Madrid to Barcelona Trains from €20.60

Zoom from Madrid to Barcelona for a fraction of the price of standard flights. You won’t have to worry about airport transfers or arriving hours in advance, either. To make things even easier, TrainPal can take care of every aspect of your Spanish train trip - from seat selection to customer support in English.

Find the latest information and securely book tickets for Renfe trains (AVE, Avlo and Alvia) and other operators, including iryo and OUIGO Spain.

Departure station: Departing from Madrid Atocha

All direct Madrid to Barcelona trains depart from the conveniently located Madrid Atocha station (formally known as Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes). The capital’s largest and oldest rail hub is right by the historic centre and linked to eight Cercanías commuter lines (C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, C-5, C-7, C-8 and C-10). Passengers can also take a Line 1 Madrid Metro train to either Estación del Arte or Atocha Renfe station.

Arrival station: Arriving at Barcelona Sants

About three and a half hours later, you’ll be in the heart of Barcelona. Trains from Madrid stop at Barcelona Sants station, the city’s main rail gateway. It’s only four minutes away from the city centre on a Rodalies (commuter) train to Barcelona Plaça de Catalunya. If you’ve travelled with Renfe AVE or iryo, the trip is on the house with the Combinado Cercanías offer. Scan your barcode at the ticket barriers. Barcelona Sants station is also served by lines L3 and L5 of the Barcelona Metro network from Sants Estació. A taxi rank is outside the main exit on Plaça dels Països Catalans.

You’ve got a choice between three operators running trains from Madrid Atocha to Barcelona Sants. Standard services and luggage allowances vary more widely compared to UK rail companies, so be sure to check how each company differs before purchasing your tickets.

Compare the overall onboard experience and journey information below to book the most suitable service.

Renfe AVE

• Avg. duration: 3h 26m
• Departure and arrival stations: Madrid Atocha to Barcelona Sants
• Stops: Direct or connecting via Zaragoza-Delicias, Camp De Tarragona
• Onboard perks: Free Wi-Fi, quiet carriages, PlayRenfe entertainment portal, power sockets (remember your adapter!), café bar
• Best for: Most frequent departures (two an hour on average), flexibility and fewer restrictions, travelling with more luggage (three bags measuring 85 x 55 x 35 cm and weighing a total of 25 kg permitted, plus a small piece of hand luggage), free Combinado Cercanías connection

iryo

• Avg. duration: 3h 17m
• Departure and arrival stations: Madrid Atocha to Barcelona Sants
• Stops: Direct or connecting via Camp De Tarragona, Zaragoza-Delicias
• Onboard perks: Free Wi-Fi connectivity, onboard catering, plug and USB charging, quiet coach
• Best for: Comfy leather seating, working space, free onward travel (Combinado Cercanías ticket), frequent hourly service, short stays with minimal luggage (one piece of hand luggage (36 x 27 x 15 cm max.) and one cabin bag (55 x 35 x 25 cm max.)), affordable base fare

OUIGO Spain

• Avg. duration: 3h 14m
• Departure and arrival stations: Madrid Atocha to Barcelona Sants
• Stops: Connecting via Zaragoza-Delicias, Camp de Tarragona
• Onboard perks: Individual at-seat charging, buffet coaches, OUIFUN entertainment portal
• Best for: Cheapest tickets, family discounts, travelling light (one piece of hand luggage (36 x 27 x 15 cm) and one cabin-sized bag (55 x 35 x 25 cm) allowed, optional add-ons to ticket (e.g., pets, extra baggage (from €5 (~£4.30) for a large 200 cm suitcase under 25 kg)

La Model Cultural Centre

Having served as a men’s prison until 2017, La Model is now a symbolic historical site becoming more integrated into the city. Explore the panopticon-style design and original cells while getting a unique glimpse into the city’s social and political evolution. La Model is six minutes away from Barcelona Sants station.

Arenas de Barcelona shopping centre

A ten-minute stroll down the road will take you to another fabulous, converted space offering shopping with a view. Arenas is a bullring turned shopping centre filled with household names, dining outlets and a 12-screen cinema. Head up to the rooftop for magnificent 360-degree views of the city.

Museum MNAC

The museum houses an impressive collection of Catalan art spanning more than 1,000 years, including Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Modernisme works.

Magic Fountain of Montjuïc

Arriving in the evening? Set aside time to catch the Magic Fountain’s spectacular show set to beautiful music and changing lights. The gigantic fountain between Plaça d’Espanya and Montjuïc sprays 2,600 litres of recycled water per second through 3,620 jets - an unmissable display. Check the schedule for start times throughout the year, and head to the fountain an hour ahead to get a good spot.