Barcelona to Pamplona train with Renfe

My Journey from Barcelona to Pamplona by Train

Introduction

When I recently visited the Basque Country, I traveled from Barcelona to Pamplona by train with Renfe AVE. This was an easy journey, connecting the north to the Mediterranean. The route takes you across changing landscapes, from Catalonia’s coast to the valleys of Navarre, which makes it one of the more scenic train trips in Spain. If you're planning to come this way, here's how to do it by taking a Renfe AVE train.

Route Overview

Trains to Pamplona leave from Barcelona Sants, the biggest station in the city. They venture to Zaragoza, just south of the Pyrenees foothills, before continuing west toward Pamplona. Along the way, the scenery changes from the urban views of Barcelona to farmlands and mountain ranges. The train ultimately reaches the Basque Coast at San Sebastián, where the air feels cooler and greener. For me, the train is the best way to travel between Barcelona and Pamplona. It's comfortable and not too long, with some wonderful views of rural Spain. The total journey with Renfe AVE took just 4 hours to reach Pamplona station.

Transportation Experience

You can easily book Renfe AVE train tickets on Omio. On the website or with Omio's app, you can select your journey, make a secure payment, and receive the tickets either in-app or by email. Simple. Pamplona has an airport about 6 km from the city center, so flying from Barcelona to Pamplona is an option. The laid-back experience of the train won me over, as I always feel like the airport is stressful with all the rushing and waiting around. There are Barcelona to Pamplona buses, but these aren't as comfortable and take nearly 6 hours. I really didn’t want to spend half my day getting there without being able to walk around and stretch my legs.

Route Details

Departure and Arrival Stations

Barcelona Sants station is 2.7 km from the city center, which takes a little over half an hour to walk, or about 30 minutes by car. I walked, but most people take an R-line train, which takes just 7 minutes. This train station is the largest in Barcelona and one of the biggest in Spain. There is a range of cafés, a McDonald’s, and a self-service restaurant where you can relax before you set off. Trains for Pamplona depart from platforms 1–6. I bought a coffee at Barcelona Sants, but no food since I had a poke bowl with me that I’d purchased the night before.

Renfe trains from Barcelona arrive at Pamplona station. It's a much smaller station, with one café where you can purchase snacks and drinks. The selection is limited here, so I’d recommend waiting until you reach the city. Pamplona's train station is only 2 km from the city center. You can either walk, which takes about 30 minutes, or take a taxi in around 10 minutes. Alternatively, the L21 bus connects the station to the city. As I have a friend living in Pamplona, they picked me up from the station.

Schedule & Frequency

There are two direct trains per day between Barcelona and Pamplona. One departs at 9:05 AM and arrives at 1:05 PM. The other leaves at 2:32 PM and arrives at 6:41 PM. I took the 9:05 AM train, as I wanted to enjoy my afternoon in Pamplona. These schedules can vary slightly depending on the season or weekday, so it’s best to check your preferred date on Omio before booking. Connecting services via Zaragoza are also available if the direct ones sell out.

Onboard Experience & Services

On my Renfe train from Barcelona to Pamplona, I was traveling on a high-speed, long-distance route. The train was still clean and comfortable, but the interior felt a bit more dated than some of Renfe’s newer models. The seats were quite comfy and well-padded, with a decent amount of legroom. It stayed relatively quiet in the cabin throughout the journey, as this route attracts fewer tourists than those to Madrid or Valencia. I managed to do some work during the trip and watched a few pre-downloaded shows on my phone.

There were the usual luggage racks at the ends of the carriages and overhead shelves for smaller bags, so storage was never an issue. Not that I brought a whole lot (just one backpack). I had a power outlet next to my seat, which was great for keeping my laptop charged, but there was no Wi-Fi available. The train did have a restaurant car, but it was unfortunately closed during my trip. Toilets were located at either end of the carriage, which were small, but I appreciated that they were kept clean.

Overall, it was a pleasant and relaxed journey that made the time pass quickly. I enjoyed watching the city views of Barcelona slowly fade away, shortly being replaced with green fields and then mountain ranges. Spain's landscapes manage to impress me every time.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

For my trip from Barcelona to Pamplona by train, I booked directly through Omio, which made comparing departure times and prices simple. Renfe trains have dynamic pricing, but rates don't increase as dramatically as other train companies in Europe. I'd still recommend booking as early as possible to secure the best fares.

Budget breakdown:

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

Before heading out on your train trip from Barcelona to Pamplona, take a look at my travel tips:

• Buy food at Barcelona Sants: There might not be much available on the train.
• Download entertainment before boarding: I didn’t have Wi-Fi on this route, so you might not have it either.
• Arrive at Barcelona Sants with plenty of time: It’s a large station, and you’ll need to go through security.
• Consider stopping off if you have time: Zaragoza is on the route and is a beautiful city with plenty to do.
• Carry ID: You never know when you might need to show it.

Conclusion

My trip from Barcelona to Pamplona aboard Renfe's high-speed train was straightforward and enjoyable. The 4-hour journey offered me time to relax and admire Spain's scenery. It reminded me why train travel is such a pleasant way to get around. I wouldn't hesitate to travel the route again. If you’d like to plan the same trip or explore other parts of Spain, start planning your next journey with Omio.

About the Author: Claire Martin

• Job Title: Travel Journalist and Content Creator
• Bio: Claire Martin is a full-time travel journalist, blogger, and videomaker who specializes in train and ferry travel around Europe.