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Madrid to Barcelona train with Ouigo

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Madrid to Barcelona

Showing times and prices for Apr 26

Cheapest price

$81

Average price

$117

Fastest journey

2 h 37 m

Average duration

2 h 41 m

Trains per day

Distance

504 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Madrid to Barcelona will cost around $117 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $81.

Fast trains

Of the 22 trains that leave Madrid for Barcelona every day 22 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sat, Apr 26 the direct trains cover the 504 km distance in an average of 2 h 41 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 37 m .

The slowest trains will take 2 h 52 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.

06541

02:12PM2h37

Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes

04:49PMBarcelona Sants

$811One-way

0 transfers

06471

07:02AM2h52

Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes

09:54AMBarcelona Sants

$811One-way

0 transfers

06501

10:02AM3h02

Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes

01:04PMBarcelona Sants

$811One-way

0 transfers

06021

02:42PM2h59

Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes

05:41PMBarcelona Sants

$851One-way

0 transfers

06571

05:17PM2h37

Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes

07:54PMBarcelona Sants

$861One-way

0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Madrid to Barcelona

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Barcelona among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €19. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 50m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg.

Compare train with

Most popular Train	Bus	Flight
€69 Average price	€64 Average price Cheapest	€120 Average price
3h 20m Average duration Fastest 2h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	13h 12m Average duration 12h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	8h 16m Average duration 5h 16m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time*
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest	0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions	1.5 - 3.0kg CO2 emissions
Direct Options	Direct Options	Direct Options

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

Live departures

Madrid to Barcelona train times

Showing trains for today, Friday, April 25

Last updated at 4:25 PM

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Transfers
03191	On time 4:57 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes	2h37	7:34 PM Barcelona Sants	0 transfersDirect
06013	On time 5:29 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes	2h52	8:21 PM Barcelona Sants	0 transfersDirect
06309	On time 5:34 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes	3h21	8:55 PM Barcelona Sants	0 transfersDirect
03201	On time 6:05 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes	2h37	8:42 PM Barcelona Sants	0 transfersDirect
06201	On time 6:22 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes	2h52	9:14 PM Barcelona Sants	0 transfersDirect
03203	On time 6:27 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes	3h21	9:48 PM Barcelona Sants	0 transfersDirect
06611	On time 7:02 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes	2h52	9:54 PM Barcelona Sants	0 transfersDirect
02883	Delayed 7:10 PM 7:07 PMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes	2h52	9:59 PM Barcelona Sants	0 transfersDirect
Saturday, April 26
06301	4:27 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes	2h58	7:25 AM Barcelona Sants	0 transfersDirect
06471	On time 5:02 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes	2h52	7:54 AM Barcelona Sants	0 transfersDirect
03073	On time 5:27 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes	3h19	8:46 AM Barcelona Sants	0 transfersDirect
06081	On time 6:07 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes	2h52	8:59 AM Barcelona Sants	0 transfersDirect
03083	On time 6:27 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes	2h52	9:19 AM Barcelona Sants	0 transfersDirect
03091	On time 6:57 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes	2h44	9:41 AM Barcelona Sants	0 transfersDirect
06091	On time 7:22 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes	2h52	10:14 AM Barcelona Sants	0 transfersDirect
02561	On time 7:27 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes	3h14	10:41 AM Barcelona Sants	0 transfersDirect
06011	On time 7:57 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes	2h52	10:49 AM Barcelona Sants	0 transfersDirect
06501	Delayed 8:02 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes	3h02	11:04 AM 11:04 AMBarcelona Sants	0 transfersDirect
06303	On time 8:27 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes	2h52	11:19 AM Barcelona Sants	0 transfersDirect
06111	On time 9:22 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes	2h52	12:14 PM Barcelona Sants	0 transfersDirect
06121	10:22 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes	2h52	1:14 PM Barcelona Sants	0 transfersDirect
09725	11:18 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes	3h04	2:22 PM Barcelona Sants	0 transfersDirect
06541	12:12 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes	2h37	2:49 PM Barcelona Sants	0 transfersDirect
06021	12:42 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes	2h59	3:41 PM Barcelona Sants	0 transfersDirect
06305	1:27 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes	3h19	4:46 PM Barcelona Sants	0 transfersDirect
03163	2:27 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes	2h52	5:19 PM Barcelona Sants	0 transfersDirect
06161	2:37 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes	2h37	5:14 PM Barcelona Sants	0 transfersDirect
06571	3:17 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes	2h37	5:54 PM Barcelona Sants	0 transfersDirect
This is the last train of the day.

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

The best time to book your train from Madrid to Barcelona is 91 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Madrid to Barcelona route.

Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Madrid 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 Madrid to Barcelona.

Trains

from $51

Buses

from $35

Flights

from $123

More than 1,000 travel companies trust us to sell their tickets all in one place.

ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Madrid to Barcelona

The customer opinion was acquired via Cimenio. Cimenio incentivises its users for giving an honest opinion and proving the booking with a photo of the travel ticket.

Pros

Fast

Comfortable

Clean

Cons

Expensive

I have traveled from Madrid to Barcelona several tines using AVE and the experience has always been nice good. The trains are very fast and you arrive to Barcelona in less than 3h. Also, the trains are very new and clean. You can choose the silence car if you want to be quiet. There is also a bar inside the train. The price of the tickets is a little bit expensive compared to travelling by bus but it is worth it. It takes 6 more hours if you go by bus.

Pros

Staff

Volume

Punctuality

Cons

Need to change

Comfort

Hygiene

About a month ago, I took a trip with Deutsche Bahn from Madrid to Barcelona. The staff on the train were very friendly. They were always smiling. The volume on the train was optimal. The train also arrived in Barcelona on time. Unfortunately, there were many changes of trains, which made the journey difficult. The seats were not comfortable and I could see old coffee stains or food remains. The toilets were also not cleaned and stank. Overall, a satisfactory journey.

Pros

WIFI

Hygiene

Personnel

Cons

Price

Punctuality

Comfort

I travelled from Madrid to Barcelona for work. The wifi connection was excellent. I was therefore able to do my work flexibly on the train. Good attention was paid to hygiene. The toilets were very clean and well maintained. The staff were very friendly. However, I found the price a bit expensive. The train also didn't arrive in Barcelona on time. I also personally found the seats uncomfortable. Overall, a good journey.

Pros

Modern train

Air-conditioned train

Cheap seat reservation

Cons

Very crowded

Toilet very unclean

1 hour delay

Train number: AVE 3161 Departure: 16:00 Arrival: 18:30 I travelled back to Barcelona from Madrid with my Interrail ticket. I already knew the route as I had already travelled from Barcelona to Madrid. The train was very modern and nice and cool. Unfortunately, it was a whole hour late. The toilet was also very unhygienic and the train was completely overcrowded.

Pros

Plenty of room to sit

Cheaper than car hire

Cons

Not much space to store luggage

The wifi was chargeable

Firstly, the not-so-good aspects: the luggage spaces above the seats are unfortunately quite small, which meant that I had to hold on to my suitcase for the whole journey. In addition, the wifi was chargeable. For most people, this is also a negative aspect. I travelled from Madrid to Barcelona in 2 hours and 40 minutes and didn't even have to change trains. The service on the train with the train number 6010 was also good. I had also reserved a window seat as the windows are very large. The comfort could be better, as well as the facilities, as there were no power sockets and no free wifi. But thanks to the good price, it was still more worthwhile than hiring a car. Everything was well maintained and clean. There was also plenty of space to sit.

Pros

Good seats

Cons

Slightly stuffy

The train from Madrid to Barcelona departed on time and had the train number 6303. The journey took about 3 hours. The comfort offered on the train was great, as was the food and the friendly staff. The toilets were clean and hygienic. The general comfort was good, the seats were comfortable, the wifi was good, which made it possible to surf the wifi in a relaxed manner.

Pros

Good air conditioning

Cons

Slightly stuffy

The train from Madrid to Barcelona departed on 22 January at 10 a.m. without delay. The journey from Madrid to Barcelona is possible without changing trains and takes around 3 hours. The comfort on the train was good, as the food you could buy was good and the wifi made it possible to surf the internet. The staff were nice and helped me with my ticket. I would recommend the journey to anyone in Spain.

Pros

Good air conditioning

Cons

Slightly stuffy

The train from Madrid to Barcelona had the train number 6151, the train was 15 minutes late and the journey took about 3 hours. The service on the train was impeccable and the staff were polite and friendly. The seats on the train were very comfortable. The toilet was hygienic and clean. The connection was possible without changing trains, which made travelling by train much easier. I would recommend this connection to anyone in Spain.

Pros

Price

Personnel

Wifi connection

Punctual

Booking options

Cons

Hygiene

Comfort

Volume

The journey from Madrid to Barcelona was excellent. I reserved my seat flexibly and easily online in class 2, carriage 5, row 19 and seat D. So the reservation options were uncomplicated. The price was relatively reasonable. The staff were very helpful and friendly. They were always at my side and resolved my concerns or problems as quickly as possible. I felt like I was in good hands. The wifi connection was also very efficient, allowing me to work on my laptop or wifi. The train also arrived in Barcelona on time. Above all, it turns out that the timetable was well thought out and was definitely adhered to. However, the hygiene conditions were poor, as the toilets were unkempt. Unfortunately, the seats were not comfortable and the noise level on the train was not ideal. Overall, I thought the trip was great as the positive aspects outweighed the negative!

Pros

Clean

Comfortable

Cons

Service

Cold food that should be hot

On my journey from Madrid to Barcelona by train, I had mixed feelings. The comfort was pretty good - comfortable seats and plenty of legroom. The service, on the other hand, was not so nice, and unfortunately there was a cold meal. The cleanliness of the train was first class, which surprised me positively. One unforgettable experience was when a fellow traveller got out his guitar and played for the passengers. Overall, the price-performance ratio was acceptable.

Pros

Good price

Beautiful view

Cons

Hygiene was okay

I travelled to Barcelona on the AVLIA 06301. I was very happy with the price, even though I booked the ticket through Deutsche Bahn. The view was really nice and you could really enjoy the journey. The friendly service only added to my sense of well-being. Unfortunately, the hygiene wasn't all that great.

Pros

The train was absolutely clean

The ticket controls are super regulated like at the airport

Very good on-board restaurant

Cons

Toilets were defective

The train was very full

Annoyed staff

The train was super comfortable, so the seats were excellent. Unfortunately, I have to criticise the toilets, which were either closed or very dirty. Buying tickets is a bit complicated for foreigners who don't speak Spanish, but I have to say that the check-in is very well organised and the punctuality was definitely there, To summarise, Spanish trains are more punctual and cleaner.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Madrid to Barcelona

Spain

Trains from Madrid to Barcelona run on average 35 times per day, taking around 2h 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $23 (€19) if you book in advance.

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

Distance

313 miles (504 km)

Average train duration

2h 50m

Cheapest ticket price

$23 (€19)

Trains per day

Direct trains

Train providers

Fastest train

2h 30m

First train

05:40

Last train

21:25

Price information

Train companies: AVE, Ouigo and Renfe AVLO from Madrid to Barcelona trains

For as little as $12 (€10) you can travel by train from Madrid to Barcelona with AVE, Ouigo and Renfe AVLO. Omio will show you the best deals, schedules and tickets available for this journey.

AVE trains between Madrid and Barcelona are available on Omio at just $14 (€11)! AVE are the high-speed trains from Renfe, the main Spanish railroad company that offers routes throughout the country and to France and Portugal. When you travel with a Renfe AVE train to Barcelona from Madrid, the distance is 312 miles (504 km). There are a multitude of AVE train times for the Madrid to Barcelona journey, which you can compare and book easily on Omio.

Renfe offers different types of AVE tickets that adapt to all budgets, such as Promo, Promo +, Flexible tickets for one-way or round-trip. You can also use the Renfe discount cards such as the Gold Card and the + Renfe Youth 50 Card when booking your Renfe AVE ticket on Omio.

All AVE trains have a restaurant, WiFi, bathrooms and onboard entertainment and offer a multitude of times throughout the day for greater comfort and flexibility. In addition, Renfe AVE trains are characterized as being the most popular, comfortable, punctual and one of the fastest trains in the world, reaching speeds around 192 mph (310 kmh) on select routes. AVE connects the main Spanish cities in just a few hours.

AVE from Madrid to Barcelona train information:

Average Duration: 2 h 30 min
Cheapest Price: $14
AVE frequency: 16 a day

OUIGO is a low-cost train company based in France. It offers high-speed trains that run between major cities in France, as well as international destinations. The trains are divided into two types: TGV and Intercités. The TGV trains are the fastest, with speeds of up to 320 km/h, while the Intercités trains are slightly slower but still offer a comfortable journey. OUIGO offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, Flexi and Premium. Standard tickets are the most affordable, while Flexi and Premium tickets offer more flexibility and additional benefits such as priority boarding and access to the OUIGO Lounge. Onboard, passengers can enjoy free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. The most popular routes for OUIGO are Paris to Lyon, Paris to Marseille, and Paris to Lille.

Ouigo from Madrid to Barcelona train information:

Average Duration: 2 h 30 min
Cheapest Price: $23
Ouigo frequency: 5 a day

Renfe Avlo is Renfe's low-cost high-speed AVE train provider offering trains from Madrid to Barcelona. It's a new service operating on some of Spain's most popular long-distance lines like Madrid to Barcelona-Figueres line. Avlo trains can travel up to 300 km/h. There is a single Economy Class with assigned tickets called Básica but this includes power sockets at each seat and vending machines. Avlo trains run between popular Spanish cities like Madrid, Zaragoza, Tarragona, Barcelona, Girona and Figueres. The routes Renfe-AVLO serves are expected to expand.

Train information from Madrid to Barcelona with Renfe AVLO:

Average Duration: 2 h 30 min
Cheapest Price: $18
Renfe AVLO frequency: 3 a day

Iryo is a new brand from railway operator ILSA operating in Spain since 2022. Iryo uses Frecciarossa 1000 trains which are modern, can travel at up to 360km/h and have a minimal environmental impact. Iryo’s Frecciarossa trains have different classes, all of which come with free unlimited WiFi, power sockets, toilets and an onboard entertainment portal where you can watch films and TV series. The main classes are: Infinita Class, Singular Café Class, Singular Class, Inicial Class. These new trains take 2 hours and 30 minutes to travel between Madrid and Barcelona. They depart from Madrid Atocha and Barcelona Sants stations, and stop in Zaragoza along the way. Iryo services also cover Madrid, Cuenca, Valencia, Alicante, Córdoba, Seville and Málaga.

Train information from Madrid to Barcelona with iryo:

Average Duration: 2 h 30 min
Cheapest Price: $12
Iryo frequency: 12 a day

Renfe Regional Exprés is a regional train service operated by Renfe, the Spanish national railway company. It operates throughout Spain, with services running from early morning to late evening. Renfe Regional Expres offers a variety of train types, including the Media Distancia, and Larga Distancia. The Media Distancia and Larga Distancia are medium- and long-distance trains, respectively. Ticket types include in this type of train is just Turista. Onboard facilities include air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and power outlets. The most popular routes for Renfe Regional Expres are Madrid-Barcelona, Madrid-Valencia, and Madrid-Seville.

Renfe Regional Exprés from Madrid to Barcelona train information:

Average Duration: 9 h 13 min
Cheapest Price: $52
Renfe Regional Exprés frequency: 1 a day

Traveling by train from Madrid to Barcelona

The train connection between Madrid and Barcelona is both efficient and comfortable, making it a popular choice for travelers. The journey spans approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, allowing you to enjoy the scenic landscapes of Spain along the way. Key train providers on this route include Renfe AVE, SNCF OUIGO, and Renfe AVLO , each offering various services tailored to different budgets and preferences. Whether you're looking for speed or affordability, there's an option that suits your needs perfectly!

Train Connection: Madrid to Barcelona

The train connection between Madrid and Barcelona offers a direct service with a duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes. There are up to 12 connections available per day, providing flexibility for travelers. Passengers can depart from either Madrid Chamartín or Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes, arriving at either Barcelona Estació De França or Barcelona Sants.

Madrid to Barcelona Train Connection

The first daily train journey from Madrid to Barcelona departs at 05:24, allowing early travelers to start their day exploring the vibrant city of Barcelona. The last departure is scheduled for 20:10, providing a convenient option for those wishing to enjoy an evening in Madrid before heading out.

Train Tickets Price from Madrid to Barcelona

The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Madrid and Barcelona is €22. The average ticket price typically ranges around €62, providing travelers with a variety of options depending on their budget and preferences.

Exploring the Wonders of Gaudí in Barcelona

The Sagrada Família, designed by the visionary architect Antoni Gaudí, has been under construction since 1882 and is a stunning example of Catalan Modernism. Its intricate facades and towering spires symbolize both religious devotion and artistic innovation, making it one of Barcelona's most iconic landmarks. As you step inside, you'll be captivated by the play of light through its stained glass windows that creates an ethereal atmosphere.

Park Güell is another masterpiece crafted by Gaudí between 1900 and 1914; originally intended as a residential project, it transformed into a public park filled with whimsical structures and vibrant mosaics. This UNESCO World Heritage site not only showcases Gaudí’s unique style but also offers breathtaking views over the city from its elevated terraces. Strolling through Park Güell feels like wandering in a dreamscape where nature intertwines seamlessly with art.

Casa Batlló stands out on Passeig de Gràcia for its organic shapes and colorful façade that reflect Gaudí's deep connection to nature; completed in 1906, this building redefined architectural norms at the time. The interior features flowing lines reminiscent of ocean waves while each room tells stories inspired by marine life—making every corner worth exploring. Don't miss climbing up to the rooftop adorned with dragon-like scales—a true testament to Gaudí’s imaginative genius!

FAQs: Trains from Madrid to Barcelona

FAQs: Travel by train from Madrid to Barcelona easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Madrid to Barcelona.

Cheap train tickets from Madrid to Barcelona can start from as little as $12 (€10) when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Madrid to Barcelona is $45 (€37); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.

On average the Madrid to Barcelona train travel time is 2 h 30 min for the 312 mile (504 km) long journey, but the duration can vary if you travel on weekends and holidays.

The first train from Madrid to Barcelona leaves at 5: 40 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.

The last train from Madrid to Barcelona leaves at 9: 25 PM.

Yes, there are 30 direct trains a day from Madrid to Barcelona with AVE, Ouigo, Renfe AVLO or iryo. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.

Yes, you can take a high-speed train from Madrid to Barcelona with Ouigo or iryo. Overall you can travel with the following companies: AVE, Ouigo, Renfe AVLO, iryo or Renfe Regional Exprés.

Take the Madrid to Barcelona train with AVE, Ouigo, Renfe AVLO, iryo or Renfe Regional Exprés. However, it's always good to check out all possible train companies for the trip from Madrid to Barcelona as there might be differences in the amenities they offer.

No, there are no night trains, the latest train for this route is 9: 25 PM.

When departing from Madrid, you have various train station options to start your route from including Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes and Madrid Chamartín. When arriving in Barcelona, you can end your route in train stations like Barcelona Sants, Passeig de Gràcia station and Barcelona Estació de França.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes, which is located around 1.4 miles (2.2 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Barcelona Sants, located 1.5 miles (2.4 km) away from the city centre.

A trip to Barcelona from Madrid is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2 h 30 min each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.

The cheapest month to travel from Madrid to Barcelona by train is July.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Madrid and Barcelona including taking a train, bus or flight.

Popular train stations from Madrid to Barcelona

Madrid

Barcelona

The major train station for departures in Madrid is Madrid Chamartín. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Madrid Chamartín for your trip from Madrid to Barcelona.

Madrid Chamartín Parking