Madrid to Cuenca/ Train or Bus?

Bus would probably be best....more trips, and slightly cheaper than the train. Bus service Auto Res makes the run in 2 1/2 hours on its regular service. There is an express at 10 am, but it won't get you in until noon...the 6:45 bus arrives at 9:15. Coming back, the last bus leaves at 8 pm, into Madrid at 1030. As of 18 September, they're centralizing their services out of Madrid's Estacion Sur bus depot, ticket windows 53-62. Cost is 18 Euro r/t...check http://www.auto-res.net, where you can book in advance if you wish. Remember, you get assigned seats on Spanish buses. By train, there are only 4 runs a day...2 1/2 to 2 3/4 hours, with the first not getting in until 11:15 and the last leaving Cuenca at 7:40 pm.