- Must visit
Museo del Prado
World-class art museum with masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and Bosch; essential for Spanish and European painting.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 16
Cheapest price on Sep 16
$36
Average ticket price on Sep 16
$53
Fastest journey on Sep 16
3 h 2 m
Average journey duration on Sep 16
3 h 2 m
Trains on Sep 16
18
Distance
496 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid will cost around $53 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $36.
Fast trains
On Wed, Sep 16, we found 18 trains from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid, including 18 direct services.
On Wed, Sep 16 the direct trains cover the 496 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 .
On Wed, Sep 16 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.
0650010:40 AM3h17Barcelona Sants1:57 PMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes$361One-way0 transfers- 066108:20 PM3h28Barcelona Sants11:48 PMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes$361One-way0 transfers
- 065705:40 PM3h02Barcelona Sants8:42 PMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes$411One-way0 transfers
- 064107:35 AM3h30Barcelona Sants11:05 AMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes$411One-way0 transfers
- 065401:50 PM3h02Barcelona Sants4:52 PMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes$411One-way0 transfers
062007:40 PM3h02Barcelona Sants10:42 PMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes$441One-way0 transfers- 0632012:14 PM3h02Barcelona Sants3:16 PMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes$441One-way0 transfers
- 060707:05 AM3h02Barcelona Sants10:07 AMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes$701One-way0 transfers
- 061805:20 PM3h02Barcelona Sants8:22 PMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes$921One-way0 transfers
- 061502:50 PM3h02Barcelona Sants5:52 PMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes$441One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $44 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 31m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $44, while a flight costs an average of $278.
Distance: 308 miles (496 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$72 Average price | $278 Average price | $44 Average price Cheapest | $124 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 31m Average total duration Fastest 3h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 28m Average total duration 2h 28m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 8h 12m Average total duration 7h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 54m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid is a bus with an average price of $44 (€36).
This is compared to other travel options from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid:
A bus is $28 (€23) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid costing on average $72 (€59).
A bus is $234 (€191) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid costing on average $278 (€226).
The fastest way to travel from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 28m.
Other travel options to Madrid take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 1m.
Bus takes on average 7h 42m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Barcelona El Prat Airport and Madrid including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid among Omio's users.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.
The journey is about 2h 53m faster (3h 1m by train vs 5h 54m by car) and roughly $52 (€43) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($72 (€59) vs $124 (€101)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with iryo, SNCF OUIGO, AVE.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid train times
The table below shows live departures for Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid trains for today, Tuesday, September 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06360 | 3:52 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h24 | 7:16 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 06180 | 5:20 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h02 | 8:22 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 06570 | 5:40 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h02 | 8:42 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 06190 | 6:53 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h17 | 10:10 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 06200 | 7:40 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h02 | 10:42 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 06610 | 8:20 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h28 | 11:48 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, September 16 | |||||
| 06060 | 5:45 AM Barcelona Sants | 3h17 | 9:02 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 06070 | 7:05 AM Barcelona Sants | 3h02 | 10:07 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 06410 | 7:35 AM Barcelona Sants | 3h30 | 11:05 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 06080 | 7:50 AM Barcelona Sants | 3h25 | 11:15 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 06012 | 8:45 AM Barcelona Sants | 3h31 | 12:16 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 06500 | 10:40 AM Barcelona Sants | 3h17 | 1:57 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 06110 | 10:45 AM Barcelona Sants | 3h04 | 1:49 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 06020 | 11:18 AM Barcelona Sants | 3h24 | 2:42 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 06320 | 12:14 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h02 | 3:16 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 06014 | 1:13 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h24 | 4:37 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 06540 | 1:50 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h02 | 4:52 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 06150 | 2:50 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h02 | 5:52 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, 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.
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Why should you book Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid trains with Omio?
iryo as well as SNCF OUIGO, AVE, Rodalies de Catalunya and more offer trains services from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid.
Why book with Omio vs iryo?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for iryo, but also compare tickets for the likes of SNCF OUIGO, AVE or Rodalies de Catalunya to find the best option for your trip from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare iryo with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Rome2rio or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of SNCF OUIGO, AVE or Rodalies de Catalunya to find the best option for your trip from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid
SpainSpain
Trains from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid run on average 18 times per day, taking around 3h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $21 (€17) but you can travel from only $13 (€11) by bus.
There are 18 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:45, the last at 18:28. The fastest train covers the 308 miles (496 km) distance in 2h 37m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $13 (€11)
Distance 308 miles (496 km) |
Average train duration 3h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price $21 (€17) |
Trains per day 18 |
Direct trains 18 |
Fastest train 2h 37m |
First train 3:45 AM |
Last train 6:28 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 42 days |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $13 (€11)
Train companies: iryo, SNCF OUIGO from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid trainsiryo, SNCF OUIGO trains will get you between Barcelona El Prat Airport and Madrid from $21 (€17). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
iryo
About
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.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average iryo Duration
2h 37m
Cheapest iryo Price
$32 (€26)
iryo frequency
12 a day
Luggage included
1 cabin bag (36x56x26cm) and 1 handbag (36x30x10cm)
Luggage storage
Overhead compartments and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund provided
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car with Mediterranean cuisine, at-seat service in both classes
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and assistance available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free. Large dogs need paid ticket
Quiet zone
SNCF OUIGO
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average SNCF OUIGO Duration
2h 37m
Cheapest SNCF OUIGO Price
$21 (€17)
SNCF OUIGO frequency
5 a day
Complete guide to Madrid
Things to do in Madrid
Discover the best of Madrid — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Madrid trip today.
- Must visit
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
Leading modern art museum best known for Picasso’s Guernica, plus major works by Dalí and Miró.
- Must visit
Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza
Celebrated collection of European masters from Van Eyck to Hopper in a refined palace setting.
- Must visit
El Retiro Park
Madrid’s most famous park offers gardens, a boating lake, monuments, and relaxed walks in the city center.
- Must visit
Gran Vía
Lively grand avenue known for architecture, shopping, theaters, and nonstop energy from day to night.
- Must visit
Paseo del Prado
Elegant boulevard linking major museums and landmarks, ideal for a classic central Madrid walk.
Cocido Madrileño
A hearty chickpea stew with meats, vegetables, and broth, especially traditional in Madrid and often served in stages.
Bocadillo de Calamares
Crisp fried squid rings served in a baguette roll. This iconic Madrid street food is especially linked to bars around Plaza Mayor.
- Gluten-free
Callos a la Madrileña
Tripe stew with chorizo and morcilla in a rich sauce. A classic old Madrid tavern dish with deep local roots.
DSTAgE
Refined two-Michelin-star dining focused on seasonal Spanish produce, with elegant modern cooking in a polished fine-dining room.
Malacatín
Traditional Madrid restaurant known for cocido madrileño served in stages, with an old-school dining room and loyal local following.
Sobrino de Botín
Historic century-old tavern famed for roast suckling pig and Castilian dishes in a classic, wood-lined setting near Plaza Mayor.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Western Europe: hotels vary, dining is reasonable, and public transport is good value for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or a simple menú.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- €1.80-3.50 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest: round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up. In cafés, small change is enough.
Tarjeta Transporte
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €1.50
- Day pass
- €8.40
To the city center
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes -> Puerta del Sol, Madrid
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 12 min
- Madrid buses allow contactless bank card payment onboard, but Metro tickets are usually bought from station machines with card or cash.
- A 10-trip ticket can cost less per ride than single tickets if you plan several Metro or bus journeys.
FAQs: Trains from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid 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 Madrid, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $21 (€17), while the average price is around $72 (€59).
The train from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid takes 2h 37m and runs 18 per day.
The first train from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid leaves at 3:45 AM.
The distance by train from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid is 308 miles (496 km).
The last train from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid leaves at 6:28 PM.
Yes, there is a high-speed train from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid.
Yes, there is a direct train from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid. This service operates 18 times per day, provided by iryo, SNCF OUIGO, AVE.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid.
The cheapest way to get from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid is by train, with a cost of around $21 (€17).
The train journey from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid offers some scenic views, particularly through the Catalonian countryside and the landscapes of central Spain, though much of the route is focused on high-speed travel between urban areas.
A day trip from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid is not feasible as the travel duration is 2h 37m. However, there are 16 trains per day covering the 308 miles (496 km) distance, offering flexible travel options.
In Madrid, you can explore Puerta del Sol, a bustling public square known for its iconic clock and vibrant atmosphere, and savor gourmet foods at Mercado de San Miguel. Discover the vibrant nightlife in the Malasaña district, enjoy a traditional flamenco show, or visit the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to Real Madrid. For cultural sights, visit the Prado Museum, the Royal Palace of Madrid, and Retiro Park. Don't miss Plaza Mayor and the lively Gran Vía for shopping and theaters.
For a well-rounded experience in Madrid, plan to spend at least 3 to 4 days. This allows time to explore major attractions like the Prado Museum, Royal Palace, Retiro Park, and enjoy the local cuisine and vibrant neighborhoods.
Yes, you can take the train from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid.
Since both Barcelona El Prat Airport and Madrid are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
Popular day trips by train from Madrid include Toledo, Segovia, Valladolid, Ávila, Cuenca.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the Eurail Spain Pass and Interrail Spain Pass are valid on most trains within Spain, including RENFE regional, AVE high-speed, and other long-distance services. Some restrictions may apply for certain premium trains, so it is advisable to check specific train eligibility and reservation requirements in advance.
Spain uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers can use both cash and cards, but cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, while cash may be preferred for small purchases, markets, and rural locations.
In Madrid, the main safety concerns for travelers include pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like Puerta del Sol, Gran Vía, and on public transportation. Common scams involve distraction techniques, such as someone asking for signatures on petitions or offering friendship bracelets, to steal valuables. Travelers should also be cautious of unlicensed taxi drivers and always use official transport services. Staying vigilant in busy tourist spots and keeping belongings secure helps minimize risks.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid
Most Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid trains use the Barcelona Sants to Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes station pair. Use this guide to compare Barcelona El Prat Airport and Madrid train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Barcelona
Arrival train stations in Madrid
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena GrandesGlorieta Emperador Carlos V, 28045 Madrid, Spain+34 912432343
City-centre transport
Getting to Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes from Madrid city centre
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes is 1 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainC3, C4, C4a, C4b · 5m · $1 · every ~15 min
Bus26, 32 · 6m · $1 · every ~60 min
Subway1 · 6m · $2 · every ~24 min
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Passion Food, La Barrila, Enrique Tomás, Pic Nic, Foodissimo!, PureGusto, Burger King
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free WiFi in the station and on all Renfe trains. ATMs are in various points at the station.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 10:00 - 20:00. Information desks are on the ground floor of the main concourse.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is open daily from 05:30 to 22:00. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes: Wheelchair parking, adapted elevators, adapted platforms, lobby shopping area.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include 60 Balconies Urban Stay, Only YOU Hotel Atocha, SLEEP’N Atocha.
Most popular train connections from Barcelona El Prat Airport
More options for your journey from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Madrid and Barcelona El Prat Airport
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