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How to get to Barcelona from Madrid

How to get from Madrid to Barcelona? The answer depends on your preferences and priorities. Let’s break down the options. 

Before we get started, allow me to introduce myself. I’m Javier and I’ve been working as a guide in Madrid since 2013.

I hope this post helps you plan a smooth and enjoyable trip from Madrid to Barcelona

How to get to Barcelona from Madrid

Madrid and Barcelona are the two most important cities in Spain and they are perfectly connected. 

To go from Madrid to Barcelona you can choose from a multitude of trains, buses and planes. The offer is almost unlimited, every day from early in the morning until late in the day. 

Madrid to Barcelona Travel Comparison

  • Train from €9

    Travel Time: 2.5h | Frequency: Every 30 min - 1 hour (weekend)

  • Bus from €5

    Travel Time: 7.5h | Frequency: 2 hours

  • Plane from €40-50

    Travel Time: 1.5h | Frequency: 1-1.5 hours

To jump straight to the topic that interests you, simply click on the corresponding link below:

How far is Barcelona from Madrid?

Nestled in the northeastern corner of Spain, Barcelona is just a stone’s throw from France. In fact, Barcelona is closer to Marseille (France’s second largest city) than to Madrid.

The distance between Madrid and Barcelona is approximately 625 kilometers (390 miles), making it a great weekend getaway. Along the way, you will pass through the charming city of Zaragoza, a hidden gem with a rich history and stunning architecture.

The main geographical feature between Madrid and Barcelona is the Ebro River, one of the most important rivers in the country. 

Cheapest way to travel from Madrid to Barcelona

Usually the cheapest way to travel between Madrid and Barcelona is by bus as there are incredible discounts starting at 5€. Although these discounts are not always available. 

Sometimes the train or even the plane can be cheaper than the bus. 

So, to find the cheapest way to go to Barcelona from Madrid, spend a few minutes browsing online and comparing prices.

Fastest way to go from Madrid to Barcelona

This answer is easy. The fastest way to get to Barcelona from Madrid is by plane. The flight time is 1 hour 20 minutes. But remember that you have to arrive approximately one hour before the departure of the flight.  

The best way to get to Barcelona from Madrid

In our opinion the best option is to take a train from Madrid.

There are plenty of schedules available, very cheap fares and the travel time is relatively short (2.5 – 3 hours).

Most popular way to travel from Madrid to Barcelona

Undoubtedly, the most popular means of transportation from Madrid to Barcelona is the train. According to the latest statistics, 4 out of 5 travelers choose the train to go from Madrid to Barcelona.

Well that figures are easy to understand. The train offers an excellent service, good price, comfort, and short travel time (2.5-3h).

How to get to Barcelona from Madrid by train?

The first thing you should know is that the Madrid – Barcelona route is operated by 4 different operators (AVE, Avlo, Ouigo and Iryo).

Until 2021 Renfe, the state-owned railroad company, had a monopoly on passenger transport by train. Since then, and thanks to the arrival of new players, prices have dropped significantly, making train travel more affordable than ever.

The train trip from Madrid to Barcelona takes between 2.5 and 3 hours. Travel time varies depending on the train you choose and the stops. 

A great advantage of the train is the comfort. The stations of Madrid and Barcelona are centrally located, so you can reach them by subway without any problem. Also, unlike the plane,  you don’t need to arrive at the station hours in advance. 25-30 minutes before the train departure is sufficient

Madrid - Barcelona train prices

One of the biggest perks of taking the train from Madrid to Barcelona is the price. If you book well in advance you can get tickets as low as 9€!!! 

However, don’t expect these rock-bottom prices to be the norm. Without discounts, expect to pay around €25-35 to travel by train from Madrid to Barcelona. 

AVE, the high-speed train operated by Renfe (state-owned railroad company), is typically the priciest option. But hey, you get what you pay for—AVE offers a top-notch experience. The average price of the AVE train is 45-55€.

You will find the lowest prices at Avlo and Ouigo.

Madrid - Barcelona train schedules

The frequency of trains from Madrid to Barcelona is overwhelming. 

On weekdays there are many more trains to go from Madrid and Barcelona as many people travel on business between these two cities. On weekdays there are approximately 45 – 50 trains a day from Madrid to Barcelona (you can catch a ride about every half hour!!!).

On weekends the frequency of trains is lower. Approximately 25 – 30 trains per day. 

While there are plenty of trains to go from Madrid and Barcelona, competition for seats is fierce. Booking your tickets in advance is a must to ensure you have a seat.

The first train from Madrid to Barcelona departs around 6 am. The last train from Madrid to Barcelona rolls out around 9 pm.

Which train company to choose?

All four operators—AVE, Avlo, Iryo, and Ouigo—offer modern, comfortable trains on the Madrid-Barcelona route. But there are some key differences to consider:

Ouigo and Avlo are positioned as low cost companies. These companies offer the most competitive prices although the level of comfort and service on board is worse. However, for a small fee, you can upgrade to enjoy perks like seat selection, extra suitcase or free cancellation.

Ouigo has no in-seat meal service, but at least it has a cafeteria car. 

Avlo does not even have a cafeteria car, but you can grab snacks from a vending machine.

AVE and Iryo offer more expensive tickets but the service on board is considerably better. In addition AVE and Iryo offer different classes depending on the level of comfort and service. For example in the first class tickets there are wider seats and food is included in the price. 

Of course, AVE and Iryo also offer in-seat meal service and have a cafeteria car.  

IMPORTANT: All companies offer free Wi-Fi except Ouigo, which charges a small fee (€3).

How to buy tickets for the high speed train Madrid-Barcelona

You can buy tickets at the train station. However, this is not our recommendation as the queues at the train station are huge and you will lose a lot of your precious time. 

Also, if you buy the train tickets at short notice the price is more expensive and you may have availability issues. 

Therefore, If I were in your place I would buy tickets online well in advance. To buy tickets online visit Omio.

These websites allow you to snag exclusive discounts not available at the train station and compare prices and schedules of all train companies. Believe us, this will save you a lot of time and effort. Otherwise you will have to visit the website of each train operator to compare for yourself. 

Just a word of advice. Avoid the hassle of navigating Renfe’s website (public train company). The website is really difficult to use and very unintuitive. Sometimes it does not even allow you to pay with credit cards issued outside Spain.  

Important to know before buying your train tickets to Barcelona from Madrid

-Early bird gets the worm! Book your tickets well in advance for the best deals.The further in advance you buy your train ticket, the more chances you have to find great discounts. 

-The demand for trains from Madrid to Barcelona is huge and almost all trains are full. Plan ahead and buy online to secure your seats. 

-Compare to find lowest prices and the perfect schedules using Omio.

-What is the cheapest time to travel by train? Aim for off-peak times like early mornings (6 am)  or late evenings (9 pm)

-Traveling midweek often yields significant savings, as tickets are generally much cheaper than on weekends.

-Be aware of each company’s baggage and cancellation policies. Avlo and Ouigo, which are low cost companies, may have restrictions.

 -Super cheap tickets often come with a no-changes policy. Keep this in mind when buying your train tickets. 

Where in Madrid do trains to Barcelona depart?

High-speed trains to Barcelona always depart from Madrid’s Atocha Station.

This bustling train station is located right in the heart of the city, very close to the Prado Museum. You can easily reach Atocha Station by taxi, bus, metro (line 1), or even on foot if you are staying in the old town.

Atocha train station is quite big so plan to arrive at least 30-35 minutes early to pass the security controls. Once inside the boarding area, you will find plenty of amenities like cafes, bars, and newsstands to keep you entertained while you wait.

Check out our detailed post on Atocha Station for all the insider tips and information you need.

What is the high-speed train station in Barcelona?

High-speed trains arrive in Barcelona at Sants Station. This station is located in the southern part of the city. 

Sants Station is directly connected to the city’s metro system (lines 3 and 5), so you can quickly and easily reach the heart of Barcelona.

How to get to Barcelona from Madrid
How to get to Barcelona from Madrid | Atocha station in Madrid has an incredible tropical garden that you can visit while waiting for your train | Credits: OgoTours

Useful information to get to Barcelona from Madrid by plane

More than 20 direct flights connect Madrid with Barcelona every day. 

The flight from Madrid to Barcelona takes just one hour and 20 minutes.

While flying is super fast, there is a trade-off: you will need to arrive at the airport about an hour early for security checks. Plus, Madrid Airport is located about 20 kilometers from the city center, so factor in travel time to get there.

Which airlines operate the Madrid - Barcelona route?

The Madrid – Barcelona route is almost monopolized by Iberia and Vueling, which belong to the same business group (International Airlines Group, IAG). 

The third company offering direct flights between Madrid and Barcelona is Air Europa. 

Airline price tickets

Ticket prices can fluctuate based on a variety of factors, such as the day of the week, the tourist season, and flight schedules.

On average, a flight from Madrid to Barcelona will typically set you back around €70 to €80. However, if you are lucky, you might catch an amazing deal for as low as €25!

From our experience, Air Europa tends to have some of the best offers.

To score the best prices, we recommend booking in advance. This way, you will significantly boost your chances of landing a fantastic deal!

Factors to consider before buying your plane tickets

-Prices fluctuate constantly. Use a metasearch engine (one of our favorite is Trip.com) to find the best discounts and compare schedules of different airlines. 

-Avoid peak hours to get discounts. Early mornings (6 AM) and late evenings (9-10 PM) often offer the lowest fares.

-Flights on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays tend to be pricier due to higher demand. 

-All flights from Madrid to Barcelona take off from Barajas – Adolfo Suárez Airport.  More information about Madrid airport in this link 

-Madrid airport has four terminals, so double-check your departure terminal. A free shuttle bus connects all terminals.

-As it is a domestic flight, it is not necessary to arrive at the airport 2 hours before your flight. 1 hour before the flight is enough. 

-Each airline has its own baggage rules. Be aware of weight limits and size restrictions to avoid extra fees. This is especially important in the case of Vueling as they are a low cost airline and have a very strict baggage policy.  

How to get from Madrid to Barcelona
How to get to Barcelona from Madrid | Madrid Brajas - Adolfo Suarez is the 5th busiest airport in Europe (approximately 60 million passengers per year) | Credits: Angel Riesgo Martinez (Wikipedia C.C.)

How to get to Barcelona from Madrid by bus?

Traveling by bus between Madrid and Barcelona is the slowest option, taking around 7.5 hours (625 kilometers or 390 miles). 

Unlike the train, bus services are not 100% liberalized. The government assigns to each route an operator who has the exclusive right to operate that route. 

The Madrid-Barcelona route is operated by Alsa, a leading European bus company.

Alsa’s fleet of buses is completely modern and equipped with all kinds of comforts: 

  • Wifi 
  • Seat belts
  • On-board entertainment service
  • Air conditioning
  • Comfortable seats 

What is the price of the bus ticket between Madrid and Barcelona?

Alsa often offers incredible deals starting at just €5! However, these prices come with some restrictions: no changes or cancellations allowed.

Essentially, Alsa has three types of fares to choose from:

-Super Flex : approximately 35-40€. These tickets allow changes and cancellations 

-Reducida: approximately 20€. These tickets allow changes but not cancellations

-Mínima: approximately 15€. These tickets cannot be changed or cancelled. 

At the same time, these fares allow you to add extra services for an additional cost (blocking the seat next to you for more comfortable travel, luggage insurance, seat selection, etc.). 

Madrid - Barcelona bus schedules

With over 30 daily departures, you have plenty of options when it comes to bus schedules between Madrid and Barcelona.

Since it’s quite the journey (almost 8 hours!!) many travelers opt for the night bus, which typically departs from Madrid around midnight and arrives in Barcelona early in the morning (8-9 am). This is a great way to save on accommodation costs and enjoy a cozy night’s sleep during your journey.

If you prefer a daytime trip and enjoy the beautiful landscape, buses depart from Madrid every 3-4 hours.

How to purchase your bus tickets from Madrid to Barcelona

There are two ways to purchase bus tickets in Spain: 

-You can purchase your bus tickets at the bus station (Méndez Álvaro or Avenida América). In that case you will have to look for the Alsa counter which is the company that operates the bus route Madrid – Barcelona. 

We don’t recommend this option. Why? It will make you lose a lot of time. There are very few employees at the counter and the queues at the station are usually quite long. 

-Buy online. We strongly recommend buying online using a metasearch engine (click here) to compare prices across all transportation options. You might find that trains or planes offer a better deal, especially considering the time you will save -the bus takes 7.5 hours to get to Barcelona!!! 

Where do the buses to Barcelona depart in Madrid?

Buses to Barcelona depart from three locations in Madrid: 

  • Avenida América Station
  • Estación del Sur –  Mendez Alvaro
  • Terminal 4 Madrid – Barajas Adolfo Suarez Airport

Avenida América and Mendez Alvaro stations are relatively close to the city center, but you will need to take public transportation. Don’t even think about walking—especially with luggage in tow! 

Don’t worry, both stations are well-connected with metro and city buses. 

The Madrid metro runs daily from 6am to 1:30am, making it super easy to get around. 

If your bus to Barcelona departs from Terminal 4, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to find the bus stop. Buses leave from Avenida de la Hispanidad, s/n, next to Module F of the airport parking. Just follow the signs that say “Terminal Bus T4”. 

Where do the buses from Madrid arrive in Barcelona?

Your bus from Madrid to Barcelona can arrive at:

  • Estación Nord
  • Barcelona Sants


Just like in Madrid, these bus stations are super well-connected to the city center, so you won’t be left stranded!

Metro Barcelona hours of operation:

-Monday to Thursday from 5 am to 12 am,
-Friday from 5 am to 2 am,
-Saturdays from 5 am and continuous service throughout Saturday to Sunday night
-Sundays: from 12 am to 12 am

Keep these times in mind! If your bus arrives in the early hours, you might need to grab a taxi or wait at the bus station until the metro starts running

Important to know before purchasing your bus tickets from Madrid to Barcelona

-Bus stations in Spain are usually not a very recommendable place.so keep an eye on your belongings to avoid pickpockets.

-Double-Check Your Departure Point. Buses to Barcelona leave from 3 different spots in Madrid.and if you end up at the wrong one, you might find yourself on a little detour that’ll eat up your time!

-If you have purchased your tickets in advance you can go straight to the platform where your bus is waiting. The driver will do a quick ticket check and you’re good to go!

-Arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before departure. Méndez Álvaro and Avenida América stations are bustling hubs with many buses leaving at the same time, so finding your platform can be a bit stressful if you’re in a rush!

-Mendez Alvaro and Avenida America station have everything from cafes and restaurants to newsstands. Plus, there are plenty of shops and bars nearby. 

-To dodge the hassle of sold-out buses, especially on weekends or during the busy spring and fall seasons, get those tickets online well in advance.

How to get to Barcelona from Madrid
How to get to Barcelona from Madrid | Mendez Alvaro station is the main bus station in Madrid. It has 65 platforms and more than 450 buses arriving and departing every day | Credits: Nicolas Vigier (Wikipedia, C.C.)

Rideshare App

Ridesharing Apps connects drivers and passengers who are traveling along similar routes.

Among all the apps, the most popular in Spain -especially among young people- is BlaBlaCar.

BlaBlaCar offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional transportation for traveling between Madrid and Barcelona. 

The great advantage of BlaBlaCar is its flexibility. There is a wide range of schedules and meeting points. 

The price of the trip is established by the driver himself. But the average price is usually between 30-40€. Considering that you can travel by train for that price, this option is not really our favorite. Not to mention the travel time. The train takes 2.5 hours and the car approximately 6 hours.

The safety and reliability of the journey can vary depending on the driver and other passengers. It’s essential to carefully review driver profiles and ratings before booking a ride.

How many days should I spend in Barcelona?

No doubt this is the million-dollar question. Barcelona is an incredible city and  deserves at least 3-4 days to really soak it all up

From Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces to nice beaches, delicious tapas, and a rich cultural scene, there’s always something new to discover in Barcelona.

If you travel for a short time and we had to make a list of the 10 must-see places in Barcelona we would include: 

  • Sagrada Familia
  • Park Güel
  • Picasso Museum
  • Las Ramblas
  • La Pedrera
  • Casa Batllo
  • Gothic Quarter
  • La Boqueria
  • National Museum of Catalan Art
  • Port Olimpic

Generally 2-3 days should be enough to visit these 10 must-see places. 

To make the most of your stay in Barcelona we recommend taking a tour and learn about the city’s rich history and culture.  

👉 Free Walking Tour and private tours in Barcelona: https://runnerbeantours.com/

👉 Sagrada Familia Guided Tour: duration: 1,5 h | price: from 75€ | More info click here 

👉 Tickets and experiences in Barcelona | More info click here

If you want to go a little deeper into Barcelona you will need 4-5 days. This will allow you to visit amazing places very close to Barcelona such as Figueres or the Monastery of Montserrat and why not go to a Barcelona soccer match  🙂 

👉 Montserrat Monastery Day trip: duration: 5 hour | price: from 65€ | More info: click here

👉 Gerona + Figueres + Dalí Museum day trip: duration: 11 hours | price: from 80€ |  More info click here

 

It’s time to say goodbye 🙂 Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a first-timer, we hope this guide has provided you with all the information you need to plan your journey from Madrid to Barcelona. Happy travels!

About Javier

Hola! My name is Javier Redondo, tour guide in Madrid since 2013
As a good "Madrileño", I love football (I support Atlético de Madrid), eating tapas and walk the cobblestone streets of old Madrid 🙂

This Madrid blog is where I share tips on popular attractions, local food and off-beat spots.

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