Madrid to Barcelona by Train
A domestic route within Spain.
- Duration
- 2h 30m – 3h 20m
- Price from
- 23 EUR
- Distance
- 621 km
- Frequency
- Up to 30 direct trains per day
Operators
- Renfe AVE
- Renfe AVLO
- Ouigo Espana
- iryo
Booking tips
- Book 2-3 months ahead for the cheapest AVE fares — prices rise as the departure date gets closer.
- Ouigo and iryo are budget alternatives to Renfe AVE and can be significantly cheaper on the same route.
- Trains arrive at Barcelona Sants and depart from Madrid Atocha — both are central and well connected by metro.
Compare and book Madrid–Barcelona tickets
Affiliate booking links (Rail Europe / Omio) will go here.
Check pricesFrequently asked questions
How long is the train from Madrid to Barcelona?
The fastest direct trains take around 2 hours 30 minutes. Some services with extra stops take up to 3 hours 20 minutes.
How much does the train from Madrid to Barcelona cost?
Fares start from around 23 EUR for advance-purchase tickets in standard class, but prices vary a lot by operator, class, and how early you book.
Which train operators run this route?
Renfe (AVE and the low-cost AVLO), Ouigo Espana, and iryo all operate high-speed trains between Madrid and Barcelona.