- Must visit
Museu Picasso
One of the world’s leading Picasso collections, especially strong on his formative years in Barcelona and early artistic development.
Cheapest price
$145
Average price
$145
Fastest journey
11 h 13 m
Average duration
11 h 13 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
711 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Motril to Barcelona is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Motril to Barcelona will cost around $145 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $145.
It's difficult to get from Motril to Barcelona without transferring at least once.
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06021Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Motril to Barcelona among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $29. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 43m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $29, and a train costs an average of $107.
Distance: 441 miles (711 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$156 Average price | $85 Average price Cheapest | $182 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 50m Average total duration 7h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 43m Average total duration Fastest 2h 43m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 59m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Motril to Barcelona:
A flight is $71 (€57) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Motril to Barcelona costing on average $156 (€126).
Other travel options to Barcelona take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 20m.
Bus takes on average 12h 12m.
The journey is about 1h 39m faster (7h 20m by train vs 8h 59m by car) and roughly $26 (€21) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($156 (€126) vs $182 (€147)). 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.
The table below shows live departures for Motril to Barcelona trains for tomorrow, Thursday, August 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Normal+ 06021 | 7:00 AM Motril, Estación de Autobuses | 11h13 | 6:13 PM Barcelona Sants | 1 transfer | |
Normal+ 06021 | 7:00 AM Motril, Estación de Autobuses | 11h13 | 6:13 PM Barcelona Sants | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare 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.
Trains from Motril to Barcelona run on average 3 times per day, taking around 7h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $107 (€87) but you can travel from only $29 (€23) by flight.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:40, the last at 20:00. The fastest train covers the 441 miles (711 km) distance in 7h 20m.
Distance 441 miles (711 km) |
Average train duration 7h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price $107 (€87) |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 7h 20m |
First train 5:40 AM |
Last train 8:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 3 days |
Discover the best of Barcelona — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Barcelona trip today.
One of the world’s leading Picasso collections, especially strong on his formative years in Barcelona and early artistic development.
This national art museum is essential for Romanesque murals, Gothic masterpieces, and one of the city’s grandest palace settings.
Europe’s largest museum dedicated to Miró, combining bold paintings, sculpture, and a superb hilltop setting on Montjuïc.
Barcelona’s most famous boulevard connects Plaça de Catalunya to the waterfront, lined with performers, kiosks, and historic buildings.
This medieval district rewards slow wandering with narrow lanes, hidden squares, Roman traces, and some of the city’s richest atmosphere.
Barcelona’s grand modernist avenue is ideal for architecture lovers, showcasing luxury facades, major Gaudí works, and elegant urban design.
A Catalan tomato-rubbed bread with olive oil and salt. Simple, iconic, and served almost everywhere as a staple of Barcelona meals.
Mixed seafood and rice cooked in a rich broth, often finished in the pan. A beloved coastal dish tied to Catalonia’s Mediterranean fishing tradition.
A Catalan custard dessert with citrus and cinnamon, topped with a caramelized sugar crust. It is one of the region’s most classic sweets.
Acclaimed fine dining restaurant serving inventive Catalan tasting menus in an elegant, intimate setting.
Traditional tavern celebrated for vermouth, bombas, and classic tapas in a busy, authentic Barceloneta atmosphere.
Historic market bar famed for seafood tapas, fried fish, and a lively counter atmosphere inside Mercat de La Boqueria.
Moderate for Western Europe; lodging in central areas is costly, but tapas, menu del día, and public transport are fairly priced for tourists.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for good service; small change for cafes; taxi tips are optional, usually rounding up.
Official public transport app
Barcelona Sants -> Plaça de Catalunya, Barcelona
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Motril 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.

Most Motril to Barcelona trains use the Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes to Barcelona Sants station pair. Use this guide to compare Motril and Barcelona train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Barcelona Sants is 1 km from Barcelona city centre. Public transport options include:
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 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
Hotspots in and near restaurants. ATMs are in the central part of the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 06:00 - 22:00. Information desks are located in various locations inside the station.
Luggage storage is staffed and automatic. Open daily from 05:30 to 21:00. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Barcelona Sants: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Barcelona Sants: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Barcelona Sants: All areas of the station have full disability access facilities.
Nearby hotels include Apartments Eixample, Apartment Guell, Sweet Inn Callao.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need