Trains to Barcelona

Travel to Barcelona by train

Nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the Collserola Ridge, Barcelona is a city where inspiration flows as freely as the sea breeze. It's the place where, as Pablo Picasso once said, "There is where it all began... There is where I understood how far I could go." This city is a canvas where the old Gothic quarters meet the whimsy of modernist architecture, where the streets are alive with vibrant culture and history. It's the birthplace of FC Barcelona's football fervor and a haven for artists and dreamers.

Despite being overshadowed by Madrid's capital status, Barcelona stands out with its unique coastal charm and a flair for the avant-garde. The city has embraced its identity, showcasing a blend of traditional Catalan culture and innovative urban development. Each neighborhood, from the bohemian El Raval to the trendy El Born, tells its own story, offering a different taste of Barcelona's rich tapestry. The city's culinary scene reflects this diversity, where Michelin-starred restaurants coexist with quaint tapas bars. And when the sun sets, Barcelona's nightlife awakens, inviting you to join in the eternal dance of fiesta in this enchanting Mediterranean gem, where every corner and cobblestone street whispers of potential and possibility, just as Picasso found in his early years.

Barcelona on a budget

Exploring Spain with Renfe offers a variety of attractive discounts catering to different travelers. Families benefit from the Large Family Discount, where members of a large Spanish family enjoy significant fare reductions. Groups aren't left out either; the "4 o más" discount grants an 8% reduction for groups of 4 to 9 people traveling together on AVE, AVE International, and Larga Distancia trains, with children in the group receiving a substantial 40% discount on their tickets. For the younger crowd, the Más Renfe Joven loyalty program offers up to 30% off for youth traveling on a wide range of trains, while a Youth Card provides a 20% discount on certain train types and a 5% discount on AVE and Larga Distancia trains.

Accommodation, often the most significant expense, can be managed by staying in neighborhoods a bit further from the central areas like the Gothic Quarter and La Rambla. Neighborhoods like Gracia, El Borne, and El Raval offer a more local city experience, with plenty of budget-friendly hostels and hotels. With its independent bars, restaurants, and designer boutiques, Gracia feels like a separate village within the city. El Borne, trendy and upmarket, offers high-quality dining and nightlife options, while El Raval, while shedding its dodgy reputation, is transforming into a cultural hub.

Timing your visit is crucial for a budget-friendly trip. You are avoiding the peak summer months of July and August when prices for flights and accommodation soar, which can lead to significant savings. May, June, September, and October shoulder months offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and more affordable prices. Utilizing the public transport network, which includes buses, metros, and trams, is an economical way to get around. The Hola Barcelona Travel Card, offering unlimited travel, is a cost-effective solution compared to single-journey tickets.

Sightseeing in Barcelona doesn't have to be expensive. Many of the city's top museums offer free entry on certain days of the week or month. Attractions like La Boqueria market, Parc de la Ciutadella, and the Montjuïc Magic Fountain show are permanently free and offer hours of entertainment. For iconic sites like Park Guell and Sagrada Familia, visiting outside of official opening hours or enjoying the exteriors from nearby parks can provide a memorable experience without the entrance fees.

Perfect day in Barcelona

Embarking on a perfect day in Barcelona, your journey begins at the awe-inspiring La Sagrada Familia. As you marvel at Antoni Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece, the intricate facades and towering spires set the tone for a day of architectural wonder. From here, a short metro ride on the L2 line from Sagrada Familia station brings you to Passeig de Gràcia, home to more of Gaudí's marvels.

Stepping out onto Passeig de Gràcia, you're greeted by the whimsical façades of Casa Batlló and La Pedrera (Casa Milà). These buildings are structures and stories in stone, showcasing Gaudí's unique vision. A stroll down this elegant avenue, known for its luxury shops and modernist landmarks, leads you to the bustling Plaça de Catalunya.

From here, a short metro ride on the L2 line from Sagrada Familia station brings you to Passeig de Gràcia, home to more of Gaudí's marvels.tepping out onto Passeig de Gràcia, you're greeted by the whimsical façades of Casa Batlló and La Pedrera (Casa Milà). These buildings are structures and stories in stone, showcasing Gaudí's unique vision. A stroll down this elegant avenue, known for its luxury shops and modernist landmarks, leads you to the bustling Plaça de Catalunya.You immerse yourself in the street life at Plaça de Catalunya, the gateway to the famous Las Ramblas. The lively promenade, filled with performers and market stalls, guides you toward the waterfront and the towering Columbus Monument. The old harbor, Port Vell, nearby, offers a serene maritime escape with beautiful sea views.

Continuing your exploration, take a walk or a short metro journey on the L4 line from Drassanes to Barceloneta, which takes you to the famous Barceloneta Beach. Here, the Mediterranean vibe is palpable, and it's the perfect spot to relax and soak in the sun.

Revitalized by the sea breeze, you venture back into the city's heart to the Gothic Quarter. This area, a labyrinth of narrow medieval streets, is rich in history and culture. You discover hidden squares and architectural gems, eventually reaching the Picasso Museum. This museum, nestled within the Gothic Quarter, is a treasure trove of Pablo Picasso's artworks, offering a deep dive into the artist's life and legacy.

Your next stop is the lush greenery of Parc de la Ciutadella. As you stroll through this beautiful park, you encounter the majestic Cascada Monumental fountain, the tranquil zoo, and the Catalan Parliament. It's a peaceful retreat amid the city's hustle and bustle.

As the day winds down, you walk towards the Arc de Triomf, a triumphal arch leading to the trendy El Born neighborhood. Your final destination is the El Born Cultural Center, where you delve into the rich tapestry of Barcelona's history. This perfect day in Barcelona is more than a sightseeing tour; it's an immersive journey through a city that seamlessly weaves the threads of history, art, and vibrant urban life.

Travel tips for first-time visitors to Barcelona

For first-time visitors to Barcelona, navigating this captivating city, filled with unique sights and vibrant culture, can be an exhilarating experience. One crucial tip is to plan and book in advance. Barcelona's popularity means that attractions like La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and various Gaudí buildings can have long waiting times. Booking your tickets and accommodations in advance not only saves time but often money too. It also helps avoid the disappointment of discovering that the places you want to visit are fully booked. Many of Barcelona's top attractions sell out weeks in advance, especially during the high season. To make the most of your time, consider skip-the-line tickets or guided tours for a better understanding of the city's landmarks.

Another key aspect of visiting Barcelona is understanding and adapting to the local dining schedule. Lunch, typically the main meal of the day, is served around 2 p.m., and most restaurants don't open for dinner before 8 or 9 p.m. Embracing this schedule allows you to experience dining like a local, with tapas being a must-try. These small dishes offer a great way to sample a variety of Spanish flavors. When it comes to getting around, the Barcelona Metro is an efficient and cost-effective way to explore the city. Multi-day and multi-journey tickets are available, making it easy to navigate the city's attractions. Comfortable walking shoes are also essential, as exploring Barcelona often involves a lot of walking. This way, you can fully immerse yourself in the city's charm, from its bustling streets to its serene parks and historic quarters.

As you plan your Barcelona adventure, remember that efficient and convenient travel is key to a seamless experience. For all your transportation needs, consider using Virail. With Virail, you can easily compare and book trains, buses, and flights in one place, ensuring you find the best options for your journey in and around Barcelona. Start planning your trip with Virail today and make your Barcelona adventure unforgettable!

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Popular train routes to Barcelona

Discover popular train routes to Barcelona and book the cheapest train ticket in no time

Popular routesAverage journey durationLowest priceTickets
Sagunto - Barcelona5 hr 27 min$28.22Book
Castellón de la Plana - Barcelona2 hr 58 min$23.11Book
Zumarraga - Barcelona5 hr 6 min$60.97Book
Soria - Barcelona6 hr 30 min$109.55Book
Sant Celoni - Barcelona0 hr 36 min$6.72Book
Puebla de Sanabria - Barcelona14 hr 5 min$80.36Book
Ponferrada - Barcelona10 hr 33 min$52.14Book
l'Hospitalet de l'Infant - Barcelona1 hr 55 min$10.73Book
Canfranc - Barcelona5 hr 26 min$32.84Book
les Borges Blanques - Barcelona4 hr 10 min$12.08Book

Train tickets to Barcelona

Select departure and find the best deals on train tickets to Barcelona.

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.

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.

Alsa, founded in 1923, is a prominent Spanish bus company that operates national and international routes. The company has grown to become one of the largest bus companies in Europe. Alsa provides a comprehensive range of services, including regular and express routes, luxury buses, and sleeper buses. Alsa, dedicated to sustainability, reduces its carbon footprint by using alternative fuels and energy-efficient technologies.

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.

Alvia, operated by Renfe, is a high-speed train service in Spain. With speeds of up to 250 km/h, Alvia trains, slightly slower than the 300 km/h maximum AVE trains reach, offer comfort and amenities like air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and power outlets. They seamlessly connect regional stations to major cities, ensuring efficient travel. The three train models available are Class 120, Class 130, and Class 730.

Euromed is a bus company that operates in Spain, connecting major cities such as Barcelona, Valencia, and Alicante. The company offers comfortable and modern coaches with amenities such as air conditioning, reclining seats, and free Wi-Fi. Euromed also provides a range of ticket options, including flexible fares and discounts for children, seniors, and groups. The company is known for its punctuality and reliability, with frequent departures and arrivals. Euromed is part of the Renfe group, which is the national railway company of Spain, and offers connections to other modes of transportation such as trains and ferries.

Ticket types and facilities from to Barcelona

Compare the different ticket types and the facilities provided by AVE and Iryo when traveling 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 WiFi
quiet_zone Quiet zone
power_sockets Power sockets
luggage Luggage
accessibility Accessibility
air_con Air conditioning
bicycle 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 WiFi
quiet_zone Quiet zone
power_sockets Power sockets
luggage Luggage
accessibility Accessibility
food_and_drink Food and drink
air_con Air conditioning
bicycle 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 WiFi
quiet_zone Quiet zone
power_sockets Power sockets
luggage Luggage
accessibility Accessibility
food_and_drink Food and drink
air_con Air conditioning
bicycle 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 WiFi
quiet_zone Quiet zone
power_sockets Power sockets
luggage Luggage
accessibility Accessibility
food_and_drink Food and drink
air_con Air conditioning
bicycle Bicycle

Singular

The "Singular fare" offers flexibility for entrepreneurs and companies with personalized customer service from iryo assistants.
wifi WiFi
power_sockets Power sockets
luggage Luggage
accessibility Accessibility
food_and_drink Food and drink
air_con Air conditioning
bicycle Bicycle

Inicial

iryo's Inicial fare provides affordable travel without compromising on comfort or service.
wifi WiFi
power_sockets Power sockets
luggage Luggage
accessibility Accessibility
food_and_drink Food and drink
air_con Air conditioning
bicycle 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 WiFi
power_sockets Power sockets
luggage Luggage
accessibility Accessibility
food_and_drink Food and drink
air_con Air conditioning
bicycle Bicycle

Infinita

Infinita is iryo's all-inclusive fare that offers the best travel options with flexibility and comfort.
wifi WiFi
power_sockets Power sockets
luggage Luggage
accessibility Accessibility
food_and_drink Food and drink
air_con Air conditioning
bicycle Bicycle

Facility Description

Find out more about the different facilities available onboard with each carrier on this route.

air_con Air conditioning open icon close icon
Travel in comfort as all AVE trains are air-conditioned.
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Stay connected at high speeds with PlayRenfe, AVE's complimentary WiFi service, ensuring you remain online even at 300 km/h.
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The Silent Carriage is available exclusively for standard seats on AVE trains, excluding the AVE International route between Spain and France, as well as Euromed trains. Due to its popularity, early ticket purchase is advised.
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Every AVE seat is fitted with power sockets and at-seat radios for your convenience.
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AVE provides a complimentary care and assistance service for individuals with limited mobility. To utilize this service, please reach out to AVE directly.
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On AVE trains, you're welcome to bring along 3 bags, each not surpassing 85 x 55 x 35 cm and 25 kg (55 lbs) in weight. Moreover, instruments are considered hand luggage if they're within 30 x 120 x 38 cm and safely tucked in a case.
food_and_drink Food and drink open icon close icon
Visit the onboard AVE bar carriage for a treat or wait for the food trolley that travels through the train. Prémium Ticket holders can enjoy in-seat dining featuring Chef Ramón Freixa's expertise. Please ensure you request special menus, from vegetarian to Halal, at least 12 hours before departure to enjoy a tailored meal experience.
bicycle Bicycle open icon close icon
You can bring along your bike or scooter, just make sure it's folded and snug in a case. Don't forget to remove the pedals and give those handlebars a 90-degree turn. If your case's total dimensions are under 180cm, it counts as hand luggage. Anything larger falls into the special luggage category but keep it within 120 x 90 x 40 cm.
wifi WiFi open icon close icon
Connect to free WiFi on iryo trains in any class. Enjoy movies, TV shows, live news, and Spotify for entertainment.
power_sockets Power sockets open icon close icon
Every seat on iryo trains comes with power sockets, and those in the Infinita and Singular Cafe class boast additional USB ports.
luggage Luggage open icon close icon
On iryo trains, flexible baggage policy lets you travel comfortably with up to 3 pieces of luggage, including a piece of hand luggage. Maximum size for 2 larger pieces is 85x55x35cm, while hand luggage must be 36x27x15cm. Total weight limit is 25kg.
accessibility Accessibility open icon close icon
iryo trains are designed for inclusivity, offering designated seats for passengers with reduced mobility and ensuring step-free access during both boarding and disembarking.
food_and_drink Food and drink open icon close icon
iryo offers quality menus for all classes. Find the onboard restaurant/bar usually close to coach 2. For Infinita Class passengers, meals are served at your seat, but remember to book 24 hours in advance.
air_con Air conditioning open icon close icon
Enjoy fresh and comfortable air on the ETR1000 train; its cutting-edge air-conditioning system refreshes the entire carriage's air in just 3 minutes, ensuring a generous 35 m3/h of fresh outside air for every passenger.
bicycle Bicycle open icon close icon
On Iryo trains, you can bring along one disassembled bicycle or electric scooter per coach, as long as it's tucked into a bag and stays within 90x120x40cm. It's free to transport! Just keep in mind that you'll handle the loading, safekeeping, and unloading. Also, be considerate of other passengers' comfort and safety, and remember any damages caused are on you.

Eco-Friendly Travel: Making a Greener Choice - Barcelona

From choosing green cities and sustainable transport options, we guide you through the details of reducing your carbon footprint while exploring the globe

  • Air quality
    30
    Good
  • Renewable energy
    46%
    Moderate
  • Green spaces
    41%
    Good
  • Total score
    64
    Good
Rank Cities Air quality Energy Green spaces Total score
1 Ponferrada 20 46 - 55
2 Sagunto 30 46 - 48
3 Castellón de la Plana 30 46 - 48
4 Puebla de Sanabria 30 46 - 48
5 Zumarraga 61 46 - 40
Cheap train tickets to Barcelona
Looking for the best deal on a train ticket for your trip? Here are 4 ways to get cheap train tickets to Barcelona.

Book in advance and save

If you're looking for the best deal for your trip 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 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.