4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona Sants
Cheapest price
€25
Average price
€40
Fastest journey
3 h 2 m
Average duration
3 h 2 m
Trains per day
36
Distance
490 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona Sants is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona Sants will cost around €40 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €25.
Of the 36 trains that leave Madrid Barajas Airport for Barcelona Sants on Thu, Aug 06, 36 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 490 km distance in an average of 3 h 2 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 2 m .
On Thu, Aug 06 the slowest trains will take 3 h 2 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.
064716:22 AM3h23Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes9:45 AMBarcelona Sants€251One-way0 transfers- 064258:10 PM3h18Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes11:28 PMBarcelona Sants€291One-way0 transfers
062616:09 AM3h26Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes9:35 AMBarcelona Sants€311One-way0 transfers- 060818:22 AM3h02Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes11:24 AMBarcelona Sants€311One-way0 transfers
030737:27 AM3h44Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes11:11 AMBarcelona Sants€311One-way0 transfers
- 031815:57 PM3h02Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes8:59 PMBarcelona Sants€491One-way0 transfers
- 065714:22 PM3h02Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes7:24 PMBarcelona Sants€331One-way0 transfers
- 060717:22 AM3h02Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes10:24 AMBarcelona Sants€481One-way0 transfers
- 062818:50 AM3h02Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes11:52 AMBarcelona Sants€491One-way0 transfers
- 061614:37 PM3h02Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes7:39 PMBarcelona Sants€491One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona Sants
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona Sants among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €24. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 55m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €24, and a flight costs an average of €42.
Distance: 304 miles (490 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€39 Average price Cheapest | €42 Average price | €113 Average price | €100 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 20m Average total duration 2h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 33m Average total duration 7h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 55m Average total duration Fastest 1h 55m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 31m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona Sants:
A train is €3 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona Sants costing on average €42.
A train is €74 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona Sants costing on average €113.
Other travel options to Barcelona Sants take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 50m.
Bus takes on average 7h 3m.
The journey is about 2h 41m faster (2h 50m by train vs 5h 31m by car) and roughly €60 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (€39 vs €100). 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.
Direct services run with iryo, SNCF OUIGO, AVE, Renfe AVLO.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona Sants train times
The table below shows live departures for Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona Sants 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06121 | On time 12:22 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h17 | 3:39 PM Barcelona Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 03123 | On time 12:27 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h48 | 4:15 PM Barcelona Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 09725 | On time 12:50 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h29 | 4:19 PM Barcelona Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 06541 | Delayed 1:42 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h02 | 2:44 PM 2:44 PMBarcelona Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 03143 | On time 2:27 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h22 | 5:49 PM Barcelona Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 06021 | On time 2:42 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h31 | 6:13 PM Barcelona Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 03305 | On time 3:27 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h47 | 7:14 PM Barcelona Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 06571 | Delayed 4:22 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h02 | 5:24 PM 5:24 PMBarcelona Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 03163 | On time 4:27 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h17 | 7:44 PM Barcelona Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 06161 | Delayed 4:37 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h02 | 5:39 PM 5:39 PMBarcelona Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 06171 | Delayed 5:22 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h20 | 6:42 PM 6:42 PMBarcelona Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 03173 | Delayed 5:27 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h44 | 7:11 PM 7:11 PMBarcelona Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 03181 | Delayed 5:57 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h02 | 6:59 PM 6:59 PMBarcelona Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 03183 | Delayed 6:27 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h22 | 7:49 PM 7:49 PMBarcelona Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 06181 | Delayed 6:32 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h12 | 7:44 PM 7:44 PMBarcelona Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 03191 | On time 6:57 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h02 | 9:59 PM Barcelona Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 06015 | Delayed 7:29 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h21 | 8:50 PM 8:50 PMBarcelona Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 03309 | On time 7:34 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h46 | 11:20 PM Barcelona Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 06425 | Delayed 8:10 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h18 | 9:28 PM 9:28 PMBarcelona Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 03201 | On time 8:30 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h17 | 11:47 PM Barcelona Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 06261 | 6:09 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h26 | 9:35 AM Barcelona Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 06471 | 6:22 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h23 | 9:45 AM Barcelona Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 03311 | 6:27 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h29 | 9:56 AM Barcelona Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 06071 | 7:22 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h02 | 10:24 AM Barcelona Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 03073 | 7:27 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h44 | 11:11 AM Barcelona Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 06081 | 8:22 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h02 | 11:24 AM Barcelona Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 03083 | 8:27 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h17 | 11:44 AM Barcelona Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 06281 | 8:50 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h02 | 11:52 AM Barcelona Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 03091 | 8:57 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h09 | 12:06 PM Barcelona Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 03093 | 9:27 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h37 | 1:04 PM Barcelona Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 06501 | 9:31 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h27 | 12:58 PM Barcelona Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 06011 | 9:57 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h24 | 1:21 PM Barcelona Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 03303 | 10:27 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h17 | 1:44 PM Barcelona Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 06111 | 11:22 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h17 | 2:39 PM Barcelona Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 03113 | 11:27 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h44 | 3:11 PM Barcelona Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona Sants by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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.
Aug 06
Aug 07
Aug 08
Aug 09
Aug 10
Aug 11
Aug 12
Aug 13
Aug 14
Aug 15
Aug 16
Aug 17
Aug 18
Aug 19
Aug 20
Aug 21
Aug 22
Aug 23
Aug 24
Aug 25
Aug 26
Why should you book Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona Sants trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs iryo?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for iryo, but also compare tickets for the likes of SNCF OUIGO, AVE or Renfe AVLO to find the best option for your trip from Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona Sants.
- 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 iryo with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona Sants.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Rome2rio or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of SNCF OUIGO, AVE or Renfe AVLO to find the best option for your trip from Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona Sants.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona Sants.
Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona Sants by trainMy Train Journey from Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona Sants with Renfe AVE
By Nancy Sevilla
When I was flying back home from a recent trip to Dubai, the best flight option I found landed in Madrid first. Since there weren’t any useful same-day flights to Barcelona, I booked a high-speed train with Renfe AVE instead, which ended up being the better choice. It was a fast, comfortable, stress-free way to continue the journey from Madrid-Barajas Airport to Barcelona Sants. Here's what to expect if you're making the same trip.
Route overview
Traveling from Madrid-Barajas Airport to Barcelona Sants involves a short trip into central Madrid first, followed by a high-speed train to Barcelona. You can take either the Cercanías commuter train or the Metro. For my journey, I took the Metro: From Terminal 2, I followed the signs to the metro. I rode Line 8 to Nuevos Ministerios. Then I transferred to Line 1, which runs directly to Madrid Atocha. This connection was straightforward, took about 30 minutes, and didn’t require long walking transfers. From Madrid Puerta de Atocha, high-speed trains run frequently to Barcelona Sants, with travel times ranging from about 2 hours and 30 minutes to around 3 hours, depending on the service. Overall, it was a smooth transition from the airport to the city I call home.
Transportation experience
To get from Madrid-Barajas Airport to Madrid Atocha, I purchased a Metro ticket for about €5, which includes the €3 airport supplement. About four weeks earlier, I booked my Renfe AVE ticket on Omio, and the process was fast and easy. For this leg of the trip, I paid €85 for a Standard Class seat and selected a window seat for the views. Although it was a Sunday and the stations were a bit busy, the signage made it straightforward to navigate from Terminal 2 to the Metro and then continue to Madrid Atocha. I considered flying to Barcelona, but I wanted to avoid airport check-ins and waiting times, so the train worked better for me. The bus from Madrid to Barcelona takes around 10 hours, which also wasn’t an option for me.
Departure station
From Terminal 2 at Madrid Barajas Airport, I followed signs for the Metro. It’s a straightforward transfer via Line 8 to Nuevos Ministerios, and then a quick switch to Line 1 to reach Madrid Atocha. I recommend allowing at least 45–60 minutes for this part. The Metro was clean and well-signed, and I grabbed a quick €3 espresso at Foodissimo before heading to my platform.
Arrival station
From Terminal 2 at Madrid Barajas Airport, I followed signs for the Metro. It’s a straightforward transfer via Line 8 to Nuevos Ministerios, and then a quick switch to Line 1 to reach Madrid Atocha. I recommend allowing at least 45–60 minutes for this part. The Metro was clean and well-signed, and I grabbed a quick €3 espresso at Foodissimo before heading to my platform. Barcelona Sants Station is large but very easy to navigate. Once you arrive, you’re just a short Metro or taxi ride from most neighborhoods. I typically just take the L3 Green Line, which takes me directly to my place, which is very convenient. There are plenty of shops and cafés inside, and the station feels safe and well-lit. I arrived at 2:46 PM, giving me the entire afternoon to rest and take care of some last-minute errands before the weekend ended.
Schedule & frequency
There is no direct train from Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona Sants, so you’ll first travel to Madrid Puerta de Atocha and then connect to a high-speed service. Trains between Madrid Puerta de Atocha and Barcelona Sants run frequently throughout the day, with services from Renfe AVE, Iryo, and Ouigo. Trains run roughly every hour from around 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM. For my trip, I chose the 11:27 AM departure, which allowed a relaxed morning and still got me to Barcelona by 2:46 PM.
Onboard experience & services
The ride on the Metro from Madrid Barajas Airport to Madrid Atocha is clean and comfortable. After about 30 minutes, I hopped on the high-speed Renfe AVE train to Barcelona Sants. My Standard Class seat had good legroom, a tray table, and a power outlet. I reserved a window seat when booking, as I love looking out the large windows at the Spanish countryside. Luggage was simple to manage, with racks overhead and enough space at my seat for a small personal bag. On Renfe trains from Madrid to Barcelona Sants, Wi-Fi is available. The PlayRenfe app also includes access to various movies and TV shows. After a long flight, I used it to send some messages to friends and view the map in real time. The AVE train also had a bar car with snacks, sandwiches, coffee, and cold drinks. I had already brought my own water and a small snack that I picked up at the airport, so I didn't purchase anything this time. As Barcelona is where I call home, I've taken this train a lot in the past, and it's always quiet and comfortable, even when the train is reasonably full. The smooth ride and steady speed made it easy to relax and listen to music without interruptions.
Ticketing advice & budget breakdown
Booking early on the Omio website or app usually secures the best prices. I booked my trip from Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona Sants about a month in advance. Remember to bring a valid ID, such as your passport or NIE. Standard AVE tickets generally allow one suitcase, one carry-on, and a small personal item.
| Item | Cost (eur) |
|---|---|
| Ticket price | €85 |
| Food & drinks | €6 |
| Travel to departure station | €5 |
| Travel from arrival station | €2.55 |
| Total | € 98.55 |
Top tips & recommendations
- Bring your ID: You’ll need a passport (or NIE if you live in Spain) to board AVE trains.
- Use the Omio app: Booking was seamless, and it’s easy to access your ticket.
- Choose a window seat: The views of the Spanish countryside are worth it.
- Arrive early: Stations can get busy, especially on weekends, so allow time for metro transfers and platform checks.
Conclusion
Traveling from Madrid-Barajas Airport to Barcelona Sants by train is fast, easy, and scenic. It’s an ideal choice for travelers arriving by air who want to skip the hassle of flights or buses. If you prefer not to take the Metro, you can also take the Cercanías train from the airport to Madrid Atocha. Book and plan your journey on the Omio app to make travel simple. You can compare schedules, fares, and operators to get the best deal.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona Sants
SpainSpain
Trains from Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona Sants run on average 26 times per day, taking around 2h 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €24 if you book in advance.
There are 26 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:09, the last at 19:10. The fastest train covers the 304 miles (490 km) distance in 2h 37m.
Distance 304 miles (490 km) |
Average train duration 2h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price €24 |
Trains per day 26 |
Direct trains 26 |
Fastest train 2h 37m |
First train 4:09 AM |
Last train 7:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Train companies: iryo, SNCF OUIGO, AVE, Renfe AVLO from Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona Sants trainsiryo, SNCF OUIGO, AVE, Renfe AVLO trains will get you between Madrid Barajas Airport and Barcelona Sants from €24. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
iryo
AVE
Renfe AVLO
SNCF OUIGO
FAQs: Trains from Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona Sants
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona Sants 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 Sants, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona Sants
Most Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona Sants trains use the Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes to Barcelona Sants station pair. Use this guide to compare Madrid Barajas Airport and Barcelona Sants train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Getting to Barcelona Sants from Barcelona city centre
Barcelona Sants is 1 km from Barcelona city centre. Public transport options include:
Barcelona Sants train station facilities and services
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 and drink
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
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Hotspots in and near restaurants. ATMs are in the central part of the station.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 06:00 - 22:00. Information desks are located in various locations inside the station.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is staffed and automatic. Open daily from 05:30 to 21:00. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Barcelona Sants: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Barcelona Sants: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Barcelona Sants: All areas of the station have full disability access facilities.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Apartments Eixample, Apartment Guell, Sweet Inn Callao.
Most popular train connections from Madrid Barajas Airport
More options for your journey from Madrid Barajas Airport to Barcelona Sants
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Barcelona Sants and Madrid Barajas Airport
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.
