Air Travel
- Companies: Iberia, Lufthansa, Vueling
- Duration: Approximately 5 hours (including layover)
- Distance: 1,600 km (994 miles)
- Costs: Approximately ZAR 3,500 - ZAR 6,000 (depending on booking time and airlines)
- Roads/Routes: Not applicable
Pro Tip: Book your tickets 2-3 months in advance to secure the best rates and check for short layovers to minimise travel time.
If you prefer maximum comfort, consider choosing Lufthansa as they offer excellent in-flight services.
Train Travel
- Companies: Renfe, Deutsche Bahn
- Duration: Approximately 16 hours (includes transfers)
- Distance: 1,500 km (932 miles)
- Costs: Approximately ZAR 1,500 - ZAR 2,500 for a one-way ticket
- Roads/Routes: From Madrid to Frankfurt using AVE high-speed trains, then transfer to regional trains to Karlsruhe
Pro Tip: Use the Renfe website to book your tickets early, as they often have promotional fares for early bookings.
Bus Travel
- Companies: FlixBus, Alsa
- Duration: Approximately 24 hours
- Distance: 1,800 km (1,118 miles)
- Costs: Approximately ZAR 900 - ZAR 1,500
- Roads/Routes: A-1 from San Sebastián de los Reyes to Madrid, then A-2 towards Barcelona, continuing through France on A-36 into Germany
Pro Tip: Travel overnight on FlixBus for substantial savings and wake up closer to your destination.
Recommendation
For a balance of comfort and efficiency, I highly recommend flying from San Sebastián de los Reyes to Karlsruhe with Lufthansa. While train travel offers a scenic journey through Europe, the convenience and quickness of air travel make it the preferred option for this route.