Many people travel between Madrid and Barcelona, as these are two of Spain's most popular tourist destinations. The train is the greatest way to get between these two cities: it's pleasant, quick, and simple.
Another perk is that you'll also get to see some beautiful Spanish countryside on your trip! If you're going to Spain, make sure to add Madrid and Barcelona to your itinerary and take the train for a pleasant trip between these two wonderful cities.
The trip from Madrid to Barcelona is about 506 kilometers long. The time it takes varies depending on the type of train you take, but it usually takes between two and three hours if you go for the AVE high-speed train.
AVE Madrid to Barcelona, the fastest way to travel
The AVE (Alta Velocidad Española) is the high-speed train that links Madrid with Barcelona. The journey time is just 2 hours and 30 minutes, making it the fastest way to travel between the two cities.
These trains can reach up to 310 kilometers per hour, which is pretty impressive! The AVE also has a bar and restaurant car, so you can buy snacks and drinks on board. Keep in mind that you need to make a reservation in advance if you want to take the AVE.
The AVE trains are comfortable, with air conditioning, spacious seats and plenty of legroom. On board, you'll find a selection of hot and cold drinks, as well as snacks and light meals.
Taking the AVE is definitely the best way to travel between Madrid and Barcelona if you're looking for speed and comfort. These train tickets are usually more expensive than the regular trains, but if you book early, you can sometimes find good deals and similar prices, which makes the AVE the best cost-benefit choice for this trip.
Regular Madrid to Barcelona Trains
If you're on a budget and not in a hurry, there are other trains that can get you between these two cities without breaking the bank. The regular trains that run between Madrid and Barcelona are called "Media Distancia" or "Regionales" trains, and they make stops at small towns along the way.
The journey time is usually about eight hours, so even though you'll find cheaper tickets, you'll also need more time to get to your destination.
Train times from Madrid to Barcelona
Every day, there are about 16 trains going from Madrid to Barcelona, so you should have no trouble finding one that works with your itinerary. The first train departs at 7 am and the latest leaves at about 8:30 pm, leaving you plenty of time to get to your destination in Barcelona on the same day.
The train station on this route
Estación Atocha: Madrid's main railway station is within walking distance of many attractions in the city, making it a convenient place to travel from. You may reach it by subway (blue line 1, stop Estación del Arte) or bus; there are several lines with stops nearby.
Estación Madrid Chamartín: Charmartín railway station is where the regular Renfe trains arrive. The train station is located 30 minutes from Madrid's center by bus (take lines C1, C2, C7 or C10 to the city centre).
Estación Barcelona Sants: This train station is located in the heart of Barcelona, so it's simple to get around from any part of the city. You can take the subway and get off at Sants Estació (lines L3 or L5) or take a bus or taxi to get there.
Train companies on this route
Two companies serve this route:
Renfe train from Madrid to Barcelona
Renfe is a Spanish railway company that operates both high-speed trains and conventional trains. They are the country's major train operator, providing a wide range of departure times as well as luggage and comfort for passengers.
OUIGO train from Madrid to Barcelona
Ouigo is the only other train company that runs on this route, with just a few departures every day. They also provide pleasant trips and luggage storage, although their schedule may not be as flexible as Renfe's.
How to find cheap tickets from Madrid to Barcelona
The best way to save money on train tickets from Madrid to Barcelona is to make a reservation ahead of time. If you book your journey at least several weeks or even months ahead of time, you may typically save up to 25% off the price.
You may also take advantage of special pricing and discounts; be sure to keep an eye out for them. Another tip is to travel during the week as train tickets are usually cheaper then.
The summer is the busiest season for tourism in Spain, which can impact ticket costs and availability. Make sure to book early to reserve your tickets; this will ensure that you get good seats. Busbud makes it simple to locate the most affordable fares and purchase ahead of time. It's quick, safe, and convenient!
Convenience is a plus
The train is the most comfortable and enjoyable method to get from Madrid to Barcelona. Also, taking the train means going from one city center to another without having to go through the airport hassle or worrying about long journeys to the airport.
Both the AVE high-speed trains and the regular trains connect cities across Spain, so you can easily reach other destinations, like Valencia, Seville or Malaga.ㅤ
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