Madrid to Barcelona train tickets from €9.07 | Rail Europe
Travelling from Madrid to Barcelona by train
Want to know how to get from Madrid to Barcelona by train? We have gathered for you all the useful information about this trip!
The fastest trains from Madrid to Barcelona take around 2 hours and 30 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 503 kilometres.
On weekdays, the first train leaving Madrid is scheduled to depart at around 05:50. The last departure is usually at around 21:25.
On Saturdays and Sundays, trains leave Madrid at around 06:20, with the last train leaving at around 21:25.
There are frequent services on this particular rail route.
On average, there are about 35 trains per day travelling between the two cities.
They leave approximately every 32 minutes.
Prices for a single ticket between the two cities start from €9. 07.
We think any time is a great time to visit Barcelona, as each season has its own unique charm. Nevertheless, please make sure you check the local weather and average seasonal temperatures at destination before deciding on your holiday.
For more tips to help you plan your journey, check out our help articles, or read our guide to Barcelona.
Is there a direct train from Madrid to Barcelona?
Yes, there is a direct train from Madrid to Barcelona.
We usually find around 38 direct trains on the route from Madrid to Barcelona every weekday.
There are typically fewer trains leaving at weekends, when we found around 26 departures.
How long does it take to travel from Madrid to Barcelona?
The Madrid to Barcelona train travel takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, no matter when you leave.
What are the Madrid to Barcelona train times and schedule?
If you’re travelling on a weekday, you’ll find the earliest train to Barcelona leaving Madrid at around 05:50 and the last train leaving at around 21:25.
At weekends, the first train of the day leaves Madrid at around 06:20, with the final departure at 21:25.
How much is the train ticket from Madrid to Barcelona?
The cheapest tickets we’ve found for trains from Madrid to Barcelona are €9.07.
If you book 30 days in advance, tickets will cost around €29, while the price is around €40 if you book 7 days in advance.
Booking on the day of travel is likely to be more expensive, so it’s worth booking ahead of time if you can, or check our special offers and deals.
When should you book your train tickets from Madrid to Barcelona?
Trains in Spain usually open for booking around 4 months in advance.
If booking is not yet open for your travel dates, you can set a booking alert and you’ll receive an email as soon as the cheapest tickets are released for your train journey.
Help with booking alerts
Which train companies operate between Madrid and Barcelona?
More than one train company operates on the route from Madrid to Barcelona, so you’ll be travelling with one or more of the following rail operators:
- AVE
- AVE-TGV
- OUIGO ESP
You can check which train you’ll be travelling on by looking for the train name in search results.
Barcelona to Madrid by train
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AVE
Travelling by train from Madrid to Barcelona is easy and so fast that the train is now taking a lot of trade away from Europe’s busiest air route.
This new rail route between Spain’s two largest cities opened in 2008. This journey is very popular, so you’ll need to book well in advance to get a bargain fare. Cheap tickets are few and far between on peak time departures from Madrid on this prime business route. You’re more likely to strike a good deal if you travel very early in the morning, in the middle of the day or in the evening.
There is also a once-a-day slow Regional Express train from Madrid to Barcelona. With three dozen stops en route, it takes over nine hours. The train leaves each morning from Madrid Chamartin. The Estrella overnight train which once linked Madrid and Barcelona was withdrawn in April 2015 – customers who once favoured that overnight option had shifted to the much improved daytime services.
Madrid to Barcelona
Take a direct high-speed AVE train from Madrid to Barcelona. At peak times Madrid to Barcelona trains depart every 30 minutes, with the fastest services taking just 2 hrs 30 mins to reach the Spanish capital.
Trains that stop up to four times along the way may take 30 to 40 mins longer. These fast trains all depart from Madrid Atocha and arrive in Barcelona at Sants station.
- AVE train guide
OUIGO
Travelling by train from Madrid to Barcelona is easy, fast and cheap. This new rail route between Spain’s two largest cities opened in 2021. This journey is very popular, so you’ll need to book well in advance to get a bargain fare.
Madrid-Puerta De Atocha to Barcelona
Take a direct high-speed OUIGO train from Madrid to Barcelona. Train services is taking about 2 hrs 30 mins to reach the Spanish capital. Trains can be direct trains or may stop a few times along the way. These fast trains all depart from Madrid Atocha and arrive in Barcelona at Sants station.
- Ouigo Spain train guide
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Madrid to Barcelona Trains | Tickets for High-Speed Trains
Rail Ninja is a reservation service for booking train tickets online. It is not a rail carrier, does not own or operate any trains, and does not represent an official website of any railway company. It is a commercial business that makes it easier for you to book train tickets online.
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Shortest travel time:
2 h 30 m
Longest travel time:
3 h 15 m
Lowest train ticket cost:
Avg. daily departures:
17
Earliest departure:
07:30
Latest departure:
21:10
Open map
Madrid to Barcelona Train Information
Those planning upcoming Spain travel should definitely consider taking a Madrid – Barcelona train journey as it will not only save your vacation time but also grant a pleasant experience and give a fantastic opportunity to admire the beauty of the Spanish countryside.
This railway route is served by the fast bullet trains that can cover the distance between the iconic cities in less than 3 hours! What is more, apart from astonishing travel times, the Madrid – Barcelona trains pride themselves on exemplary punctuality, boast a broad timetable with up to 15 daily departures, and offer fantastic onboard amenities, such as air-conditioning, electric sockets, and TV screens. You can find out more details about the Madrid to Barcelona route as well as answers to commonly asked questions below. Plus, keep in mind that you can always spice up a simple railway ride from Madrid to Barcelona and turn it into an unforgettable getaway. You are welcome to explore the most fascinating attractions of Barcelona and build a trip of your dreams with the help of an innovative Spain trip planner.
How long is the high speed train from Madrid to Barcelona?
Running at a speed of up to 192 miles per hour, the travel duration of the high-speed train Madrid to Barcelona ranges from 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours and 10 minutes.
In order not to miss the train and avoid unpleasant situations, arrive at the station 30 minutes before the train leaves as you’ll need to pass a quick security check.
What are the benefits of traveling by train from Madrid to Barcelona?
Although there are many transportation options available between these cities, choosing in favor of the Madrid to Barcelona train as opposed to buses or planes will save you a lot of time and offer you a high-comfort connection on a well-equipped mode of transport. As such, the average bus trip durations are 7 hours and 50 minutes. Flights are often delayed, moreover, both of the airports are located in the city outskirts, meaning you need extra time and money for traveling to/from them (whereas the Puerta de Atocha rail station in Madrid and the Sants train station in Barcelona are set in the heart of town). To top it all, the fares for the tickets for all three aforementioned options will be in the same price range, making the optimal “travel time per money” choice quite obvious.
Which train companies operate between Madrid and Barcelona?
The Spanish national railways, Ferrocarilles Espanoles, operate the country’s well-developed rail network. The AVE bullet train from Madrid to Barcelona is among the most popular trains on the route and is run by Renfe.
Is there a night train from Madrid to Barcelona?
The so-called “nocturno” overnight sleeper trains are Renfe’s Trenhotel trains, unfortunately, they do not run on the Madrid – Barcelona route but connect Madrid to Lisbon. The latest high-speed AVE train departs from Madrid every day at 9:25 p.m. and arrives around midnight in Barcelona.
Is the train ride from Madrid to Barcelona scenic?
The Madrid – Barcelona high-speed rail line makes its way through the picturesque Spanish countryside, passing a large part of western Catalonia, the city of Zaragoza in Aragon, the north of the Castile la Mancha region before arriving in Madrid.
When to book Madrid to Barcelona train tickets?
Being the two most popular cities in Spain, it’s no surprise that the demand for transport between them is high. For this reason, the earlier in advance you book your train tickets, the better are your chances to get ahold of better prices, seats, and availability in general. Luckily, there’s a broad selection of departure times in the schedule, based on the weekday, there are up to 10-13 departures every day.
What class to choose?
The fast train from Madrid to Barcelona offers two coach classes, the Turista 2nd class and the Preferente 1st class. Both are well-fitted and have modern amenities. Read more about the high-speed AVE train classes.
How much is train from Madrid to Barcelona?
When purchasing tickets, you should keep in mind that the prices will vary based on several parameters such as the chosen coach class, departure time / day of the week / month of your trip, availability, etc.
As a rule, average prices start from about 95 USD.
Do you need seat reservation?
If you choose to book train tickets from Madrid to Barcelona with the Rail Ninja service, we guarantee that the best available seat will be assigned to you. During the booking process, you may indicate your preferences.
Madrid to Barcelona Train Timetable
Train type
Fastest trip
Longest trip
Earliest
Latest
Departures
Morning trains
2 hrs 45 min
3 hrs 12 min
07:30
11:30
4
Afternoon trains
2 hrs 30 min
3 hrs 12 min
12:30
17:30
9
Evening trains
2 hrs 30 min
3 hrs 15 min
18:30
20:40
3
Night trains
2 hrs 30 min
2 hrs 30 min
21:10
21:10
1
Trains on Madrid – Barcelona Route
Brand name
Train type
Travel time
Price from
Departures
Rating
AVE
Bullet train
2 hrs 30 min
16
Renfe
Bullet train
2 hrs 57 min
1
Search tickets now
9.
8 / 10
based on 62 reviews
Madrid to Barcelona Train Review & Rating
The connection was well-planned, we had no trouble whatsoever
Cheryl and Daniel Wenzel about traveling from Madrid to Barcelona
Related travel info
Ave High-Speed Train
How to get from Barcelona to Madrid? Train, bus, plane
This article is about how to get from Barcelona to Madrid: distance, prices, transport
Train
Bus
Airplane
Taxi
Rent a Car
How to get from Barcelona to Madrid. Transport on the route
There are several ways to get from Barcelona to Madrid, namely: by train, bus, plane. You can also rent a car without a driver. Bus “Barcelona-Madrid” is on the way 7 hours 30 minutes, the ticket price is 32.2 euros. The train from Barcelona to Madrid will take you 2 hours 45 minutes, ticket price starts from 90 euro. The flight by plane lasts 1 hour 15 minutes, you need to pay a minimum of 55 euros.
Distance from Barcelona to Madrid is 625 km.
The bus from Barcelona to Madrid, although the longest travel time, is the cheapest way to get to Madrid. It is best to buy tickets for it in advance, because it is cheaper, and besides, they sell out quickly. Please note that the schedule changes frequently. Plane tickets for this route are also better to buy in advance: so there is a chance to book the desired seats with a good discount. The bus has night flights.
Madrid – passionate and sensual
Madrid is a city full of life. It is famous all over the world for its incredible architecture: cathedrals, temples, all kinds of galleries, simply beautiful buildings and streets. Many tourists come to Madrid for a specific purpose: to watch a bullfight. This event takes place every Sunday from March to October. Tourists and locals enjoy visiting the city’s museums (Prado Museum, Reina Sofia Museum, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and others). It is also interesting to look at the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, Retiro Park, Almudena Cathedral, etc.
No matter how much you come to Madrid, it will always have something to surprise!
Train from Barcelona to Madrid
Cost
from €90
Waiting
from 1 hour
Travel time
3 h 15 min
For whom
Pair
The high-speed train from Barcelona to Madrid AVE departs from Sants train station and arrives at Atocha train station in Madrid. Travel duration – from 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes, train ticket price – 90-179 euros depending on the class. The train runs with a short interval – 1 hour, there are no night flights. Tickets can be purchased at the railway station ticket office or online.
Train Barcelona – Madrid:
AVE high speed train
Schedule:
From 08:00 to 21:15
Route:
Barcelona Sants Railway Station – Madrid Atocha Railway Station
Travel time:
3 hours 15 minutes (30 – metro to the railway station, 2 hours 45 minutes – train)
Expectation:
1 hour
Comfort:
High: spacious interior, high windows, coffee tables, restaurant, high chairs with armrests.
Price:
From 94 euros (4 – metro to the railway station, from 90 – train)
For whom:
For businessmen, for families with children, without large luggage, for young/old tourists, for those in a hurry.
How to find the train platform from Barcelona to Madrid:
The train departs from the Sants railway station, which can be reached from the airport by metro to the Sants-Estacio station (green line 3/blue line 5).
Bus “Barcelona-Madrid”
Cost
from €36
Waiting
from 1 hour
Travel time
~8 h
For whom
Individual tourist
The Barcelona-Madrid bus from the commercial company ALSA leaves from the Nord bus station and takes 7 hours 30 minutes. The fare is 32.2 euros. This type of transport runs around the clock, so it will not be difficult to leave it, including at night.
Tickets can be purchased both online, on the carrier’s website, and at the box office of the bus station.
Bus “Barcelona-Madrid”:
ALSA
Schedule:
From 01:00 to 23:59
Route:
Nord bus station in Barcelona – Avenida de America station in Madrid
Travel time:
8 h (30 – metro, 7 h 30 min – group transfer)
Expectation:
from 1 h
Comfort:
High: easy chairs, Wi-Fi, sockets, toilet, spacious lounge, press, individual TV, pets allowed.
Price:
From 36.2 euros (4 – metro to the bus station, 32.2 – bus)
For whom:
For couples without children, for young tourists, for those who want to save money, with large luggage.
How to find the group transfer stop at El Prat Airport:
Barcelona’s Nord bus station can be reached by metro: get off at Arc de Triomf (red line 1).
Flight from Barcelona to Madrid
Cost
€55-225
Waiting
from 30 min
Travel time
~1.
5 h
For whom
Individual tourist
Air travel is the fastest way to get to your destination, as the flight from Barcelona to Madrid takes only 1 hour and 15 minutes. True, here you should add the road from Madrid airport to the city (about 20 minutes). The cost of a plane ticket varies from 55 to 225 euros. There are no night flights.
Plane Barcelona – Madrid:
Direct flight from Vueling Airlines
Schedule:
From 07:00 to 21:00
Route:
Barcelona Airport “El Prat” – Madrid Airport “Barajas”
Travel time:
1 h 35 min (1 h 15 – plane, 20 min – bus from Madrid airport)
Expectation:
From 30 min between flights
Comfort:
Low (for a low-cost airline): clean spacious interior, comfortable high seats, press.
Price:
From 60 to 230 euros (from 55-225 – plane, 5 – bus to Madrid).
For whom:
For wealthy tourists, for businessmen, for the company of tourists.
How to get from Barajas Airport to Madrid:
You can get to the center of Madrid by the yellow express bus, which stops at Terminal 4, where the plane lands from Barcelona.
Taxi “Barcelona-Madrid”
Cost
from €41
Waiting
5 minutes.
Travel time
15 minutes
For whom
Family
When you arrive in Madrid, it is better not to waste time looking for a taxi, especially if you are here for 1-2 days. After all, there are so many interesting things in the capital of Spain. Order a transfer from the airport or from the railway station of Madrid, and the car will be waiting for you strictly at the agreed time.
Schedule:
around the clock
Route:
to the hotel in Madrid or to the address
Travel time:
15 min
Expectation:
Taxi on site: up to 15 min.
, on a first-come, first-served basis
Comfort:
Taxi on the spot: air conditioning, non-stop driving, no additional passengers
Price:
from 41 euro
For whom:
families with children, inexperienced tourists, first time in Spain, unfamiliar language, elderly travelers, a lot of luggage, arrivals at night, large groups
How to find a taxi rank in Madrid:
Taxis are located in the parking lot opposite the exit from the airport or from the bus station.
Choose a transfer
See also:
Madrid Airport → Atocha train station in Madrid
Car rental in Barcelona
Cost
from €17
Lease term
from 1 day
Driving experience
from 1 year
When you rent a car without a driver from Barcelona Airport to Madrid, you plan the trip yourself.
You can see all the sights of Catalonia and return the car to any city in the region (for an additional fee). It is allowed to travel outside of Spain, having previously purchased international insurance.
The price of renting a car for a day is the lower, the longer the rental period. Insurance is already included in the price. A deposit is charged for the use of the car. Drivers under 25 will pay for “youth” from €7 per day. Also, those who are over 75 will have to pay extra. It is possible to rent a car at Barcelona airport on the day of arrival.
Route:
limited to EU countries
Minimum driver age:
18 years
Comfort:
high
You decide where and when to go, you do not depend on anyone.
How to rent a car:
Book a car in advance, otherwise the desired car may be busy.
How to get from Barcelona to Madrid?
There are a lot of ways to get from Barcelona to Madrid, they all differ in the duration of the trip and its cost. Thus, you can easily choose the option that suits your specific needs. Have a nice trip and pleasant impressions!
Read also:
How to get to Domodedovo, to Sheremetyevo, to Pulkovo.
All routes in Madrid
All routes in Barcelona
Train Barcelona – Madrid. High speed (AVE) or night train
Page Content
On this page you can find out where to take trains, what time they leave, where to buy tickets, how much they cost, travel time and a detailed description of the services provided on trains between Barcelona and Madrid.
| Barcelona Sants station |
Where to catch trains?
There are 3 trains from Barcelona-Sants to Madrid.
The AVE train (high speed) and the Combinado train to Puerta de Atocha station in Madrid (Atocha station) and the “Costa Brava” train to Chamartin station in Madrid. The AVE and Combinado trains run during the day, while the Costa Brava (Estrella) train runs at night.
Train regularity and travel time.
AVE trains run every day, but some only run on certain days of the week (check the link on the RENFE website for details)
The AVE train runs regularly throughout the day (link to the schedule is given below)
The travel time for the AVE train varies, but on average it is 3 hours. We advise you to follow the link below for the exact timetable.
The “Combinado” train runs every day but makes more stops than the AVE and takes 6 hours. For the exact timetable, please visit the following link to the official RENFE website.
The Costa Brava train runs at night and makes even more stops, covering the same distance in 9 hours.
There is only one train to the Costa Brava.
Departure time of the train to Costa Brava: 21:15
The schedule is subject to change. The official RENFE timetable for the Barcelona – Madrid train.
Feedback from a site visitor about the train AVE
| AVE (high speed train) |
The high-speed AVE train from Barcelona to Madrid takes just 2 hours and 45 minutes. When compared with an airplane, it must be borne in mind that you need to arrive at the airport an hour earlier, so the flight time will take about the same.
Tourist class price range
One way ticket: €58.15 – €127.10
Ticket discounts are often offered on the RENFE website.
I didn’t take this train, but I took the AVE train Madrid – Seville and was pleased with the excellent service. I will go to AVE Madrid – Barcelona in a few weeks. On the web fare, the train fare cost me less than the plane, and the total door-to-door travel time was only about half an hour longer.
Your site is just great! Lots of detailed information. He helped me a lot. Great job, keep up the good work.
How much does a ticket from Barcelona to Madrid cost?
The following are the official RENFE prices in euros:
Information updated: January 2023
AVE Tourist Class
One Way Ticket: €85.10
AVE First Class Train
One Way Ticket: €181.50
Do you want to buy tickets at a discount? Try to book tickets on the RENFE website using the link below.
High-speed train timetable between Barcelona and Madrid
English version of the RENFE website
On the night train it is possible to pay extra for a bed. You can choose from the following options:
Tourist Class One Way
Adults: €44.60
Children: €26.75
First class one-way ticket
Adults: €56.70
Children: €
340,902 0364 Bed
Ticket one way: €58.
70
What are the advantages of a train over an airplane?
One of the main advantages is less harm to the environment. With the ever-increasing levels of the greenhouse gas CO2 in the atmosphere, which is directly linked to global warming, many savvy travelers are opting for more environmentally friendly modes of transport. According to the “Carbon Meter” from Collins gem (Collins jam), CO2 emissions per passenger traveling by plane are five times higher than by train.
In addition, water vapor emitted by aircraft at high altitudes causes an even greater greenhouse effect than CO2. Unlike emissions of water vapor in the lower atmosphere, from where it is quickly removed.
To accurately calculate your carbon footprint, visit this page:
Carbon Aircraft Flight Calculator
The opportunity to relax is another advantage that the train gives. You don’t need to arrive at the station a few hours before departure, and, well, it’s over, there is enough space on the train to stretch your legs.
You can enjoy the views, and on daytime trains, you can dine in a restaurant or have a snack in a cafe, and the trip itself will leave an unforgettable impression.
Thanks to the new high-speed trains between Barcelona and Madrid, the travel time is comparable to that of a flight if you take into account the time spent checking in at the airport. The trip on the AVE high-speed train from Barcelona to Madrid will take on average about 3 hours, depending on the time of day.
Services provided on the train Barcelona – Madrid
If you are traveling first class on a day or night train, you are entitled to free parking at the departure station. If you are traveling one way – parking is allowed for 24 hours, round trip – 48 hours. Before boarding the train, all passengers must pass through a security checkpoint. Please note that these points close 2 minutes before the train departure.
Other services available on the road
AVE (high speed train)
Club class, first class (preferente) or standard (turista)
Toilets and seats for people with disabilities
Cafe and restaurant
Free drinks and lunch in the restaurant for first class
Free magazines
TV, music
Costa Brava train has cafe and free magazines.
Official website www.renfe.com Click on the English flag to go to the English version of the site. (Also available in other languages)
Buying tickets
Tickets can be ordered by phone. It is possible to speak with an English-speaking operator. The telephone line operates around the clock.
Booking tickets
Tel: +34 91 919 0504
Tickets can usually be bought directly from travel agencies. If an agency offers such a service, they put up a RENFE ad in the window.
Or tickets can be purchased through the ticketnet system on the official RENFE website www.renfe.com
You need to start with registration, but this requires an identity card number. If one is available, then you can use the Spanish resident card number (sometimes you need to enter it without letters). It also offers the opportunity to print tickets purchased online.
If you have any questions related to the purchase of tickets, you can call the help desk:
Tel: +34 91 919 0504
(bookings)
Tel: +34 91 232 0320
(international)
If you bought the wrong tickets online, you can cancel your booking within 2 hours of purchase, without any penalty fees.