- Must visit
Museo Nacional del Prado
Spain’s premier art museum, famed for masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. A cornerstone of Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art and a top priority for first-time visitors.
Cheapest price
$70
Average price
$112
Fastest journey
3 h 2 m
Average duration
3 h 2 m
Trains per day
19
Distance
496 km
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 $112 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $70.
Of the 19 trains that leave Barcelona El Prat Airport for Madrid on Thu, Jun 18, 19 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jun 18 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 Thu, Jun 18 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.
06080
06420
06610
06500
06540
06200
06150
06180
06540
06320Omio 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 prices starting from $26. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 14m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $26, and a flight costs an average of $51.
Distance: 308 miles (496 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$50 Average price | $150 Average price | $41 Average price Cheapest | $124 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 0m Average total duration 3h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 14m Average total duration Fastest 2h 14m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 44m Average total duration 4h 14m 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid:
A bus is $9 (€7) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid costing on average $50 (€40).
A bus is $109 (€88) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid costing on average $150 (€121).
Other travel options to Madrid take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 30m.
Bus takes on average 4h 14m.
The journey is about 2h 24m faster (3h 30m by train vs 5h 54m by car) and roughly $74 (€60) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($50 (€40) vs $124 (€100)). 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.
The table below shows live departures for Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid trains for today, Wednesday, June 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
06500 | On time 10:40 AM Barcelona Sants | 3h17 | 1:57 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
06110 | On time 10:45 AM Barcelona Sants | 3h04 | 1:49 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
06020 | On time 11:18 AM Barcelona Sants | 3h24 | 2:42 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
06320 | On time 12:14 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h02 | 3:16 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
06014 | Delayed 1:13 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h24 | 2:37 PM 2:37 PMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
06540 | Delayed 1:50 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h02 | 2:52 PM 2:52 PMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
06150 | On time 2:50 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h02 | 5:52 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
06360 | On time 3:52 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h24 | 7:16 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
06180 | On time 5:20 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h02 | 8:22 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
06570 | On time 5:40 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h02 | 8:42 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
06190 | On time 6:53 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h17 | 10:10 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
06200 | On time 7:40 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h02 | 10:42 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
06610 | Delayed 8:20 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h28 | 9:48 PM 9:48 PMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, June 18 | |||||
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 | |
06420 | 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 | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Madrid run on average 17 times per day, taking around 3h 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $27 (€22) but you can travel from only $26 (€21) by bus.
There are 17 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:05, the last at 19:35. The fastest train covers the 308 miles (496 km) distance in 3h 2m.
Distance 308 miles (496 km) |
Average train duration 3h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $27 (€22) |
Trains per day 17 |
Direct trains 17 |
Fastest train 3h 2m |
First train 5:05 AM |
Last train 7:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Discover the best of Madrid — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Madrid trip today.
Spain’s premier art museum, famed for masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. A cornerstone of Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art and a top priority for first-time visitors.
Madrid’s leading modern art museum, best known for Picasso’s Guernica alongside major works by Dalí and Miró. Essential for modern and contemporary art lovers.
A major museum spanning European painting from the Renaissance to the 20th century. Its broad collection complements the Prado and Reina Sofía perfectly.
Madrid’s most famous park, ideal for walking, boating, and relaxing among monuments and formal gardens. A top city experience for nearly every visitor.
Madrid’s best-known avenue, lined with historic architecture, theaters, shops, and rooftop views. Energetic by day and night, it is one of the city’s defining walks.
The symbolic heart of Madrid and a major meeting point, home to the Kilómetro Cero marker and famous public celebrations. Constantly busy and central.
Madrid’s signature chickpea stew, traditionally served in stages with broth, vegetables, chickpeas, and assorted meats. It is one of the city’s most emblematic comfort dishes.
A classic Madrid sandwich of fried squid rings in crusty bread, especially associated with bars around Plaza Mayor. It is a simple local staple and iconic snack.
A rich traditional stew made with tripe, chorizo, and morcilla in a paprika-forward sauce. It is a historic tavern dish closely linked to Madrid cuisine.
Prestigious flamenco venue with acclaimed dining, known for refined Spanish cuisine in an intimate historic setting. It combines performance and high-end gastronomy.
Historic traditional restaurant famous for roast suckling pig and Castilian classics. It offers an old-world atmosphere and is one of Madrid’s most iconic dining rooms.
Well-known classic restaurant celebrated for huevos rotos and traditional Spanish cooking. It is a long-established spot with a lively, polished tavern feel.
Moderate for Western Europe. Museums and transport are reasonable, while central hotels and fine dining cost more.
Service is usually included. Locals often round up or leave EUR 1-2 in cafés and 5-10% at restaurants for very good service. Tipping is appreciated, not required.
Official public transport app
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes, Madrid -> Sol, 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.

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