Basel to Barcelona train with AVE

Wed, Jul 08
+ Add return
AVE
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
AVE
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Basel to Barcelona

Showing times and prices for Jul 08

Cheapest price

$257

Average price

$275

Fastest journey

20 h 2 m

Average duration

21 h 56 m

Trains per day

2

Distance

809 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Basel to Barcelona is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Basel to Barcelona will cost around $275 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $257.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Basel to Barcelona without transferring at least 2 times.

  • Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)
    7:34 PM23h49
    Basel
    7:23 PMBarcelona
    $2571One-way
    2 transfers
  • Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)
    4:34 PM20h02
    Basel
    12:36 PMBarcelona
    $2931One-way
    2 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Basel to Barcelona

Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Basel to Barcelona among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $57. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 7m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $57, and a train costs an average of $257.

Distance: 502 miles (809 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Flight
Bus
Driving

$277

Average price

$220

Average price

$97

Average price

Cheapest

$386

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

8h 42m

Average total duration

8h 12m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 7m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 7m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

20h 14m

Average total duration

19h 44m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

9h 30m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.2 - 0.7kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

2.4 - 4.8kg

CO2 emissions

0.8 - 2.0kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

AVE

Most popular train company

Vueling

Most popular airline

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

The cheapest way to travel from Basel to Barcelona is a bus with an average price of $97 (€80).

This is compared to other travel options from Basel to Barcelona:

A bus is $124 (€102) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Basel to Barcelona costing on average $220 (€181).

A bus is $180 (€148) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Basel to Barcelona costing on average $277 (€227).

The fastest way to travel from Basel to Barcelona is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 7m.

Other travel options to Barcelona take longer:

Train takes on average 8h 12m.

Bus takes on average 19h 44m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Basel and Barcelona including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Basel to Barcelona among Omio's users.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.

The journey is about 1h 18m faster (8h 12m by train vs 9h 30m by car) and roughly $109 (€90) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($277 (€227) vs $386 (€317)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.

Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Basel to Barcelona train times

The table below shows live departures for Basel to Barcelona trains for today, Tuesday, July 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)4:34 PM Basel
20h02
12:36 PM Barcelona2 transfers
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)7:34 PM Basel
23h49
7:23 PM Barcelona2 transfers

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Basel to Barcelona by train, bus, or flight

Compare train, bus, and flight 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.

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Why should you book Basel to Barcelona trains with Omio?

AVE as well as Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) offer trains services from Basel to Barcelona.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Basel to Barcelona.

Why book with Omio vs AVE?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for AVE, but also compare tickets for the likes of Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) to find the best option for your trip from Basel to Barcelona.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare AVE with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Basel to Barcelona.

Why book with Omio over Rome2rio, Raileurope or Trainline?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Basel to Barcelona.

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Basel to Barcelona?

The best time to book your train from Basel to Barcelona is 91 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Basel to Barcelona route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Basel to Barcelona per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Basel to Barcelona.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Basel to Barcelona

SwitzerlandSwitzerland
SpainSpain
Icon of train

Trains from Basel to Barcelona run on average 1 times per day, taking around 8h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $257 (€211) but you can travel from only $57 (€46) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 05:21, the last at 21:45. The fastest train covers the 502 miles (809 km) distance in 20h 2m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $57 (€46)
Distance
502 miles (809 km)
Average train duration
8h 12m
Cheapest ticket price
$257 (€211)
Trains per day
1
Fastest train
20h 2m
First train
5:21 AM
Last train
9:45 PM
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
42 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $57 (€46)

Train companies: AVE, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) from Basel to Barcelona trainsAVE, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) trains will get you between Basel and Barcelona from $57 (€46). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

AVE

About
Travel comfortably with AVE, Renfe’s high-speed trains. AVE connects major cities across Spain at speeds of up to 310 km/h (193 mph), offering a fast and smooth travel experience. Ticket options include Promo, Promo+, and Flexible fares to suit different budgets, along with discount cards such as the Gold Card and +Renfe Youth 50 Card for eligible travelers. AVE trains feature modern amenities including comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard catering, making them a convenient and enjoyable way to travel across Spain.
Luggage & cancellation policy
0
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 3 pieces of luggage free of charge
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, end of carriages, and designated areas between seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund conditions depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages. At-seat service in Preferente (First) Class
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for all classes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance services available
Pets
Small pets under 10kg in carriers allowed free. Larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle. Guide dogs free.
Quiet zone

Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
20h 2m
Cheapest Price
$257 (€211)
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) frequency
1 a day

Complete guide to Barcelona

Things to do in Barcelona

Discover the best of Barcelona — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Barcelona trip today.

  • Must visit

Museu Picasso

Major collection focused on Pablo Picasso’s early work and deep connection to Barcelona, housed in medieval palaces in El Born.

  • Must visit

Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC)

Catalonia’s premier art museum, especially famous for its Romanesque frescoes, Gothic art, and grand palace setting on Montjuïc.

  • Recommended

Fundació Joan Miró

Leading modern art museum on Montjuïc dedicated to Joan Miró, with paintings, sculptures, and strong city views nearby.

Euro

Moderate by Western Europe standards. Budget eating is manageable, but central hotels and tourist-area dining cost more.

Average meal costs

Budget
EUR 8-15 for a simple meal.
Mid-range
EUR 18-35 per person.
Fine dining
EUR 70+ per person.
Coffee
EUR 1.80-3.50 for coffee.

Tipping culture

Service is usually included. Tipping is modest: round up or leave 5-10% for good restaurant service, small change in cafes, and round up for taxis.

FAQs: Trains from Basel to Barcelona

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basel to Barcelona 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 Barcelona, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Basel to Barcelona can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $257 (€211), while the average price is around $277 (€227).
The train from Basel to Barcelona runs once a day and takes approximately 20h 2m.
The distance by train from Basel to Barcelona is 502 miles (809 km).
The first train from Basel to Barcelona leaves at 5:21 AM.
The last train from Basel to Barcelona leaves at 9:45 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Basel to Barcelona.
There is no direct train service currently available from Basel to Barcelona.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Basel to Barcelona.
The train station in Basel that goes to Barcelona is Basel Bad Bhf, which connects to Barcelona Sants.
The cheapest way to get from Basel to Barcelona is by bus, with a cost of around $57 (€46).
Yes, the train journey from Basel to Barcelona is scenic, offering views of the picturesque Swiss countryside, the beautiful French landscapes, and parts of the stunning Pyrenees as you approach Barcelona.
A day trip from Basel to Barcelona is not feasible as the journey takes 20h 2m and the distance is 502 miles (809 km). There is 1 train journey available per day.
In Barcelona, you can explore Camp Nou, the home stadium of FC Barcelona, which offers tours and a museum. Visit Montjuïc for stunning city views, the Magic Fountain, and Montjuïc Castle. Relax at Barceloneta Beach, known for sunbathing and seaside dining. Discover El Raval's eclectic culture and nightlife, and enjoy rides and views at Tibidabo Amusement Park. Must-see sights include the iconic Sagrada Família, vibrant Park Güell, bustling La Rambla, the historic Gothic Quarter, and the uniquely designed Casa Batlló by Gaudí.
Three to four days in Barcelona is ideal to explore its main attractions, including La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and the Gothic Quarter, while also enjoying its vibrant culture and cuisine.
Yes, you can take the train from Basel to Barcelona.
Since both Basel and Barcelona are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
Popular day trips by train from Barcelona include Girona, Figueres, Tarragona, Lleida, Port Aventura.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Basel to Barcelona among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Spain uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers can use both cash and cards, but cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, while cash may be preferred for small purchases, markets, and rural locations.
In Barcelona, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like La Rambla, public transport, and popular tourist sites. Common scams include distraction techniques, fake petitions, and overpriced taxi rides without meters. It's advisable to keep valuables secure, avoid unlicensed taxis, and remain vigilant in busy spots to ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Basel to Barcelona

Most Basel to Barcelona trains use the Saint-Louis to Barcelona Sants station pair. Use this guide to compare Basel and Barcelona train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Basel
Arrival train stations in Barcelona

Which Basel station do trains to Barcelona leave from?

Trains from Basel to Barcelona leave from Basel Bad Bhf. The station is 1 miles (3 km) from Basel city centre at Schwarzwaldallee 200, 4058 Basel, Switzerland.
Basel Bad BhfSchwarzwaldallee 200, 4058 Basel, Switzerland+41 61 690 13 13WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Basel Bad Bhf from Basel city centre

Basel Bad Bhf is 2 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus30 · 11m · $4 · every ~18 min
Tram6, 1, 2 · 19m · $4 · every ~20 min

Basel Bad Bhf train station facilities and services

Basel Bad Bhf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.

Food and drink

Food options include: Restaurant Les Gareçons, Restaurant Bahn Kantine

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Basel Bad Bhf. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Basel Bad Bhf. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Basel Bad Bhf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Basel Bad Bhf: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Basel Bad Bhf: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hotel Alexander, Hotel Wettstein, Hotel Balade.

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

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