
1st Class
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
- Wide seats
- Extra legroom
- Quiet zone
- Meals to buy
- Snacks to buy
- Air-conditioned
Cheapest price on 08 Sept
£13
Average ticket price on 08 Sept
£14
Fastest journey on 08 Sept
2 h 5 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 Portbou to Barcelona is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Portbou to Barcelona 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 Portbou to Barcelona, 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 5 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 19 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.
15852
15870
15862
15856
15866
15860
15886
15864
15852
15870Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Portbou to Barcelona among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £49 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 41m. 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 train costs an average of £49, while a train costs an average of £49.
Distance: 142 km
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£49 Average Price Cheapest | £27 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 41m Average total duration Fastest 2h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 8m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Other travel options to Barcelona take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 11m.
Tickets start at around £49 compared to roughly £27 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-22.02. The journey takes 2h 11m 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 Portbou to Barcelona 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
15866 | 14:35 Portbou station | 2h19 | 16:54 Sant Adreu Comtal | 0 changesdirect | |
15870 | 16:05 Portbou station | 2h19 | 18:24 Sant Adreu Comtal | 0 changesdirect | |
15876 | 17:35 Portbou station | 2h19 | 19:54 Sant Adreu Comtal | 0 changesdirect | |
15882 | 19:05 Portbou station | 2h19 | 21:24 Sant Adreu Comtal | 0 changesdirect | |
15886 | 20:24 Portbou station | 2h05 | 22:29 Barcelona El Clot Aragó | 0 changesdirect | |
15852 | 7:05 Portbou station | 2h19 | 9:24 Sant Adreu Comtal | 0 changesdirect | |
15854 | 8:35 Portbou station | 2h19 | 10:54 Sant Adreu Comtal | 0 changesdirect | |
15856 | 10:05 Portbou station | 2h19 | 12:24 Sant Adreu Comtal | 0 changesdirect | |
15860 | 11:24 Portbou station | 2h05 | 13:29 Barcelona El Clot Aragó | 0 changesdirect | |
15862 | 12:35 Portbou station | 2h19 | 14:54 Sant Adreu Comtal | 0 changesdirect | |
15864 | 13:24 Portbou station | 2h06 | 15:30 Barcelona El Clot Aragó | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train 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 Portbou to Barcelona run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2h 11m. 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 06:40, the last at 18:33. The fastest train covers the 142 km distance in 2h 18m.
Distance 142 km |
Average train duration 2h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price £1 |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 2h 18m |
First train 6:40 |
Last train 18:33 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 14 days |
Compare Renfe classes and the amenities included in each one.


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 Portbou 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 Portbou to Barcelona trains use the Portbou to Barcelona Sants station pair, with some services arriving at Barcelona Passeig De Gracia. Use this guide to compare Portbou and Barcelona train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need