Paris-Madrid is one of Europe's busiest short-haul routes, with dozens of direct flights daily. Low-cost and full-service carriers compete fiercely, pushing return fares down to €35. Here's how to choose by price, comfort and departure airport.
Iberia and Air France operate most direct flights from CDG and Orly to Madrid-Barajas (MAD). Iberia often includes cabin bag + personal item and is slightly cheaper than Air France.
Low-cost options: Vueling (Orly → MAD), easyJet (CDG/Orly → MAD) and Ryanair (Beauvais → MAD). Basic fares can start at €35 return but usually only include a small under-seat bag. With checked luggage, the final price nears the full-service carriers.
From Paris: CDG is best connected with Iberia and Air France. Orly is convenient for Vueling and easyJet, often closer to central Paris. Beauvais is used by Ryanair only, with a 1h15 shuttle to Paris.
In Madrid, all flights land at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas (MAD), 12 km from the centre. Metro line 8 reaches Nuevos Ministerios in 20-25 minutes. The Cercanías train C1/C10 is faster to Atocha (15 min, €2.60).
Book 5 to 8 weeks ahead for the best prices. Avoid May bank holidays, school holidays, Christmas and Champions League final weekends when demand spikes.
Tuesday and Wednesday departures are usually cheapest. For a weekend trip, flying out Saturday morning and returning Monday morning is often 20-30% cheaper than Friday evening / Sunday evening.
Iberia and Air France typically include a 10 kg cabin bag + personal item. Vueling, easyJet and Ryanair basic fares usually only allow a small under-seat bag (40x20x25 cm). Add €15-25 per leg for a large cabin bag and €25-45 for checked luggage.
Spain and France are in the Schengen area. A valid French ID card is enough. No visa needed for stays under 90 days.
Around €75 return on average. The cheapest low-cost deals start at €35 return outside bank holidays and school holidays.
About 2 hours. Connecting flights take 4-6 hours total.
No, a valid French ID card is enough. Spain is in the Schengen area.