Winner: Advancing International Rail Travel Branch

Winner2024 Global Recognition AwardGlobal Recognition Award*

Madrid to Barcelona Trains

How to book

Why book with RM

Timetable

Route overview

Classes

Luggage

Rating & reviews

Train Map

Comparison table

Cities

FAQ

Popular Routes

Related Routes

Spain /

Train Routes /

Madrid to Barcelona Trains

How to Book Train Tickets Online from Madrid to Barcelona

Add passengers

Receive your ticket

Take the train

Book Official Tickets Easily

Rail Monsters provides tickets for the Madrid to Barcelona AVE high-speed train, ensuring a reliable booking experience. With just a few clicks, you can confirm and purchase tickets online for this popular route.

Secure Payment Options

Enjoy a safe booking process with multiple payment methods, including credit cards, Apple Pay, and digital payment systems. Our online booking platform offers secure transactions for Madrid to Barcelona train tickets.

Flexible Exchanges & Cancellations

We offer flexible exchange and cancellation policies. Easily modify your travel plans if needed, adjusting your Madrid to Barcelona train tickets based on availability and fare conditions.

24/7 Human Customer Support

Get assistance from our dedicated human support team available 24/7 to answer questions about your online ticket booking between Madrid and Barcelona.

Why Book Madrid to Barcelona Train Tickets with Rail Monsters?

Trusted by travelers
and rated 4.8 on average

e-Tickets to board

Seat Preferences
that works

International
Payment options

Book your train tickets from Madrid to Barcelona on Rail Monsters and benefit from 24/7 customer support, mobile apps for iOS and Android, compare train ticket prices, enjoy flexible bookings and cancellations, access real-time train information, and get one account to book train tickets worldwide.

We accept payments:

Madrid to Barcelona High-Speed Train Tickets & Timetable

The Madrid to Barcelona AVE route offers multiple daily departures with high-speed trains. Tickets range from €50–120 (approximately $55–130 USD). Book online to secure best prices, preferred seating, and real-time schedule updates. Trains depart from Madrid Atocha and arrive at Barcelona Sants stations, with journey times around 2.5 hours.

5Mar

Seats

Madrid

Barcelona

Each ticket has information about

Departure Time

Travel time

Arrival Time

Changes

Brand name / Train type

Ticket price

Morning trains

06:16

MadridMadrid Pta. Atocha - Almudena Grandes

3h 14m

09:30

BarcelonaBarcelona Sants

Direct

High-speed

Renfe AVE 03301

from

12280 USD

3h 14m, Direct

06:16

MadridMadrid Pta. Atocha - Almudena Grandes

09:30

BarcelonaBarcelona Sants

from

12280 USD

Direct

High-speed

Renfe AVE 03301

06:27

MadridMadrid Pta. Atocha - Almudena Grandes

3h 23m

09:50

BarcelonaBarcelona Sants

Direct

High-speed

Renfe AVE 03063

from

8190 USD

3h 23m, Direct

06:27

MadridMadrid Pta. Atocha - Almudena Grandes

09:50

BarcelonaBarcelona Sants

from

8190 USD

Direct

High-speed

Renfe AVE 03063

Day trains

12:27

MadridMadrid Pta. Atocha - Almudena Grandes

3h 42m

16:09

BarcelonaBarcelona Sants

Direct

High-speed

Renfe AVE 03123

from

12280 USD

3h 42m, Direct

12:27

MadridMadrid Pta. Atocha - Almudena Grandes

16:09

BarcelonaBarcelona Sants

from

12280 USD

Direct

High-speed

Renfe AVE 03123

12:50

MadridMadrid Pta. Atocha - Almudena Grandes

3h 29m

16:19

BarcelonaBarcelona Sants

Direct

High-speed

Renfe AVE International 09725

from

14325 USD

3h 29m, Direct

12:50

MadridMadrid Pta. Atocha - Almudena Grandes

16:19

BarcelonaBarcelona Sants

from

14325 USD

Direct

High-speed

Renfe AVE International 09725

Evening trains

18:27

MadridMadrid Pta. Atocha - Almudena Grandes

3h 22m

21:49

BarcelonaBarcelona Sants

Direct

High-speed

Renfe AVE 03183

from

16379 USD

3h 22m, Direct

18:27

MadridMadrid Pta. Atocha - Almudena Grandes

21:49

BarcelonaBarcelona Sants

from

16379 USD

Direct

High-speed

Renfe AVE 03183

18:57

MadridMadrid Pta. Atocha - Almudena Grandes

3h 2m

21:59

BarcelonaBarcelona Sants

Direct

High-speed

Renfe AVE 03191

from

19331 USD

3h 2m, Direct

18:57

MadridMadrid Pta. Atocha - Almudena Grandes

21:59

BarcelonaBarcelona Sants

from

19331 USD

Direct

High-speed

Renfe AVE 03191

First train

06:16

Last train

20:30

Travel duration

3h 22m

Daily departures

Departure station

Madrid

Changes

direct

Arrival station

Barcelona

Ticket price

$35

Madrid to Barcelona Route Overview

Traveling from Madrid to Barcelona by AVE high-speed train is the fastest way between Spain's two largest cities. With multiple daily departures, you can choose between different train classes. The journey crosses diverse Spanish landscapes, offering views of central Spain's plateaus and approaching Catalonia's coastal regions.

Travel time

3h 22m

Train type

Fastest trip

3h 2m

Longest trip

3h 47m

Madrid

Madrid - Spain's capital city, home to world-famous museums like Prado and Royal Palace. A cultural and political center with rich historical architecture.

Madrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor

Station

Madrid Príncipe Pio

Station

Madrid Atocha

Station

Madrid - Atocha Cercanías

Station

3h 22m

Barcelona

Barcelona - Catalonia's largest city, known for Gaudí architecture, vibrant street life, and Mediterranean coastline. A hub of art, design, and culinary innovation.

Barcelona Sants

Station

Available Ticket Classes

On the Madrid to Barcelona route, AVE offers Turista (Standard), Turista Plus, and Preferente (Business) classes. Each class provides different levels of comfort, legroom, and onboard services.

from

$6142

Economy Class

from

$8022

Business class

Practical Information for AVE Travelers

Luggage Guidelines on AVE Trains. Understanding baggage rules helps ensure a smooth travel experience between Madrid and Barcelona.

Luggage Allowance

Passengers can bring two pieces of luggage, with each item not exceeding 70 x 50 x 30 cm and weighing up to 25 kg. Carry-on bags are also permitted in the train compartment.

Storage Facilities

AVE trains provide overhead storage racks and dedicated luggage areas at the end of each car, accommodating standard-sized suitcases and backpacks securely.

Special Items

Bicycles, sports equipment, and musical instruments require special arrangements. Check availability and potential additional fees in advance.

Average rating & reviews

4.7

Among mobile stores and search platforms

4.7

Among mobile stores and search platforms

Easy purchase and process

We went from Tokyo station to Hiroshima for the first time. We bought our tickets online, printed the tickets and had no issues. Great experience

Denise Harston

Thank you very much for your support

Even with very short time frame you suceeded to change our tickets. We are very gratefull. You are the best.

Mitja Bostner

Thank you, David!

Could not thank David from Rail Monsters enough, i made a couple of errors in my booking for japan and he fixed them asap with no hassle, customer service A1

Alan

Local Guide

Wonderful trip from Tokyo to Kyoto. Excellent service.

Marius-Adrian Nicoara

Very kind and helpful staff

Very kind and helpful staff who were very diligent and thorough in helping secure tickets for a sold out train. Thank you so much!

Allison Makhoul

Madrid to Barcelona Map

The AVE high-speed train route connects Madrid and Barcelona across 625 km. The journey passes through regions like Guadalajara, Zaragoza, and approaches Barcelona through industrial and coastal landscapes, showcasing Spain's diverse terrain.

Rail vs Bus vs Plane

Train

Changes

Travel time

Price from

Departures

Rating

Train

AVE

Changes

Direct

Travel time

3h 13m

Price from

$42

Departures

225

Rating

Train

AVE INT

Changes

Direct

Travel time

3h 29m

Price from

$85

Departures

Rating

The AVE high-speed train provides faster city-center connections compared to flights and buses. While planes have shorter airborne times, trains offer direct access without airport transfers. Buses are slower but more economical, making the train the most time-efficient option between Madrid and Barcelona.

Plus, it’s a greener choice, reducing your carbon footprint

Travel time

Price range

Travel time

Price range

Travel time

Price range

Winner

Train

Apprx.

3h 22m

$35-$266

Bus

Apprx.

8h 30m

$25-$55

Flight

Apprx.

1h 10m

$50-$180

Cities at Both Ends

Madrid, Spain's capital, offers royal palaces and world-class museums. Barcelona, Catalonia's gem, features Gaudí's architectural wonders and Mediterranean charm. The train connects these vibrant cities in just 2.5 hours, perfect for exploring Spain's cultural diversity.

Madrid

The capital of Spain, known for its rich cultural heritage and historic landmarks.

Barcelona

A major city known for its art, architecture, and cultural sites.

FAQ about the Madrid - Barcelona Route

How much is the train from Madrid to Barcelona?

Train ticket prices from Madrid to Barcelona range between €50–120 (approximately $55–130 USD), depending on class, time of booking, and train type. Advance purchases often provide better rates.

How fast is the train from Madrid to Barcelona?

The AVE high-speed train travels at up to 310 km/h (192 mph), completing the journey in approximately 2.5 hours. This makes it significantly faster than buses or driving.

What train to take from Madrid to Barcelona?

The AVE high-speed train is the primary service connecting Madrid and Barcelona. Renfe operates multiple daily departures from Madrid Atocha to Barcelona Sants stations.

How to book train tickets from Madrid to Barcelona?

Book tickets online through Rail Monsters, at train station ticket offices, or via Renfe's website. Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons.

Learn more information at our

Country Guide