Paris to Barcelona train with AVE

Transportation experience

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.

Schedule & frequency

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.

Onboard experience & services

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.

Ticketing advice & budget breakdown

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:

Top tips & recommendations

• Label your luggage before boarding. I wrote my name on a small paper tag and attached it to my suitcase.
• Consider stopping en route. Girona and Montpellier are both worth a visit.
• Arrive at the station 30 minutes before departure. This will ensure you have enough time to find your platform.
• Allow three hours before any connections. Better still, you could stay overnight.
• Don’t forget your headphones. If you’d like to watch movies or take any calls in the dedicated space in the vestibule, remember to pack your earbuds.

Conclusion

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!