Shortest travel time:
2 h 30 m
Longest travel time:
3 h 16 m
Lowest train ticket cost:
$41
Avg. daily departures:
25
Earliest departure:
06:15
Latest departure:
20:40
Madrid
The lively capital of Spain boasts quite a few busy train hubs. Check out everything you need to know about railway stations in Madrid.
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Madrid train stations
Pta. Atocha - Almudena Grandes
Plaza Emperador Carlos V, 28045, Madrid, Spain
Chamartin
Agustín de Foxá, 40, Madrid, Spain
Madrid - Atocha Cercanias
28045 , Madrid, Spain
Principe Pio
Paseo del Rey, 1092, Madrid, Spain
Madrid Estacion Sur
Calle Méndez Álvaro 84, 28045, Madrid, Spain
505 km
Barcelona
Catalonia's capital is a very popular travel destination, welcoming hundreds of tourists daily. Find all you need to know about railway stations in Barcelona!
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Barcelona train stations
Sants Station
Carrer del Rector Triado, 75, 08014, Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona Airport Terminal
08820 El Prat de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain

Madrid to Barcelona Train Information

Those planning upcoming Spain travel should definitely consider taking a Madrid - Barcelona train journey as it will not only save your vacation time but also grant a pleasant experience and give a fantastic opportunity to admire the beauty of the Spanish countryside. This railway route is served by the fast bullet trains that can cover the distance between the iconic cities in less than 3 hours! What is more, apart from astonishing travel times, the Madrid - Barcelona trains pride themselves on exemplary punctuality, boast a broad timetable with up to 15 daily departures, and offer fantastic onboard amenities, such as air-conditioning, electric sockets, and TV screens. You can find out more details about the Madrid to Barcelona route as well as answers to commonly asked questions below. Plus, keep in mind that you can always spice up a simple railway ride from Madrid to Barcelona and turn it into an unforgettable getaway. You are welcome to explore the most fascinating attractions of Barcelona and build a trip of your dreams with the help of an innovative Spain trip planner.

How long is the high speed train from Madrid to Barcelona?

Running at a speed of up to 192 miles per hour, the travel duration of the high-speed train Madrid to Barcelona ranges from 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours and 10 minutes. In order not to miss the train and avoid unpleasant situations, arrive at the station 30 minutes before the train leaves as you'll need to pass a quick security check.

What are the benefits of traveling by train from Madrid to Barcelona?

Although there are many transportation options available between these cities, choosing in favor of the Madrid to Barcelona train as opposed to buses or planes will save you a lot of time and offer you a high-comfort connection on a well-equipped mode of transport. As such, the average bus trip durations are 7 hours and 50 minutes. Flights are often delayed, moreover, both of the airports are located in the city outskirts, meaning you need extra time and money for traveling to/from them (whereas the Puerta de Atocha rail station in Madrid and the Sants train station in Barcelona are set in the heart of town). To top it all, the fares for the tickets for all three aforementioned options will be in the same price range, making the optimal "travel time per money" choice quite obvious.

Which train companies operate between Madrid and Barcelona?

The Spanish national railways, Ferrocarilles Espanoles, operate the country's well-developed rail network. The AVE bullet train from Madrid to Barcelona is among the most popular trains on the route and is run by Renfe.

Is there a night train from Madrid to Barcelona?

The so-called "nocturno" overnight sleeper trains are Renfe’s Trenhotel trains, unfortunately, they do not run on the Madrid - Barcelona route but connect Madrid to Lisbon. The latest high-speed AVE train departs from Madrid every day at 9:25 p.m. and arrives around midnight in Barcelona.

Is the train ride from Madrid to Barcelona scenic?

The Madrid - Barcelona high-speed rail line makes its way through the picturesque Spanish countryside, passing a large part of western Catalonia, the city of Zaragoza in Aragon, the north of the Castile la Mancha region before arriving in Madrid.

When to book Madrid to Barcelona train tickets?

Being the two most popular cities in Spain, it's no surprise that the demand for transport between them is high. For this reason, the earlier in advance you book your train tickets, the better are your chances to get ahold of better prices, seats, and availability in general. Luckily, there's a broad selection of departure times in the schedule, based on the weekday, there are up to 10-13 departures every day.

What class to choose?

The fast train from Madrid to Barcelona offers two coach classes, the Turista 2nd class and the Preferente 1st class. Both are well-fitted and have modern amenities. Read more about the high-speed AVE train classes.

How much is train from Madrid to Barcelona?

When purchasing tickets, you should keep in mind that the prices will vary based on several parameters such as the chosen coach class, departure time / day of the week / month of your trip, availability, etc. As a rule, average prices start from about 95 USD.

Do you need seat reservation?

If you choose to book train tickets from Madrid to Barcelona with the Rail Ninja service, we guarantee that the best available seat will be assigned to you. During the booking process, you may indicate your preferences.

Madrid to Barcelona Train Timetable

Train type
Fastest trip
Longest trip
Earliest
Latest
Departures
Morning trains
2 hrs 30 min
3 hrs 12 min
06:15
11:30
11
Afternoon trains
2 hrs 30 min
3 hrs 12 min
12:25
17:30
8
Evening trains
2 hrs 30 min
3 hrs 16 min
18:00
20:40
6

Trains on Madrid - Barcelona Route

Brand name
Train type
Travel time
Price from
Departures
Rating
AVE
Bullet train
2 hrs 30 min
$60
11
AVLO
Express train
2 hrs 30 min
$41
4
Iryo
Bullet train
2 hrs 30 min
$65
9
Renfe
AVE INT
Bullet train
2 hrs 57 min
$110
1
9.8 / 10 based on 62 reviews

Madrid to Barcelona Train Review & Rating

The connection was well-planned, we had no trouble whatsoever

Cheryl and Daniel Wenzel about traveling from Madrid to Barcelona