Train Madrid - Barcelona prices from $15.40

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Madrid to Barcelona by train

The journey from Madrid to Barcelona by train is 313.3 mi and takes 2 h 29 min. There are 69 connections per day, with the first departure at 7:05am and the last at 10:15pm. It is possible to travel from Madrid to Barcelona by train for as little as $15.40 or as much as $201.52. The best price for this journey is $15.40.

Best Price $15.40
Journey Duration 2 h 29 min
Connection per Day 69
Lowest Price $15.40
Highest Price $201.52
First Departure 7:05am
Last Departure 10:15pm
Distance 313.3 mi
Departure Madrid
Arrival Barcelona
Carriers AVE, OUIGO,

Madrid to Barcelona Train Times

    Sep 21
    $40.92
    19°
    Sep 22
    $19.50
    18°
    Sep 23
    $35
    22°
    Sep 24
    $42.45
    24°
    Sep 25
    $31.22
    26°
    Sep 26
    $23.35
    27°
    Sep 27
    $16.42
    29°
    Sep 28
    $15.40
    27°
    Sep 29
    $25.66
    26°
    Sep 30
    $30.56
    30°
    Oct 01
    $29.84
    28°
    Oct 02
    $17.79
    30°
    Oct 03
    $15.40
    31°
    Oct 04
    $15.40
    30°
    Oct 05
    $17.08
    28°
Departure date
Thursday,Sep 21 2023
19°

Travel by train from Madrid to Barcelona

If you want to explore the beauty and culture of Spain, a train trip from Madrid to Barcelona is an ideal option for you. This trip will allow you to pass through striking landscapes and immerse yourself in the authentic charm of Spain.

The average duration of a train trip from Madrid to Barcelona is 2 h 48 min. The distance between the two main stations is 313.8 mi, and you can choose from about 43 trains connecting the two cities every day. The cheapest train ticket for this route costs about $7.18. When traveling from Madrid to Barcelona by train, you will depart from Madrid Chamartín, Madrid-puerta De Atocha, Madrid Atocha Train Station and Madrid-barajas Adolfo Suárez International Airport stations, which are connected to Barcelona Sants, Barcelona-passeig De Gracia, Barcelona-estacio De FranÇa, Barcelona Sants Train Station and Madrid Atocha Train Station. Virail provides information on both direct routes and transfer connections to reach your destination. We recommend that you arrive at the station at least 15 minutes before your train departs in order to reach the platform and your seat at a leisurely pace.

The route between Madrid and Barcelona is covered by high-speed trains and regional trains, you can choose depending on your preferences and budget, and of course the time you have available.

  • High-speed trains (AVE): these trains will take you from Madrid to Barcelona quickly and comfortably. You will enjoy the journey with wi-fi service on board, enough space for luggage, and a comfortable environment. Prices will vary depending on the class you choose and how far in advance you book your trip.
  • Renfe regional trains: if you prefer a more relaxed experience and want to save money, you can opt for regional trains. Although they may take longer and may involve changes, they will allow you to enjoy the Spanish sights while traveling.

Explore Barcelona: a unique experience between art, architecture and cuisine

When you arrive at Barcelona Station, you will be greeted by the city's vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere. The station is well connected to the public transportation system, making it easy for you to explore Barcelona and its many attractions. Barcelona is a unique city renowned for its modernist architecture, Gaudi's works of art, and its dynamic lifestyle. With its famous Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló, the city will captivate you with its extraordinary beauty and creativity. Catalan cuisine is another essential part of the Barcelona experience, with delicacies such as paella, tapas, and delicious desserts.

  • Sagrada Família: visit this under construction masterpiece of modernist architecture designed by Gaudí, an iconic symbol of Barcelona.
  • Park Güell: explore this wonderful park with its unique design and panoramic views of the city.
  • La Rambla: stroll along this famous pedestrian street, full of life, street performers, cafes and stores.
  • Barri Gòtic: lose yourself in the medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter, full of history and charm.
  • Catalan cuisine: savor local cuisine in a restaurant or bar, with tapas, paella and other regional specialties.
    Barcelona beaches: relax on Barcelona's beaches, such as Barceloneta, and enjoy the sun and sea.

Trips outside Barcelona

If you have extra time, consider taking a trip outside the city to explore the wonders of Catalonia. Visit the historic city of Girona, with its picturesque alleys and famous Bole Bridge, or discover the beauty of the Costa Brava with its charming beaches.

Tips for traveling to Barcelona

To maximize your visit, consider buying tickets in advance for the main attractions and book a guided tour to discover the wonders of the city. Barcelona is also an ideal city to explore on foot or by bicycle, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the city's unique atmosphere.

If you are planning to visit Barcelona from Madrid by train, Virail can help you find the best travel options. Compare thousands of train, bus and flight destinations to find the best price, and check our convenient price calendar to get a complete overview of available transportation between Madrid and Barcelona. Enjoy your train ride between these two fascinating Spanish cities and discover all they have to offer.

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Compare prices and tickets from Madrid to Barcelona

 
Sep 21
Thursday
19°
$40.92
$25.62
$77.04
$34.38
Sep 22
Friday
18°
$19.50
$19.50
$72.89
$35.92
Sep 23
Saturday
22°
$35
$19.50
$68.75
$32.84
Sep 24
Sunday
24°
$42.45
$23.94
$64.60
$30.79
Sep 25
Monday
26°
$31.22
$38.11
$50.29
$34.90
Sep 26
Tuesday
27°
$23.35
$19.50
$56.45
$33.87
Sep 27
Wednesday
29°
$16.42
$5.13
$27.71
$32.84
Cheap tickets from Madrid to Barcelona
Looking for the best deal on a train ticket for your trip? Here are 4 ways to get cheap train tickets from Madrid to Barcelona.

Book in advance and save

If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from Madrid to Barcelona, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.

Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys

Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from Madrid to Barcelona.

Always check special offers

Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.

Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains

If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.

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Best time to book Madrid to Barcelona travel

Virail Pro Tip ✌: Booking 10 days in advance save 10% on average

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Price as departure date approaches

Train companies may charge higher ticket prices as the date of departure approaches. Prices in the next days can range from around $20 to $54 but may be subject to change. Our advice is to book as early as possible to potentially save up to 63% on your trip!

Best time to book cheap train tickets from Madrid to Barcelona

The cheapest Madrid - Barcelona train tickets can be found for as low as $23 if you’re lucky, or $38 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as $55.

Find the best day to travel to Barcelona by train

When travelling to Barcelona by train, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!

Carriers on this route

Find out more about the carriers on this route.

In 2013, the French national railway company SNCF introduced OUIGO to offer budget-friendly TGV travel options. Choose between the lightning-fast OUIGO Grande Vitesse, reaching speeds of 300 km/h, or the more leisurely OUIGO Classique, which offers a nostalgic train ride experience.

AVE stands for "Alta Velocidad Española", which means "Spanish High Speed". AVE is a high-speed train service operated by the Spanish national railway company Renfe. With the AVE trains you can travel to many major cities in Spain, including routes to Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Malaga, and Zaragoza.

Avlo trains were introduced in 2020 as a high-speed train service operated by Renfe, Spain's national railway company, as a more affordable alternative to the high-speed train service AVE. Avlo trains, unlike the AVE, offer a single class of seating and have fewer onboard services to offer more passenger capacity. The main stations are Barcelona Sants, Madrid Atocha, and Zaragoza-Delicias.

Established in 2018, BlaBlaCar Bus was born out of BlaBlaCar's acquisition of OUIBUS in November of that same year. The company officially launched in June 2019 and has since been offering long-distance bus services across Europe. Initially known as BlaBlaBus, the company went on to adopt the name Ouibus, before finally deciding on its present name, BlaBlaCar Bus. BlaBlaCar Bus operates a network of routes that link several cities, including Aix-en-Provence, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Brussels, Genoa, Lille, London, Lyon, Marseille, Milan, Nice, Paris, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, San Sebastián, and Turin.

Iryo is a Spanish high-speed train operator, founded in 2019 and serving Spain's major cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Seville, Valencia and Zaragoza. iryo operates on the national rail network in Spain, using the latest AVE high-speed trains to transport passengers at speeds of up to 310 km/h.

Ticket types and facilities from Madrid to Barcelona

Compare the different ticket types and the facilities provided by AVE, AVLO and Iryo when traveling from Madrid to Barcelona.

Básico

The Basico are the most affordable tickets, but they come with certain restrictions, such as no changes or refunds. They also typically have limited availability and must be purchased well in advance.

WiFi
Quiet zone
Power sockets
Luggage
Accessibility
Air conditioning
Bicycle

Elige Estándar

The Elige tickets provide enhanced flexibility for exchanging or canceling your reservation. Elige Estándar," provides travelers with the standard, regular seating arrangement known as the "Estándar seat." Additionally, you can choose your preferred seat by paying an extra fee, and upgrading to Premium is also possible.

WiFi
Quiet zone
Power sockets
Luggage
Accessibility
Food and drink
Air conditioning
Bicycle

Elige Confort

If you go for "Elige Confort," you get the bigger and likely more comfortable XL Confort seat. The Elige tickets provide enhanced flexibility for exchanging or canceling your reservation. Additionally, you can choose your preferred seat by paying an extra fee, and upgrading to Premium is also possible.

WiFi
Quiet zone
Power sockets
Luggage
Accessibility
Food and drink
Air conditioning
Bicycle

Prémium

Renfe AVE's Premium tickets are the priciest but also the most flexible, limited to Confort class only. They allow free train changes and provide the benefit of boarding the next train for free in case you miss your scheduled one.

WiFi
Quiet zone
Power sockets
Luggage
Accessibility
Food and drink
Air conditioning
Bicycle

Economy Class

You can travel with the standard "economy class" ticket on Avlo trains, which refers to the standard, basic level of seating available on the train. With this ticket you have access to basic amenities such as overhead luggage racks, reading lights, restrooms.

WiFi
Power sockets
Luggage
Accessibility
Air conditioning
Bicycle

Inicial

iryo's Inicial fare provides affordable travel without compromising on comfort or service.

WiFi
Power sockets
Luggage
Accessibility
Food and drink
Air conditioning
Bicycle

Singular

The "Singular fare" offers flexibility for entrepreneurs and companies with personalized customer service from iryo assistants.

WiFi
Power sockets
Luggage
Accessibility
Food and drink
Air conditioning
Bicycle

Singular ONLY YOU

The "Singular Only YOU" fare is designed for entrepreneurs and companies, providing the best conditions for changes and cancellations in the ticket.

WiFi
Power sockets
Luggage
Accessibility
Food and drink
Air conditioning
Bicycle

Infinita

Infinita is iryo's all-inclusive fare that offers the best travel options with flexibility and comfort.

WiFi
Power sockets
Luggage
Accessibility
Food and drink
Air conditioning
Bicycle

Standard Class / Classical

OUIGO Train Classique only have one class, which is equivalent to second class travel, which is why ticket prices are cheap. Tickets are available from €10 for adults (depending on destination) and €5 for children, and OUIGO train tickets are only available online.

WiFi
Power sockets
Luggage
Accessibility
Food and drink
Air conditioning
Bicycle

Standard Class / TGV

OUIGO Grande Vitesse offers a single class, akin to second-class travel, which accounts for its affordable ticket prices. Adult fares start at €10, depending on the destination, while children can travel for €5. Tickets for OUIGO can only be purchased online.

WiFi
Power sockets
Luggage
Accessibility
Air conditioning
Bicycle
Services on board AVE, OUIGO and Iryo from Madrid to Barcelona
Compare services on board when travelling from Madrid to Barcelona by train.
Facilities AVE OUIGO Iryo AVLO BlaBlaCar Bus
Quiet zone
WiFi
Power sockets
Luggage
Accessibility
Food and drink
Air conditioning
Bicycle

Madrid to Barcelona CO2 Emissions by Train

Ecology
Train
1.1kg
Bus
7.4kg
Flight
295.1kg
Car
28.5kg
What are the CO2 emissions from Madrid to Barcelona by train? The CO2 emissions from taking the train between Madrid and Barcelona are 1.1kg.
How much CO2 do I save by taking the train between Madrid and Barcelona? By taking the train between Madrid and Barcelona you will save 294.0kg CO2 emissions compared to a flight, 6.3kg compared to a bus and 27.4kg compared to a car.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a train ticket from Madrid to Barcelona?
A train ticket from Madrid to Barcelona is $73.26. However the price varies depending on how early you buy, and if it's peak time to travel. Occasionally you can find them for as cheap as $15.40.
What's the cheapest train ticket from Madrid to Barcelona?
The cheapest ticket you can get from Madrid to Barcelona is $15.40. We recommend booking as early as possible and off-peak hours to get the cheapest ticket possible. Off-peak times are usually from 09:30 to 16:00, and after 19:00.
What's the distance between Madrid and Barcelona by train?
Madrid to Barcelona is 313.3 mi.
How long does the train between Madrid and Barcelona take?
Madrid to Barcelona is on average 3 h 16 min. However the fastest option will get you there in 2 h 29 min.
Which companies operate from Madrid to Barcelona?
The train journey from Madrid to Barcelona is covered by 8 operator(s). On Virail you can find these carriers that provide services on this route: AVE, OUIGO, Iryo, Renfe AVE INT, Renfe REGIONAL EXPRESS, AVLO, BlaBlaCar Bus, Renfe.
How many train connections per day go from Madrid to Barcelona?
Madrid to Barcelona has 69 connection(s) per day on average.
What time does the first train from Madrid to Barcelona leave?
The earliest train from Madrid to Barcelona departs at 7:05am. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
What time does the last train from Madrid to Barcelona depart?
The latest train from Madrid to Barcelona departs at 10:15pm. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
Should I book my ticket from Madrid to Barcelona in advance?
If you can, we recommend booking your ticket as early as possible to ensure you get better savings. The cheapest train ticket we have found is $15.40 but this may be subject to change depending on the day of travel, hour you wish to depart and how far in advance you book.
From which stations can I leave from Madrid to Barcelona?
There are 4 station(s) that you can depart from Madrid to go to Barcelona. You can go from Madrid Chamartín, Madrid-puerta De Atocha, Madrid Atocha Train Station and Madrid-barajas Adolfo Suárez International Airport and you can arrive at Barcelona Sants, Barcelona-passeig De Gracia, Barcelona-estacio De FranÇa, Barcelona Sants Train Station and Madrid Atocha Train Station.
How many direct connections depart from Madrid to Barcelona?
There are on average 64 direct connection(s) from Madrid to go to Barcelona.
What's the fastest journey time between Madrid to Barcelona by train?
The fastest journey time by train between Madrid and Barcelona is 2 h 29 min.
Is there a direct train from Madrid to Barcelona?
Yes, there is a direct train between Madrid and Barcelona.
What are the CO2 emissions for Madrid to Barcelona by train?
The train journey from Madrid to Barcelona creates 1.1kg of CO2 emissions.

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