Barcelona to Zaragoza train with AVE

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.

The main concourse of Barcelona Sants

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 22 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 12 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.

Second Class seats on an Iryo high-speed train

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 & 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.