16:50El Escorial£21One-way0 changes
- 8:400h20Madrid9:00El Escorial£31One-way0 changes
- 15:000h20Madrid15:20El Escorial£31One-way0 changes
- 22:200h10Madrid22:30El Escorial£21One-way0 changes
- 9:000h20Madrid9:20El Escorial£21One-way0 changes
- 8:400h20Madrid9:00El Escorial£31One-way0 changes
- 15:000h20Madrid15:20El Escorial£31One-way0 changes
- 16:000h50Madrid16:50El Escorial£21One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Madrid to El Escorial
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Madrid to El Escorial among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £4. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 39m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £4, and a coach costs an average of £17.
Distance: 42 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£19 Average Price | £4 Average Price Cheapest |
1h 19m Average total duration 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 9m Average total duration Fastest 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Madrid to El Escorial bus times
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to El Escorial coaches for today, Tuesday 18 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16:50 Madrid | 0h20 | 17:10 El Escorial | 0 changesdirect | |
| 19:30 Madrid | 0h20 | 19:50 El Escorial | 0 changesdirect | |
| 21:10 Madrid | 0h20 | 21:30 El Escorial | 0 changesdirect | |
| Wednesday 19 August | |||||
| 8:40 Madrid | 0h20 | 9:00 El Escorial | 0 changesdirect | |
| 9:00 Madrid | 0h20 | 9:20 El Escorial | 0 changesdirect | |
| 15:00 Madrid | 0h20 | 15:20 El Escorial | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Madrid to El Escorial by train or coach
Compare train and coach 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.
Wed
19 Aug
19 Aug
Thu
20 Aug
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Fri
21 Aug
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22 Aug
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25 Aug
Why should you book Madrid to El Escorial coaches with Omio?
Alsa as well as Consorcio de Transportes de Madrid offer coaches services from Madrid to El Escorial.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Madrid to El Escorial.
Why book with Omio vs Alsa?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Alsa, but also compare tickets for the likes of Consorcio de Transportes de Madrid to find the best option for your trip from Madrid to El Escorial.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Alsa with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Madrid to El Escorial.
Why book with Omio over Checkmybus, Rome2rio or Busbud?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Madrid to El Escorial.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Madrid to El Escorial
SpainSpain
Buses from Madrid to El Escorial run on average 5 times per day, taking around 49m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £17 but you can travel from only £4 by train.
There are 5 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 08:20, the last at 08:20. The fastest coach covers the 42 km distance in 50m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £4
Distance 42 km |
Average bus duration 49m |
Cheapest ticket price £17 |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 50m |
First bus 8:20 |
Last bus 8:20 |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 7 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £4
Bus providers: BlaBlaCar, Alsa, Consorcio de Transportes de Madrid from Madrid to El EscorialYou can travel by bus between Madrid to El Escorial with BlaBlaCar, Alsa, Consorcio de Transportes de Madrid for as low as £4. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Alsa
About
Alsa is the main provider of bus travel in Spain and a subsidiary of the UK’s National Express. It operates an extensive network of regional, national, and international routes, transporting more than 300 million passengers annually. Alsa’s modern fleet offers varying levels of comfort and amenities. The standard Alsa Normal buses include free Wi-Fi, onboard bathrooms, footrests, and entertainment. For a more premium experience, Alsa Supra, Alsa Eurobus, and Alsa Premium services provide enhanced comfort and luxury features.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
50m
Cheapest Price
£17
Alsa frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 48 hours before departure for a partial refund. Changes allowed for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Accessible seating.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for an additional fee; must be packed.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets must travel in the hold.
BlaBlaCar
About
BlaBlaCar is a French online marketplace for carpooling, connecting drivers with empty seats and passengers traveling to the same destination to share costs. Founded in 2006, it operates in Europe and Latin America, boasting 26 million active members. The platform also includes BlaBlaCar Bus, an intercity bus service. BlaBlaCar's name comes from its rating system for drivers' chattiness: \Bla\" for quiet, \"BlaBla\" for talkative, and \"BlaBlaBla\" for very chatty. The company aims to be the leading marketplace for shared travel, offering affordable and sustainable solutions by combining carpooling with bus journeys."
Luggage & cancellation policy
BlaBlaCar frequency
5 a day
Consorcio de Transportes de Madrid
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5m
Cheapest Price
£4
Consorcio de Transportes de Madrid frequency
51 a day
Complete guide to El Escorial
Things to do in El Escorial
Discover the best of El Escorial — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect El Escorial trip today.
- Recommended
Biblioteca del Real Monasterio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial
Important historic library with frescoed vaults, manuscripts and scholarly atmosphere inside the monastery route.
- Recommended
Panteones Reales del Monasterio de El Escorial
Collection of royal burial art and dynastic spaces, visited as part of the monastery circuit and notable for its solemn setting.
- Must visit
Lonja del Monasterio
Broad square facing the monastery, ideal for classic views, people-watching and easy access to the historic centre.
- Must visit
Silla de Felipe II
Popular mountain viewpoint and picnic area on Monte Abantos, known for wide views over the monastery and surrounding landscape.
- Recommended
Jardines de los Frailes
Formal gardens beside the monastery with geometric layouts, fountains and a calm setting for a short stroll near the main monument.
- Gluten-free
Judiones de la Sierra de Guadarrama
Judiones de la Sierra de Guadarrama are large local beans slowly stewed, often with pork. They are a mountain staple around El Escorial and nearby villages.
- Gluten-free
Cocido madrileño
Cocido madrileño is a hearty chickpea stew with meats, sausages and vegetables, traditionally eaten in the wider Madrid region, including El Escorial.
Sopa de ajo
Sopa de ajo is a rustic garlic soup with bread, paprika and egg, sometimes enriched with ham. It is a classic Castilian cold-weather dish served locally.
Ku4tro
Popular traditional venue for tapas, raciones and hearty Spanish dishes in a relaxed atmosphere in San Lorenzo de El Escorial.
Charolés
Traditional Castilian restaurant known for roast meats and a classic dining room near the monastery. Good choice for regional specialities.
Restaurante Parrilla Príncipe
Historic restaurant in a refined setting opposite the monastery, serving Spanish cuisine with local favourites and formal service.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Spain: meals and coffee are reasonable, but hotel rates can rise on weekends and near the monastery. Local rail to Madrid helps keep transport costs manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-15 for a simple meal or takeaway.
- Mid-range
- €18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €45-70 per person for an upscale meal.
- Coffee
- €1.50-3 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. Restaurants: round up or leave 5-10% for very good service. Cafés: small change. Taxis: round up the fare; extra tipping is optional.
Mi Tarjeta Transporte
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €1.70
- Day pass
- €8.40
To the city centre
El Escorial, Estación de Tren -> Plaza de España, El Escorial
- Distance
- 700 m
- Travel time
- 10 min
- El Escorial is in Madrid fare zone C1; check the current zone before buying a ticket or pass.
- Use the official Mi Tarjeta Transporte app to top up compatible Madrid public transport cards. Contactless bank card acceptance is not confirmed on local services.
FAQs: Madrid to El Escorial coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to El Escorial 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 El Escorial, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Madrid to El Escorial can start from as little as £17 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Madrid to El Escorial is £19; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by coach from Madrid to El Escorial is 50m to travel the 42 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Madrid to El Escorial leaves at 8:20. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Madrid to El Escorial leaves at 8:20.
Yes, there are 5 direct coaches a day from Madrid to El Escorial with BlaBlaCar, Alsa, Consorcio de Transportes de Madrid. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Madrid to El Escorial, you can count on BlaBlaCar, Alsa, Consorcio de Transportes de Madrid for the best way to get you to El Escorial. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Madrid and El Escorial and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
Passengers board the coach most frequently from Madrid, Principe Pio, which is located around 1 km away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at El Escorial, Estación de Tren, located 1 away from the city centre.
A day trip to El Escorial from Madrid is worth doing with a journey time of 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Madrid and El Escorial including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Madrid to El Escorial:
- Alsa
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible seating.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Madrid to El Escorial for coach company Alsa.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Madrid to El Escorial depends on the coach companies:
- Alsa
- You can cancel your ticket up to 48 hours before departure for a partial refund. Changes allowed for a fee.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company Alsa.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Madrid to El Escorial.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Madrid to El Escorial:
- Alsa
- One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Madrid to El Escorial:
- Alsa
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Madrid to El Escorial. The following conditions apply:
- Alsa
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets must travel in the hold.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Madrid to El Escorial with the following coach company: Alsa
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Madrid to El Escorial with the following coach company: Alsa.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Madrid to El Escorial with the following coach company: Alsa.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Madrid and El Escorial
Most Madrid to El Escorial buses use the Madrid, Principe Pio to El Escorial, Estación de Tren station pair. Use this guide to compare Madrid and El Escorial bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Madrid
Arrival bus stations in El Escorial
Which Madrid station do buses to El Escorial leave from?
Buses from Madrid to El Escorial leave from Madrid, Principe Pio. The station is 2 km from Madrid city centre at Príncipe Pío, Moncloa - Aravaca, 28008 Madrid, Spain.
Madrid, Principe PioPríncipe Pío, Moncloa - Aravaca, 28008 Madrid, Spain
City-centre transport
Getting to Madrid, Principe Pio from Madrid city centre
Madrid, Principe Pio is 1 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
BusN18, N19, N20 · 6m · £0.90 · every ~34 min
N18, N20, N19 · 7m · £0.90 · every ~34 min
Madrid, Principe Pio bus station facilities and services
Madrid, Principe Pio has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Multiple eateries and cafes inside the station.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi available in the waiting area. ATMs are aTM machines located near the ticket counters.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Principe Pio.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Madrid, Principe Pio: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Principe Pio: Wheelchair accessible ramps and elevators.
Which El Escorial station do buses from Madrid arrive at?
Buses from Madrid to El Escorial arrive at El Escorial, Estación de Tren. El Escorial, Estación de Tren is 1 km from El Escorial city centre.
El Escorial, Estación de TrenEl Escorial, 28280 El Escorial, Madrid, Spain
City-centre transport
Getting to El Escorial, Estación de Tren from El Escorial city centre
El Escorial, Estación de Tren is 1 km from El Escorial city centre. Public transport options include:
TRUE
El Escorial, Estación de Tren bus station facilities and services
El Escorial, Estación de Tren has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at El Escorial, Estación de Tren. ATMs are available at El Escorial, Estación de Tren.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at El Escorial, Estación de Tren.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at El Escorial, Estación de Tren: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at El Escorial, Estación de Tren: Ramps available for wheelchair access.
Most popular bus connections from Madrid
More options for your journey from Madrid to El Escorial
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from El Escorial and Madrid
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