Madrid to Barcelona train with Ouigo

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Madrid to Barcelona

Showing times and prices for 15 Jun

Cheapest price

£67

Average price

£96

Fastest journey

2 h 37 m

Average duration

2 h 43 m

Trains per day

Distance

504 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Madrid 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 to Barcelona will cost around £96 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £67.

Fast trains

Of the 13 trains that leave Madrid for Barcelona every day 13 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 504 km distance in an average of 2 h 43 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 37 m .

The slowest trains will take 2 h 52 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.

06081

08:072h52

Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes

10:59Barcelona Sants

£671One-way

0 changes

06471

07:022h52

Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes

09:54Barcelona Sants

£741One-way

0 changes

06121

12:222h52

Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes

15:14Barcelona Sants

£821One-way

0 changes

06611

21:022h52

Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes

23:54Barcelona Sants

£841One-way

0 changes

06541

14:122h37

Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes

16:49Barcelona Sants

£841One-way

0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Madrid to Barcelona

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Barcelona among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £17. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 50m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg.

Compare train with

Most popular Train	Coach	Flight
£61 Average Price	£57 Average Price Cheapest	£107 Average Price
3h 20m average duration Fastest 2h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	13h 12m average duration 12h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	8h 16m average duration 5h 16m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time*
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest	0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions	1.5 - 3.0kg CO2 emissions
Direct Options	Direct Options	Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Madrid to Barcelona train times

Showing trains for tomorrow, Sunday 15 June

Last updated at 21:14

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Changes
06471	On time 05:02 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes	2h52	07:54 Barcelona Sants	0 changesdirect
06081	On time 06:07 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes	2h52	08:59 Barcelona Sants	0 changesdirect
06291	On time 07:22 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes	2h59	10:21 Barcelona Sants	0 changesdirect
06501	Delayed 08:02 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes	3h02	11:04 11:04Barcelona Sants	0 changesdirect
06121	On time 10:22 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes	2h52	13:14 Barcelona Sants	0 changesdirect
06141	On time 12:02 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes	2h52	14:54 Barcelona Sants	0 changesdirect
06541	On time 12:12 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes	2h37	14:49 Barcelona Sants	0 changesdirect
06021	On time 12:42 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes	2h59	15:41 Barcelona Sants	0 changesdirect
06161	14:37 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes	2h37	17:14 Barcelona Sants	0 changesdirect
06571	15:17 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes	2h37	17:54 Barcelona Sants	0 changesdirect
06171	15:22 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes	2h52	18:14 Barcelona Sants	0 changesdirect
06201	18:22 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes	2h52	21:14 Barcelona Sants	0 changesdirect
06611	19:02 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes	2h52	21:54 Barcelona Sants	0 changesdirect
This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Madrid to Barcelona by train, coach or flight

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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Madrid to Barcelona?

The best time to book your train from Madrid to Barcelona is 91 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Madrid to Barcelona route.

Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Madrid to Barcelona per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Madrid to Barcelona.

Trains

from £38

Coaches

from £26

Flights

from £91

ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Madrid to Barcelona

The customer opinion was acquired via Cimenio. Cimenio incentivises its users for giving an honest opinion and proving the booking with a photo of the travel ticket.

Pro

Fast

Comfortable

Clean

Cons

Expensive

I have traveled from Madrid to Barcelona several tines using AVE and the experience has always been nice good. The trains are very fast and you arrive to Barcelona in less than 3h. Also, the trains are very new and clean. You can choose the silence car if you want to be quiet. There is also a bar inside the train. The price of the tickets is a little bit expensive compared to travelling by bus but it is worth it. It takes 6 more hours if you go by bus.

Pro

Staff

Volume

Punctuality

Cons

Need to change

Comfort

Hygiene

About a month ago, I took a trip with Deutsche Bahn from Madrid to Barcelona. The staff on the train were very friendly. They were always smiling. The volume on the train was optimal. The train also arrived in Barcelona on time. Unfortunately, there were many changes of trains, which made the journey difficult. The seats were not comfortable and I could see old coffee stains or food remains. The toilets were also not cleaned and stank. Overall, a satisfactory journey.

Pro

WIFI

Hygiene

Personnel

Cons

Price

Punctuality

Comfort

I travelled from Madrid to Barcelona for work. The wifi connection was excellent. I was therefore able to do my work flexibly on the train. Good attention was paid to hygiene. The toilets were very clean and well maintained. The staff were very friendly. However, I found the price a bit expensive. The train also didn't arrive in Barcelona on time. I also personally found the seats uncomfortable. Overall, a good journey.

Pro

Modern train

Air-conditioned train

Cheap seat reservation

Cons

Very crowded

Toilet very unclean

1 hour delay

Train number: AVE 3161 Departure: 16:00 Arrival: 18:30 I travelled back to Barcelona from Madrid with my Interrail ticket. I already knew the route as I had already travelled from Barcelona to Madrid. The train was very modern and nice and cool. Unfortunately, it was a whole hour late. The toilet was also very unhygienic and the train was completely overcrowded.

Pro

Plenty of room to sit

Cheaper than car hire

Cons

Not much space to store luggage

The wifi was chargeable

Firstly, the not-so-good aspects: the luggage spaces above the seats are unfortunately quite small, which meant that I had to hold on to my suitcase for the whole journey. In addition, the wifi was chargeable. For most people, this is also a negative aspect. I travelled from Madrid to Barcelona in 2 hours and 40 minutes and didn't even have to change trains. The service on the train with the train number 6010 was also good. I had also reserved a window seat as the windows are very large. The comfort could be better, as well as the facilities, as there were no power sockets and no free wifi. But thanks to the good price, it was still more worthwhile than hiring a car. Everything was well maintained and clean. There was also plenty of space to sit.

Pro

Good seats

Cons

Slightly stuffy

The train from Madrid to Barcelona departed on time and had the train number 6303. The journey took about 3 hours. The comfort offered on the train was great, as was the food and the friendly staff. The toilets were clean and hygienic. The general comfort was good, the seats were comfortable, the wifi was good, which made it possible to surf the wifi in a relaxed manner.

Pro

Good air conditioning

Cons

Slightly stuffy

The train from Madrid to Barcelona departed on 22 January at 10 a.m. without delay. The journey from Madrid to Barcelona is possible without changing trains and takes around 3 hours. The comfort on the train was good, as the food you could buy was good and the wifi made it possible to surf the internet. The staff were nice and helped me with my ticket. I would recommend the journey to anyone in Spain.

Pro

Good air conditioning

Cons

Slightly stuffy

The train from Madrid to Barcelona had the train number 6151, the train was 15 minutes late and the journey took about 3 hours. The service on the train was impeccable and the staff were polite and friendly. The seats on the train were very comfortable. The toilet was hygienic and clean. The connection was possible without changing trains, which made travelling by train much easier. I would recommend this connection to anyone in Spain.

Pro

Price

Personnel

Wifi connection

Punctual

Booking options

Cons

Hygiene

Comfort

Volume

The journey from Madrid to Barcelona was excellent. I reserved my seat flexibly and easily online in class 2, carriage 5, row 19 and seat D. So the reservation options were uncomplicated. The price was relatively reasonable. The staff were very helpful and friendly. They were always at my side and resolved my concerns or problems as quickly as possible. I felt like I was in good hands. The wifi connection was also very efficient, allowing me to work on my laptop or wifi. The train also arrived in Barcelona on time. Above all, it turns out that the timetable was well thought out and was definitely adhered to. However, the hygiene conditions were poor, as the toilets were unkempt. Unfortunately, the seats were not comfortable and the noise level on the train was not ideal. Overall, I thought the trip was great as the positive aspects outweighed the negative!

Pro

Clean

Comfortable

Cons

Service

Cold food that should be hot

On my journey from Madrid to Barcelona by train, I had mixed feelings. The comfort was pretty good - comfortable seats and plenty of legroom. The service, on the other hand, was not so nice, and unfortunately there was a cold meal. The cleanliness of the train was first class, which surprised me positively. One unforgettable experience was when a fellow traveller got out his guitar and played for the passengers. Overall, the price-performance ratio was acceptable.

Pro

Good price

Beautiful view

Cons

Hygiene was okay

I travelled to Barcelona on the AVLIA 06301. I was very happy with the price, even though I booked the ticket through Deutsche Bahn. The view was really nice and you could really enjoy the journey. The friendly service only added to my sense of well-being. Unfortunately, the hygiene wasn't all that great.

Pro

The train was absolutely clean

The ticket controls are super regulated like at the airport

Very good on-board restaurant

Cons

Toilets were defective

The train was very full

Annoyed staff

The train was super comfortable, so the seats were excellent. Unfortunately, I have to criticise the toilets, which were either closed or very dirty. Buying tickets is a bit complicated for foreigners who don't speak Spanish, but I have to say that the check-in is very well organised and the punctuality was definitely there, To summarise, Spanish trains are more punctual and cleaner.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Madrid to Barcelona

Spain

Trains from Madrid to Barcelona run on average 35 times per day, taking around 2h 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £17 if you book in advance.

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

504 km

Average train duration

2h 50m

Cheapest ticket price

£17

Trains per day

Direct trains

Fastest train

2h 30m

First train

05:40

Last train

21:25

Price information

Train companies: AVE, Ouigo and Renfe AVLO trains Madrid to Barcelona

AVE, Ouigo and Renfe AVLO trains will get you to Barcelona from Madrid from £22. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Renfe AVE is a high-speed train service operated by the Spanish railway company Renfe with trains from Madrid to Barcelona. It is one of the most popular train services in Spain, connecting major cities across the country. The AVE trains are some of the fastest in Europe, reaching speeds of up to 310 km/h. They offer a comfortable and convenient way to travel, with spacious seating, air conditioning, and onboard entertainment. Renfe AVE offers several types of trains, including the AVE S-100, AVE S-112, AVE S-130, and AVE S-120. The AVE S-100 is the fastest, while the AVE S-120 is the most luxurious. Passengers can choose from a variety of ticket types, including single tickets, return tickets, and group tickets. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power outlets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. The most popular routes for Renfe AVE include Madrid to Barcelona, Madrid to Seville, and Barcelona to Valencia.

AVE from Madrid to Barcelona train information:

Average Duration: 2 h 30 min
Cheapest Price: £25
AVE frequency: 12 a day

OUIGO is a low-cost train company based in France. It offers high-speed trains that run between major cities in France, as well as international destinations. The trains are divided into two types: TGV and Intercités. The TGV trains are the fastest, with speeds of up to 320 km/h, while the Intercités trains are slightly slower but still offer a comfortable journey. OUIGO offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, Flexi and Premium. Standard tickets are the most affordable, while Flexi and Premium tickets offer more flexibility and additional benefits such as priority boarding and access to the OUIGO Lounge. Onboard, passengers can enjoy free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. The most popular routes for OUIGO are Paris to Lyon, Paris to Marseille, and Paris to Lille.

Ouigo from Madrid to Barcelona train information:

Average Duration: 2 h 30 min
Cheapest Price: £22

Renfe Avlo is Renfe's low-cost high-speed AVE train provider offering trains to Barcelona from Madrid. It's a new service operating on some of Spain's most popular long-distance lines like Madrid to Barcelona-Figueres line. Avlo trains can travel up to 300 km/h. There is a single Economy Class with assigned tickets called Básica but this includes power sockets at each seat and vending machines. Avlo trains run between popular Spanish cities like Madrid, Zaragoza, Tarragona, Barcelona, Girona and Figueres. The routes Renfe-AVLO serves are expected to expand.

Train information from Madrid to Barcelona with Renfe AVLO:

Average Duration: 3 h 16 min
Cheapest Price: £26

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.

Iryo from Madrid to Barcelona train information:

Average Duration: 2 h 30 min
Cheapest Price: £38

Renfe Regional Exprés is a regional train service operated by Renfe, the Spanish national railway company. It operates throughout Spain, with services running from early morning to late evening. Renfe Regional Expres offers a variety of train types, including the Media Distancia, and Larga Distancia. The Media Distancia and Larga Distancia are medium- and long-distance trains, respectively. Ticket types include in this type of train is just Turista. Onboard facilities include air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and power outlets. The most popular routes for Renfe Regional Expres are Madrid-Barcelona, Madrid-Valencia, and Madrid-Seville.

Madrid to Barcelona train information with Renfe Regional Exprés:

Average Duration: 9 h 13 min
Cheapest Price: £39

Renfe is Spain’s national train operator offering a multitude of domestic routes and international routes to France and Portugal. Renfe is known for its range of ticket types to fit anyone’s budget, such as the Basic, Elige and Premium tickets. Renfe also has discount cards for qualified travellers like the Renfe Gold Card and +Renfe Youth Card 50, which you can use on Omio. When you ride with Renfe, you can expect to find an impressive fleet of trains offering different levels of comfort, amenities and time needed to travel to your destination. These train types include Renfe AVE for high-speed long-distance routes, Alvia and Altaria for domestic routes in parts of Spain, Euromed for routes along the stunning Mediterranean coast, Avant commuter trains and Trenhotel night trains.

FAQs: Madrid to Barcelona train

FAQs: Travel by train from Madrid to Barcelona easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Madrid to Barcelona.

Cheap train tickets from Madrid to Barcelona can start from as little as £9 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Madrid to Barcelona is £33; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.

The average journey time by train from Madrid to Barcelona is 2 h 30 min to travel the 312 mile long trip, with around there are 30 trains per day. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays.

The first train from Madrid to Barcelona leaves at 05: 40. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.

The last train from Madrid to Barcelona leaves at 21: 25.

Yes, it is possible to travel from Madrid to Barcelona without having to change trains with AVE, Ouigo, Renfe AVLO or iryo. There are 30 direct trains from Madrid to Barcelona each day. There may be fewer direct services available on weekends or holidays.

Yes, you can take a high-speed train from Madrid to Barcelona with Ouigo or iryo. Overall you can travel with the following companies: AVE, Ouigo, Renfe AVLO, iryo or Renfe Regional Exprés.

For the journey from Madrid to Barcelona you can take a train with AVE, Ouigo, Renfe AVLO, iryo or Renfe Regional Exprés. Be sure to check out all possible train providers that offer services to Barcelona from Madrid on Omio to compare what amenities they may have.

No, there are no night trains, the latest train for this route is 21: 25.

When departing from Madrid, you have various train station options to start your journey from including Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes and Madrid Chamartín. When arriving in Barcelona, you can end your journey in train stations like Barcelona Sants, Passeig de Gràcia station and Barcelona Estació de França.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes, which is located around 1.4 miles (2.2 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Barcelona Sants, located 1.5 miles (2.4 km) away from the city centre.

A trip to Barcelona from Madrid is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2 h 30 min each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.

The cheapest month for a train from Madrid to Barcelona is July.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel from Madrid to Barcelona including taking a train, coach or flight.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Madrid and Barcelona

Madrid

Barcelona

The major train station for departures in Madrid is Madrid Chamartín. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Madrid Chamartín for your trip from Madrid to Barcelona.

Madrid Chamartín Parking