Madrid to Barcelona train with AVE

Transportation experience

All Spanish high-speed trains require a seat reservation, and they can sell out. The Madrid to Barcelona route has so many trains every day that, even if you can't travel on your desired train, there will be a seat available on another. Also, the prices are dynamic and, therefore, increase with demand. Last-minute trains will be more (and I mean way more) expensive. The further in advance you can reserve, the better. Thankfully, tickets are available on Omio up to three months prior to departure on this route.

Schedule & frequency

There are around fourteen AVE trains every day linking both cities, from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm, at regular intervals. All trains leave at either 27 or 57 minutes past the hour, except the last departure at 21:07. The views across the central Spanish plains are also very pleasant, as seen from the many elevated viaducts on the route, but there are also many tunnels!

Onboard experience & services

Onboard comfort will vary slightly depending on the type of train you travel on. I traveled on an S-103, built by Siemens and part of their widespread “Velaro” train family. In my opinion, these are the best. In First Class (Confort carriage), the seats are laid out in a 2+1 configuration and are very spacious. They are very wide, with more than ample legroom, and the seating position is perfect for working or relaxing, thanks to the recline and comfortable head cushion. My “Prémium” ticket included a comprehensive meal and drinks service, including alcohol for lunch or dinner. It was very delicious and featured roasted chicken salad, warm bread, a chocolate pudding, and a couple of glasses of prosecco. For those who don’t have a meal included in their ticket, a bar coach is on board, selling sandwiches, snacks, and a wide variety of drinks. Second Class (Estándar) seats are also great, offering all the amenities of the higher class, but with reduced legroom and width, in a 2+2 configuration. Free Wi-Fi was available for all passengers, and it was very fast. The train offers plentiful luggage storage, with a limit of three pieces (each weighing up to 25kg), so you can bring what you want within reason. However, you should be sensible and considerate of other passengers.

AVE S-103 ‘Confort’ First Class Seat

Ticketing advice & budget breakdown

Prices are dynamic and vary based on demand, so be sure to reserve in advance. For my Premium fare, I paid €81, with one month’s notice, which is definitely on the cheaper side. On-the-day fares can cost over €150. Basic Estándar fares start from just €22.

Top tips & recommendations

• Check out the botanical garden in Madrid Puerta de Atocha station before you go through the security checks.
• If you have time, make a visit to the Renfe Sala Club lounge, which features comfortable seats and free drinks and snacks for Premium ticket holders.
• Want to save money but still crave a First Class experience? There are also cheaper Elige fares that allow you to sit in the big seats, but these don’t include lounge access or meal and drinks service.

Conclusion

The AVE has always been a great option for travel in Spain, and nowadays, thanks to competition, even the Prémium fares are not absurdly high. Tickets are changeable up until departure, and trains are very frequent, making traveling onboard Renfe's AVE Prémium service a fantastic option on this route.