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Madrid to Barcelona Train
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Madrid to Barcelona by train
The journey from Madrid to Barcelona by train is 313.67 mi and takes 2 hr 48 min. There are 45 connections per day, with the first departure at 6:15 AM and the last at 9:10 PM. It is possible to travel from Madrid to Barcelona by train for as little as $15.40 or as much as $167.29. The best price for this journey is $15.40.
| Lowest Price | $15.40 |
| Journey Duration | 2 hr 48 min |
| Connection per Day | AVE, Iryo, AVLO, Renfe REGIONAL EXPRESS, Renfe AVE INT 45 |
| Lowest Price | AVE, Iryo, AVLO, Renfe REGIONAL EXPRESS, Renfe AVE INT $15.40 |
| Highest Price | AVE, Iryo, AVLO, Renfe REGIONAL EXPRESS, Renfe AVE INT $167.29 |
| First Departure | AVE, Iryo, AVLO, Renfe REGIONAL EXPRESS, Renfe AVE INT 6:15 AM |
| Last Departure | AVE, Iryo, AVLO, Renfe REGIONAL EXPRESS, Renfe AVE INT 9:10 PM |
| Distance | AVE, Iryo, AVLO, Renfe REGIONAL EXPRESS, Renfe AVE INT 313.67 mi |
| Departure | AVE, Iryo, AVLO, Renfe REGIONAL EXPRESS, Renfe AVE INT Madrid |
| Arrival | AVE, Iryo, AVLO, Renfe REGIONAL EXPRESS, Renfe AVE INT Barcelona |
| Carriers | AVE, Iryo AVE, Iryo, AVLO, Renfe REGIONAL EXPRESS, Renfe AVE INT |
Madrid to Barcelona Train Times
Traveling from Madrid to Barcelona by Train
The average journey duration between Madrid and Barcelona is approximately 2 hr 48 min, covering a distance of roughly 313.67 mi. With an estimated 45 daily train departures, travelers have various options to sync with their schedules. Fares typically start at around $15.40, but booking tickets early is advisable, especially if traveling during busy seasons or holidays. Trains leave from Madrid's Puerta de Atocha, and upon reaching Barcelona, passengers disembark at the Barcelona Sants Station.
Primarily serviced by the Renfe AVE (Alta Velocidad Española) trains, the rail connection between Madrid and Barcelona stands out for its speed, reliability, and premium onboard features. Renfe's AVE trains promise top-tier comfort, offering spacious seats, Wi-Fi connectivity on specific routes, and device power outlets. As you speed through the Spanish terrain, picturesque landscapes captivate passengers, making the journey as enriching as the destination.
Barcelona Sants, located in the Sants-Montjuïc district, is Barcelona's main railway station. Well-equipped with facilities such as lounges, ticket offices, and information desks, the station also integrates with the city's metro and bus networks, ensuring convenient transit options. The heart of Barcelona, with its intricate blend of Catalan history, art, and modernity, lies just a few minutes away, welcoming visitors to explore its myriad attractions.
Things to Do/See in Barcelona:
- La Sagrada Família: Architect Antoni Gaudí's iconic basilica has been under construction for over a century.
- La Rambla: A bustling pedestrian street in the city's heart known for shops, cafes, and live performances.
- Park Güell: Another of Gaudí's masterpieces, this colorful park offers panoramic city views.
- Gothic Quarter: A maze of medieval alleys filled with history and charm.
- Magic Fountain of Montjuïc: Known for its evening light and music shows.
- Casa Batlló & Casa Milà: Modernist buildings designed by Gaudí, showcasing his unique architectural style.
- Barcelona Cathedral: A Gothic cathedral with stunning interiors and rooftop views.
- Barcelona Aquarium: One of Europe's largest and most fascinating aquariums.
- Poble Espanyol: An open-air architectural museum showcasing Spain's diverse cultures.
- Palau de la Música Catalana: A concert hall renowned for its Modernista architecture.
What to Eat in Barcelona:
- Tapas: Small dishes ranging from patatas bravas to anchovies and olives.
- Paella: A saffron-infused rice dish, often combined with seafood or meat.
- Crema Catalana: Catalonia's take on the crème brûlée.
- Botifarra: A traditional Catalan sausage.
- Fideuà: Similar to paella, but made with noodles instead of rice.
- Esqueixada: A salad made from shredded salt cod, tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers.
- Canelons: Pasta tubes stuffed with meat or fish and covered in béchamel sauce.
- Pan con tomate: Bread rubbed with garlic and ripe tomatoes, drizzled with olive oil, and sprinkled with salt.
- Escalivada: A dish of smoky grilled vegetables, typically eggplant and bell peppers.
- Turrón: A traditional nougat dessert, trendy during Christmas.
Day Trips from Barcelona:
Consider visiting the mountain monastery of Montserrat, just an hour away. The beautiful coastal town of Sitges, with its beaches and festivals, is also within easy reach. For wine enthusiasts, the Penedès wine region beckons with its vineyards and cellars.
Travel Tips for Barcelona:
Barcelona's extensive metro system, operated by TMB, connects most tourist attractions. Walking is often the ideal mode for those exploring the city center, revealing hidden gems along the way. While Barcelona boasts a reputation for being tourist-friendly, it's always wise to watch out for pickpockets, particularly in crowded spots.
If your travel plans involve a train journey from Madrid to Barcelona, we help streamline your arrangements. We ensure you get optimal deals by examining numerous routes across varied transport mediums. To view the most competitive rates, check out Virails calendar, and have a great trip!
Compare prices and tickets from Madrid to Barcelona
Book in advance and save
If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from Madrid to Barcelona, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.
Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys
Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from Madrid to Barcelona.
Always check special offers
Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.
Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains
If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.
Virail Pro Tip ✌: Booking 10 days in advance save 10% on average
Price as departure date approaches
Train companies may charge higher ticket prices as the date of departure approaches. Prices in the next days can range from around $24.37 to $66.61 but may be subject to change. Our advice is to book as early as possible to potentially save up to 63% on your trip!
Best time to book cheap train tickets from Madrid to Barcelona
The cheapest Madrid - Barcelona train tickets can be found for as low as $20.57 if you’re lucky, or $32.28 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as $38.10.
Find the best day to travel to Barcelona by train
When travelling to Barcelona by train, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!
Carriers on this route
Find out more about the carriers on this route.
AVE stands for "Alta Velocidad Española", which means "Spanish High Speed". AVE is a high-speed train service operated by the Spanish national railway company Renfe. With the AVE trains you can travel to many major cities in Spain, including routes to Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Malaga, and Zaragoza.
Avlo trains were introduced in 2020 as a high-speed train service operated by Renfe, Spain's national railway company, as a more affordable alternative to the high-speed train service AVE. Avlo trains, unlike the AVE, offer a single class of seating and have fewer onboard services to offer more passenger capacity. The main stations are Barcelona Sants, Madrid Atocha, and Zaragoza-Delicias.
Iryo is a Spanish high-speed train operator, founded in 2019 and serving Spain's major cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Seville, Valencia and Zaragoza. iryo operates on the national rail network in Spain, using the latest AVE high-speed trains to transport passengers at speeds of up to 310 km/h.
Ticket types and facilities from Madrid to Barcelona
Compare the different ticket types and the facilities provided by AVE, AVLO and Iryo when traveling from Madrid to Barcelona.
Básico
The Basico are the most affordable tickets, but they come with certain restrictions, such as no changes or refunds. They also typically have limited availability and must be purchased well in advance.
WiFi 
Quiet zone 
Power sockets 
Luggage 
Accessibility 
Air conditioning 
Bicycle Elige Estándar
The Elige tickets provide enhanced flexibility for exchanging or canceling your reservation. Elige Estándar," provides travelers with the standard, regular seating arrangement known as the "Estándar seat." Additionally, you can choose your preferred seat by paying an extra fee, and upgrading to Premium is also possible. WiFi Quiet zone Power sockets Luggage Accessibility 
Food and drink Air conditioning Bicycle Elige Confort
If you go for "Elige Confort," you get the bigger and likely more comfortable XL Confort seat. The Elige tickets provide enhanced flexibility for exchanging or canceling your reservation. Additionally, you can choose your preferred seat by paying an extra fee, and upgrading to Premium is also possible. WiFi Quiet zone Power sockets Luggage Accessibility Food and drink Air conditioning Bicycle Prémium
Renfe AVE's Premium tickets are the priciest but also the most flexible, limited to Confort class only. They allow free train changes and provide the benefit of boarding the next train for free in case you miss your scheduled one. WiFi Quiet zone Power sockets Luggage Accessibility Food and drink Air conditioning Bicycle Economy Class
You can travel with the standard "economy class" ticket on Avlo trains, which refers to the standard, basic level of seating available on the train. With this ticket you have access to basic amenities such as overhead luggage racks, reading lights, restrooms. WiFi Power sockets Luggage Accessibility Air conditioning Bicycle Singular
The "Singular fare" offers flexibility for entrepreneurs and companies with personalized customer service from iryo assistants. WiFi Power sockets Luggage Accessibility Food and drink Air conditioning Bicycle Inicial
iryo's Inicial fare provides affordable travel without compromising on comfort or service. WiFi Power sockets Luggage Accessibility Food and drink Air conditioning Bicycle Singular ONLY YOU
The "Singular Only YOU" fare is designed for entrepreneurs and companies, providing the best conditions for changes and cancellations in the ticket. WiFi Power sockets Luggage Accessibility Food and drink Air conditioning Bicycle Infinita
Infinita is iryo's all-inclusive fare that offers the best travel options with flexibility and comfort. WiFi Power sockets Luggage Accessibility Food and drink Air conditioning Bicycle Facility Description
Find out more about the different facilities available onboard with each carrier on this route.
Air conditioning Travel in comfort as all AVE trains are air-conditioned. Air conditioning 
WiFi Stay connected at high speeds with PlayRenfe, AVE's complimentary WiFi service, ensuring you remain online even at 300 km/h. WiFi Quiet zone The Silent Carriage is available exclusively for standard seats on AVE trains, excluding the AVE International route between Spain and France, as well as Euromed trains. Due to its popularity, early ticket purchase is advised. Quiet zone Power sockets Every AVE seat is fitted with power sockets and at-seat radios for your convenience.
Power sockets Accessibility AVE provides a complimentary care and assistance service for individuals with limited mobility. To utilize this service, please reach out to AVE directly. Accessibility Luggage On AVE trains, you're welcome to bring along 3 bags, each not surpassing 85 x 55 x 35 cm and 25 kg (55 lbs) in weight. Moreover, instruments are considered hand luggage if they're within 30 x 120 x 38 cm and safely tucked in a case. Luggage Food and drink Visit the onboard AVE bar carriage for a treat or wait for the food trolley that travels through the train. Prémium Ticket holders can enjoy in-seat dining featuring Chef Ramón Freixa's expertise. Please ensure you request special menus, from vegetarian to Halal, at least 12 hours before departure to enjoy a tailored meal experience. Food and drink Bicycle You can bring along your bike or scooter, just make sure it's folded and snug in a case. Don't forget to remove the pedals and give those handlebars a 90-degree turn. If your case's total dimensions are under 180cm, it counts as hand luggage. Anything larger falls into the special luggage category but keep it within 120 x 90 x 40 cm. Bicycle WiFi Stay connected on Avlo with free WiFi via PlayRenfe. Enjoy movies, TV shows, and various reads at your fingertips. WiFi Power sockets Every seat on Avlo is equipped with a power outlet for your convenience. Power sockets Luggage You can bring a piece of hand luggage with no weight limit, such as a bag, backpack, or similar item, with dimensions up to 27x36x25 cm, and a piece of checked luggage with no weight limit, such as a suitcase, with dimensions up to 55x35x25 cm, without paying an additional fee on top of the ticket price you pay under the Basic fare. Luggage Accessibility Avlo provides assistance for passengers with reduced mobility. Reach out to Avlo for more details. Accessibility Food and drink While Avlo doesn't offer a dining service, you can find vending machines stocked with a range of drinks and snacks. Keep in mind, these machines only accept card payments. Food and drink Air conditioning Travel comfortably as Avlo trains are air-conditioned. Air conditioning Bicycle You may bring folding bicycles and scooters on board, as long as they adhere to the maximum dimensions for luggage: 55x35x25 cm (as a carry-on bag with no weight limit, included in the price of the Basic Fare), or 85x60x35 cm, or a maximum of 180 cm overall (as additional luggage for an extra fee). To comply with regulations, all bicycles and scooters must be folded and stored in their respective carrying cases. Bicycle WiFi Connect to free WiFi on iryo trains in any class. Enjoy movies, TV shows, live news, and Spotify for entertainment. WiFi Power sockets Every seat on iryo trains comes with power sockets, and those in the Infinita and Singular Cafe class boast additional USB ports. Power sockets Luggage On iryo trains, flexible baggage policy lets you travel comfortably with up to 3 pieces of luggage, including a piece of hand luggage. Maximum size for 2 larger pieces is 85x55x35cm, while hand luggage must be 36x27x15cm. Total weight limit is 25kg. Luggage Accessibility iryo trains are designed for inclusivity, offering designated seats for passengers with reduced mobility and ensuring step-free access during both boarding and disembarking. Accessibility Food and drink iryo offers quality menus for all classes. Find the onboard restaurant/bar usually close to coach 2. For Infinita Class passengers, meals are served at your seat, but remember to book 24 hours in advance. Food and drink Air conditioning Enjoy fresh and comfortable air on the ETR1000 train; its cutting-edge air-conditioning system refreshes the entire carriage's air in just 3 minutes, ensuring a generous 35 m3/h of fresh outside air for every passenger. Air conditioning Bicycle On Iryo trains, you can bring along one disassembled bicycle or electric scooter per coach, as long as it's tucked into a bag and stays within 90x120x40cm. It's free to transport! Just keep in mind that you'll handle the loading, safekeeping, and unloading. Also, be considerate of other passengers' comfort and safety, and remember any damages caused are on you. Bicycle | Facilities | AVE | Iryo | AVLO |
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Madrid to Barcelona CO2 Emissions by Train
Anything we can improve?