Travel between Madrid and Lisbon

WalterPuffin

Hi.
Wife and I are having a two-city break in October (Madrid then Lisbon) and are looking to identify the best way to travel from Madrid to Lisbon.  In the past I've taken the direct train but this seemed to stop in Covid times.  The only train option appears to have two changes.
There do seem to be a few bus companies (BlaBla and Flixbus) that run but the reviews are mixed, bordering on the negative (toilets not working, seat reservations not honoured, dirty coaches, litter on floor). 
Anyone any experience of the buses please ?  Or do we pay more and fly ?
Thanks, WP        

Mark_d

I  think you'll find that flights cost a lot less than you think.  Also they take just about an hour.

Voyager2002

The 'best' way is the way that you enjoy most. This is what Seat 61 says about the rail connection: " you can travel the 737 km (458 miles) between Madrid & Lisbon using a 3-train combo with 2 bookings and 3 tickets, not fast, but a comfortable, interesting and scenic ride." He also suggests "Madrid to Lisbon with overnight stop in Porto - a roundabout route, but with high-speed trains & a great stopover".

Note that BlaBla is not a bus company but a ride-sharing service.

WalterPuffin

Voyager2002 said:

The 'best' way is the way that you enjoy most. This is what Seat 61 says about the rail connection: " you can travel the 737 km (458 miles) between Madrid & Lisbon using a 3-train combo with 2 bookings and 3 tickets, not fast, but a comfortable, interesting and scenic ride." He also suggests "Madrid to Lisbon with overnight stop in Porto - a roundabout route, but with high-speed trains & a great stopover".

Thanks.  Never heard of the Seat 61 site -- reading through it now -- a great source.