- Must visit
Museu Picasso
Major collection focused on Pablo Picasso’s early years and artistic development in Barcelona. One of the city’s most visited museums.
Cheapest price
$100
Average price
$131
Fastest journey
6 h 49 m
Average duration
7 h 4 m
Trains per day
28
Distance
769 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Málaga to Barcelona is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Málaga to Barcelona will cost around $131 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $100.
Of the 28 trains that leave Málaga for Barcelona on Sat, Jun 20, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct trains cover the 769 km distance in an average of 7 h 4 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 49 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest trains will take 7 h 22 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.
02149+
06381
02149+
03183
02133 · 03373
02123 · 03373
02133+
06381
06021
06021 · 06021
03993
02149+
06381
02163+
06015Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Málaga to Barcelona among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $57. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 35m. 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 train costs an average of $57, and a flight costs an average of $43.
Distance: 477 miles (769 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$113 Average price Cheapest | $203 Average price | $133 Average price | $186 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 13m Average total duration 5h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 35m Average total duration Fastest 4h 35m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 12h 51m Average total duration 12h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 38m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.3 - 4.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 1.9kg 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 Málaga to Barcelona:
A train is $20 (€16) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Málaga to Barcelona costing on average $133 (€109).
A train is $90 (€74) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Málaga to Barcelona costing on average $203 (€166).
Other travel options to Barcelona take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 43m.
Bus takes on average 12h 21m.
The journey is about 3h 55m faster (5h 43m by train vs 9h 38m by car) and roughly $72 (€59) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($113 (€93) vs $186 (€152)). 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 AVE, iryo, Renfe AVLO.
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 Málaga to Barcelona trains for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
02073+ 06121 | On time 6:50 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 8h49 | 3:39 PM Barcelona Sants | 1 transfer | |
02073 · 03303 | Delayed 6:50 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 6h54 | 11:44 AM 11:44 AMBarcelona Sants | 1 transfer | |
02073 · 03141 | On time 6:50 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 10h09 | 4:59 PM Barcelona Sants | 1 transfer | |
02083+ 06121 | On time 7:38 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 8h01 | 3:39 PM Barcelona Sants | 1 transfer | |
02083 · 03141 | On time 7:38 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 9h21 | 4:59 PM Barcelona Sants | 1 transfer | |
02083 · 09725 | On time 7:38 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 8h41 | 4:19 PM Barcelona Sants | 1 transfer | |
06089 · 06121 | On time 7:50 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 7h49 | 3:39 PM Barcelona Sants | 1 transfer | |
06089+ 03141 | On time 7:50 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 9h09 | 4:59 PM Barcelona Sants | 1 transfer | |
06089+ 09725 | On time 7:50 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 8h29 | 4:19 PM Barcelona Sants | 1 transfer | |
02093 · 03141 | On time 9:17 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 7h42 | 4:59 PM Barcelona Sants | 1 transfer | |
02093+ 06021 | On time 9:17 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 8h56 | 6:13 PM Barcelona Sants | 1 transfer | |
02093 · 03163 | Delayed 9:17 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 10h33 | 5:50 PM 5:50 PMBarcelona Sants | 1 transfer | |
02109+ 06201 | Delayed 10:32 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 13h07 | 9:39 PM 9:39 PMBarcelona Sants | 1 transfer | |
02109+ 06021 | On time 10:32 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 7h41 | 6:13 PM Barcelona Sants | 1 transfer | |
02109+ 03163 | Delayed 10:32 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 9h18 | 5:50 PM 5:50 PMBarcelona Sants | 1 transfer | |
06021 · 06201 | Delayed 11:24 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 12h15 | 9:39 PM 9:39 PMBarcelona Sants | 1 transfer | |
06021 | On time 11:24 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 6h49 | 6:13 PM Barcelona Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
06021 · 06021 | On time 11:24 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 6h49 | 6:13 PM Barcelona Sants | 1 transfer | |
06021+ 03163 | Delayed 11:24 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 8h26 | 5:50 PM 5:50 PMBarcelona Sants | 1 transfer | |
02123+ 06201 | Delayed 11:33 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 12h06 | 9:39 PM 9:39 PMBarcelona Sants | 1 transfer | |
02123 · 03305 | On time 11:33 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 7h41 | 7:14 PM Barcelona Sants | 1 transfer | |
02123 · 03163 | Delayed 11:33 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 8h17 | 5:50 PM 5:50 PMBarcelona Sants | 1 transfer | |
02133+ 06161 | Delayed 12:50 PM Málaga María Zambrano | 6h49 | 5:39 PM 5:39 PMBarcelona Sants | 1 transfer | |
02133+ 06201 | Delayed 12:50 PM Málaga María Zambrano | 10h49 | 9:39 PM 9:39 PMBarcelona Sants | 1 transfer | |
02133 · 03163 | Delayed 12:50 PM Málaga María Zambrano | 7h00 | 5:50 PM 5:50 PMBarcelona Sants | 1 transfer | |
02149+ 06201 | Delayed 2:24 PM Málaga María Zambrano | 9h15 | 9:39 PM 9:39 PMBarcelona Sants | 1 transfer | |
02149+ 06015 | Delayed 2:24 PM Málaga María Zambrano | 8h26 | 8:50 PM 8:50 PMBarcelona Sants | 1 transfer | |
02149+ 03309 | On time 2:24 PM Málaga María Zambrano | 8h56 | 11:20 PM Barcelona Sants | 1 transfer | |
02163+ 06015 | Delayed 3:28 PM Málaga María Zambrano | 7h22 | 8:50 PM 8:50 PMBarcelona Sants | 1 transfer | |
02163+ 06201 | Delayed 3:28 PM Málaga María Zambrano | 8h11 | 9:39 PM 9:39 PMBarcelona Sants | 1 transfer | |
02163 · 03309 | On time 3:28 PM Málaga María Zambrano | 7h52 | 11:20 PM Barcelona Sants | 1 transfer | |
02173+ 06201 | Delayed 4:48 PM Málaga María Zambrano | 6h51 | 9:39 PM 9:39 PMBarcelona Sants | 1 transfer | |
02173 · 03201 | On time 4:48 PM Málaga María Zambrano | 6h59 | 11:47 PM Barcelona Sants | 1 transfer | |
06159 · 06201 | Delayed 4:57 PM Málaga María Zambrano | 6h42 | 9:39 PM 9:39 PMBarcelona 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.

Trains from Málaga to Barcelona run on average 4 times per day, taking around 5h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $57 (€47) but you can travel from only $43 (€36) by flight.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:40, the last at 21:25. The fastest train covers the 477 miles (769 km) distance in 6h 2m.
Distance 477 miles (769 km) |
Average train duration 5h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $57 (€47) |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 6h 2m |
First train 5:40 AM |
Last train 9:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 70 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 focused on Pablo Picasso’s early years and artistic development in Barcelona. One of the city’s most visited museums.
Barcelona’s leading fine arts museum, especially strong in Romanesque murals, Gothic art, and Catalan modernism.
Hilltop museum dedicated to Joan Miró, with paintings, sculptures, and strong views over the city from Montjuïc.
Barcelona’s best-known promenade, lively and crowded, linking Plaça de Catalunya with the old port.
Historic heart of Barcelona with medieval lanes, small squares, hidden courtyards, and many major monuments.
Elegant boulevard lined with luxury shops and landmark modernist buildings including Casa Batlló and La Pedrera.
Rustic bread rubbed with ripe tomato, olive oil, and salt. It is a signature Catalan staple served with many meals and tapas.
Roasted eggplant, red peppers, and onion dressed with olive oil. A classic Catalan vegetable dish with deep smoky flavor.
A Catalan salad of shredded salt cod, tomato, onion, and olives. It is especially associated with coastal Catalan cooking.
Acclaimed fine dining restaurant offering highly creative contemporary cuisine by celebrated chefs in an elegant modern space.
Historic traditional restaurant in the Gothic Quarter known for classic Catalan dishes such as escudella, roast meats, and crema catalana.
Lively, established seafood and tapas spot near El Born, famous for market-fresh plates, shellfish, and a bustling counter atmosphere.
Moderate for Western Europe: tapas and transit are fair value, but central hotels and tourist areas cost more.
Service is usually included. Locals often round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; small change for taxis and cafés is enough.
Official public transport app
Barcelona Sants -> Plaça de Catalunya, Barcelona
Traveling between Málaga and Barcelona is a breeze thanks to the efficient train connections offered by Renfe AVE, iryo, and Renfe AVLO . These high-speed trains provide a comfortable and quick journey across Spain's beautiful landscapes, allowing you to cover the distance of approximately 1,000 km in just around 5 hours. With multiple departures throughout the day, you'll have plenty of options to choose from for your adventure!
Traveling from Málaga to Barcelona takes approximately 5 hours and 56 minutes. There are 2 direct connections available each day, departing from Malaga María Zambrano and arriving at Barcelona Sants.
The first daily train journey from Málaga to Barcelona departs at 06:25 AM, providing an early start for travelers eager to explore the vibrant culture and attractions of these two cities.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection from Málaga to Barcelona is €17. The average ticket price typically hovers around €44, making it a convenient option for travelers looking to explore these vibrant Spanish cities.
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!
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Málaga 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.

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