The average train between Madrid and Barcelona takes 3h 36m and the fastest train takes 3h 11m. The train service runs several times per day from Madrid to Barcelona. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays; use the search form on this page to search for a specific travel date.
Trains run every 4 hours between Madrid and Barcelona. The earliest departure is at 12:33 AM at night, and the last departure from Madrid is at 8:20 PM which arrives into Barcelona at 11:47 PM. All services require a transfer at Madrid-Atocha Cercanías and take an average of 3h 36m. The schedules shown below are for the next available departures.
Want to know about travelling from Madrid to Barcelona? We have put together a list of the most frequently asked questions from our users such as: What is the cheapest mode of transport? What is the quickest option? How much do tickets usually cost? and many more.
No, there is no direct train from Madrid to Barcelona. However, there are services departing from Madrid station and arriving at Barcelona station via Barcelona-Sants. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 3h 36m.
Madrid to Barcelona train services, operated by Renfe Cercanias, depart from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes station.
Madrid to Barcelona train services, operated by Renfe Cercanias, arrive at Barcelona-Sants station.
Book your Madrid to Barcelona train tickets online with Renfe Cercanias, iryo and 3 other operators.
The distance between Madrid and Barcelona is 504.1 km. The road distance is 626 km.
Renfe AVE operates a train from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes to Barcelona-Sants every 30 minutes. Tickets cost €95–170 and the journey takes 3h 22m. Three other operators also service this route.
