- Recommended
Centre Walter Benjamin
Local interpretation space on Walter Benjamin’s final journey and exile history, central to understanding Portbou’s cultural identity.
Cheapest price
$18
Average price
$19
Fastest journey
2 h 4 m
Average duration
2 h 11 m
Trains per day
11
Distance
142 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Barcelona to Portbou is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Barcelona to Portbou will cost around $19 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $18.
Of the 11 trains that leave Barcelona for Portbou on Thu, Aug 06, 11 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Aug 06 the direct trains cover the 142 km distance in an average of 2 h 11 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 4 m .
On Thu, Aug 06 the slowest trains will take 2 h 22 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.
15912
15916
15820
15904
15900
15806
15818
15802
15912
15820Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Barcelona to Portbou among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $41. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 24m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $41, and a train costs an average of $17.
Distance: 88 miles (142 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$82 Average price | $41 Average price Cheapest | $34 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 54m Average total duration Fastest 2h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 18m Average total duration 2h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 8m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Barcelona to Portbou:
A bus is $41 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Barcelona to Portbou costing on average $82.
Other travel options to Portbou take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 48m.
Tickets start at around $82 compared to roughly $34 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-47.63. The journey takes 2h 24m versus 2h 8m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Barcelona to Portbou trains for today, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
15916 | 1:29 PM Sant Adreu Comtal | 2h23 | 3:52 PM Portbou station | 0 transfersDirect | |
15918 | On time 3:29 PM Sant Adreu Comtal | 2h22 | 5:51 PM Portbou station | 0 transfersDirect | |
15816 | 5:29 PM Sant Adreu Comtal | 2h22 | 7:51 PM Portbou station | 0 transfersDirect | |
15818 | 5:55 PM Barcelona El Clot Aragó | 2h04 | 7:59 PM Portbou station | 0 transfersDirect | |
15820 | 7:29 PM Sant Adreu Comtal | 2h22 | 9:51 PM Portbou station | 0 transfersDirect | |
15900 | 6:29 AM Sant Adreu Comtal | 2h22 | 8:51 AM Portbou station | 0 transfersDirect | |
15904 | 7:30 AM Sant Adreu Comtal | 2h29 | 9:59 AM Portbou station | 0 transfersDirect | |
15802 | 8:25 AM Barcelona El Clot Aragó | 2h04 | 10:29 AM Portbou station | 0 transfersDirect | |
15908 | 9:29 AM Sant Adreu Comtal | 2h22 | 11:51 AM Portbou station | 0 transfersDirect | |
15806 | 10:25 AM Barcelona El Clot Aragó | 2h04 | 12:29 PM Portbou station | 0 transfersDirect | |
15912 | 11:29 AM Sant Adreu Comtal | 2h22 | 1:51 PM Portbou station | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 to Portbou run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2h 24m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $17 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 06:16, the last at 21:07. The fastest train covers the 88 miles (142 km) distance in 2h 1m.
Distance 88 miles (142 km) |
Average train duration 2h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price $17 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 2h 1m |
First train 6:16 AM |
Last train 9:07 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Portbou — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Portbou trip today.
Local interpretation space on Walter Benjamin’s final journey and exile history, central to understanding Portbou’s cultural identity.
Town exhibition area used for local art, photography, and heritage displays, offering insight into Portbou’s community culture.
Interpretive space inside or near the station focused on railway history and Portbou’s role as a major border rail hub.
Scenic coastal path segment with dramatic cliffs and views toward France, especially appealing for walkers and photographers.
Main town beach with clear water, promenade access, and classic views of Portbou’s bay, station hills, and maritime setting.
Smaller beach cove popular with locals, offering a quieter atmosphere and attractive views near the center.
Suquet de peix is a Catalan fishermen’s stew of local rockfish, potatoes, garlic and saffron, long linked to the Costa Brava’s small fishing ports.
Arròs negre is rice cooked with cuttlefish and squid ink, giving it a deep sea flavor and black color. It is a classic coastal dish across this part of Catalonia.
Fideuà is a seaside favorite made like paella but with short noodles, usually with seafood. It is popular in Empordà and commonly served in local restaurants.
Traditional dining room in nearby Colera, valued for grilled fish, shellfish and classic Costa Brava cooking in a longstanding setting.
Established seafront restaurant known for seafood, rice dishes and relaxed Mediterranean views near Portbou’s waterfront.
Casual local spot in Portbou for tapas, fish and simple Catalan plates, with an unfussy atmosphere popular for everyday dining.
Moderate for coastal Spain: lodging can rise in summer, but casual meals and short local trips stay fairly affordable for most visitors.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, round up or leave 5-10% for good service. Cafes: small change. Taxis: round up the fare; tips are appreciated but not expected.
Official public transport app
Portbou railway station -> Plaça Major, Portbou
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Barcelona to Portbou 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 Portbou, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Barcelona to Portbou trains use the Barcelona Sants to Portbou station pair. Use this guide to compare Barcelona and Portbou train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Barcelona Sants is 1 km from Barcelona city centre. Public transport options include:
Barcelona Sants 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 options include: McDonald’s, Caffe di Fiore, Ars Café, Café de l'Estació, Café de l’Estació Deli, Lavazza, Como, Peter's, Tutti Frutti, Enrique Tomás, & many more
Hotspots in and near restaurants. ATMs are in the central part of the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 06:00 - 22:00. Information desks are located in various locations inside the station.
Luggage storage is staffed and automatic. Open daily from 05:30 to 21:00. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Barcelona Sants: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Barcelona Sants: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Barcelona Sants: All areas of the station have full disability access facilities.
Nearby hotels include Apartments Eixample, Apartment Guell, Sweet Inn Callao.
Sant Adreu Comtal is 5 km from Barcelona city centre. Public transport options include:
Sant Adreu Comtal has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sant Adreu Comtal.
Barcelona Passeig De Gracia 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, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Lasarte, El Nacional
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Barcelona Passeig De Gracia. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Barcelona Passeig De Gracia. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Barcelona Passeig De Gracia: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Barcelona Passeig De Gracia: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Barcelona Passeig De Gracia: Elevators.
Nearby hotels include Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona, Hotel Royal Passeig de Gracia, Casa Fuster Hotel.
Portbou has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink options are available at Portbou.
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Portbou. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Portbou. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Portbou: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Portbou: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Portbou: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Comodoro, Hotel La Masia.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need