Private car transfer
from Lourdes to Madrid

Your car trip will take you around six to seven hours, not counting any enriching stops you make. The distance stretches along around 403 miles (650 km) and covers a range of landscapes and historical sites.

Take the direct route passing Huesca and Zaragoza, or opt for the scenic route up to the coast before cutting through the heart of Spain.

Start exploring from the French side of your trip with a stop at Rocher de la Vierge. According to legend, a statue of the Virgin Mary appeared on the rock after a divine light stroke, which led lost fishermen safely to the shore. Later, Gustave Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame) was commissioned to build the metal bridge here that is still in use.

Then, learn about the ancient craft of salt-making firsthand at the Anana Salt Valley, admire the UNESCO-listed cathedral in Burgos, or immerse yourself in Spanish literary history at Alcala de Henares, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.

When you're not sightseeing, you can still learn about local history and culture by chatting with your English-speaking driver. As you pull up to your destination in Madrid, your driver will unload your luggage and see you off as you start your adventure in Madrid.

Madrid is alive in its busy streets all day, every day, from the historic Plaza Mayor to the Gran Vía, Madrid's premier shopping and entertainment district. Cultural traditions are deeply embedded in Madrilenian life, with events like the San Isidro bullfighting festival drawing crowds every spring.

You'll also find Madrid is a hub of innovation and contemporary arts, as demonstrated by the Matadero, a former slaughterhouse turned cultural center, or the Reina Sofía National Art Centre, which is dedicated to modern and contemporary Spanish artists like Picasso and Salvador Dalí.

Stay hydrated and snacked

Bring water and snacks for the journey, especially if you're driving or taking the train to stay comfortable. When you're riding with Daytrip, you can also ask your driver to stop at a restaurant or cafe along the way.

Check weather conditions

Be prepared for potential weather changes, especially when crossing the Pyrenees. Bring along a warm jacket or a sweater in case it gets chilly.

Lourdes to Madrid by train

There's no direct train service from Lourdes to Madrid. The most direct option is to take a train from Lourdes to San Sebastian, and then change to a train to Madrid. You can also take a train from Lourdes to a major French city like Toulouse or Paris, then transfer to a high-speed train (TGV or Renfe-SNCF) to Madrid.

Either way, this trip would take 10 to 12 hours depending on transfer times. But with tickets as low as 55 euros, it's the cheapest way to get from Lourdes to Madrid.

Lourdes to Madrid by rental car

The drive covers approximately 403 miles (650 km), taking you through the Pyrenees and the Spanish countryside. It takes about six to seven hours, depending on traffic and exact starting and ending points. Driving yourself means you have complete control over every aspect of your trip. However, driving through the Pyrenees can be difficult, and then once you arrive in Madrid, downright hectic.

Lourdes to Madrid by private car with Daytrip

For speed and convenience, book a door-to-door private car ride with Daytrip. You still have complete control over the trip, from when you want your English-speaking driver to pick you up to the sightseeing stops along the way.

The main difference is that you will not need to worry about driving in a foreign country, tolls, and parking. You will have the luxury of your driver’s help in picking you up from your exact location, handling your luggage, and taking you to your destination. The only thing left for you is to decide where you’d like to explore on the way and enjoy your trip.

Lourdes to Madrid by plane

While there are no direct flights from Lourdes to Madrid, you can drive or book a private car service to nearby airports such as San Sebastian or Toulouse, where direct flights to Madrid are available.

Flight time is approximately one to one and a half hours, but including airport transfer times and the extra time needed for check-in and security, the total travel time is over 6 hours.

Stroll through the Buen Retiro Park

Madrid's Buen Retiro is an oasis of calm in the heart of the city. Once a royal garden, this expansive park features carefully landscaped grounds, majestic statues, and the striking Crystal Palace (which is temporarily closed to visitors). Take a boat tour of the park's lake for a nice perspective of its beauty.

Experience flamenco at Corral de la Morería

For a taste of authentic Spanish culture, get tickets to the Corral de la Morería, one of Madrid's most prestigious flamenco venues. You’ll get an intimate look at Spain’s iconic music and dance style while dining on authentic Spanish cuisine.

Dine at Sobrino de Botín

Indulge in traditional Spanish cuisine at Sobrino de Botín. Founded in 1725, Botín is recognized by the Guinness World Records as the oldest restaurant in the world. Try roasted suckling pig and lamb, prepared in an original wood-fired oven. The long history and time-honored methods add an extra layer to the dining experience.