- 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 05 Sept
£26
Average ticket price on 05 Sept
£58
Fastest journey on 05 Sept
3 h 2 m
Average journey duration on 05 Sept
3 h 2 m
Trains on 05 Sept
33
Distance
502 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Barcelona Sants 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 Sants to Madrid will cost around £58 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £26.
On Sat 05 Sept, we found 33 trains from Barcelona Sants to Madrid, including 33 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 502 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.
07410
06540
06420
06350
03172
06570
06540
06070
06200
06180Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Barcelona Sants to Madrid among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £39 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 6m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £39, while a coach costs an average of £117.
Distance: 502 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£39 Average Price Cheapest | £117 Average Price | £77 Average Price | £92 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 19m Average total duration 5h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 20m Average total duration 8h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 6m Average total duration Fastest 2h 6m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 6h 37m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Barcelona Sants to Madrid:
A train is £38 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Barcelona Sants to Madrid costing on average £77.
A train is £79 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Barcelona Sants to Madrid costing on average £117.
Other travel options to Madrid take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 49m.
Coach takes on average 8h 50m.
The journey is about 48m faster (5h 49m by train vs 6h 37m by car) and roughly £54 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£39 vs £92). 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, Renfe AVLO, Renfe, Renfe Viajeros, Ouigo.
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 Sants to Madrid trains for today, Friday 4 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
06080 | On time 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 | |
03092 | On time 9:00 Barcelona Sants | 3h24 | 12:24 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 changesdirect | |
03304 | 9:55 Barcelona Sants | 3h49 | 13:44 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 | |
09730 | On time 12:50 Barcelona Sants | 3h28 | 16:18 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 changesdirect | |
06014 | 13:13 Barcelona Sants | 3h24 | 16:37 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 changesdirect | |
03130 | On time 13:27 Barcelona Sants | 3h02 | 16:29 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 | |
03152 | 15:00 Barcelona Sants | 3h17 | 18:17 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 changesdirect | |
06360 | 15:52 Barcelona Sants | 3h24 | 19:16 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 changesdirect | |
03162 | On time 16:00 Barcelona Sants | 3h44 | 19:44 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 changesdirect | |
03172 | 16:58 Barcelona Sants | 3h18 | 20:16 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 changesdirect | |
06180 | 17:20 Barcelona Sants | 3h02 | 20:22 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 changesdirect | |
03170 | 17:25 Barcelona Sants | 3h02 | 20:27 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 changesdirect | |
06570 | 17:40 Barcelona Sants | 3h02 | 20:42 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 changesdirect | |
03192 | 18:40 Barcelona Sants | 3h37 | 22:17 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 | |
03310 | 20:00 Barcelona Sants | 3h44 | 23:44 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 | |
| Saturday 5 September | |||||
03062 | 5:50 Barcelona Sants | 3h50 | 9:40 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 changesdirect | |
03302 | 6:35 Barcelona Sants | 3h17 | 9:52 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 changesdirect | |
06070 | 7:05 Barcelona Sants | 3h02 | 10:07 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 changesdirect | |
07410 | 7:35 Barcelona Sants | 3h30 | 11:05 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 changesdirect | |
06420 | 7:35 Barcelona Sants | 3h30 | 11:05 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 Sants to Madrid run on average 36 times per day, taking around 5h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £14 if you book in advance.
There are 36 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:45, the last at 18:28. The fastest train covers the 502 km distance in 3h 2m.
Distance 502 km |
Average train duration 5h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price £14 |
Trains per day 36 |
Direct trains 36 |
Fastest train 3h 2m |
First train 3:45 |
Last train 18:28 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 91 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 Sants 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 Sants to Madrid trains use the Barcelona Sants to Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes station pair. Use this guide to compare Barcelona Sants and Madrid train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Barcelona Sants is 1 km from Barcelona city centre. Public transport options include:
Barcelona Sants 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: McDonald’s, Caffe di Fiore, Ars Café, Café de l'Estació, Café de l’Estació Deli, Lavazza, Como, Peter's, Tutti Frutti, Enrique Tomás, & many more
Hotspots in and near restaurants. ATMs are in the central part of the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 06:00 - 22:00. Information desks are located in various locations inside the station.
Luggage storage is staffed and automatic. Open daily from 05:30 to 21:00. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Barcelona Sants: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Barcelona Sants: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Barcelona Sants: All areas of the station have full disability access facilities.
Nearby hotels include Apartments Eixample, Apartment Guell, Sweet Inn Callao.
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