Train from Madrid to Barcelona: Tickets & Schedules

Next train departures

Next departures for Madrid to Barcelona on December 4
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
iryoTrain
Atocha
Barcelona-SantsCheapest
RENFE AVETrain
Madrid Puerta De Atocha
Barcelona-SantsFastest
RENFE AVETrain
Madrid Puerta De Atocha
Barcelona-SantsNo tags
iryoTrain
Atocha
Barcelona-SantsNo tags
RENFE AVETrain
Madrid Puerta De Atocha
Barcelona-SantsNo tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 4:45 AM CET.

Compare 3 ways to go from Madrid to Barcelona

We recommend taking the train

Among the sustainable travel choices, the train stands out as the good way to reach Barcelona. The journey takes about 2 hours 52 minutes and with fares starting at just $40, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

30train per day
2h 52mAverage Duration
312 milesDistance
12kgCO₂ emissions
Bus
Average Price$53 - $236Average Duration7h 50m
12kg CO₂e
Train
Average Price$40 - $303Average Duration2h 52m
12kg CO₂e
Carpool
Average Price$26 - $77Average Duration6h 10m
21kg CO₂e

Frequently asked questions about traveling from Madrid to Barcelona by train

Please note that schedules, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary at the time of your trip.

  1. How much is the train ticket from Madrid to Barcelona?

    The cheapest train tickets from Madrid to Barcelona start from $40. The average price for this train route is around $90. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.

  2. How long is the train journey from Madrid to Barcelona?

    The average train ride duration from Madrid to Barcelona is 2h 52m, covering a distance of 312 miles (502 km). The quickest train can get you there in 2h 30m and is operated by OUIGO.

  3. Which train operators service the Madrid to Barcelona route?

    Several major train operators operate on this route with 30 trains available per day, including services from Renfe, Iryo, OUIGO.

  4. What is the earliest and latest departure time for the train from Madrid to Barcelona?

    The earliest train departs from Madrid to Barcelona at 6:08am. And the latest train departs at 9:07pm.

  5. What is the best train operator from Madrid to Barcelona?

    According to Busbud customers, the highest-rated train operator on this route is Iryo, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 396 reviews.

  6. Which train operator has the best Wi-Fi from Madrid to Barcelona?

    Based on reviews on Busbud, the train operator Iryo has the best Wi-Fi rating with a score of 3.9.

  7. Which train operator has the most timely service from Madrid to Barcelona?

    According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most timely train operator on this route is Iryo, with a punctuality rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

  8. Which train operator has the cleanest trains from Madrid to Barcelona?

    According to Busbud traveller reviews, the train operator with the cleanest trains on this route is Iryo, with a cleanliness rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars.

Find cheapest prices for trains

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found
12/01
$68
12/02
$45
Today
$45
12/04
$58
12/05
$70
12/06
$46
12/07
$57
12/08
$89
busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Madrid to Barcelona was searched and found on Dec 3, 2025 with a price of $45

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from Madrid to Barcelona, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from $45 to $321 for a train ticket from Madrid to Barcelona based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $46 which is on 2025-12-06.

Usually Renfe will charge you higher prices for tickets closer to the departure date. To find the best prices, you should be flexible on your date of travel.

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