Barcelona to Zaragoza train with AVE

Barcelona to Zaragoza by Iryo Train

Introduction

The fastest and most comfortable way to get around Spain is by train, and whenever I travel through the country, I always check the available trains first before even considering other modes of transport. That was also the case on a recent trip when I needed to travel from Barcelona to Zaragoza, the historic capital of the Aragon region. Since Zaragoza is located on the high-speed rail line between Barcelona and Madrid, taking the train between the two cities definitely makes the most sense.

In this guide, I’ll show you what it’s like to take a high-speed train from Barcelona to Zaragoza and share a few useful tips to help you prepare for the journey.

Route Overview

If you want to take the train from Barcelona to Zaragoza, there are four train companies offering high-speed services: the Spanish national railway company Renfe, private rail company Iryo, and low-cost operators Ouigo and Avlo. Competition between these trains keeps tickets affordable, which is great news for you as a rail traveler!

The Barcelona–Zaragoza route is 320 kilometers long, with the fastest trains taking just 1 hour and 22 minutes to complete the journey. All trains depart from Barcelona Sants, with Zaragoza-Delicias being the arrival station in the Aragonese capital. Most services are non-stop, and after stopping at Zaragoza-Delicias, they continue to their final destination in Madrid.

Transportation Experience

One of the best reasons to book on Omio is because it shows tickets from all four railway operators in a single search. You can instantly compare the costs and don’t have to visit individual websites to check schedules and fares. Another feature I like is that the ticket conditions are transparently shown when you select a departure, giving you all the information you need before booking your trip.

Personally, I wouldn’t consider taking the bus from Barcelona to Zaragoza since they can’t compete with the train in speed and comfort, but some budget travelers might still want to compare prices.

Route Details

When I traveled from Barcelona to Zaragoza by train, I chose an afternoon departure with Iryo because I personally believe the company operates the highest-quality trains among the four railway operators. Iryo is a private Spanish high-speed rail operator partly owned by Trenitalia, the Italian national railway company, and if you’ve traveled by train in Italy before, its bright red Frecciarossa 1000 high-speed trains will look instantly familiar, though slightly out of place in Spain!

When you travel on Iryo or Renfe (not Ouigo or Avlo), you can take the Rodalies suburban train free of charge (up to four hours) to anywhere in the Greater Barcelona area before your high-speed train departs from Barcelona Sants. This is a great perk that can save you cash and definitely came in handy for me, as I needed to travel from my hotel in Calella, just north of Barcelona, into the city on a commuter train.

Barcelona Sants is a sprawling underground station. It's crowded and not centrally located, but it has all the facilities you’d expect from a major station. There are also plenty of stores where you can grab a snack, meal, or drink before your departure.

Make sure you arrive at Barcelona Sants with some time to spare, as you’ll need to pass through airport-style security before boarding. The entire process is usually pretty fast, and there are no limits on the liquids you can bring. I typically make sure I’m at the station 30 minutes before departure.

After clearing security, check the departure screen to see which platform your train leaves from. About 10 to 15 minutes before departure, your train will usually be ready for boarding. Once the railway employee scans your ticket, you can head down to the underground platform and find your assigned coach and seat.

Onboard Experience & Services

Taking an Iryo train from Barcelona to Zaragoza is a comfortable experience, no matter which class you’re traveling in. Iryo’s travel classes can be a bit confusing, so let me explain what you can expect.

• Inicial is Second Class on an Iryo train, with seats arranged in a 2*2 configuration.
• Singular is an upgrade from Inicial. Although the seats are the same, your ticket conditions are more flexible, and the luggage allowance is higher.
• Singular Only You is Iryo’s First Class product, offering wider, more comfortable seats in a roomier 1*2 configuration.
• Infinita Bistro is the premium First Class option. You get the same seats as Singular Only You, plus a free meal and complimentary drinks, including beer or wine.

Note: There are two types of fares for all these travel classes: Flexible, which is semi-flexible, and the more expensive and fully flexible Abierta.

I booked an Infinita Bistro ticket. This gave me a solo seat in First Class, which I found very comfortable. There was good legroom and plenty of space to work on my laptop using the fold-out tray table. No matter your travel class, you’ll find a power socket at your seat, and all Iryo trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which I found pretty reliable. Bags can be stored on the large luggage racks at the far ends of each carriage or on the overhead rack above your seat. Luggage allowance can vary depending on the ticket class, but you can generally bring along two suitcases and a smaller handbag without any issues.

Since I was traveling in Infinita Bistro, my ticket included a complimentary meal served at my seat. I chose a Spanish tapas board, which came with gazpacho (cold tomato soup) and a selection of cheeses and cured meats. Since it was already afternoon, I decided to have the red wine with my meal. It certainly made for a highly enjoyable way to travel across Spain! You’re also free to visit the onboard café-bar wagon or bring your own drinks or food.

The journey from Barcelona to Zaragoza was actually quite pleasant. The valley views southwest of Barcelona and the barren landscapes of Aragon are nice, and just before Tarragona, you can catch glimpses of the Mediterranean Sea from the left-hand side. Just over an hour after departing Barcelona, the train arrives at Zaragoza-Delicias.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

Train tickets for Spanish high-speed trains are usually cheaper when booked in advance. Trains on the high-speed railway line between Barcelona, Zaragoza, and Madrid are very popular with Spaniards, foreign tourists, leisure travelers, and business travelers alike, so trains during peak times or national holidays often sell out. Because of this, I always try to book my ticket as early as possible. However, thanks to strong competition on Spanish railway lines, with four rival train companies running trains between Barcelona and Zaragoza, ticket prices are affordable, too.

Although I enjoy traveling with Iryo in Spain, it’s always a good idea to compare ticket prices between different operators. Renfe also runs high-quality trains from Barcelona to Zaragoza, and even the low-cost operators Avlo and Ouigo offer a comfortable ride.

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

• Don’t arrive too late at Barcelona Sants. This large station can be confusing for first-time travelers, and there is a security check you must go through before boarding your train. I always try to arrive at Barcelona Sants at least 30 minutes before departure.

• First Class train tickets in Spain are often surprisingly affordable. Even if you usually travel Second Class, it’s worth checking the price difference, as the surcharge can sometimes be minimal. The more spacious seats and complimentary food and drinks can definitely make it worth it.

• Don’t forget that Iryo and Renfe allow you to take a free suburban train up to 4 hours before departure and up to 4 hours after arrival. This perk is called Combinado Cercanías, named after the suburban trains.

Conclusion

If you need to travel from Barcelona to Zaragoza, look no further than the train. The high-speed trains between the two cities cover the 320-kilometer route in just 1 hour and 22 minutes, making it by far the fastest option. Thanks to strong competition on the high-speed railway line, with four rival train companies running trains between Barcelona and Zaragoza, ticket prices are affordable, too.

My usual pick is Iryo, as I find their trains to be the most comfortable and offer the best onboard service. Infinita Bistro is definitely the most pleasant way to travel across Spain, offering comfortable seats, plus a complimentary meal and drinks included in the ticket price.

About the Author: Koen Berghuis

• Job Title: Rail Expert

• Bio: Koen Berghuis is a rail expert and passionate train traveler who logs about 20,000 kilometers by train each year. He explores routes across Europe and beyond, sharing his detailed reviews and trip reports on his website.