Madrid to Athens by train
Train service is not regularly available on this corridor.
Consider flying instead, which connects Madrid and Athens via international airports.
How to travel from Madrid to Athens
There are 2 ways to travel between Madrid and Athens — compare duration, price and operators below.
🚄Train
Not practical for this route.
🚌Bus
Not practical for this route.
✈️Flight
€130–404Duration: 5h 40m
via Ryanair, easyJet, Iberia, Vueling, Aegean Airlines
~370 kg CO2 per passenger
🚗Car
€284–521Duration: 26h 20m
~403 kg CO2 per passenger
Where they are on the map
Travel tips for this route
- At 2370 km it's a longer journey — overnight stay strongly recommended.
- No practical train option — flying is your fastest choice. Book 3–6 weeks ahead for low-cost fares.
- This route crosses from Spain into Greece. Check passport/ID requirements with your operator before booking.
Madrid to Athens — every option in detail
Madrid to Athens by bus
Bus service is not regularly available on this corridor.
Consider flying instead, which connects Madrid and Athens via international airports.
Madrid to Athens by flight
Flights between Madrid and Athens take around 3h in the air, but plan on roughly 5h 40m door-to-door once you add airport transfers, check-in and security.
Airlines on this route include Ryanair, easyJet, Iberia, Vueling, Aegean Airlines.
Typical fare range is €130–404. Low-cost carriers offer the cheapest base fares but charge separately for bags and seat selection.
Given the 2370 km distance, flying is the practical choice for most travellers on this route.
Climate footprint: approximately 370 kg CO₂ per passenger for this flight.
Madrid to Athens by car
The driving distance from Madrid to Athens is approximately 2725 km. At motorway speeds, plan on around 26h 20m of driving plus stops.
Fuel-only running cost is in the €284–521 range for a typical car. Toll roads may apply, especially in France, Italy, Spain, Austria and Switzerland — budget extra accordingly.
Crossing the Spain–Greece border by car is straightforward within the Schengen Area; check current rules with the operator or border authority if either country is outside it.
Climate footprint: approximately 403 kg CO₂ per passenger assuming 1.5 occupants per car.
About this route
The distance between Madrid and Athens is approximately 2370 kilometres. Both cities have international airports with regular flight service. Estimates below reflect typical operator schedules and fare ranges; book in advance for the best prices.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to travel from Madrid to Athens?+
The fastest way is by flight, taking around 5h 40m on average. Slower options (such as bus or car) can take 2–3× longer depending on the route.
What is the cheapest way to get from Madrid to Athens?+
Flight is typically the cheapest option, with fares starting around €130. Booking 2–4 weeks ahead usually gives the best prices.
Do I need to fly from Madrid to Athens?+
Flying is the most practical option for this 2370 km route. Both cities have international airports with regular service.
How far is Madrid from Athens?+
The straight-line distance is approximately 2370 kilometres (1472 miles). The actual travel distance by road or rail is usually 10–25% longer.
Trips from Madrid
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