Routes and guides

How to Get to Extremadura

The main ways to reach Extremadura by plane, train, and car, with the closest airports and driving times from Madrid, Seville, and Lisbon.

Extremadura is a large, rural region in western Spain, on the border with Portugal. It has no major international airport, so most visitors arrive through Madrid, Seville, or Lisbon and continue by car or train.

Zafra, in south Extremadura

By plane

There is only one airport in Extremadura: Badajoz Airport (BJZ), about 13 km (8 miles) east of Badajoz and 45 km (28 miles) west of Mérida. It is small and mostly serves domestic routes, such as Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands. There are no regular long-haul flights.

For most international visitors, the practical options are:

  • Madrid-Barajas (MAD): the main gateway to Spain, with flights from all over Europe and the Americas. It is about 3 hours from Cáceres and 4 hours from Badajoz by car.
  • Seville (SVQ): convenient for southern Extremadura, about 2 hours from Mérida and 2.5 hours from Badajoz.
  • Lisbon (LIS): a good option for the western border, about 2.5 hours from Badajoz and 3 hours from Cáceres.
  • Badajoz (BJZ): useful if you can connect through Madrid or Barcelona, or if you are arriving from the Canary Islands.

By train

Renfe runs trains from Madrid to Cáceres, Mérida, and Badajoz, with connections onward to other cities. A new high-speed line between Madrid and Badajoz is being built in stages, and the section between Plasencia and Badajoz is already in service, so travel times keep improving. Check the Renfe website for current schedules and prices.

From Portugal, the line between Badajoz and Elvas has been upgraded, and the new Portuguese section toward Évora and Lisbon was recently completed. Cross-border train service is still limited, so many travelers cross by road.

By car

Driving is the easiest way to explore Extremadura, because many of the best places are rural and not well connected by public transport.

  • From Madrid, take the A-5 highway southwest. It passes Navalmoral de la Mata, Trujillo, Mérida, and Badajoz.
  • The A-66 (Ruta de la Plata) runs north to south, linking Plasencia, Cáceres, Mérida, and Zafra, and connecting with Seville.
  • From Lisbon, cross into Spain on the A-6/A-5 and reach Badajoz in about 2.5 hours.

Approximate driving times:

  • Madrid to Cáceres: 3 hours
  • Madrid to Mérida: 3.5 hours
  • Madrid to Badajoz: 4 hours
  • Seville to Mérida: 2 hours
  • Seville to Badajoz: 2.5 hours
  • Lisbon to Badajoz: 2.5 hours

Getting around

A car gives you the most freedom. Distances are long, but the roads are good and traffic is light outside the main cities. There are also buses between the main towns, but they are slower and less frequent.

If you prefer not to drive, consider basing yourself in one city, such as Mérida or Cáceres, and taking day trips. See our guide to where to stay in Extremadura for ideas.

Where to stay…

Find hotels and rural houses in Extremadura

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