- Must visit
Museo Nacional del Prado
Spain’s premier art museum houses Velázquez, Goya and El Greco masterpieces, making it essential for understanding European painting.
Flights from Cardiff to Madrid depart on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 53m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at £116 but you can travel from only £77 by coach.
The earliest flight runs at 05:55, the last at 20:50. The fastest flight covers the 1231 km distance in 4h 50m. December is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 1231 km |
Average flight duration 3h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price £116 |
Flights per day 7 |
Fastest flight 4h 50m |
First flight 5:55 |
Last flight 20:50 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 21 days |
Cheapest price on 17 Sept
£137
Average ticket price on 17 Sept
£137
Fastest journey on 17 Sept
15 h 50 m
Average journey duration on 17 Sept
15 h 50 m
Flights on 17 Sept
1
Distance
1231 km
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from Cardiff to Madrid is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Madrid will cost around £137 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap flight tickets today for only £137.
On Thu 17 Sept, we found 1 flights from Cardiff to Madrid, including 1 direct services.
These direct flights cover the 1231 km distance in an average of 15 h 50 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 15 h 50 m .
The slowest flights will take 15 h 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.


Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Madrid among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £102 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 53m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the coach is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 1.2 - 3.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £102, while a flight costs an average of £180.
Distance: 1231 km
Most popular Flight | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£180 Average Price | £102 Average Price Cheapest | £105 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 53m Average total duration Fastest 3h 53m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 30h 25m Average total duration 29h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 20h 20m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
3.7 - 7.4kg CO2 emissions | 1.2 - 3.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Madrid:
A coach is £77 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cardiff to Madrid costing on average £180.
Other travel options to Madrid take longer:
Coach takes on average 29h 55m.
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Madrid flights for tomorrow, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 17:25 Cardiff | 15h50 | 9:15 Madrid | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last flight of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare 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.
Discover the best of Madrid — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Madrid trip today.
Spain’s premier art museum houses Velázquez, Goya and El Greco masterpieces, making it essential for understanding European painting.
Madrid’s leading modern art museum is famed for Picasso’s Guernica and strong collections of Dalí, Miró and 20th-century works.
This refined museum features major works by Titian, Rubens and Caravaggio in a manageable collection inside a grand palace.
Madrid’s most famous park offers lakes, gardens, sculptures and broad promenades, perfect for walking, rowing and people-watching.
This grand boulevard links major museums and historic fountains, making it one of the city’s most elegant and culture-rich walks.
A busy central avenue known for theatres, shops and illuminated façades, ideal for architecture, nightlife and classic city views.
A hearty chickpea stew with meats, vegetables and soup, long associated with Madrid taverns and traditional lunchtime dining.
Deep-fried squid rings served in a crusty bread roll, a classic fast bite around Plaza Mayor and one of Madrid’s best-known snacks.
Madrid-style tripe stew with chorizo and morcilla, rich and slow-cooked, traditionally eaten in colder months.
Traditional bar celebrated for excellent tortilla española and honest Madrid-style tapas in a lively, no-frills atmosphere.
Historic tavern famed for roast suckling pig and classic Castilian dishes in an old-fashioned, atmospheric setting near Plaza Mayor.
Iconic churrería serving Madrid’s classic chocolate con churros around the clock in a bustling, traditional setting.
Moderate for Western Europe. Rooms, meals and Metro fares are usually cheaper than Paris or London, but central hotels and popular dining areas raise costs.
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up. In cafés, leaving small change is enough.
Official public transport app
Aeropuerto T4 -> Nuevos Ministerios
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Madrid by flight. 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 flight, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Madrid, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to Madrid flights use the Cardiff Airport to Madrid Barajas Airport airport pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Madrid airports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like airport facilities and services.
Cardiff Airport is 1 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
Cardiff Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge and Lost and Found Office.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located in the terminal building.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Airport: Assistance, toilets.
Madrid Barajas Airport is 12 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid Barajas Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, Lounge and Lost and Found Office.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located in all terminals.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Madrid Barajas Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid Barajas Airport: Ramps, assistance.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need