Just got back from Lisbon last month, and while the memories are still fresh, I wanted to share my experience with this Madrid travel seven-day Madrid-Lisbon trip. Initially planned as just a weekend getaway to Portugal, but when I started researching transport options, I found quite a variety of choices. In the end, I opted for an overnight bus based on time and budget considerations. The overall experience had its pros and cons, so I’m writing this as a reference for everyone.
Transport Comparison
There are three main ways to get from Madrid to Lisbon: plane, train, and bus. Flying is fastest but you need to factor in airport transfer time, with budget airline tickets ranging from €30-80 depending on timing. Trains require a border transfer and have limited schedules. Buses are slower but offer Madrid travel guide stable pricing. I chose the Flixbus overnight service, departing Madrid South Station at 11 PM and arriving at Lisbon’s Oriente Station around 7 AM, ticket cost €25, saving one night’s accommodation. The bus had WiFi and charging ports, seats were more comfortable than expected, though you’ll be woken up at the border for passport checks.
Accommodation and City Transport
I booked accommodation in Lisbon’s Baixa district, the city center area, convenient for everything. Found a small apartment on Airbnb for €45 per night, with a local host who spoke English and provided lots of practical advice. City transport mainly relies on metro and the No. 28 tram. Got a Viva Viagem transport card for top-ups, metro single journey €1.50, 24-hour pass €6.40. Special note: Tram 28 gets very crowded, better to ride before 9 AM or after 5 PM.
| Transport | One-way Price | Duration | Best For |
|---|
| Flight | €30-80 | 1.5 hours + airport time | Tight schedule |
| Night Bus | €20-30 | 7-8 hours | Budget travelers |
| Train | €50-70 | 10+ hours | Train enthusiasts |
Attractions and Itinerary
Lisbon’s main attractions are concentrated in Alfama Old Town, Belém district, and Bairro Alto. First day visited Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, originally planned to visit the Monument to the Discoveries but ran out of time, the monastery entrance fee of €10 is definitely worth it for Madrid tourism. Second day climbed up to São Jorge Castle for panoramic views, €8.50 entrance, recommend going around 4 PM to catch the sunset - absolutely stunning. The narrow streets of Alfama are perfect for wandering, you’ll pass many tile-decorated old houses and fado music restaurants.
Sintra Day Trip is highly recommended. Take the train from Lisbon’s Rossio Station, 40 minutes, €5 round trip. Pena Palace with its colorful castle is definitely worth visiting, but! Make sure to buy tickets online in advance, on-site queues are at least two hours. I arrived in Sintra at 8 AM, first hiked the Moorish Castle, then Pena Palace at noon, and on the return stopped briefly at the seaside town of Cascais.
For the return journey I switched to flying, bought Ryanair tickets a week in advance for €35 including luggage, flight time 1 hour 15 minutes. Overall, the Madrid-Lisbon route is very well-established, public transport is convenient, English is more widely spoken than in Spain, and prices are about 15-20% cheaper than Madrid. If you have a full week, consider adding Porto to the itinerary - just 3 hours by train from Lisbon. Feel free to leave questions in the comments below, I’ll try to reply when I see them.
