- Must visit
Museo Casa Natal de Cervantes
Birthplace museum dedicated to Cervantes, recreating a period home and presenting everyday life linked to the writer’s era.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Barcelona to Alcalá de Henares
Showing times and prices for 16 Aug
Cheapest price
£33
Average price
£37
Fastest journey
2 h 52 m
Average duration
3 h 17 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
474 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Barcelona to Alcalá de Henares is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Barcelona to Alcalá de Henares will cost around £37 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £33.
Fast trains
Of the 3 trains that leave Barcelona for Alcalá de Henares every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 474 km distance in an average of 3 h 17 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 52 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 30 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.
6:353h30Barcelona10:05Alcalá de Henares£331One-way0 changes
6:502h52Barcelona9:42Alcalá de Henares£381One-way0 changes- 5:353h30Barcelona9:05Alcalá de Henares£401One-way0 changes
- 6:502h52Barcelona9:42Alcalá de Henares£381One-way0 changes
- 6:353h30Barcelona10:05Alcalá de Henares£331One-way0 changes
- 5:353h30Barcelona9:05Alcalá de Henares£401One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Barcelona to Alcalá de Henares
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Barcelona to Alcalá de Henares among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £21. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 28m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £21, and a flight costs an average of £35.
Distance: 474 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£34 Average Price Cheapest | £47 Average Price | £78 Average Price |
3h 19m Average total duration 2h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 27m Average total duration 6h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 28m Average total duration Fastest 1h 28m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | 1.4 - 2.8kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Barcelona to Alcalá de Henares train times
The table below shows live departures for Barcelona to Alcalá de Henares trains for today, Saturday 15 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11:50 Barcelona | 3h02 | 14:52 Alcalá de Henares | 0 changesdirect | |
| 12:50 Barcelona | 3h02 | 15:52 Alcalá de Henares | 0 changesdirect | |
| 18:40 Barcelona | 3h02 | 21:42 Alcalá de Henares | 0 changesdirect | |
| 19:20 Barcelona | 3h28 | 22:48 Alcalá de Henares | 0 changesdirect | |
| Sunday 16 August | |||||
| 5:35 Barcelona | 3h30 | 9:05 Alcalá de Henares | 0 changesdirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Barcelona to Alcalá de Henares by train, coach or flight
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.
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16 Aug
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17 Aug
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Why should you book Barcelona to Alcalá de Henares trains with Omio?
SNCF OUIGO as well as iryo or AVE offer trains services from Barcelona to Alcalá de Henares.
Omio is the only official third party seller for SNCF OUIGO tickets.
Why book with Omio vs SNCF OUIGO?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for SNCF OUIGO, but also compare tickets for the likes of iryo or AVE to find the best option for your trip from Barcelona to Alcalá de Henares.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare SNCF OUIGO with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Barcelona to Alcalá de Henares.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Barcelona to Alcalá de Henares
SpainSpain
Trains from Barcelona to Alcalá de Henares run on average 17 times per day, taking around 2h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £21 if you book in advance.
There are 17 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:45, the last at 21:02. The fastest train covers the 474 km distance in 2h 52m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 474 km |
Average train duration 2h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price £21 |
Trains per day 17 |
Direct trains 17 |
Fastest train 2h 52m |
First train 5:45 |
Last train 21:02 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 28 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Train companies: SNCF OUIGO, iryo, AVE from Barcelona to Alcalá de Henares trainsSNCF OUIGO, iryo, AVE trains will get you between Barcelona and Alcalá de Henares from £21. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
iryo
About
iryo is a new brand from railway operator ILSA operating in Spain since 2022. iryo uses Frecciarossa 1000 trains which are modern, can travel at up to 360km/h and have a minimal environmental impact. iryo’s Frecciarossa trains have different classes, all of which come with free unlimited WiFi, power sockets, toilets and an onboard entertainment portal where you can watch films and TV series. The main classes are: Infinita Class, Singular Café Class, Singular Class, Inicial Class. These new trains take 2 hours and 30 minutes to travel between Madrid and Barcelona. They depart from Madrid Atocha and Barcelona Sants stations, and stop in Zaragoza along the way. iryo services also cover Madrid, Cuenca, Valencia, Alicante, Córdoba, Seville and Málaga.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 52m
Cheapest Price
£21
iryo frequency
13 a day
Luggage included
1 cabin bag (36x56x26cm) and 1 handbag (36x30x10cm)
Luggage storage
Overhead compartments and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund provided
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car with Mediterranean cuisine, at-seat service in both classes
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and assistance available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free. Large dogs need paid ticket
Quiet zone
AVE
About
Travel comfortably with AVE, Renfe’s high-speed trains. AVE connects major cities across Spain at speeds of up to 310 km/h (193 mph), offering a fast and smooth travel experience. Ticket options include Promo, Promo+, and Flexible fares to suit different budgets, along with discount cards such as the Gold Card and +Renfe Youth 50 Card for eligible travelers. AVE trains feature modern amenities including comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard catering, making them a convenient and enjoyable way to travel across Spain.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 29m
Cheapest Price
£61
AVE frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 3 pieces of luggage free of charge
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, end of carriages, and designated areas between seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund conditions depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages. At-seat service in Preferente (First) Class
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for all classes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance services available
Pets
Small pets under 10kg in carriers allowed free. Larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle. Guide dogs free.
Quiet zone
SNCF OUIGO
About
SNCF OUIGO is a low-cost train service launched in 2013 by SNCF, the French national railway company. It offers budget-friendly travel on both high-speed (Ouigo Grande Vitesse) and conventional (Ouigo Vitesse Classique) lines in France, and also to Belgium and Spain. OUIGO trains are characterized by a \no-frills\" approach, featuring a single class of seating and minimal onboard amenities to keep ticket prices low. While the high-speed services utilize specially reconfigured TGV trains, Ouigo Vitesse Classique uses older locomotive-hauled rolling stock for even cheaper fares on slower routes."
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 37m
Cheapest Price
£17
SNCF OUIGO frequency
9 a day
Luggage included
1 cabin bag (max 36x27x15cm) and 1 small bag included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
According to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by OUIGO
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservation mandatory and included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and assistance available for passengers with reduced mobility
Pets
Small pets in carriers (max 45x30x25cm) for €5. Large dogs not allowed except guide dogs
Complete guide to Alcalá de Henares
Things to do in Alcalá de Henares
Discover the best of Alcalá de Henares — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Alcalá de Henares trip today.
- Must visit
Museo Arqueológico y Paleontológico de la Comunidad de Madrid
Archaeological museum in a former convent, with Roman mosaics, local finds and clear displays tracing the region’s long history.
- Recommended
Museo del Monasterio de San Bernardo
Small local museum inside a monastic setting, displaying religious art, documents and spaces tied to the convent’s history.
- Must visit
Plaza de Cervantes
Main square framed by historic buildings and arcades, ideal for strolling and for understanding the city’s civic heart.
- Must visit
Calle Mayor
Long colonnaded street lined with shops and historic façades, one of the most pleasant and characteristic walks in Alcalá.
- Recommended
Yacimiento Arqueológico de Complutum
Archaeological park of the Roman city, with excavated streets, houses and forums that reveal Alcalá’s ancient urban past.
- Gluten-free
Cochinillo asado
Roast suckling pig linked to Castilian festive cooking around Alcalá; prized for very tender meat and crisp skin.
- Gluten-free
Cordero asado
Slow-roasted lamb, a classic regional Sunday and celebration dish in the Madrid and Castile area, usually simply seasoned.
Sopa de ajo
Garlic soup from nearby Castile traditions, made with bread, garlic, paprika and usually egg and ham, common in historic taverns.
Ki-Jote
Refined restaurant in central Alcalá serving updated Spanish cuisine in an elegant, quieter setting.
Parador de Alcalá Restaurant
Traditional Castilian restaurant in a historic setting, known for roast meats and classic regional dishes.
Mesón El Infante
Well-known local venue for Castilian cuisine, especially roast meats and hearty Spanish classics in a polished dining room.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Spain and cheaper than central Madrid. Meals, local trains and cafés are reasonable, while accommodation usually costs less than in major tourist hubs.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or a simple set meal.
- Mid-range
- €15-30 per person for a mid-range restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €1.50-3 for coffee or a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Small change is fine in cafés. Taxis are usually rounded up, not heavily tipped.
Renfe Cercanias
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €2.60
- Day pass
- €8.40
To the city centre
Alcalá de Henares -> Plaza de Cervantes, Alcalá de Henares
- Distance
- 1.0 km
- Travel time
- 12 min
- Use Renfe Cercanías for rail journeys to and from Madrid. The official app shows timetables, platform information and service alerts.
- Alcalá de Henares is in the Madrid fare system outside Zone A, so urban Madrid flat fares do not apply. Check the correct CRTM or Renfe fare before travel.
FAQs: Barcelona to Alcalá de Henares train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Barcelona to Alcalá de Henares 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 Alcalá de Henares, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Barcelona to Alcalá de Henares can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £21, while the average price tends to be around £34.
The train journey from Barcelona to Alcalá de Henares covers a distance of 474 km and takes approximately 2h 52m. Trains run 17 per day.
The train distance from Barcelona to Alcalá de Henares is 474 km.
The first train from Barcelona to Alcalá de Henares leaves at 5:45.
The last train from Barcelona to Alcalá de Henares departs at 21:02.
Trains from Barcelona to Alcalá de Henares run approximately 17 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Barcelona to Alcalá de Henares.
Yes, there is a direct train between Barcelona and Alcalá de Henares. The service operates 17 times per day, provided by SNCF OUIGO, iryo.
To get from Barcelona to Alcalá de Henares, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Barcelona to Alcalá de Henares.
The train station in Barcelona that goes to Alcalá de Henares is Barcelona Sants, and it arrives at Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes.
The cheapest way to get from Barcelona to Alcalá de Henares is by train, costing approximately £21.
Booking trains from Barcelona to Alcalá de Henares in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Barcelona to Alcalá de Henares offers a varied landscape, including views of Catalonia's coast, rolling hills, and the scenic countryside of central Spain, providing a pleasant experience for travellers.
A day trip from Barcelona to Alcalá de Henares is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 52m. However, there are 16 trains per day covering the 474 km distance.
In Alcalá de Henares, you can explore the Regional Archaeological Museum to discover artifacts from prehistoric to medieval times, stroll along the historic Calle Mayor lined with shops and cafes, and visit the uniquely designed Laredo Palace with its beautiful gardens. Enjoy a walk in Parque O'Donnell, or attend a cultural event at Teatro Salón Cervantes. Notable sights include the Cervantes Birthplace Museum, the historic University of Alcalá, the Gothic-style Alcalá Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace, and the Corral de Comedias, one of Europe's oldest preserved theatres.
You would typically need one to two days to explore Alcalá de Henares, allowing time to visit its historic university, the birthplace of Cervantes, and the charming old town.
Yes, you can take the train from Barcelona to Alcalá de Henares.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Barcelona and Alcalá de Henares
Most Barcelona to Alcalá de Henares trains use the Barcelona Sants to Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes station pair. Use this guide to compare Barcelona and Alcalá de Henares train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Barcelona
Arrival train stations in Alcalá de Henares
Which Barcelona station do trains to Alcalá de Henares leave from?
Trains from Barcelona to Alcalá de Henares leave from Barcelona Sants. The station is 2 km from Barcelona city centre at Plaça dels Països Catalans, 1, 7, 08014 Barcelona, Spain.
Barcelona SantsPlaça dels Països Catalans, 1, 7, 08014 Barcelona, Spain+34 934956020
City-centre transport
Getting to Barcelona Sants from Barcelona city centre
Barcelona Sants is 1 km from Barcelona city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainR1, R4 · 4m · £0.90 · every ~15 min
Re, 15254, 15710, 15760, 15762, 15770, 15772, 15774, 15778, 15780, 15782, 15784, 15786, 15788, 15792, 15850, 15860, 15868, 15874, 15878, 15886 · 5m · £0.90
BusN28 · 20m · every ~3 min
D20 · 21m · £3 · every ~12 min
SubwayL3 · 16m · £3 · every ~26 min
Barcelona Sants train station facilities and services
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 and drink
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
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Hotspots in and near restaurants. ATMs are in the central part of the station.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 06:00 - 22:00. Information desks are located in various locations inside the station.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is staffed and automatic. Open daily from 05:30 to 21:00. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Barcelona Sants: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Barcelona Sants: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Barcelona Sants: All areas of the station have full disability access facilities.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Apartments Eixample, Apartment Guell, Sweet Inn Callao.
More options for your journey from Barcelona to Alcalá de Henares
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Alcalá de Henares and Barcelona
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