- Must visit
Museo Nacional del Prado
Spain’s premier art museum houses Velázquez, Goya and El Greco masterpieces, making it essential for understanding European painting.
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£71
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£114
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
3 h 2 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
3 h 2 m
Trains on 18 Sept
18
Distance
496 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid will cost around £114 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £71.
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 18 trains from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid, including 18 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 496 km distance in an average of 3 h 2 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 2 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 2 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
06610
06210
06410
06012
06020
06070
06540
06320
06570
06180Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £26 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 44m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £26, while a flight costs an average of £71.
Distance: 496 km
Most popular Train | Flight | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£38 Average Price | £71 Average Price | £26 Average Price Cheapest | £91 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 44m Average total duration Fastest 3h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 21m Average total duration 2h 21m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 45m Average total duration 4h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 54m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid:
A coach is £12 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid costing on average £38.
A coach is £45 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid costing on average £71.
Other travel options to Madrid take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 14m.
Coach takes on average 4h 15m.
The journey is about 2h 40m faster (3h 14m by train vs 5h 54m by car) and roughly £53 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£38 vs £91). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with iryo, SNCF OUIGO, AVE.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
06060 | 5:45 Barcelona Sants | 3h17 | 9:02 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 changesdirect | |
06070 | 7:05 Barcelona Sants | 3h02 | 10:07 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 changesdirect | |
06410 | 7:35 Barcelona Sants | 3h30 | 11:05 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 changesdirect | |
06080 | 7:50 Barcelona Sants | 3h25 | 11:15 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 changesdirect | |
06012 | 8:45 Barcelona Sants | 3h31 | 12:16 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 changesdirect | |
06500 | 10:40 Barcelona Sants | 3h17 | 13:57 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 changesdirect | |
06110 | 10:45 Barcelona Sants | 3h04 | 13:49 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 changesdirect | |
06020 | 11:18 Barcelona Sants | 3h24 | 14:42 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 changesdirect | |
06320 | 12:14 Barcelona Sants | 3h02 | 15:16 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 changesdirect | |
06014 | 13:13 Barcelona Sants | 3h24 | 16:37 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 changesdirect | |
06540 | 13:50 Barcelona Sants | 3h02 | 16:52 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 changesdirect | |
06150 | 14:50 Barcelona Sants | 3h02 | 17:52 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 changesdirect | |
06360 | 15:52 Barcelona Sants | 3h24 | 19:16 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 changesdirect | |
06180 | 17:20 Barcelona Sants | 3h02 | 20:22 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 changesdirect | |
06570 | 17:40 Barcelona Sants | 3h02 | 20:42 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 changesdirect | |
06190 | 18:53 Barcelona Sants | 3h17 | 22:10 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 changesdirect | |
06200 | 19:40 Barcelona Sants | 3h02 | 22:42 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 changesdirect | |
06610 | 20:20 Barcelona Sants | 3h28 | 23:48 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 changesdirect | |
06210 | 20:28 Barcelona Sants | 3h24 | 23:52 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, coach and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid run on average 18 times per day, taking around 3h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £15 but you can travel from only £10 by coach.
There are 18 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:45, the last at 18:28. The fastest train covers the 496 km distance in 2h 37m.
Distance 496 km |
Average train duration 3h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price £15 |
Trains per day 18 |
Direct trains 18 |
Fastest train 2h 37m |
First train 3:45 |
Last train 18:28 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Madrid — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Madrid trip today.
Spain’s premier art museum houses Velázquez, Goya and El Greco masterpieces, making it essential for understanding European painting.
Madrid’s leading modern art museum is famed for Picasso’s Guernica and strong collections of Dalí, Miró and 20th-century works.
This refined museum features major works by Titian, Rubens and Caravaggio in a manageable collection inside a grand palace.
Madrid’s most famous park offers lakes, gardens, sculptures and broad promenades, perfect for walking, rowing and people-watching.
This grand boulevard links major museums and historic fountains, making it one of the city’s most elegant and culture-rich walks.
A busy central avenue known for theatres, shops and illuminated façades, ideal for architecture, nightlife and classic city views.
A hearty chickpea stew with meats, vegetables and soup, long associated with Madrid taverns and traditional lunchtime dining.
Deep-fried squid rings served in a crusty bread roll, a classic fast bite around Plaza Mayor and one of Madrid’s best-known snacks.
Madrid-style tripe stew with chorizo and morcilla, rich and slow-cooked, traditionally eaten in colder months.
Traditional bar celebrated for excellent tortilla española and honest Madrid-style tapas in a lively, no-frills atmosphere.
Historic tavern famed for roast suckling pig and classic Castilian dishes in an old-fashioned, atmospheric setting near Plaza Mayor.
Iconic churrería serving Madrid’s classic chocolate con churros around the clock in a bustling, traditional setting.
Moderate for Western Europe. Rooms, meals and Metro fares are usually cheaper than Paris or London, but central hotels and popular dining areas raise costs.
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up. In cafés, leaving small change is enough.
Official public transport app
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes -> Puerta del Sol, Madrid
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Madrid, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid trains use the Barcelona Sants to Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes station pair. Use this guide to compare Barcelona El Prat Airport and Madrid train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes is 1 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Passion Food, La Barrila, Enrique Tomás, Pic Nic, Foodissimo!, PureGusto, Burger King
Free WiFi in the station and on all Renfe trains. ATMs are in various points at the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 10:00 - 20:00. Information desks are on the ground floor of the main concourse.
Luggage storage is open daily from 05:30 to 22:00. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes: Wheelchair parking, adapted elevators, adapted platforms, lobby shopping area.
Nearby hotels include 60 Balconies Urban Stay, Only YOU Hotel Atocha, SLEEP’N Atocha.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need