Madrid and Barcelona are two of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain, and there are several trains that run between the two cities every day. The journey by train is quick and comfortable, and it is also a great way to see some of the beautiful landscapes of Spain.
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Train Madrid - Barcelona: Short Info
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How to travel by train from Madrid to Barcelona
The Madrid-Barcelona route is one of the busiest in Spain, and there are several train companies that operate on this route. The most popular train companies are Renfe with AVE trains and the low-cost Avlo trains, iryo and Ouigo. Each of these companies offers different services, and it’s important to understand the differences between them before purchasing a ticket.
If interested, read our full guide about Train Travels in Spain!
Trains and Companys
Renfe AVE
Renfe AVE (Alta Velocidad Española), continues to offer long-distance high-speed trains that connect major cities. The most popular route by AVE among travelers is the route from Madrid to Barcelona. The route is regarded as the busiest domestic route in Spain.
Renfe Avlo
Renfe Avlo is a high-speed train service launched by Spanish railway operator Renfe in 2019. The service offers affordable and efficient travel options for passengers looking to travel between major cities in Spain at a lower cost than traditional high-speed trains.
iryo
iryo, the new high-speed train company in Spain, is a merger of the Spanish airline Nostrum and the train company Trenitalia, one of the European leaders in rail transport. iryo is the first private Spanish railway company to operate high-speed trains on the Madrid – Zaragoza – Barcelona route, which will also in future connect Madrid – Cuenca – Valencia/Alicante and Madrid – Córdoba – Seville/Malaga. A fleet of ETR1000 model trains will be deployed, offering maximum comfort when traveling in Spain with a combination of advanced propulsion technology and high quality onboard services, including WiFi access and restaurant areas. 98% of the train parts used are fully recyclable, so your journey is also sustainable!
Ouigo
OUIGO is the “Low Cost” brand of the French company SNCF, which operates in France and Spain. In France, journeys on OUIGO trains are only offered in 2nd class, and tickets can only be purchased online. You also have the option of booking additional services, such as E.g. sockets at the seat, additional luggage or the possibility to reserve your seat in the relaxation area. OUIGO has been present in Spain since May 2021. The OUIGO trains in Spain have an onboard bar service as well as a premium class of service called OUIGO Plus.
If you want to discover more of Spain and Europe by train, read our full guide about Train Travels in Spain, How to rail Europe or, when it comes to tickets, our guide to European Train Tickets.
Madrid to Barcelona by train: Tickets from 17 Euro
When it comes to buying train tickets, there are several options available. You can purchase tickets online through the official website of the train company, Renfe, or through a travel agency. Prices vary depending on the type of train and the time of travel, but generally, a one-way ticket from Madrid to Barcelona will cost between $20-$60.
Here are some tips to help you find cheap train tickets for your journey from Madrid to Barcelona with Renfe AVE, Renfe AVLO, iryo and Ouigo:
- Book in advance: Train ticket prices tend to increase closer to the travel date, so it’s best to book your tickets well in advance. Renfe AVE, Renfe AVLO, iryo and Ouigo offer discounts for early bookings, so you can save money by booking your tickets months before your trip.
- Check for promotions and special deals: Renfe AVE, Renfe AVLO, iryo and Ouigo often have promotions and special deals that can save you money on your train tickets. Keep an eye out for these deals and take advantage of them when they are available.
- Consider buying a round trip ticket: Often buying a round trip ticket is cheaper than buying two one-way tickets. So, if you plan on returning to the city of origin, consider buying a round trip ticket.
- Use discounts: Renfe offers discounts for children, students, and seniors. If you qualify for any of these discounts, make sure to use them when buying your train tickets.
- Look for off-peak hours: Train tickets during peak hours (morning and evening rush hours) are usually more expensive than during off-peak hours. So, if your schedule allows it, consider taking a train during off-peak hours to save some money.
- Join a loyalty program: Renfe has a loyalty program that allows you to earn points or discounts on future train journeys. Joining this program can help you save money on your train tickets over time.
- Compare prices and services: Compare the prices and services offered by Renfe AVE, Renfe AVLO, iryo and Ouigo, sometimes one company may have a better deal or offer more comfort, so you can choose the best option for you.
By following these tips, you can find cheap train tickets when traveling from Madrid to Barcelona with Renfe AVE, Renfe AVLO, iryo and Ouigo. Remember to book in advance, check for promotions and special deals, and take advantage of discounts and special offers to save money on your train tickets.
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Single ticket from Madrid to Barcelona | from €17 ($20) |
| Eurail Spain One Country Pass | from €155 ($169) |
| Eurail Global Pass | from €194 ($211) |
Single Ticket or Eurail Pass?
If you want to rail europe by train, your best option is probably to buy a Eurail pass, which is a ticket to almost unlimited travel.
When you buy a Eurail Pass, you buy a ticket for your segment of your adventure as you are planning to need, all in one. The rail pass is good for almost all train travel in Europe. Most of the time, all you have to do is show the rail pass and you’re on board. Some trains do require seat reservations, however, especially the high-speed trains and the overnight trains.
There are two different Eurail passes:
- A Global Eurail Pass allows you to take a train through 33 European countries and to see as much as you can. If your ideal vacation involves experiencing many European countries, then the Global Pass is ideal. The Global Pass will get you from Scotland to Turkey.
- The One Country Eurail Pass allows you to explore a single country in depth, from museums, opera houses, theaters, and palaces in the cities, to rolling farmland, snow-capped mountains, quaint villages and medieval castles in the countryside. You can hop aboard a train to travel to another city as easily as you can catch a cab. It all depends on what you want to do. The price for the One Country Pass will vary with the country.
If you have an Eurail Pass, you are required to book a seat reservation for most high-speed trains in Europe. The fares prices are similar for all ages.
Eurail Pass – Spain Rail Pass
To make your train commutation an easy experience, it is best to secure convenient train tickets better known as Eurail Pass. These rail passes are designed to be used only by international visitors.
It is very beneficial to have a Eurail pass when you travel to Spain. There are many cheap passages and discounts with the pass while using private transport such as railways, hotel bills, and other unique offers.
The benefits are offered when you show a valid Eurail pass. You can also make a prior communication with the company on the benefits and tell them you wish to access their services using your Eurail pass. The services are only valid on travel days.
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Single ticket from Madrid to Barcelona | from €17 ($20) |
| Eurail Spain One Country Pass | from €155 ($169) |
| Eurail Global Pass | from €194 ($211) |
Madrid to Barcelona by train: Schedule and Frequency
The train schedule between Madrid and Barcelona is quite frequent, with trains departing from Madrid several times per hour. It’s important to check the schedule ahead of time and book your tickets in advance to ensure you get a seat on the train you want.
Main Train Stations in Madrid and Barcelona
Madrid Atocha is the main railway station in Madrid, Spain, located in the Arganzuela district. The station is one of the busiest in Spain and offers a wide range of facilities, including restaurants, cafes, shops, and a botanical garden. The station is well-connected to the city’s public transportation system.
Barcelona-Sants is the main railway station in Barcelona, Spain, located in the Sants-Montjuïc district. The station has a wide range of facilities, including restaurants, shops, and luggage storage. To get to Barcelona-Sants, you can take the metro, bus, or taxi. The station is well-connected to the city’s public transportation system, with several metro and bus lines stopping at or near the station.
How to get to Madrid Atocha from Madrid Airport?
Getting to Madrid Atocha from Madrid Airport is easy and convenient.
- One option is to take the airport express bus, which runs every 15 minutes and takes around 40 minutes to reach Atocha.
- Another option is to take the metro, which requires a transfer and takes around 45 minutes.
- Taxis and private airport transfer services are also available and can take around 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
From Madrid to Barcelona by Train – FAQ
The fastest train, the Renfe AVE, takes just over 2 hours and 30 minutes to travel between the two cities.
The Madrid-Barcelona route is one of the busiest in Spain, and there are several train companies that operate on this route. The most popular train companies are Renfe with AVE trains and the low-cost Avlo trains, iryo and Ouigo. Each of these companies offers different services, and it’s important to understand the differences between them before purchasing a ticket.
The Madrid-Barcelona route is one of the busiest in Spain. Trains depart from Madrid to Barcelona several times per hour.
Prices vary depending on the type of train and the time of travel, but generally, a one-way ticket from Madrid to Barcelona will cost between $20-$60, starting from 17 Euro ($20)
Yes, there are discounts available for train tickets. Renfe offers discounts for children, students, and seniors. Also, sometimes there are offers for buying round trip tickets or for buying in advance.
Yes, most trains are equipped with comfortable seats, air conditioning, and a dining car. They also offer free Wi-Fi on board.
Yes, the train journey between Madrid and Barcelona offers beautiful views of the Spanish countryside. You can see the beautiful landscape of Spain while travelling.
Generally, train companies allow passengers to bring one piece of luggage and one carry-on item. However, it’s always a good idea to check with the train company beforehand to ensure you are aware of any specific baggage restrictions.
It depends on the train company and the type of train. Some trains allow pets on board, but others do not. It’s important to check with the train company beforehand to ensure your pet is allowed on board.
Top10 thing worth seeing in Barcelona
Barcelona is a cosmopolitan and lively city located in northeastern Spain. With its unique mix of history, culture, and modernity, the city is a popular destination for travelers from around the world. Here are the top 10 things to see and visit in Barcelona:
- Sagrada Familia – Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece and the most famous landmark in Barcelona, the Sagrada Familia is a breathtaking basilica that has been under construction for over 100 years.
- Park Güell – Another one of Gaudí’s iconic creations, Park Güell is a whimsical park that features colorful mosaics, intricate sculptures, and stunning views of the city.
- La Rambla – Barcelona’s most famous street, La Rambla is a bustling promenade that is lined with street performers, cafes, and souvenir shops.
- Gothic Quarter – One of the oldest parts of the city, the Gothic Quarter is a maze of narrow streets, medieval architecture, and historic landmarks such as the Barcelona Cathedral.
- Picasso Museum – Home to one of the most extensive collections of Picasso’s artwork in the world, the Picasso Museum is a must-visit for art lovers.
- Casa Batlló – Another one of Gaudí’s fantastical buildings, Casa Batlló is a stunning example of modernist architecture that features a colorful façade and intricate details.
- Montserrat – Located just outside of Barcelona, Montserrat is a stunning mountain range that is home to a Benedictine monastery and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
- La Boqueria Market – One of the oldest and most famous markets in Europe, La Boqueria is a food lover’s paradise that offers a wide range of fresh produce, seafood, and other culinary delights.
- Camp Nou – Home to FC Barcelona, Camp Nou is the largest football stadium in Europe and offers tours of the facility as well as the chance to see the team in action.
- Barceloneta Beach – Located just a short walk from the city center, Barceloneta Beach is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering miles of sandy beaches and a range of water sports activities.