- Must visit
Museo Nacional del Prado
Madrid’s premier art museum, famed for masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, Rubens, and Bosch. A cornerstone of the city’s Golden Triangle of Art.
Cheapest price
$66
Average price
$116
Fastest journey
3 h 1 m
Average duration
3 h 2 m
Trains per day
43
Distance
504 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Barcelona to Madrid is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Barcelona to Madrid will cost around $116 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $66.
Of the 43 trains that leave Barcelona for Madrid on Fri, Jun 05, 43 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 05 the direct trains cover the 504 km distance in an average of 3 h 2 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 1 m .
On Fri, Jun 05 the slowest trains will take 3 h 2 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
06210
06610
03310
06060
06200
03140
03170
03150
03180
03160Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Barcelona to Madrid among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $29. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 16m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $29, and a flight costs an average of $61.
Distance: 313 miles (504 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$53 Average price Cheapest | $72 Average price | $253 Average price | $126 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 37m Average total duration 5h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 45m Average total duration 6h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 16m Average total duration Fastest 4h 16m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions | 1.5 - 3.0kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Barcelona to Madrid:
A train is $19 (€15) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Barcelona to Madrid costing on average $72 (€58).
A train is $200 (€161) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Barcelona to Madrid costing on average $253 (€204).
Other travel options to Madrid take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 7m.
Bus takes on average 6h 15m.
The journey is about 1h 9m faster (5h 7m by train vs 6h 16m by car) and roughly $73 (€59) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($53 (€43) vs $126 (€101)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with iryo, AVE, Ouigo Spain, SNCF OUIGO, Renfe AVLO, Renfe, Renfe Viajeros, Ouigo.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Barcelona to Madrid trains for today, Thursday, June 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
03310 | On time 8:00 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h44 | 11:44 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
06210 | On time 8:28 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h24 | 11:52 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, June 5 | |||||
06060 | On time 5:45 AM Barcelona Sants | 3h17 | 9:02 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
03062 | On time 5:50 AM Barcelona Sants | 3h50 | 9:40 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
03302 | On time 6:35 AM Barcelona Sants | 3h17 | 9:52 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
06070 | On time 7:05 AM Barcelona Sants | 3h02 | 10:07 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
03662 | On time 7:27 AM Barcelona Sants | 3h10 | 10:37 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
06410 | On time 7:35 AM Barcelona Sants | 3h30 | 11:05 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
06080 | On time 7:50 AM Barcelona Sants | 3h25 | 11:15 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
03082 | On time 8:00 AM Barcelona Sants | 3h44 | 11:44 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
03080 | On time 8:25 AM Barcelona Sants | 3h02 | 11:27 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
06012 | Delayed 8:45 AM Barcelona Sants | 3h31 | 10:16 AM 10:16 AMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
03092 | Delayed 9:00 AM Barcelona Sants | 3h24 | 10:24 AM 10:24 AMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
03304 | On time 9:55 AM Barcelona Sants | 3h49 | 1:44 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
06500 | On time 10:40 AM Barcelona Sants | 3h17 | 1:57 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
06110 | On time 10:45 AM Barcelona Sants | 3h04 | 1:49 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
03112 | Delayed 11:00 AM Barcelona Sants | 3h17 | 12:17 PM 12:17 PMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
06020 | On time 11:18 AM Barcelona Sants | 3h24 | 2:42 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
03322 | 12:00 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h44 | 3:44 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
06320 | On time 12:14 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h02 | 3:16 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
09730 | 12:50 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h28 | 4:18 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
06014 | 1:13 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h24 | 4:37 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
03130 | 1:27 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h02 | 4:29 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
06540 | 1:50 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h02 | 4:52 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
03308 | 2:00 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h44 | 5:44 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
03140 | 2:25 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h01 | 5:26 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
06150 | 2:50 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h02 | 5:52 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
03152 | 3:00 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h17 | 6:17 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
03150 | 3:25 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h02 | 6:27 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
06360 | 3:52 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h24 | 7:16 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
03162 | 4:00 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h44 | 7:44 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
03160 | 4:25 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h02 | 7:27 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
03172 | 4:58 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h18 | 8:16 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
06180 | 5:20 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h02 | 8:22 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
03170 | 5:25 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h02 | 8:27 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
06570 | 5:40 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h02 | 8:42 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
03182 | 6:00 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h44 | 9:44 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
03180 | 6:25 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h02 | 9:27 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
03192 | 6:40 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h37 | 10:17 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
06390 | 6:46 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h24 | 10:10 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
03190 | 7:25 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h02 | 10:27 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
06200 | 7:40 PM Barcelona Sants | 3h02 | 10:42 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
By Nancy Sevilla
As someone always chasing the smoothest way to explore Spain, the Barcelona to Madrid by train route was an easy yes for my recent trip. If it’s your first time visiting or you’re regularly traveling between the cities for work or fun, this journey feels like part of the adventure and not just a commute. Let me walk you through my first-hand experience and share a few tips to help you plan your own perfect ride.

Barcelona to Madrid thumbnail image with Sagrada Familia in background
You can travel from Barcelona to Madrid by train in just 2.5 to 3 hours, covering 620 kilometers (385 miles) with ease between two of Spain’s most dynamic cities. In my opinion, it’s the best way to get from Barcelona to Madrid if you care about comfort, speed, and scenery. I rode with Ouigo, but you’ll also find Renfe AVE and Avlo high-speed options departing from Barcelona Sants and arriving at Madrid Chamartín Clara Campoamor, which are both easy to reach from the city center.
Booking my Barcelona to Madrid train on Omio took all the guesswork out of the process. After quickly comparing prices and times, I went with an early-morning Ouigo for the best value. If you’re debating “Should I take the train or bus from Barcelona to Madrid?”—the train wins for speed, comfort, and views. Flights are quicker in the air, but between airport transfers and security, trains are often just as fast and way more relaxing.

Barcelona to Madrid thumbnail image with Sagrada Familia in background

The exterior of a high-speed train at the station platform
Barcelona Sants is a major hub, but easy to navigate—plenty of signs, good coffee, and lots of shops. Arrive early to soak in the energy (and secure a croissant before boarding). Madrid Chamartín Clara Campoamor is also well-connected, with taxis, metro and bus lines right outside, making your onward Madrid adventure seamless.
Barcelona Sants is a major hub, but easy to navigate—plenty of signs, good coffee, and lots of shops. Arrive early to soak in the energy (and secure a croissant before boarding). Madrid Chamartín Clara Campoamor is also well-connected, with taxis, metro and bus lines right outside, making your onward Madrid adventure seamless.
The train journey from Barcelona to Madrid takes just over 2.5 hours, even with a quick stop in Zaragoza. I took a 7:45 AM OUIGO train and arrived in Madrid by mid-morning: it was fast, smooth, and incredibly easy. You’ll find departures nearly every hour, from sunrise to late evening. Mornings offer the best light and fewer crowds, but there are options to fit any schedule.
My Second Class Ouigo seat surprised me: roomy, clean, and with handy power outlets for my devices. Ouigo doesn’t offer Wi-Fi, so I recommend downloading podcasts and playlists in advance (the scenery keeps you busy anyway). If you’re after more perks like a café car or quiet zone, check out Renfe’s AVE trains on Omio. On OUIGO trains between Madrid and Barcelona, each passenger can bring one cabin bag (maximum 55 × 35 × 25 cm) and one small handbag (maximum 36 × 27 × 15 cm) free of charge. Additional or oversized luggage (up to 130 × 90 × 50 cm and 30 kg) can be added for €5 during booking or €20 at the station, so it’s worth planning ahead. The real highlight, though? Watching Spain fly by with rolling hills, olive groves, and even castles peeking through the window. The route feels like a moving postcard, especially around Zaragoza.

Book early for the best deals. I bought my ticket about 3 weeks ahead for just €15. Here’s what my total trip cost:
| Item | Cost (eur) |
|---|---|
| Ticket price | €15 |
| Food & drinks | €4 |
| Travel to departure station | €1.50 |
| Travel from arrival station | €10 |
| Total | € 30.5 |
If you’re deciding on how to get from Barcelona to Madrid, this is a great train route. It’s fast and smooth, and it turns the journey into a complete experience. Book your Barcelona to Madrid train with Omio, grab a window seat, and let Spain unfold around you. ¡Buen viaje!


Trains from Barcelona to Madrid run on average 37 times per day, taking around 5h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $29 (€24) but you can travel from only $26 (€21) by bus.
There are 37 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:40, the last at 21:15. The fastest train covers the 313 miles (504 km) distance in 3h 2m.
Distance 313 miles (504 km) |
Average train duration 5h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price $29 (€24) |
Trains per day 37 |
Direct trains 37 |
Fastest train 3h 2m |
First train 5:40 AM |
Last train 9:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 91 days |
Discover the best of Madrid — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Madrid trip today.
Madrid’s premier art museum, famed for masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, Rubens, and Bosch. A cornerstone of the city’s Golden Triangle of Art.
Spain’s national museum of 20th-century and contemporary art, best known for Picasso’s Guernica and strong collections by Dalí and Miró.
A major art museum spanning Old Masters to modern works, complementing the Prado and Reina Sofía with an exceptionally broad private collection.
Madrid’s grand historic square, lined with arcades and elegant façades, and a classic starting point for exploring the old center.
The symbolic heart of Madrid, known for Kilometer Zero, the clock tower, and constant energy day and night.
Madrid’s most famous park, ideal for walks, boating, monuments, gardens, and popular photo spots such as the Crystal Palace area.
Madrid’s signature chickpea stew, served in courses with broth, vegetables, and assorted meats. It is one of the city’s most traditional comfort dishes.
A classic Madrid sandwich of fried squid rings in crusty bread, especially associated with bars around Plaza Mayor. It is simple, iconic, and widely loved.
A rich stew of tripe, chorizo, and morcilla cooked with paprika. It is a historic Madrid tavern dish with bold, hearty flavors.
Historic restaurant founded in the eighteenth century, famous for roast meats and classic Castilian cooking in an atmospheric old setting.
Legendary traditional restaurant best known for huevos rotos, with a polished yet classic tavern feel and strong local reputation.
Iconic spot for churros con chocolate, open long hours and known for a lively, historic atmosphere near the city center.
Moderate for Western Europe. Museums and transport are reasonable, while central hotels and fine dining cost more.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave EUR 1-2 in cafés; 5-10% in restaurants for very good service. Taxis are often rounded up, but tipping is not obligatory.
Official public transport app
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes -> Sol, Madrid
Board the sleek AVE service at Barcelona Sants station and experience Spain’s fastest rail connection, whisking you across the Iberian Peninsula in as little as 2 hours 30 minutes. Enjoy spacious reclining seats, generous legroom, and onboard café service offering a selection of Spanish pastries, gourmet sandwiches and local wines. Panoramic windows frame the shifting Catalan and Castilian landscapes, from the sun-drenched vineyards around Tarragona to the rolling plains near Zaragoza, making each mile a photo-worthy moment.
As the train speeds through historic towns like Lleida and Zaragoza, take advantage of complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi and convenient USB outlets to stay connected, catch up on work, or unwind with your favorite music and podcasts. In first-class carriages, savor extra touches like complimentary beverages and snacks. When you pull into Madrid Puerta de Atocha, you’ll step into the city’s vibrant core, just minutes from world-class museums, bustling tapas bars and the elegant Retiro Park, feeling refreshed, inspired and ready for your next adventure.
Tickets go on sale 90 days before departure, with the best “Turista Promo” and “Elige” fares booked 2–3 months in advance. Fares increase closer to departure, especially for weekend and holiday travel.
| Connection | Duration | From € |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona Sants → Zaragoza | 1 h 22 m | 15 € |
| Barcelona Sants → Lleida | 58 m | 17 € |
| Zaragoza → Madrid Puerta de Atocha | 1 h 26 m | 24 € |
| Lleida → Madrid Puerta de Atocha | 2 h 10 m | €63 |
Renfe AVE standard tickets include two carry-ons and one checked bag up to 25 kg. Oversized items may incur extra fees—see our Travel Company Policies for details.
Promo fares often cannot be changed or refunded. Flexible fares permit changes up to 1 hour before departure for a small fee. See How to change or cancel a ticket for full terms.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Barcelona to Madrid by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Madrid, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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