- 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
£138
Average price
£155
Fastest journey
6 h 44 m
Average duration
10 h 17 m
Trains per day
7
Distance
769 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Málaga to Barcelona is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Málaga to Barcelona will cost around £155 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £138.
To travel from Málaga to Barcelona you need to make at least one change.
02073+
06171
02073 · 03123
02073 · 03143
02173 · 03201
02093+
06181
02173 · 03201
02073 · 03123
02073 · 03143
02093+
06181
02093 · 03183Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Málaga to Barcelona among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £42. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 35m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £42, and a flight costs an average of £32.
Distance: 769 km
Most popular Train | Flight | Coach |
|---|---|---|
£83 Average Price Cheapest | £149 Average Price | £98 Average Price |
6h 13m Average total duration 5h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 35m Average total duration Fastest 4h 35m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 12h 51m Average total duration 12h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.3 - 4.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 1.9kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Málaga to Barcelona trains for today, Tuesday 18 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
06149 · 06171 | Delayed 13:50 Málaga María Zambrano | 6h52 | 18:42 18:42Barcelona Sants | 1 change | |
06149 · 06015 | Delayed 13:50 Málaga María Zambrano | 9h00 | 20:50 20:50Barcelona Sants | 1 change | |
06149+ 03201 | On time 13:50 Málaga María Zambrano | 9h57 | 23:47 Barcelona Sants | 1 change | |
| Wednesday 19 August | |||||
02073 · 03123 | 7:00 Málaga María Zambrano | 9h15 | 16:15 Barcelona Sants | 1 change | |
02073+ 06171 | 7:00 Málaga María Zambrano | 13h42 | 20:42 Barcelona Sants | 1 change | |
02073 · 03143 | 7:00 Málaga María Zambrano | 10h49 | 17:49 Barcelona Sants | 1 change | |
02093+ 06181 | 9:27 Málaga María Zambrano | 12h17 | 21:44 Barcelona Sants | 1 change | |
02093 · 03191 | 9:27 Málaga María Zambrano | 12h32 | 21:59 Barcelona Sants | 1 change | |
02093 · 03183 | 9:27 Málaga María Zambrano | 12h22 | 21:49 Barcelona Sants | 1 change | |
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 Málaga to Barcelona run on average 4 times per day, taking around 5h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £42 but you can travel from only £32 by flight.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:40, the last at 21:25. The fastest train covers the 769 km distance in 6h 2m.
Distance 769 km |
Average train duration 5h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price £42 |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 6h 2m |
First train 5:40 |
Last train 21:25 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 70 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
High-speed AVE trains from Malaga to Barcelona depart between 6 to 8 times a day operated by the Spanish provider Renfe. The first departure is usually around 6:30 a.m. with the last train leaving between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m depending on the day of the week. The journey takes between 5.5 and 6.5 hours and involves a connection in Madrid.
Departure Station:Trains depart from the Maria Zambrano Station located just a short distance from Malaga city centre. It is a busy modern hub situated within a shopping centre with car parking, taxi ranks and both a Metro and bus station. Maria Zambrano Station is linked to Malaga Airport by local trains and buses.
Arrival Station: Trains from Malaga to Barcelona arrive at the busy Barcelona Sants station, located to the west of the city centre. It has car parking, taxi ranks, local bus stops and is on the Blue and Green lines of the Barcelona Metro system.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Málaga 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 Málaga to Barcelona trains use the Malaga María Zambrano to Barcelona Sants station pair. Use this guide to compare Málaga and Barcelona train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Malaga María Zambrano is 1 km from Málaga city centre. Public transport options include:
Malaga María Zambrano has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: 100 Montaditos, Burger King, Dunkin' Coffee, Gino's, Lizarran, Orient Express Cafeteria, The Posada of Brazil, Pizza Hut, Rail Coffee, The Good Burger, & many more
Free throughout the station. ATMs are located in various points in the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 05:00 - 00:45. Information desks are located in the station's main concourse.
Luggage storage is open daily from 07:00 to 23:00.
Available at Malaga María Zambrano: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Malaga María Zambrano: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Malaga María Zambrano: The station is fully accessible and includes adapted elevators and platforms. Additional services can be arranged by contacting the station before traveling.
Nearby hotels include Hotel ILUNION Málaga, Barceló Málaga, Eurostars Málaga.
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