Barcelona to Madrid Trains from €37.35

From frequent departures to unbeatable prices, there are many reasons to opt for rail. Relax on a super-fast ride from one city to another, without the hassle of travelling to and from airports. 

Find your way across Spain, get inspiration for your itinerary and buy cheap train tickets with TrainPal. Enjoy easy digital booking, seat selection and 24/7 customer support for Renfe’s AVE, Avlo and Alvia services, as well as those of operators like iryo and OUIGO Spain. 

Departure station: Departing from Barcelona Sants 

The city’s most important transport hub, Barcelona Sants, is the well-connected starting point for your Barcelona to Madrid train. Arrive at one of the many Rodalies (commuter) trains, metro (lines L3 and L5 to Sants Estació), bus or taxi straight to the main entrance on Plaça dels Països Catalans. 

Barcelona Sants’ modern concourse has no shortage of shops and eateries to grab last-minute essentials or a bite to eat before boarding. Trains to Madrid Atocha depart from platforms 1–6. Purchased a Prémium ticket? Tuck into a selection of warm and chilled drinks as well as refreshments at the Sala Club lounge once you’ve passed the baggage control area (access available 1.5–2 hours before your train leaves). 

Arrival station: Arriving at Madrid Atocha 

Step off the train from Barcelona, and you’re only a short stroll from the capital’s historic centre. Madrid Atocha, or Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes, is the oldest and largest station in the city. Onward travel couldn’t be easier. The station is served by eight Cercanías (commuter) lines: C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, C-5, C-7, C-8 and C-10. If you have a Renfe AVE or iryo train ticket from Barcelona to Madrid, take advantage of the Combinado Cercanías deal and get a free connecting trip up to four hours after arrival. Alternatively, hop on a Line 1 Madrid Metro service from Estación del Arte or Atocha Renfe station. Taxis pick up passengers outside the exit on the top floor as well as the western exit on the ground floor.

Barcelona to Madrid train services are offered by three companies. The onboard experience varies widely from operator to operator and depending on which ticket you choose. See exactly what you get with each and book tickets for a service that’s the right fit. 

Renfe AVE 

• Avg. duration: 3h 26m 

• Departure and arrival stations: Barcelona Sants to Madrid Atocha 

• Stops: Direct or connecting via Zaragoza-Delicias 

• Onboard perks: Free Wi-Fi access, PlayRenfe entertainment portal, quiet carriages, power sockets, café bar 

• Best for: Most frequent departures (around one every hour), flexibility and fewer restrictions, free Combinado Cercanías connection, generous luggage allowance (three bags measuring 85 x 55 x 35 cm each and weighing 25 kg in total, plus a small item of hand luggage) 

iryo 

• Avg. duration: 3h 17m 

• Departure and arrival stations: Barcelona Sants to Madrid Atocha 

• Stops: Direct or connecting via Zaragoza-Delicias  

• Onboard perks: Complimentary Wi-Fi, quiet coach, plug and USB charging, onboard dining 

• Best for: Cheap base fares, comfy leather seats, frequent service (around once an hour), space to work on board, free Combinado Cercanías connection, shorter trips (one item of hand luggage (36 x 27 x 15 cm max.) and one cabin-sized bag (55 x 35 x 25 cm max.) permitted) 

OUIGO Spain 

• Avg. duration: 3h 16m 

• Departure and arrival stations: Barcelona Sants to Madrid Atocha 

• Stops: Direct 

• Onboard perks: Charging, buffet co at your seat, buffet coaches, OUIFUN entertainment portal 

• Best for: Cheapest fares, family deals, short trips with minimal baggage (one piece of hand luggage (36 x 27 x 15 cm) and one cabin bag (55 x 35 x 25 cm) permitted), add-on options to tailor your trip (e.g., boarding for pets, extra baggage (prices from €5 (~£4.30) for a large 200 cm, 25 kg suitcase)) 

Museo Reina Sofía 

El Retiro Park 

Madrid Atocha also sits around the corner from an urban oasis and UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the largest parks in the capital, El Retiro is perfect for strolling, grabbing a coffee or spotting birds - including peacocks. Other highlights include the Crystal Palace, rose garden and Velázquez Palace exhibition hall. 

La Campana 

Looking for a local delicacy? You’re about 25 minutes from La Campana, a no-frills neighbourhood bar famous for its fried calamari bocadillo sandwich, classic tapas dishes and sangria. The portions are generous and will certainly hit the spot. Eat in or take it away and enjoy nearby sights like Plaza Mayor or Athens Park.