- Must visit
Museu Picasso
Barcelona’s leading art museum holds an outstanding collection of Picasso’s early works, offering insight into his formative years in the city.
Cheapest price on 12 Sept
£28
Average ticket price on 12 Sept
£56
Fastest journey on 12 Sept
3 h 2 m
Average journey duration on 12 Sept
3 h 2 m
Trains on 12 Sept
30
Distance
492 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona will cost around £56 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £28.
On Sat 12 Sept, we found 30 trains from Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona, including 30 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 492 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.
06151
06161
06121
06571
06541
06071
06151
06081
06541
06571Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £41 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 4m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £41, while a flight costs an average of £78.
Distance: 492 km
Most popular Train | Flight | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£41 Average Price Cheapest | £78 Average Price | £45 Average Price | £96 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 4m Average total duration Fastest 2h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 3m Average total duration 2h 3m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 11h 8m Average total duration 10h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 59m 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 Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona:
A train is £4 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona costing on average £45.
A train is £37 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona costing on average £78.
Other travel options to Barcelona take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 34m.
Coach takes on average 10h 38m.
The journey is about 3h 25m faster (2h 34m by train vs 5h 59m by car) and roughly £55 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£41 vs £96). 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.
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 Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona trains for today, Friday 11 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
03093 | On time 9:27 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h37 | 13:04 Barcelona Sants | 0 changesdirect | |
03303 | On time 10:27 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h17 | 13:44 Barcelona Sants | 0 changesdirect | |
06111 | 11:22 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h17 | 14:39 Barcelona Sants | 0 changesdirect | |
03113 | On time 11:27 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h44 | 15:11 Barcelona Sants | 0 changesdirect | |
06121 | 12:22 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h17 | 15:39 Barcelona Sants | 0 changesdirect | |
03123 | 12:27 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h42 | 16:09 Barcelona Sants | 0 changesdirect | |
09725 | On time 12:50 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h29 | 16:19 Barcelona Sants | 0 changesdirect | |
06021 | 14:42 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h31 | 18:13 Barcelona Sants | 0 changesdirect | |
06151 | 15:52 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h02 | 18:54 Barcelona Sants | 0 changesdirect | |
03163 | 16:27 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h23 | 19:50 Barcelona Sants | 0 changesdirect | |
06161 | 16:37 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h02 | 19:39 Barcelona Sants | 0 changesdirect | |
06171 | 17:22 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h20 | 20:42 Barcelona Sants | 0 changesdirect | |
03373 | 17:27 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h44 | 21:11 Barcelona Sants | 0 changesdirect | |
03181 | 17:57 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h02 | 20:59 Barcelona Sants | 0 changesdirect | |
03183 | 18:27 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h22 | 21:49 Barcelona Sants | 0 changesdirect | |
06181 | 18:32 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h12 | 21:44 Barcelona Sants | 0 changesdirect | |
03191 | 18:51 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h08 | 21:59 Barcelona Sants | 0 changesdirect | |
06015 | 19:29 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h21 | 22:50 Barcelona Sants | 0 changesdirect | |
03309 | 19:34 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h46 | 23:20 Barcelona Sants | 0 changesdirect | |
07415 | 20:10 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h18 | 23:28 Barcelona Sants | 0 changesdirect | |
06201 | 20:22 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h17 | 23:39 Barcelona Sants | 0 changesdirect | |
03201 | 20:30 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h17 | 23:47 Barcelona Sants | 0 changesdirect | |
| Saturday 12 September | |||||
06471 | 6:22 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h23 | 9:45 Barcelona Sants | 0 changesdirect | |
03311 | 6:27 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h29 | 9:56 Barcelona Sants | 0 changesdirect | |
06071 | 7:22 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h02 | 10:24 Barcelona Sants | 0 changesdirect | |
03073 | 7:27 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h44 | 11:11 Barcelona Sants | 0 changesdirect | |
06081 | 8:22 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h02 | 11:24 Barcelona Sants | 0 changesdirect | |
03083 | 8:27 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h17 | 11:44 Barcelona Sants | 0 changesdirect | |
06281 | 8:50 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h02 | 11:52 Barcelona Sants | 0 changesdirect | |
03091 | 8:57 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h09 | 12:06 Barcelona Sants | 0 changesdirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach, train 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 Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona run on average 29 times per day, taking around 2h 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £16 if you book in advance.
There are 29 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:09, the last at 18:30. The fastest train covers the 492 km distance in 3h 2m.
Distance 492 km |
Average train duration 2h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price £16 |
Trains per day 29 |
Direct trains 29 |
Fastest train 3h 2m |
First train 4:09 |
Last train 18:30 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 63 days |
Discover the best of Barcelona — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Barcelona trip today.
Barcelona’s leading art museum holds an outstanding collection of Picasso’s early works, offering insight into his formative years in the city.
MNAC presents Catalan art from Romanesque frescoes to modern works inside a grand national palace with excellent terrace views.
A striking museum devoted to Joan Miró, with major paintings, sculptures and a bright hilltop setting on Montjuïc.
Barcelona’s famous boulevard links Plaça de Catalunya to the waterfront, lively with kiosks, architecture and constant people-watching.
The Gothic Quarter is a maze of medieval lanes, hidden squares and historic buildings that captures the atmosphere of old Barcelona.
This elegant avenue showcases luxury shops and several major modernista buildings, making it one of Barcelona’s best architectural walks.
A rustic Catalan salad of salt cod, tomatoes, onions and olives. It is a classic Barcelona starter linked to the region’s preserved fish traditions.
Toasted bread rubbed with tomato and olive oil, often finished with salt. This simple Catalan staple appears on tables across Barcelona.
Short pasta baked with pork, sausage, tomatoes and aioli. A beloved Catalan comfort dish strongly associated with family meals and local cuisine.
World-renowned fine dining restaurant by the sea, noted for creative seafood-focused tasting menus and polished service.
Long-standing tapas bar celebrated for bombas, vermouth and classic small plates in a busy, no-frills local atmosphere.
Historic market bar in La Boqueria, famous for fresh seafood, tapas and a lively counter dining atmosphere.
Moderate for Western Europe: hotels can be pricey in peak season, but dining and public transport are reasonable for tourists.
Tipping is optional. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; round up in taxis; small change is fine in cafés.
Official public transport app
Barcelona Sants -> Plaça de Catalunya
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona 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 Barcelona, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona trains use the Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes to Barcelona Sants station pair. Use this guide to compare Madrid Barajas Airport and Barcelona 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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need