Barcelona Sants to Madrid train with Ouigo

From Barcelona to Madrid by Train Aboard Renfe’s Premium AVE Train

Introduction

Getting from Barcelona to Madrid is easy thanks to Renfe’s comfortable high-speed AVE trains, linking the cities from two major downtown stations that are well connected to local transport. Join me in this article as I share my experience taking a Renfe AVE high-speed train from Barcelona to Madrid in the stylish and comfortable Second Class.

Route Overview

Barcelona and Madrid are connected by a high-speed railway line of around 600 km. Along the way, it also serves other major cities such as Zaragoza and Lleida. Journey times range from about 2 hours and 30 minutes on the fastest trains, with services making additional stops taking slightly longer. There are frequent departures from Barcelona Sants, giving you plenty of choice throughout the day. Although there are buses from Barcelona to Madrid, I love taking trains and avoid flying when possible.

Transportation Experience

Catching the AVE train from Barcelona Sants to Madrid is very simple. Services run from city center to city center on comfortable, modern high-speed trains. I booked my train tickets online and arrived shortly before departure, as I needed to pass through a quick security check. I found the whole process very straightforward. Once aboard the train, the time is yours to watch a movie or get some work done using the flip-down table. It’s a comfortable and civilized way to travel from Barcelona to Madrid.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

Trains to Madrid depart from Barcelona Sants Station. The station is conveniently located in the heart of the city and linked to numerous bus and metro lines. However, in my experience, it can get quite crowded and feel a bit cramped during peak times, so I recommend not arriving too early if your train departs during busy hours.

Once inside, the station offers all the amenities you’d expect from a major transport hub, including various retail outlets, fast-food options, restaurants, cafés, and a ticket office. As with all major high-speed stations in Spain, you’ll need to pass through a brief security check before accessing the platforms. It’s worth allowing an extra 5–10 minutes, as there can occasionally be a short line.

All high-speed trains from Barcelona Sants arrive at Madrid Atocha. The station is located just south of the city center, with easy connections by metro or commuter train. Renfe AVE tickets include a free Cercanías transfer within Madrid, valid for up to four hours after arrival. It’s a convenient way to reach your final destination. I took the commuter train just two stops to Nuevos Ministerios, right in the heart of the city and close to landmarks like the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

Schedule & Frequency

Renfe’s AVE trains frequently connect Barcelona and Madrid, typically running at least once per hour, with additional departures during peak times. The fastest non-stop AVE trains complete the trip in just 2 hours and 30 minutes, while services that stop in cities like Lleida and Zaragoza take slightly longer, from 2 hours and 45 minutes up to around 3 hours. My train departed at 10:00 AM and arrived on time at 12:30 PM, giving me the entire afternoon to explore everything Madrid has to offer.

Onboard Experience & Services

On the underground platforms of Barcelona Sants Station, about 15 minutes before departure, our train was ready for boarding. Most AVE services on the Barcelona–Madrid route use the S103 Siemens Velaro high-speed trains, which offer both First and Second Class onboard.

I opted to travel in Second Class, as the main difference between First and Second Class is mostly in legroom and seat width. Both classes use the same seats on this train, but in First Class, they are arranged in a more spacious 2+1 layout, and paired seats don’t have to share an armrest. Still, I found Second Class to be very comfortable. I had plenty of legroom and power outlets available. The free Wi-Fi was fast enough to check my emails and create some videos from my past trips. Perhaps best of all, the train had strong air conditioning, which I really appreciated due to the hot summer weather.

On trains from Barcelona Sants to Madrid, you can bring up to three pieces of luggage, with a combined total of no more than 25 kg. Renfe's modern AVE trains have plenty of storage, including space under the seats, overhead racks, and larger luggage areas at the ends of each carriage. Restrooms are also located at the ends, which were stocked and clean during the trip.

Since I was in Second Class, I didn't get an in-seat meal, but there was a café car. It had the usual hot coffee and soft drinks, as well as some snacks like pastries, salads and sandwiches, all at reasonable prices. I bought a strong cappuccino for €2.80, which hit the spot perfectly.

The route from Barcelona to Madrid offers some pleasant views of rural landscapes as the train races along at 300 km/h. On clear days, you might spot the rolling hills near Camp de Tarragona and Lleida, and occasionally even the Pyrenees mountains in the distance. My train arrived right on time in Madrid, where I made the free Cercanías commuter train transfer to the city center. Overall, it was an easy and comfortable way to travel across Spain.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

I booked my ticket online six weeks in advance and managed to get one of the cheaper fares for just €19.90 for the Barcelona–Madrid journey. Renfe AVE train ticket prices can easily exceed €100 if booked at short notice or during busy travel periods. My tip is to book as early as possible to secure the best fare.

Budget breakdown:

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

Here are a few tips to make your Barcelona to Madrid train trip even better:

• Stop by cafés near Barcelona Sants: If seating inside the station is limited, several cafés just outside offer more space and a better atmosphere before departure.
• Visit the café car: Take a short walk to stretch your legs and grab a coffee. The prices are very reasonable.
• Use your free Cercanías transfer: Check if your destination in Madrid is reachable by commuter train, since it’s included with your AVE ticket.
• Bring valid ID: Keep your passport or ID card in your bag. You never know when train staff may ask for identification.

Conclusion

Catching the train from Barcelona to Madrid is very straightforward thanks to Renfe’s fast AVE services. I found the train to be comfortable, with plenty of space and great amenities like the café car. It’s a relaxing way to travel, and the included Cercanías commuter train transfer in Madrid makes reaching the city center an absolute breeze. Ready to go? Plan your journey on Omio.

About the Author: Simon Andersen

• Job Title: Rail Travel Content Creator
• Bio: Train travel content creator with a degree in Mobility and Transportation from the Danish Technical University. I create content showcasing unique and memorable train journeys across Europe and beyond.