- Must visit
Museu Picasso
Major collection of Pablo Picasso’s early works, housed in medieval palaces in El Born. One of Barcelona’s most visited art museums.
Cheapest price
$334
Average price
$334
Fastest journey
12 h 59 m
Average duration
12 h 59 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
830 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Paris to Barcelona is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Paris to Barcelona will cost around $334 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $334.
It's difficult to get from Paris to Barcelona without transferring at least once.
FRECCIAROSSA 1000 6635+
09742
FRECCIAROSSA 1000 6635+
09742Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Paris to Barcelona among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $34. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 8m. 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 $34, and a flight costs an average of $26.
Distance: 515 miles (830 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$207 Average price | $328 Average price | $73 Average price Cheapest | $286 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 35m Average total duration 7h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 8m Average total duration Fastest 5h 8m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 42m Average total duration 8h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.5 - 5.0kg CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 2.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Paris to Barcelona:
A bus is $134 (€110) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Paris to Barcelona costing on average $207 (€170).
A bus is $255 (€209) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Paris to Barcelona costing on average $328 (€270).
Other travel options to Barcelona take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 5m.
Bus takes on average 8h 12m.
The journey is about 3h 11m faster (7h 5m by train vs 10h 16m by car) and roughly $79 (€65) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($207 (€170) vs $286 (€235)). 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 SNCF | TGV INOUI.
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 Paris to Barcelona trains for tomorrow, Saturday, July 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FRECCIAROSSA 1000 6635+ 09742 | 6:24 AM Paris Gare de Lyon | 12h59 | 7:23 PM Barcelona Sants | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
By Claire Martin
France and Spain are popular countries to travel between, but few know that the fastest Paris to Barcelona train takes just six hours and 47 minutes. I recently took this train and was excited to cover 1,000 kilometers in such a short time! Here’s everything you need to know about the schedule, route and experience.

The front facade of the Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona.
Spanning around 1,000 kilometers, this high-speed railway route connects the capital of France, at Paris Gare de Lyon, to the second-largest city in Spain, terminating at Barcelona Sants. After departing Paris, it travels quickly down to the south of France, with a few stops in the Occitanie région. Then, it enters Catalonia, traveling down the Costa Brava before reaching the regional capital. With gorgeous views and excellent, high-speed service, I found it a revolutionary way to travel!
I avoid flying as much as possible, so I was keen to travel between Spain and France by rail, especially as the high-speed trains take nearly half the time of the long-distance coaches. Plus, I found the tickets easy to secure and store on my phone. You can easily book the train from Gare de Lyon to Barcelona Sants on Omio. Download the tickets to your device for ease of use, and simply show the QR code when requested!

The front facade of the Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona.

The ornate exterior and clock tower of Paris Gare de Lyon station.
After departing Gare de Lyon, the train reaches southern France quickly, with main stops in Perpignan, Montpellier, and Nîmes. Over the border, there’s a stop in Girona before reaching Barcelona Sants Station, nearly six hours later. The train route begins quite urban, but as we entered Southern France, I saw gorgeous lavender fields and caught glimpses of the Mediterranean Sea. The direct road sees none of this, so in my opinion, it’s a better alternative to Barcelona to Paris buses! This route is run by SNCF and TGV inOui (operated by Renfe in Spain). Trains depart from Paris Gare de Lyon, which sits just southeast of the city center. Long-distance trains to Italy and Switzerland also depart from here. There are also metro links available, too. Roughly 1,000 kilometers south, Barcelona Sants is the main railway station for long-distance trains in the city, with easy metro links to the center. The following day, I took a train from here to Malaga in the south of Spain.
As I arrived on the London to Paris train to the Gare du Nord, I took the RER Line to reach Gare de Lyon.
There are two high-speed trains per day connecting Paris and Barcelona: one that leaves in the morning (arriving after lunch) and one in the early afternoon (arriving in Barcelona at night). At other times of the day, you can change trains in Lyon.
I sat in Standard Class, which was roomy and comfortable. Seats were in a 2-2 configuration, and there was a table, seat pocket, and power outlet. In the vestibule, there were extra seats where passengers were invited to take phone calls. The WiFi didn’t work for me, so I was glad I had mobile data! I grabbed an iced tea at the restaurant car, where they served basic drinks, sandwiches and snacks. Since the menu is limited, I recommend you eat before or take some food with you. EXki grab-and-go chains are at many French stations, serving fresh poke bowls and salads.

A view of the Eiffel Tower at dusk from the Trocadéro gardens in Paris.
Should I take the train or fly from Paris to Barcelona? The quickest Paris to Barcelona train time is 6 hours 47 minutes. While flights from Paris to Barcelona are quicker (around 1 hour 45 minutes), when I factored in arriving at the station early, baggage reclaim, and traveling to and from the airport, the actual time spent waiting is much shorter. For this reason, I think the train is the best way to get from Paris to Barcelona! I always try to book train tickets as early as possible. In France, they’re usually available four months before travel. Generally, early bookings have cheaper rates. The high-speed trains, which take just six hours, will be more expensive. If you’re on a budget, some trains include a change and are cheaper. Here’s an overview of how much I spent:
| Item | Cost (eur) |
|---|---|
| Ticket price | €104 |
| Food & drinks | €18 |
| Travel to departure station | € |
| Travel from arrival station | € |
| Total | € 122 |
Taking the train from Paris to Barcelona is easier than you think—and when booked in advance, prices are very affordable. So next time, quit the airport stress and take the scenic route instead by booking with Omio!

Trains from Paris to Barcelona run on average 1 times per day, taking around 7h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $97 (€79) but you can travel from only $26 (€21) by flight.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:16, the last at 22:14. The fastest train covers the 515 miles (830 km) distance in 6h 48m.
Distance 515 miles (830 km) |
Average train duration 7h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price $97 (€79) |
Trains per day 1 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 6h 48m |
First train 6:16 AM |
Last train 10:14 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 91 days |
Discover the best of Barcelona — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Barcelona trip today.
Major collection of Pablo Picasso’s early works, housed in medieval palaces in El Born. One of Barcelona’s most visited art museums.
Catalonia’s premier art museum, especially strong in Romanesque frescoes, Gothic art, and modern Catalan works, set in the Palau Nacional.
Hilltop museum dedicated to Joan Miró, with paintings, sculptures, and rotating contemporary art exhibitions in a notable modern building.
Barcelona’s most famous promenade, linking Plaça de Catalunya to the waterfront, lined with historic buildings, performers, and constant activity.
Historic Gothic Quarter of narrow lanes, small squares, medieval architecture, and many of the city’s oldest landmarks.
Hilltop viewpoint with sweeping panoramic views over Barcelona, especially popular at sunset and widely shared on social media.
Rustic bread rubbed with ripe tomato, olive oil, and salt. A Catalan staple served with many meals and one of Barcelona’s most iconic bites.
A traditional Catalan salad of shredded salt cod, tomato, onion, olives, and olive oil. It is especially typical in Barcelona and along the coast.
Potato balls stuffed with meat, fried, and topped with spicy sauce and aioli. They originated in La Barceloneta and are closely tied to the city.
An internationally acclaimed fine-dining restaurant offering highly creative modern cuisine and a refined tasting-menu experience in Barcelona.
A very popular tapas restaurant with a broad menu, reliable quality, and bustling atmosphere. Good for sampling many local favorites in one meal.
One of Barcelona’s oldest restaurants, known for classic Catalan cooking in a historic dining room. A strong choice for traditional dishes and old-city atmosphere.
Moderate for Western Europe. Food and transit are reasonable, but central hotels and tourist areas cost more.
Service is usually included. Locals often round up or leave 5-10% for good table service. Small change is fine in cafés; taxi tips are optional.
Official public transport app
Barcelona Sants, Barcelona -> Plaça de Catalunya, Barcelona
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Paris 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.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need