Barcelona to Madrid train with Ouigo

Trains from Barcelona to Madrid

The distance between Barcelona and Madrid is 314 miles (516 km). On this route, you can find Barcelona to Madrid train trips, which take an average of 2 hours 30 minutes. You can book a train ride from AVE, which runs 14 times from Barcelona to Madrid. The first AVE high-velocity train departs at 8:00 a.m. from the Barcelona Sants train station. The trains offer onboard dining, Wi-Fi, and you can watch films or listen to music on board.

Barcelona to Madrid Train Time: Daily Departures

If you want to use the AVE train from Barcelona to Madrid, you should keep in mind the train runs on this route fourteen times every day. The first train departs from the Barcelona Sants train station at 8:00 a.m., and the last departs at 8:00 p.m., so you can always catch a train at different times of the day if you want to book a train to Madrid from Barcelona.

How long is the train journey from Barcelona to Madrid?

When you take trains from Barcelona to Madrid, it will take you at least 2h and 45min. This is a one-way trip, so it depends on the provider you choose. If you’re traveling with Renfe AVE, the longest journey takes up to 9h and 4min and departs from Barcelona Sants at 9:03 a.m. and arrives at Madrid Chamartin station at 6:07 p.m. This is the cheapest rate on this route, so if you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind the longer time, then you might want to consider it.

Aerial view of Montjuic in Barcelona. Source: Shutterstock

What is/are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Barcelona to Madrid?

Departure train station: The departure train station preferred for trains from Barcelona to Madrid is the Barcelona Sants train station. The station is located 2.5 miles (4 km) from downtown Barcelona, so you need only 15min on bus or taxi to get to the station. At the Barcelona Sants train station, you get different facilities, including parking, car rental, and shops. Passengers can use free Wi-Fi at the airport, and there are restaurants if you need something to eat.

Arrival train station: The arrival train station for people traveling by train from Barcelona to Madrid is the Madrid-Puerta de Atocha Train Station. From the airport, you can access the airport using urban buses, which also run on routes around Madrid city and neighboring towns. Also, you could use a taxi from the station to your preferred destination in Madrid. At the train station, you can find restaurants and coffee shops, luggage storage services, facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, and first-class club lounges. Also, the station offers ATMs, shops, a tourist office, and parking.

Which train companies travel from Barcelona to Madrid?

If you look to travel by train from Barcelona to Madrid, you can use Renfe AVE on this route. This is a high-speed train running from Barcelona to Madrid, giving passengers a comfortable way to travel on this route. The train departs from the Barcelona Sants train station and arrives at Madrid-Puerta de Atocha train station. Both train stations are served by public transport options and also offer amenities like restaurants and cafes. While on the journey, you can connect to the PlayRenfe free Wi-Fi, which offers you access to exclusive content. The network is good enough to check emails, enjoy social media, and chat with your friends. Onboard the train, you get special menus, which include menus for children, people with diabetes, people with celiac disease, and Muslims. Besides, you get films and music on board at no cost. The train service offers several channels with different styles, including pop, classical, and jazz.

Night trains Barcelona

If you want to travel with the night train, the last AVE train from Barcelona to Madrid departs at the Barcelona Sants station at 8:00 p.m. The trains arrive at 11:17 p.m. in Madrid. Mostly, AVE travels by day, so if you want a night train, you might want to consider an alternative like Costa Brava.

AVE trains from Barcelona to Madrid

Renfe AVE offers high-speed, long-distance trains that you can use if you’re looking for a train to Madrid from Barcelona. The company runs up to 14 times from Barcelona to Madrid and offers direct services on this route. Depending on when you book the trip, it will take at least 2h and 45min. However, you can also find a cheaper option that takes up to 9h on the same route.

Trains from Barcelona to Madrid: Sustainability Travel

Airplanes have the worst carbon footprint of the available modes of transportation at 1.83 pounds of CO2 per passenger mile. Cars come second as the most polluting option for transportation at 1.17 pounds of CO2 per passenger mile. Trains follow at 0.41 pounds of CO2 per passenger mile. Buses are the most sustainable of the four options as they have a footprint of 0.17 pounds of CO2 per passenger mile. As you can see, the high-speed train is one of the best transportation options if you’re conscious of sustainability.

Train Barcelona to Madrid: Services on Board

The AVE is a long-distance train that allows you to choose your level of comfort and the features you like. There are three classes, including the Basic, Elige (pick and mix), and the Premium class. The Basic class offers a standard seat, while the Premium class offers comfortable seating equipped with wider seats and more space. If you have luggage, Renfe AVE allows up to 3 pieces of luggage onto the train, as long as the sum of the luggage does not exceed 55 lbs (25 kg). For people with disabilities, AVE offers several options, so you can specify while booking if you’re traveling in your wheelchair, if you have displacement difficulties, or if you have visual and hearing disabilities. This allows the train service to prepare to help you have a smooth experience.

How to get cheap train tickets from Barcelona to Madrid?

The cheapest tickets you can find for trains from Barcelona to Madrid trips are available from Alsa. To find good deals, you can book via platforms likeOmio, where you can browse rates based on the different routes available. Also, the rates can differ depending on when you choose to depart, so keep this in mind when booking. Booking online is the best way to get discounts, so check the schedules and the different train stations in Barcelona to compare rates. Among the ideas you can explore to save money when booking a train to Madrid from Barcelona, you should book in advance. Also, if you’re flexible with travel dates, you can book your tickets for days when prices will be better. Another idea is to settle for a connecting train, which, although slower, will allow you to save more.

Royal Palace in Madrid. Source: Shutterstock

To Madrid by Train—Travel Tips

Madrid is one of the best places in Europe you can visit on vacation. First, the weather is good throughout the year, as it’s predominantly sunny, making it a great place to visit and sightsee. Also, Spain offers some of the best culinary delights, and you can find the best tapas here. Consider places like Mercado San Miguel for gourmet local cuisine. You should also visit the Royal Palace of Madrid, one of the most impressive monuments in Europe. It’s majestic, and you can go inside to explore the beauty. If you want a park where you can relax and have fun, Retiro Park is a good place to visit while in Madrid. At night, Madrid offers good nightlife, which you can enjoy at local bars and trendy nightclubs. If you want to be involved in events, you should look forward to annual events like:

• La Paloma Festival
• Los Veranos de la Villa
• Madrid Jazz Festival
• Madrid Pride Week
• Nochevieja (New Year's Eve)