Lisbon, Portugal → Madrid, Spain · ✈ 1h 8min · 🚗 8h 9min
271 nautical miles · Time difference: +1h ahead · Direction: east
The distance from Lisbon to Madrid is 502 km (312 miles). The fastest way to travel is by high-speed train. A high-speed train covers the distance in approximately 1h 48min.
The straight-line distance from Lisbon, Portugal to Madrid, Spain is approximately 502 kilometers (312 miles or 271 nautical miles). This measurement uses the Haversine formula, computing the great-circle distance — the shortest path between two points on Earth's surface.
Madrid is located east of Lisbon. Lisbon is in Europe, in the Lisbon region of Portugal, while Madrid is in Europe, in Community of Madrid, Spain. Both cities are in Europe.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 502 km | ~1h 8min | Best option for speed |
| 🚗 Drive | ~653 km | ~8h 9min | Feasible with breaks |
| 🚄 High-Speed Train | ~577 km | ~1h 48min | Often faster than flying (no airport time) |
| 🚂 Regular Train | ~602 km | ~5h 1min | Scenic but slow |
Our recommendation: high-speed train is typically the best way to travel from Lisbon to Madrid. For 502 km, flying saves significant time and is usually the most practical choice.
Based on an estimated road distance of 653 km, fuel costs for driving from Lisbon to Madrid are approximately $52–$98 USD (at $0.08–$0.15 per km, depending on vehicle efficiency and local fuel prices). Additional costs may include tolls, parking, and accommodation for longer trips.
Lisbon sits at 38.7223°N, 9.1393°W, while Madrid is located at 40.4168°N, 3.7038°W. The initial compass bearing from Lisbon to Madrid is 66° (ENE), so a great-circle flight path leaves Lisbon heading roughly ENE. Because the Earth is curved, the actual heading shifts gradually along the route — pilots and navigation systems update it continuously instead of holding a single fixed compass bearing.
The latitude difference is 1.69° and the longitude difference is 5.44°. Each degree of latitude represents about 111 km, which is one reason cross-latitude routes feel longer even when the map looks similar to east–west journeys.
The geographic midpoint between Lisbon and Madrid is approximately 39.6012°N, 6.4548°W. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 251 km from each city. For road trips, a stop near this latitude/longitude makes for a natural overnight or lunch break.
Madrid is roughly 1 hour ahead of Lisbon. When it is 09:00 in Lisbon, it is approximately 10:00 in Madrid. Daylight saving time can shift the offset by an hour during certain months, so confirm the exact difference for your specific travel dates.
Both cities use the same currency (Euro, EUR), so no exchange is needed. The primary local language shifts from Portuguese in Lisbon to Spanish in Madrid. Learning a few basic phrases makes a noticeable difference at hotels, restaurants, and transit hubs.
Lisbon is a major city in Portugal with a population of approximately 544,851. Located in the Lisbon region, it is an important hub in Europe. Despite its smaller size, Lisbon plays an important regional role in Portugal and attracts visitors year-round.
→ See all distances from Lisbon
Madrid is a notable city in Spain with a population of approximately 3,223,334. Situated in the Community of Madrid region, it serves as a key destination in Europe. Madrid offers solid transport connections and a variety of arrival options as a major city in Spain.
→ See all distances from Madrid
502 km is a medium-distance route, similar to traveling across a mid-sized European country. A flight covers this distance quickly, but driving or rail travel remains feasible for those who prefer ground transport. For reference, New York to Chicago is about 1,150 km.
At 502 km, the Lisbon-Madrid route is about 1.3% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 1h 8min.
See how the Lisbon to Madrid distance compares to similar routes:
The straight-line distance from Lisbon to Madrid is approximately 502 kilometers (312 miles, 271 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 1h 8min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 8h 9min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
Madrid is approximately +1h ahead compared to Lisbon.
The estimated road distance is approximately 653 km, which is about 30% longer than the 502 km straight-line distance.
📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: April 21, 2026.