- Recommended
Centre d'Interpretació de Portbou
Small local museum presenting Portbou’s railway heritage, border history and maritime setting.
Cheapest price on 08 Sept
£13
Average ticket price on 08 Sept
£14
Fastest journey on 08 Sept
2 h 4 m
Average journey duration on 08 Sept
2 h 11 m
Trains on 08 Sept
11
Distance
142 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Barcelona to Portbou is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Barcelona to Portbou will cost around £14 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £13.
On Tue 08 Sept, we found 11 trains from Barcelona to Portbou, including 11 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 142 km distance in an average of 2 h 11 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 4 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 22 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.
15916
15900
15908
15904
15820
15806
15818
15802
15900
15908Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Barcelona to Portbou among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £44 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 55m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £44, while a train costs an average of £46.
Distance: 142 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£46 Average Price | £44 Average Price Cheapest | £26 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 55m Average total duration Fastest 2h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 25m Average total duration 2h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 8m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Barcelona to Portbou:
A coach is £2 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Barcelona to Portbou costing on average £46.
Other travel options to Portbou take longer:
Coach takes on average 2h 55m.
Tickets start at around £46 compared to roughly £26 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-20.05. The journey takes 2h 25m versus 2h 8m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Barcelona to Portbou trains for today, Monday 7 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
15916 | 13:29 Sant Adreu Comtal | 2h23 | 15:52 Portbou station | 0 changesdirect | |
15918 | 15:29 Sant Adreu Comtal | 2h22 | 17:51 Portbou station | 0 changesdirect | |
15816 | 17:29 Sant Adreu Comtal | 2h22 | 19:51 Portbou station | 0 changesdirect | |
15818 | 17:55 Barcelona El Clot Aragó | 2h04 | 19:59 Portbou station | 0 changesdirect | |
15820 | 19:29 Sant Adreu Comtal | 2h22 | 21:51 Portbou station | 0 changesdirect | |
15900 | 6:29 Sant Adreu Comtal | 2h22 | 8:51 Portbou station | 0 changesdirect | |
15904 | 7:30 Sant Adreu Comtal | 2h29 | 9:59 Portbou station | 0 changesdirect | |
15802 | 8:25 Barcelona El Clot Aragó | 2h04 | 10:29 Portbou station | 0 changesdirect | |
15908 | 9:29 Sant Adreu Comtal | 2h22 | 11:51 Portbou station | 0 changesdirect | |
15806 | 10:25 Barcelona El Clot Aragó | 2h04 | 12:29 Portbou station | 0 changesdirect | |
15912 | 11:29 Sant Adreu Comtal | 2h22 | 13:51 Portbou station | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and coach 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 to Portbou run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2h 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £1 if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:16, the last at 21:07. The fastest train covers the 142 km distance in 2h 1m.
Distance 142 km |
Average train duration 2h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price £1 |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 2h 1m |
First train 6:16 |
Last train 21:07 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Portbou — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Portbou trip today.
Small local museum presenting Portbou’s railway heritage, border history and maritime setting.
Exhibition space focused on Walter Benjamin’s memory, exile and the wider border history of Portbou.
Art museum in nearby Cadaqués with works linked to Salvador Dalí and the artistic life of the Costa Brava.
Central seafront beach area with calm views, easy swimming access and a pleasant promenade atmosphere.
Scenic coastal path section offering sea views, coves and a rewarding walk towards the French border.
Popular lookout above town with broad views over the bay, railway lines and the surrounding hills.
A hearty fisherman’s stew from the Costa Brava with mixed rock fish, potatoes and saffron. It reflects the area’s maritime heritage.
Chargrilled spring onions served with romesco sauce. A much-loved Catalan seasonal tradition, often enjoyed in winter gatherings.
Fresh anchovies from nearby l’Escala, usually salted or marinated. They are a defining flavour of the Empordà coast.
Casual seafront-style dining known for seafood, rice dishes and Mediterranean cooking in a relaxed Portbou setting.
Traditional local restaurant serving fish, shellfish and Catalan dishes with a straightforward, established atmosphere.
Informal spot for tapas, simple plates and drinks, suitable for a relaxed meal near the centre of Portbou.
Portbou is moderate for Costa Brava travel. Dining is fairly priced, but limited choice and seasonal demand can raise accommodation and restaurant costs in peak months.
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service. In cafés, small change is fine. For taxis, round up the fare.
Official public transport app
Portbou station -> Plaça Major, Portbou
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Barcelona to Portbou 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 Portbou, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Barcelona to Portbou trains use the Barcelona Sants to Portbou station pair. Use this guide to compare Barcelona and Portbou 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.
Sant Adreu Comtal is 5 km from Barcelona city centre. Public transport options include:
Sant Adreu Comtal has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sant Adreu Comtal.
Barcelona Passeig De Gracia 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, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Lasarte, El Nacional
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Barcelona Passeig De Gracia. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Barcelona Passeig De Gracia. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Barcelona Passeig De Gracia: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Barcelona Passeig De Gracia: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Barcelona Passeig De Gracia: Elevators.
Nearby hotels include Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona, Hotel Royal Passeig de Gracia, Casa Fuster Hotel.
Portbou has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink options are available at Portbou.
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Portbou. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Portbou. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Portbou: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Portbou: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Portbou: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Comodoro, Hotel La Masia.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need