- 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
£47
Average price
£72
Fastest journey
3 h 2 m
Average duration
3 h 2 m
Trains per day
15
Distance
503 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes 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-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes to Barcelona will cost around £72 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £47.
Of the 15 trains that leave Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes for Barcelona every day 15 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 503 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.
06015
06181
06425
06261
06571
06541
06071
06161
06281
06571Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes to Barcelona among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £15. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 4m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £15, and a flight costs an average of £25.
Distance: 503 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£45 Average Price | £32 Average Price Cheapest | £102 Average Price |
3h 44m Average total duration 3h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 5m Average total duration 6h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 4m Average total duration Fastest 3h 4m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The table below shows live departures for Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes to Barcelona trains for today, Sunday 23 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
06081 | On time 8:22 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h02 | 11:24 Barcelona Sants | 0 changesdirect | |
06281 | On time 8:50 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h02 | 11:52 Barcelona Sants | 0 changesdirect | |
06501 | Delayed 9:31 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h27 | 10:58 10:58Barcelona Sants | 0 changesdirect | |
06011 | Delayed 9:57 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h24 | 11:21 11:21Barcelona Sants | 0 changesdirect | |
06111 | Delayed 11:22 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h17 | 12:39 12:39Barcelona Sants | 0 changesdirect | |
06121 | On time 12:22 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h17 | 15:39 Barcelona Sants | 0 changesdirect | |
06021 | On time 14:42 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h31 | 18:13 Barcelona Sants | 0 changesdirect | |
06571 | Delayed 16:22 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h02 | 17:24 17:24Barcelona Sants | 0 changesdirect | |
06161 | Delayed 16:37 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h02 | 17:39 17:39Barcelona Sants | 0 changesdirect | |
06171 | Delayed 17:22 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h20 | 18:42 18:42Barcelona Sants | 0 changesdirect | |
06181 | Delayed 18:32 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h12 | 19:44 19:44Barcelona Sants | 0 changesdirect | |
06015 | Delayed 19:29 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h21 | 20:50 20:50Barcelona Sants | 0 changesdirect | |
07415 | 20:10 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h18 | 23:28 Barcelona Sants | 0 changesdirect | |
06201 | Delayed 20:22 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h17 | 21:39 21:39Barcelona Sants | 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 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes to Barcelona run on average 36 times per day, taking around 3h 14m. 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 04:09, the last at 18:56. The fastest train covers the 503 km distance in 3h 2m.
Distance 503 km |
Average train duration 3h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price £14 |
Trains per day 36 |
Direct trains 36 |
Fastest train 3h 2m |
First train 4:09 |
Last train 18:56 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
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-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes 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-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes to Barcelona trains use the Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes to Barcelona Sants station pair. Use this guide to compare Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes and Barcelona 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.
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