Transfers Countries Portugal PortoPorto to Madrid

Private car transfer from Porto to Madrid

Door-to-door
in 6 hours

From €125
per seat

Comfortable
car

One way

One wayReturnMulti-city

New

One way

Cancel for free 24 hours before departure

Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice 2024

Excellent

Trip Information

Pick-up

Your driver will meet you at your address in Porto.

Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage

Trip

You’ll travel in comfort for 6 hours.

Optional sight-seeing
Clean, comfortable car
Professional driver
Bottled water
Child seats
Prepared for handicapped
Smoke-free
Pet friendly

Drop-off

Your driver will drop you off at your address in Madrid.

Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage

In total

606 km6 hours

Overview: car trip from Porto to Madrid

Of the road trips in the world, traveling from Porto to Madrid is one of the most enriching. Porto is a beautiful historic city well known for its beautiful painted tiles, old-world architecture, port wine cellars, and museums. It is found on the Douro River in the northern part of Portugal.

Visitors are greeted by cobblestone lanes, picturesque hills, grand architectural monuments dating back to medieval times, and some of the best restaurants and wine bars. If you've found yourself in Porto, we're preaching to the choir because you likely already know how wonderful this city is. But if you're looking for your next travel destination, why not drive to Madrid with Daytrip?

Madrid is a Spanish city and a foodie's dream destination. This city is well known for its delicious local cuisine and adventurous nightlife, so it's the place to be if you're looking for good food and excitement. It's also worth a visit if your interests lie in cultural and historical attractions, as this city has many.

If you travel by car with Daytrip, our door-to-door ride service will ensure you get from Porto to Madrid safely and soundly. Our drivers will even share tips about the places you plan on visiting, and you can stop and see the many beautiful attractions along the route to enrich your trip!

About Madrid

Many people consider Madrid to be the heart of Spain, considering it is in the center of the Iberian peninsula, the home of the beloved Spanish royal family, and the capital and seat of the Spanish government.

With more than three million year-round residents, it's a modern metropolitan city, the largest in Spain and one of the largest in Europe---and that's not counting the millions of foreign visitors a year.

It is within the center of Spain and surrounded by mountains and natural parks, though still easy for travelers to make the trip from Porto to Madrid by bus, train, flight, and private car transfer service.

Madrid is popular thanks to its numerous interesting attractions offering amusement, excitement, entertainment, and culture. When you visit, you'll likely be wowed by the many spectacular monuments like the Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace.

Then there are the museums Reina Sofia, Del Prado, and Thyssen, which have some of the most beautiful artworks of famed Spanish artists Goya, Picasso, Miro, and Velazques in their collections. Artists and art enthusiasts will love spending a day in any of these museums. And, of course, it's a food lover's dream destination.

But Madrid isn't only for history and culture enthusiasts but also for sporting fans who love skiing, golf, and soccer. When you visit Madrid, depending on the time of year, you can go skiing on one of the mountains or golfing at one of the famous golf courses. Numerous international sporting events are also held in Madrid throughout the year, so you're bound to find something of interest during your visit to this European city.

Sporting aside, Madrid also has an immersive nightlife culture that is entertaining and interesting. No matter when you visit, the nightlife is alive and thriving – even during the week. Not to mention, the restaurants and wine bars are exemplary, and you'll be hard-pressed to find tastier food anywhere else in Spain. So what are you waiting for? Daytrip is ready to fill your drive from Porto to Madrid with countless happy memories.

From Porto to Madrid: travel tips

Traveling from Porto to Madrid can be daunting – especially if you're a first-time traveler in Spain. But there's nothing to be too concerned about. Traveling between these two cities is not as difficult as you might believe, and you can even make your travel experience easier by considering a few travel tips. So have a look below at some of the best tips:

Buy tickets to major attractions in advance

If you're planning to travel from Porto to Madrid, you probably want to see a few local attractions along the way and in the city itself. To ensure you get this opportunity, you need to do two things.

First, book your tickets to major attractions in advance. For example, if you want to explore the grand Castle of Linhares or take a gondola ride through Aveiro (Portugal's very own Venice) before you get to Madrid, having pre-booked tickets will save you time and money. Likewise, doing the same when visiting the Reina Sofia Museum or the Museo del Prado in Madrid will ensure a stress-free experience.

Secondly, take the stress out of planning your trip by booking a car transfer with Daytrip. With Daytrip, you're guaranteed to get to the attractions you want to see without getting lost or encountering unnecessary delays (you just need to book the tickets).

Be prepared for weather changes

Spain is beautiful but sees its fair share of adverse weather conditions outside of summer. So if you're planning to drive from Porto to Madrid with Daytrip outside of summer, it's best to be prepared by carrying an umbrella and a jacket.

The days might be warm, but the evenings get chilly, so you don't want your night out on the town to turn freezing cold and uncomfortable.

Remember to pack earplugs

There is no denying that Madrid is lively, and this liveliness comes at the cost of peace and quiet. So, if you don't enjoy loud music and conversation, you must pack earplugs. You'll thank us when you're trying to get to sleep! They are also useful when the crowds get too boisterous at some of the more popular attractions.

How to get from Porto to Madrid

Since Madrid is in central Spain, it's relatively easy to travel from Porto to Madrid, but this doesn't mean that all travel options will suit your budget and time constraints.

That's why we've detailed how to travel from Porto to Madrid by bus, train, flight, and private car service. This information lets you better understand which transportation option best suits your vacation plans.

From Porto to Madrid via bus

Two coach lines, Flixbus and ALSA, offer day and overnight bus services direct from Porto to Madrid. There's only one morning and one overnight coach departure daily, plus another indirect option, so your travel time choices are pretty limited. These direct buses take a bit over 8 hours.

There are also some indirect buses. Get to Porto (TicCampanhã) station and head to the Viseu (Bus Station) to transfer to another bus that will take you to Madrid. Unfortunately, with the stop, the trip can be expected to take about 10 hours.

From Porto to Madrid via flight

Flying from Porto to Madrid is the fastest way to travel between cities, depending on the flight and airline chosen. Several airlines offer numerous flights daily, but the best options include TAP Portugal, Air Europa, and KLM.

The average flight time is about 1 hour 15 minutes, but the actual travel time is significantly longer. After you factor in the time getting to and from the airport, the 2 hours for check-in and security, plus the time waiting to get off the plane and get your luggage, you're looking at about 5 hours.

Many of the flights offered take between 16 hours and 22 hours because of flight changes and lengthy stopovers. So, although flying can be fast, it can also be incredibly time-consuming and not worth it.

From Porto to Madrid via train

Traveling by train is an incredibly popular choice for those planning to visit Madrid, but it is unfortunately not the most time-productive or convenient option. This is because to get to Madrid, you must take a train from Porto-Campanha to the Vigo Guixar bus station. You must walk about 15 to 20 minutes from here to the Norte - Frente 74 bus station.

Once at the station, you must take a bus to the Urzaiz - Muro Estación train station. After transferring from the bus to the train, you will travel to Madrid-Chamartin before taking another train ride to Estación de Sol Cercanías station in Madrid. The entire trip takes a bit over 8 hours, is challenging to navigate, and is not suited for novice travelers.

From Porto to Madrid via private car service

Typically, the best way to get from Porto to Madrid is by a private car service like Daytrip, especially if you want more freedom when it comes to travel. Unlike when you travel by train, flight, or bus, you can stop and sightsee or participate in activities in cities and towns along the way.

For example, traveling with Daytrip lets you tour the magnificent Gothic-style Cathedral of Guarda and the UNESCO-listed El Escorial Monastery. What's more, our professional English-speaking drivers will also share tips about the places you want to visit and advise on the best spots to grab a scrumptious bite to eat or do some shopping.

A car trip with Daytrip takes about 6 hours without stops, so it’s almost as fast as flying and infinitely more enjoyable. And prices start at only $130 (€122) per person! So what are you waiting for? Sit back and relax in one of our luxury cars while we get you where you need to be.

Things to do when you get to Madrid

There are many things to tick off the list when you visit Madrid, so it's understandable if you're having a tough time choosing what to see and do. Luckily, for those driving from Porto to Madrid, we have a few recommendations for some of the best free and paid attractions worth visiting this beautiful Spanish city.

Tour the Royal Palace

There are many palaces in the world, but the Royal Palace in Madrid is one of the largest. This spectacular palace has more than 3,400 rooms, and you can tour many of them! So, plan a minimum of a half-day visit to see the remarkable treasures of the Spanish crown. Moreover, it's one of the only palaces in the world still an official Head of State residence open to the public.

Visit Retiro Park

Madrid might be landlocked, but this doesn't mean no water attractions exist. One of the best places to visit in the city if you want to breathe in some fresh air and relax is Retiro Park. This park is a huge green space in the city with a massive pond you can sit beside or paddle across. This pond was used to stage mock navy battles in the 17th century, so we promise there is more than enough space even on a busy day.

Besides the pond, you can also wander through the rose garden or visit the Glass Palace in Retiro Park. This glass and iron masterpiece is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stands as one of the finest examples of cast-iron architecture in the world. Although created as a greenhouse, it is now an off-site exhibition space for Museo Reina Sofia, so it's a treat to visit.

Visit the world's oldest restaurant

The world's certified oldest restaurant dates back to 1725 and can be found in Madrid. The Casa Botin has four floors and still serves traditional Castilian cuisine. It has been delighting tastebuds for over three centuries, and its design is a wondrous sight. This restaurant has managed to preserve its tavern-like look and feel meticulously and has served many famous people, including Ernest Hemingway, who is said to have been partial to the popular suckling pig. After that, there’s 26 Michelin-starred restaurants in the city to sample!

Take advantage of free attractions

Few people realize just how many free attractions there are in Madrid. To save money and enjoy as much as possible when visiting, you should add museums, parks, and plazas to your travel list. For example, the Museo Nacional del Prado and other state-owned museums have free entry between 6:00 and 8:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. This museum is well known for its beautiful exhibitions and collections, so try not to miss out!

When is the best time to visit Madrid?

The best time to visit Madrid is in the spring, March to May, or fall, September to November. Madrid gets hot in the summer (we're talking 89° F average daily temperatures), so along with avoiding the tourist crowds, you can safely enjoy your adventures without being accosted by heat waves.

The city can still get crowded and noisy in the spring and fall, and accommodation and attraction prices are still elevated. If you're on a budget or want a quieter experience winter is also a great time to visit---just remember that the temperatures can be chilly.

Questions & Answers about Traveling from Porto to Madrid

What is Madrid most famous for?

Madrid is most famous for the Prado Museum, which is one of the best art museums in the world. But it also has outstanding food (including 26 Michelin-starred restaurants), a world-renowned football club, gorgeous parks, and a UNESCO-listed greenhouse!

How many days in Madrid is enough?

You should plan a minimum of 5 days in Madrid. This will give you time to explore the main landmarks (the Prado Museum needs a day in itself), sample the local cuisine, soak up the city's vibes, and maybe explore some nearby towns.

How do I get from Porto to Spain?

There are many ways to get from Porto to Madrid in Spain, including by bus, train, flight, and private car transfer service Daytrip. Your choice of transportation will ultimately depend on your time constraints, travel desires, and budget. Usually, the bus is the cheapest, a flight can be the fastest, and a car ride is the most enjoyable and comfortable.

How far is Porto from Madrid by plane?

It is about 261 miles (521 km) by plane from Porto to Madrid. A direct flight takes a bit over an hour, but with all the extra waiting time, the distance can be traveled by car in nearly the same amount of time. Depending on the route chosen and whether or not stops are added, traveling by car can be even faster!

What is the best way to travel from Porto to Madrid?

Every traveler has their own thoughts about the best way to travel from Porto to Madrid, but typically, a car trip is the best way to travel between these cities. Daytrip guarantees a safe and enjoyable experience with a professional, English-speaking driver, door-to-door service, and luggage handling. The optional sightseeing stops are the icing on the cake.

Can you travel from Porto to Madrid by train?

You can travel from Porto to Madrid by train, but it's not straightforward. You'll need to make multiple bus and train transfers before arriving in Madrid. Unfortunately, there is no direct train between the two cities, which is why many choose to drive.

Visit these sights on the way

Aveiro

Dubbed “the Venice of Portugal” because of its canals and gondola-like boats, visitors will find Aveiro has its own unique identity. The “Venice” of Portugal

Castle of Linhares

This hilltop fortress overlooking a sleepy medieval village has its roots in an ancient Iron Age fortification. Hard as Iron

Cathedral of Guarda

This Gothic house of god offer a unique blend of architecture, and access to the roof to revel in the panoramic views. Roof of God

Salamanca

Home to one of the world’s oldest universities, the old city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that gives visitors a lesson in architectural history. Mother of Virtues and Science

Avila

St Teresa was born, and Grand Inquisitor Torquemadaithin buried, within the medieval walls of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. City of Saints and Stones

El Escorial

This UNESCO-listed monastery influenced Spanish architecture for more than half a century, and became a symbol for the Spanish Golden Age. Palatial Paradigm Shift

Why people love Daytrip

5,100+ reviews

1,074 travelers took this route with us

Oct 2, 2025

Great transfer option.

“I used this service for a transfer from Split in Croatia to Perast Montenegro. My experience was exceptional. My driver Bojan was helpful, informative and ensured my journey was comfortable and enjoyable. I highly recommend the service.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Robyn C

Sep 20, 2025

It was a fantastic trip.

“We were extremely satisfied with the quality of service we received from Day Trip. We had two Day Trip rides on August 31 from Athens to Lefkada and September 7 from Lefkada back to Athens. Both trips included stops at scenic sites in Greece. Both drivers were excellent and accommodating. However, we’d especially like to recognize Panos Peppas, who was our driver from Lefkada to Athens. Panos was incredibly nice & pleasant and delivered outstanding customer service, which included handling all of luggage, providing us with cold waters throughout the trip, providing us protein bars, providing us with printed materials on the Corinth Canal (one of scenic stops), looking up and providing us with terminal & gate info for our flight back home and providing us with a recipe for tzatziki.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Daydream20046758137

Sep 15, 2025

Best transport company anywhere

“We absolutely love this company and have used it many times over the years to get from A to B without the hassle of hiring a car ourselves. Excellent drivers every time. Efficient and professional. It’s worth every penny and we can honestly recommend Day Trip to everyone. It’s 5 star rating is well deserved.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Mary L

Aug 20, 2025

Excellent experience in traveling

“We traveled from Nuremberg to Munich in a beautiful Audi. Driver picked us at our hotel at the exact time requested. Got us to Munich in plenty of time for our next tour. Driver made sure we were comfortable”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Steve N

Apr 22, 2025

Reasonably Priced and Safe Transportation

“Gonzalo from daytrip was our driver and he was absolutely amazing. He went over and beyond trying to locate us as our service wasn't so good on our phones. He patiently awaited our arrival to the lobby so he could take us from Tulum Dreams Resort to our other hotel in cancun an hour and a half away near the airport prior to our departure flight home. He was polite, respectful and kind. Made sure we were comfortable during our long ride. Fast and to the point. I recommend this company as finding a one way ride from Tulum to Cancun isn't easy or cheap and this company provides a great service for a great price. I will definitely be using them again whenever I'm in the Cancun/Tulum area. Thank you DayTrip and Gonzola.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler COCO

Apr 2, 2025

Daytrip never disappoints

“We were picked up by Marianna to drive us from Heraklion to Chania. The weather was terrible & due to this Marianna arrived a few minutes late. She contacted me to advise of this. Marianna lives in Chana and she made our trip very interesting by informing us of local things to do and see in Chania. Marianna is a safe driver and we all felt comfortable with the speed she drove at and how good her driving was in heavy rain. She is a lovely person with fluent English. We highly recommend Daytrips and if you are in Heraklion or Chania please make sure you ask for Marianna.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Julie M

Feb 28, 2025

Great driver in Egypt

“Used the service to go from Luxor to Hurghada, Egypt. Ahmed H was our driver and he was perfect. The car was new, clean, he had water and snacks for us, and accommodated our stops. Great service from him and would recommend it.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Maps315861

Oct 5, 2022

A very convenient service

“Our trip from Madrid to Porto was a very convenient and pleasant experience. Julio, our driver, was very competent and informative, pointing out sights on the way. The car was very clean and comfortable. I would recommend Daytrip without hesitation.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Davidjx

Nov 17, 2018

Great trip from Madrid to Porto

“We took a Daytrip, it was excellent. Our driver was Louis (sp) who was from Fatima. Louis was right on time picking us up. We had a group of 7 with luggage, so we filled the van. He was a very good driver, and was very knowledgeable about regional history. Our group was getting hungry 1/2 way through the trip, and Louis found us a very good restaurant for lunch. Good food and very affordable. The door to door service rocks. It was a pretty long drive but better and more affordable than taking a shuttle from the hotel to the airport, dealing with the flight, then taking another shuttle to the new hotel. We used the service for a couple other trips and they were all good.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler B2843IYbillk

Oct 7, 2018

Great ride from Porto, Portugal to Madrid, Spain

“Leonardo picked us up at our hotel in Porto. We stopped in Salamanca & Avila for sightseeing on the way to Madrid. Then he dropped us off right at our downtown hotel in Madrid. Soooooo much easier than taking a train or plane. I will definitely use this service again!”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler karenleenicolai

Good to know

Children

If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!

Pets

Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.

Tips

Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).

Luggage

Big luggage
29x21x11 inches
74x53x28 cm

Small luggage
22x14x9 inches
56x36x23 cm

Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.

Payment methods

Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.

Daytrip is a platform that connects you with local drivers who will transport you door-to-door, from one city to the next. We also give you the opportunity to explore sights/attractions along the way. We drive, you discover.

Yes! A return trip will take you back to your city of origin in the same size car in which you arrived. Return trips can be booked for the any day. You can also add customized sightseeing stops separately for each trip! Don’t worry if you don’t know your exact address at the time of booking - you’ll have the opportunity to update us closer to your travel date. Make sure to select “Return” when you start the booking process, then choose the dates and times of your departures.

For private trips, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. For the Daytrip Pool shared shuttle, we offer 3 ticket options when booking: Non-refundable, Flexible with cancellations 24 hours before departure, and Super-flexible with cancellations up to 15 minutes before departure.

Simply choose your origin and destination via our homepage and enter your departure date and time. Browse and add sightseeing stops along the way by following the booking instructions provided on-screen. Select “One Way” or “Return” to change the type of trip you need. It’s a simple, easy, and fun way to book your next adventure! And if you don’t see your desired route on our website, you can request a custom trip. You can even book without knowing your exact pick-up or drop-off address - we let you add these later!

Each passenger is allowed one large bag (29" x 21" x 11" / 74 x 53 x 28 cm) and one small bag (22" x 14" x 9" / 56 x 36 x 23 cm). Luxury sedans can only accommodate 2 large bags. We always send the vehicle that is the best fit for you and your luggage, so make sure to select the actual amount of luggage you are traveling with when booking. If you have oversized luggage, or are unsure if your luggage will fit, contact us.

Everywhere except the USA, drivers will supply appropriate child seats (just let us know during booking). In the USA, certain states require you to supply your own child seats.

Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 14,600+ cities around the world.

Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.