Madrid, Spain → Palma, Spain · ✈ 1h 11min · 🚗 8h 55min
296 nautical miles · Time difference: Same timezone · Direction: east
The distance from Madrid to Palma is 549 km (341 miles). The fastest way to travel is by high-speed train. A high-speed train covers the distance in approximately 1h 58min.
The straight-line distance from Madrid, Spain to Palma, Spain is approximately 549 kilometers (341 miles or 296 nautical miles). This measurement uses the Haversine formula, computing the great-circle distance — the shortest path between two points on Earth's surface.
Palma is located east of Madrid. Madrid is in Europe, in the Community of Madrid region of Spain, while Palma is in Europe, in Balearic Islands, Spain. Both cities are in Europe.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 549 km | ~1h 11min | Best option for speed |
| 🚗 Drive | ~714 km | ~8h 55min | Feasible with breaks |
| 🚄 High-Speed Train | ~631 km | ~1h 58min | Often faster than flying (no airport time) |
| 🚂 Regular Train | ~659 km | ~5h 29min | Scenic but slow |
Our recommendation: high-speed train is typically the best way to travel from Madrid to Palma. For 549 km, flying saves significant time and is usually the most practical choice.
Based on an estimated road distance of 714 km, fuel costs for driving from Madrid to Palma are approximately $57–$107 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 Palma is located at 39.5696°N, 2.6502°E. The initial compass bearing from Madrid to Palma is 98° (E), so a great-circle flight path leaves Madrid heading roughly E. 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 0.85° and the longitude difference is 6.35°. 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 Palma is approximately 40.0366°N, 0.5071°W. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 275 km from each city. For road trips, a stop near this latitude/longitude makes for a natural overnight or lunch break.
Madrid and Palma share the same approximate time zone, so meetings, calls, and arrivals don't require any clock adjustment. This makes the route especially convenient for short business trips. Daylight saving time can shift the offset by an hour during certain months, so confirm the exact difference for your specific travel dates.
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
Palma is a notable city in Spain with a population of approximately 416,065. Situated in the Balearic Islands region, it serves as a key destination in Europe. Palma is a popular destination in the Balearic Islands region of Spain, known for its unique character and attractions.
549 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 549 km, the Madrid-Palma route is about 1.4% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 1h 11min.
The straight-line distance from Madrid to Palma is approximately 549 kilometers (341 miles, 296 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 1h 11min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 8h 55min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
Palma is approximately Same timezone compared to Madrid.
The estimated road distance is approximately 714 km, which is about 30% longer than the 549 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.