These 13 Cheap Flights from Madrid Will Blow Your Mind

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Let me tell you something crazy: flying from Madrid can actually be ridiculously affordable if you know where to look. I’ve spent countless hours hunting down deals (and testing them myself), and the prices I’m seeing right now are absolutely wild. Last week, I grabbed a €40 ticket to Marrakech, where I spent mornings getting lost in the Medina and afternoons drinking mint tea at La Mamounia’s gorgeous courtyard.

Want to discover the best places in Madrid to visit without emptying your wallet? From wandering through Porto’s riverside Ribeira district (those €30 flights though!) to catching sunset at Santorini’s Oia without the luxury price tag, these deals are too good not to share. Here are 13 incredible destinations you can actually afford to fly to right now, because amazing adventures shouldn’t cost your entire savings.

#1 tip for finding cheap flights from Madrid

For the past 5 years, I’ve used Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going) to find cheap flight deals. It’s free and super easy to use. All you have to do is enter in your home airport (i.e. MAD) and where you want to go, and they’ll send you mistake fares and other ridiculously cheap flight deals.

In 2024 alone, I saved thousands of dollars thanks to their email alerts. This includes most recently, a $225 roundtrip fare from Miami to London. On average, I save about $300 roundtrip on selected flight routes. So, I’m a huge fan and couldn’t recommend them more!

If you’re a frequent flier, consider getting their premium version. It costs $49 per year, but it will easily save you hundreds (or thousands) of dollars if you fly just 1-2 times. I recommend signing up for the free trial (which you can cancel at any time) to test it out for yourself. And if you like it, use my coupon code JON20 to save 20%!

Best Cheap Getaways from Madrid

Looking for cheap getaways from Madrid? Visit Lisbon for its scenic tram rides and historic neighborhoods, explore the vibrant markets of Marrakech, admire the stunning architecture of Budapest, or experience the rich history of Warsaw. Whether you’re after culture, adventure, or relaxation, these destinations offer budget-friendly escapes from Madrid.

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Looking to save BIG on airfare? I recommend signing up for Dollar Flight Club. Thanks to DFC, I’ve saved $5,000+ on travel in 2024…so I couldn’t recommend it more!

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1. Madrid to Lisbon ($29–$95 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Ryanair, Iberia, TAP Air Portugal, Air Europa (15+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌺 and September to October 🍂 for perfect weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Food lovers 🍷, architecture enthusiasts 🏛️, budget travelers 💰

Lisbon is where coastal vibes meet awesome food and views. This Portuguese capital gives you incredible value without the tourist hordes or crazy prices of other European cities.

The Alfama district is super cool with narrow streets where you can hear traditional Fado music coming from tiny bars. Hop on Tram 28 for the cheapest city tour ever as it rattles up and down hills past all the major spots. Time Out Market is food heaven where you can try dishes from top chefs without the fancy restaurant prices, and the custard tarts at Pastéis de Belém are literally worth waiting in line for. Lisbon has this perfect mix of beach-town chill and historic architecture, with amazing viewpoints all over its seven hills.

May and October give you perfect temps for exploring without summer crowds. For flights, Ryanair has the cheapest flights from Madrid, sometimes under $30 one-way if you travel Tuesday or Wednesday with just a backpack. 

2. Madrid to Marrakech ($77–$130 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours
• 🛫 Airlines: Ryanair, Air Europa, Iberia, Royal Air Maroc (5+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May 🌷 and October to November 🍂 for comfortable temperatures
• 🏆 Perfect for: Culture seekers 🏯, market lovers 🛍️, photography enthusiasts 📸

Marrakech is where North African tradition meets sensory overload. This Moroccan city hits you with incredible colors, scents, and sounds the moment you arrive, all just a quick flight from Spain.

The famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square transforms completely from day to night. During daylight, it’s filled with orange juice vendors and snake charmers, then after sunset, it becomes this massive open-air food court with smoke rising from hundreds of grills. The Medina (old city) is a maze of narrow alleys where you can shop for everything from spices to handmade leather goods, while the stunning Majorelle Garden gives you a peaceful blue oasis away from the city chaos.

Ryanair consistently offers the cheapest flights from Madrid with fares sometimes below $80 roundtrip if you book 6-8 weeks ahead and avoid weekends. Visit in April for perfect weather with warm days, cool nights, and the desert in bloom, while October offers similar temps after the brutal summer heat has passed.

3. Madrid to Budapest ($125–$185 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Ryanair, Wizz Air, Iberia, Air Europa (4+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌸 and September to October 🍂 for pleasant weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Architecture lovers 🏛️, thermal bath enthusiasts ♨️, budget travelers 💰

Budapest is where grand imperial architecture meets edgy underground culture. This Hungarian capital delivers a magical blend of old-world charm and youthful energy that makes it one of Europe’s most exciting city breaks.

The mighty Danube River flows through the heart of the city, with the rolling hills of Buda on one side housing the fairy-tale Fisherman’s Bastion and the flat, buzzing streets of Pest on the other. Széchenyi Baths is a stunning Neo-Baroque thermal complex where you can soak in mineral-rich waters while admiring the ornate yellow architecture all around you. At night, the city transforms as the famous ruin bars come alive. 

Budget travelers should watch for flash sales from Ryanair and Wizz Air, which frequently battle for the lowest fares on this route. Booking 6-8 weeks ahead for midweek flights can score you deals around $130 roundtrip. May offers perfect temperatures for exploring the city’s outdoor attractions and street cafes, while early October brings gorgeous fall colors to the city parks.

4. Madrid to Warsaw ($141–$200 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: LOT Polish, Ryanair, Wizz Air, Iberia (3+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September 🌞 and December 🎄 for Christmas markets
• 🏆 Perfect for: History buffs 🏛️, budget travelers 💰, food enthusiasts 🍽️

Warsaw is where resilient history meets modern energy. This Polish capital gives you incredible bang for your buck with amazing food, fascinating museums, and vibrant nightlife without the tourist crowds of Western European cities.

The Old Town looks medieval but was actually rebuilt from scratch after WWII, which is pretty mind-blowing when you see it. Łazienki Park is this massive green space where you can catch free Chopin concerts on Sundays in summer. The Warsaw Uprising Museum uses interactive exhibits to tell the city’s powerful story in a way that’s actually interesting, not boring like most history museums. What makes Warsaw awesome is the contrast between its reconstructed historic areas and super modern districts with glass skyscrapers and hip cocktail bars.

Ryanair and Wizz Air consistently offer the cheapest flights from Madrid, with deals sometimes below $150 roundtrip if you book 5-7 weeks ahead and travel midweek. June and early September give you perfect weather for exploring the city’s abundant parks and outdoor cafes. 

5. Madrid to Milan ($75–$120 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Ryanair, easyJet, Iberia, Air Europa (10+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌸 and September to October 🍂 for ideal weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Fashion lovers 👗, design enthusiasts 🏛️, foodies 🍕

Milan is where Italian style meets urban sophistication. This northern Italian city delivers incredible architecture, world-class shopping, and amazing food without the overwhelming tourist crowds of Rome or Venice.

The Duomo is an absolutely massive gothic cathedral that took 600 years to complete and lets you walk on the roof among hundreds of marble spires and statues. The Last Supper by da Vinci is right here in the city and actually lives up to the hype. For the best local vibes, hit the Navigli district where Milan’s historic canals are lined with bars doing aperitivo, where drinks come with free food buffets. 

April and October deliver perfect temperatures for exploring the city without summer crowds or winter fog. Budget airlines make this route super affordable. Ryanair consistently offers the cheapest flights from Madrid to Milan Bergamo (their secondary airport), with fares sometimes below $80 roundtrip if you book 4-6 weeks ahead and travel midweek. 

6. Madrid to Valencia ($55–$95 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour
• 🛫 Airlines: Iberia, Air Europa, Ryanair (12+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌊 and September to October 🍂 for perfect beach weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Beach lovers 🏖️, architecture fans 🏛️, festival goers 🎭

Valencia is where futuristic architecture meets Mediterranean beach vibes. This Spanish coastal city gives you incredible cultural attractions, amazing paella, and pristine beaches without the insane prices or tourist hordes of Barcelona.

The City of Arts and Sciences looks like something straight out of a sci-fi movie with its massive white structures that are even cooler in person than on Instagram. Turia Gardens is this awesome park built in an old riverbed that cuts through the entire city, perfect for biking or just chilling on the grass. The historic center has this perfect mix of narrow medieval streets and buzzing plazas where you can grab drinks for way cheaper than in Madrid. The best part? Gorgeous beaches like Malvarrosa are just a quick tram ride from downtown.

Flying from Madrid to Valencia is ridiculously quick and cheap, with Ryanair offering fares sometimes as low as $30 one-way. For the best time to visit, May and June are perfect for enjoying the beaches before the summer crowds hit, while mid-March brings the incredible Las Fallas festival.

7. Madrid to Porto ($64–$110 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Ryanair, Iberia, TAP Air Portugal (8+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September 🌞 and March to April 🌷 for different experiences
• 🏆 Perfect for: Wine enthusiasts 🍷, photography lovers 📸, budget travelers 💰

Porto is where colorful history meets amazing wine culture. This Portuguese riverside city gives you stunning viewpoints, incredible food, and authentic vibes without the growing tourist crowds of Lisbon.

The Ribeira district is a UNESCO site with narrow winding streets and colorful houses stacked up the hillside along the Douro River. Dom Luís I Bridge is this massive iron bridge designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel that gives you ridiculous views from both levels. Port wine cellars line the riverbank in Vila Nova de Gaia where you can tour and taste for just a few euros. What makes Porto special is its slightly gritty, totally authentic feel combined with absolutely gorgeous scenery.

Ryanair consistently offers the cheapest flights from Madrid with fares sometimes below $70 roundtrip if you book 4-6 weeks ahead and travel Tuesday or Wednesday. May and June give you perfect sunny days without summer crowds, while March brings lush green landscapes and fewer tourists.

• Read Next: Beautiful Places to Visit in Portugal

8. Madrid to Prague ($131–$190 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Ryanair, Iberia, Czech Airlines, Smartwings (5+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌷 and September to October 🍂 for fewer crowds
• 🏆 Perfect for: Beer enthusiasts 🍺, architecture lovers 🏰, history buffs 🏛️

Prague is where medieval magic meets amazing nightlife. This Czech capital delivers stunning architecture, incredible beer, and fairy tale vibes at prices that make Western Europe look like a total ripoff.

Charles Bridge connects the historic Old Town with its astronomical clock to the stunning Prague Castle district. Walking across at sunrise gives you the whole bridge almost to yourself with golden light hitting the statues. Beyond the tourist hot spots, neighborhoods like Vinohrady and Žižkov offer local bars and restaurants where you’ll be the only foreigner in sight.

Getting to Prague from Madrid is super easy with multiple direct flights daily. Ryanair offers the best deals if you can travel light and book 5-8 weeks ahead, often with fares around $140 roundtrip for midweek flights. May and late September are perfect for exploring without the massive summer crowds that can make the major sites feel like theme parks.

9. Madrid to Athens ($99–$160 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Aegean Airlines, Ryanair, Iberia, Vueling (5+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌞 and September to October 🍂 for ideal temperatures
• 🏆 Perfect for: History lovers 🏛️, island hoppers 🏝️, food enthusiasts 🍴

Athens is where ancient ruins meet vibrant modern life. This Greek capital offers incredible historical sites, amazing Mediterranean food, and the perfect jumping-off point for island adventures.

The Acropolis dominates the city skyline and is even more impressive up close, especially when lit up at night. Wandering through the ancient stones where democracy was literally born hits different than other tourist sites. The food scene in neighborhoods like Monastiraki and Psiri delivers ridiculous flavors at super affordable prices, think fresh grilled octopus, creamy tzatziki, and honey-drenched baklava from family-run tavernas. Streets here burst with energy until late night, with locals dining at outdoor tables and shopping at markets that stay open well after dark.

Budget travelers should target Ryanair flights from Madrid which can drop below $100 roundtrip if you book 6-8 weeks ahead and travel outside peak summer. For the best time to visit, May brings perfect weather before the intense summer heat and crowds take over, while October offers warm days ideal for exploring ruins and swimming at nearby beaches like Vouliagmeni. 

• Read Next: Beautiful Places to Visit in Greece

10. Madrid to Sofia ($155–$215 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Wizz Air, Ryanair, Bulgaria Air, Iberia (3+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to June 🌱 and September to October 🍁 for pleasant weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Budget explorers 💰, history enthusiasts 🏛️, outdoor adventurers 🏔️

Sofia is where East meets West in the most affordable European capital you’ve never thought to visit. This Bulgarian gem delivers Orthodox churches with golden domes, communist-era landmarks, and vibrant cafe culture at literally half the price of other EU destinations.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral dominates the city center with its green and gold domes, while nearby Vitosha Boulevard gives you car-free shopping and dining with mountain views in the distance. The coolest thing about Sofia is how layers of history sit right next to each other – ancient Roman ruins stand beside Ottoman mosques and Soviet-era monuments, all surrounded by trendy bars where locals sip craft beers for about $2. Just outside the city, Vitosha Mountain offers hiking trails with epic views, easily reached by public bus from downtown.

Wizz Air operates direct flights from Madrid to Sofia with the best deals available 6-8 weeks in advance, especially for Tuesday and Wednesday departures. Late May and early June bring perfect temperatures for exploring the city and nearby mountains before summer heat sets in. 

11. Madrid to Dublin ($69–$125 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Ryanair, Iberia, Aer Lingus (6+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September 🌞 and March 🍀 for St. Patrick’s Day
• 🏆 Perfect for: Pub culture fans 🍺, literary buffs 📚, history enthusiasts 🏛️

Dublin is where literary history meets legendary nightlife. This Irish capital gives you charming streets, friendly locals, and authentic pubs without the stuffiness of other European cities.

Trinity College houses the jaw-dropping Book of Kells and the Long Room Library that looks straight out of a fantasy film. The Guinness Storehouse offers the best city views from its rooftop bar while teaching you about Ireland’s most famous export. Temple Bar district gets all the tourist attention, but locals head to pubs like Kehoe’s and The Long Hall where traditional music sessions happen spontaneously and bartenders pour the perfect pint without the inflated prices. 

Ryanair dominates this route with direct flights from Madrid often dropping below $80 roundtrip during their frequent sales. Book 4-6 weeks ahead and target midweek travel for the best deals. May and September offer your best shot at decent weather without peak summer crowds, though “decent weather” in Ireland still means packing a raincoat just in case. Mid-March brings the famous St. Patrick’s Day celebrations when the entire city transforms into one massive party. 

• Read Next: Cheap Flights from Dublin

12. Madrid to Bucharest ($123–$175 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Wizz Air, Ryanair, TAROM, Blue Air (3+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to June 🌷 and September to October 🍂 for pleasant weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Budget travelers 💰, architecture fans 🏛️, nightlife seekers 🕺

Bucharest is where Parisian elegance meets Eastern European energy. This Romanian capital delivers grand boulevards, hidden garden cafes, and epic nightlife at prices that make Western Europe feel like a complete ripoff.

The massive Palace of Parliament is the second-largest administrative building in the world (after the Pentagon), built during the communist era with marble interiors that need to be seen to be believed. Herăstrău Park surrounds a huge lake where locals relax with picnics and boat rides during the warmer months. The coolest part about Bucharest is watching a city rediscover itself, with abandoned buildings being transformed into creative spaces.

Budget airlines make this trip totally doable for a long weekend. Wizz Air offers the most competitive fares from Madrid, with prices often below $130 roundtrip if you book 6-8 weeks ahead for midweek travel. Late May and early June bring perfect temperatures for exploring the city’s many parks and outdoor cafes before summer heat hits. 

13. Madrid to Brussels ($74–$135 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Ryanair, Brussels Airlines, Iberia, Vueling (8+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September 🌞 and December 🎄 for Christmas markets
• 🏆 Perfect for: Beer connoisseurs 🍺, chocolate lovers 🍫, architecture fans 🏛️

Brussels is where European politics meets quirky cultural vibes. This Belgian capital delivers stunning architecture, world-class beer, and incredible food without the tourist madness of Paris or Amsterdam.

Grand Place is hands down one of Europe’s most beautiful squares, surrounded by ornate guild houses that light up at night for an epic light show. Manneken Pis (the famous peeing boy statue) is surprisingly tiny but has hundreds of costumes that locals regularly dress him in. The city has this weird balance of being super serious (it’s the EU headquarters) while having comic book murals on buildings and a totally offbeat sense of humor.

Score cheap flights on Ryanair from Madrid by booking 4-6 weeks ahead and targeting Tuesday or Wednesday departures, with fares sometimes dropping below $80 roundtrip. May and September bring perfect weather for exploring without summer tourist crowds, while December transforms the city with magical Christmas markets selling mulled wine and handcrafted gifts. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Cheapest Flights from Madrid

Looking to expand your knowledge about the cheapest destinations from Madrid? Here are some common questions I get a lot about cheap flights from MAD to anywhere.

Which destinations are typically the cheapest to fly to from Madrid?

From Madrid, some of the most budget-friendly destinations include European cities like Porto, Prague, Sofia, Dublin, Bucharest, and Brussels. These cities are well-connected with Madrid, offering frequent and affordable flight options.

Which airlines offer the best deals for flights departing from Madrid?

Airlines such as Ryanair, Wizz Air, and EasyJet often provide competitive fares from Madrid to various European destinations. Additionally, Iberia Express, being a Spanish low-cost carrier, also offers attractive deals for many routes.

When is the best time to book cheap flights from Madrid?

To snag the best deals, consider booking your flight at least two to three months in advance. Off-peak seasons, like late winter or early spring, might also offer lower fares compared to the busy summer months.

Are there any tips to find cheaper flights from Madrid?

Absolutely! It’s advisable to be flexible with your travel dates, use incognito mode when searching for flights, and set up fare alerts on platforms like Skyscanner or Kayak to get notified about price drops. Also, consider flying on weekdays rather than weekends for potentially lower rates.

Do connecting flights from Madrid tend to be cheaper than direct ones?

While direct flights offer convenience, connecting flights can sometimes be more affordable. However, the difference in price might be offset by longer travel times and potential layover inconveniences. It’s essential to weigh the cost savings against the added travel time.

Are there specific days of the week that are cheaper to fly out of Madrid?

Yes, flying out of Madrid on weekdays, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, can often be cheaper than on weekends. Fridays and Sundays are typically the most expensive due to higher demand from weekend travelers.

How does the time of year affect flight prices from Madrid?

Flight prices can vary significantly based on the season. Summer months (June to August) and major holidays usually see higher fares due to increased demand. Conversely, the shoulder seasons, like late autumn and early spring, might offer more budget-friendly options.