Cheap train tickets from Madrid to Barcelona
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 11 daily train trips available from Madrid to Barcelona. Traveling by train from Madrid to Barcelona usually takes 3 hours and 15 minutes, but the fastest Iryo train can make the trip in 3 hours and 2 minutes.
| Distance | 314 mi (505 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 2m |
| Lowest price | $30.39 |
| Trains per day | 11 |
| Most frequent service | Iryo |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Madrid to Barcelona Train Schedule
There are several train options that can take you from Madrid to Barcelona:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Madrid to Barcelona?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Madrid to Barcelona was $37.19. This is an excellent price given the length of the route. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 19 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $65.52 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Madrid to Barcelona by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Madrid to Barcelona will cost between $43 and $108. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Madrid to Barcelona by month
Ticket prices for the train from Madrid to Barcelona often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only $53. If you're thinking of traveling from Madrid to Barcelona during October, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $96 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in October, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Madrid to Barcelona on Wanderu at least 19 days ahead of time, you can save about $65.52 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Madrid to Barcelona?
There are multiple trains that travel from Madrid to Barcelona, including Iryo. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iryo | 11 | 3h 15m | $66.41 |
Iryo train tickets from Madrid to Barcelona start from $30.39, and on average cost $66.41. Daily there are 11 Iryo schedules to Barcelona. Iryo in Madrid leaves from Madrid Atocha Train Station. And in Barcelona trains arrive at Barcelona-Sants.
From Madrid to Barcelona train travel on Iryo takes 3 hours and 15 minutes. If you are looking to get to Barcelona faster, Iryo offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 3 hours and 2 minutes.
If you're considering a weeked trip, Iryo offers 11 schedules for you to choose from. You can expect to pay $30.39 for a one-way train ticket to Barcelona.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Madrid to Barcelona
There are 11 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Madrid to Barcelona. You can also take a train for your return trip from Barcelona to Madrid. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Madrid to Barcelona for $67.
TRIPS PER DAY
11
DIRECT TRIPS
11
The distance between Madrid and Barcelona is approximately 314 miles, or 505 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 15 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 2 minutes. Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
DISTANCE (MI)
314
DISTANCE (KM)
505
The earliest train departs Madrid at 6:09am while the last train of the day leaves at 8:22pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
6:09am
LATEST TRAIN
8:22pm
Trains from Madrid to Barcelona are the most crowded on Saturday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Saturday
LEAST CROWDED
Friday
City Information
Barcelona
Featuring a mix of bizarre modern vibes and quaint buildings, Barcelona is a great destination for tourists seeking fun and cultural activities alike. Barcelona takes great pride in its unique architecture, and the most prominent example of its uniqueness is the La Sagrada Família, one of the most iconic buildings in the city. Boasting a unique Gothique-esque architectural style, the cathedral will leave you in awe. The most interesting part is that the church is actually still in construction, and is expected to be finished by 2026. If you want to stroll around the streets of Barcelona, the Barri Gòtic, the oldest part of the city, will be a perfect choice. Here visitors will find old buildings with Medieval or Roman architecture. If you are looking to enjoy Barcelona’s nightlife, head over to Las Ramblas, the most fun area around.
For the best Catalonian dishes, don’t hesitate to head over to Babula Bar 1937, which offers top-tier local cuisine. Barcelona is also rather famous for its seafood, so don’t hesitate to give that a try at one of the many restaurants the city has to offer.
For buses, Estació del Nord serves as the central hub of intercity services. The Barcelona Sants is the city’s main train station, offering access to many cities in Europe. Commercial air services are provided by the Barcelona-El Prat Airport, which is located 11 miles from the city center.
Station Information
Where does the train leave from in Madrid?
Main departure station: Madrid Atocha Train Station
There is one train station in Madrid.
All train stations in Madrid:
- Madrid Atocha Train Station
Where does the train arrive in Barcelona?
Main arrival station: Barcelona-Sants
Barcelona has one train station.
All train stations in Barcelona:
- Barcelona-Sants
Need a return trip from Barcelona to Madrid?
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