Madrid, Spain → Lisbon, Portugal · ✈ 1h 8min · 🚗 8h 9min
271 nautical miles · Time difference: -1h behind · Direction: west
The distance from Madrid to Lisbon 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 Madrid, Spain to Lisbon, Portugal 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.
Lisbon is located west of Madrid. Madrid is in Europe, in the Community of Madrid region of Spain, while Lisbon is in Europe, in Lisbon, Portugal. 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 Madrid to Lisbon. 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 Madrid to Lisbon 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.
Madrid sits at 40.4168°N, 3.7038°W, while Lisbon is located at 38.7223°N, 9.1393°W. The initial compass bearing from Madrid to Lisbon is 250° (WSW), so a great-circle flight path leaves Madrid heading roughly WSW. 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 Madrid and Lisbon 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.
Lisbon is roughly 1 hour behind Madrid. When it is 09:00 in Madrid, it is approximately 08:00 in Lisbon. 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 Spanish in Madrid to Portuguese in Lisbon. Learning a few basic phrases makes a noticeable difference at hotels, restaurants, and transit hubs.
Madrid is a major city in Spain with a population of approximately 3,223,334. Located in the Community of Madrid region, it is an important hub in Europe. Madrid is a significant metropolitan area in Spain with good domestic and international transport connections.
→ See all distances from Madrid
Lisbon is a notable city in Portugal with a population of approximately 544,851. Situated in the Lisbon region, it serves as a key destination in Europe. Lisbon is a popular destination in the Lisbon region of Portugal, known for its unique character and attractions.
→ See all distances from Lisbon
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 Madrid-Lisbon route is about 1.3% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 1h 8min.
See how the Madrid to Lisbon distance compares to similar routes:
The straight-line distance from Madrid to Lisbon 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.
Lisbon is approximately -1h behind compared to Madrid.
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.