Barcelona to Valencia train with Renfe EUROMED

Barcelona to Valencia: Along the Mediterranean Coastline by Train

Introduction

A few months ago, I had to attend a work meeting in Valencia. I had two options: wait in Barcelona and take an evening flight, or leave earlier and go from Barcelona to Valencia by train, arriving at the same time. I chose the latter—and I loved every second of the ride along the Mediterranean coastline!

Route Overview

Taking the train from Barcelona to Valencia is a beautiful experience. For most of the journey, you’re traveling right along the Mediterranean Sea, sometimes just a few meters from the water. The high-speed rail service, operated by Renfe, is called Euromed and connects the two cities in under three hours.

There are other trains on this route, but they take over five hours, so I wouldn’t recommend them. RENFE's Euromed service is definitely the best option.

Transportation Experience

I’ve always found that the RENFE booking process is a bit tricky and unintuitive. Personally, I prefer booking via Omio, which gives me a smoother and more user-friendly experience.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

Barcelona Sants is the main station for most high-speed and intercity trains, both in and out of the city. I’m not a fan, as it feels too much like an airport. Speaking of airports, note that you need to arrive a bit earlier for a quick luggage scan and pre-boarding ticket check when taking a train in Spain. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to be safe.

Valencia Joaquin Sorolla is the main high-speed train station in Valencia. The station itself isn’t particularly noteworthy, but Estación del Norte, about a 10-minute walk away, is worth visiting for its architecture and atmosphere.

The first time I took a train in Valencia, I didn’t realize Joaquin Sorolla was the correct station for high-speed trains and ended up confused at Estación del Norte - don’t make the same mistake!

Schedule & Frequency

There are five Euromed trains per day between Barcelona and Valencia, including three in the morning and two in the evening. Be sure not to miss your train, as the wait for the next one can be long.

The journey duration ranges between 2 hours and 40 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the train.

Onboard Experience & Services

Renfe offers two classes on its Euromed:

• Standard/Turista (Equivalent to Second Class) – Comfortable and the most affordable, with a table and plugs at each seat.
• Comfort/Preferente (Equivalent to First Class) – More spacious seating, sometimes with reclining features and complimentary meals or drinks.

The luggage policy on Euromed trains is the same as on other RENFE services. Each traveler may bring up to three bags with a maximum combined weight of 25 kg, and there is no need to check anything in. While there’s no free Wi-Fi onboard, it’s a good idea to download a movie or playlist in advance. Then again, with the scenic Mediterranean coastline passing by your window, you might not need the screen at all.

I traveled in Turista Class, and it was well worth it, though the train was a bit noisy and bumpy at times. When heading toward Valencia, be sure to sit on the left-hand side for stunning views of the Mediterranean. My favorite moment was just before Castellón de la Plana station.

There’s also a bar car in the middle of the train, which offers basic snacks and drinks.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

Train ticket prices in Spain are heavily yield-managed, so the earlier you book, the cheaper it will be. I paid €44 by booking two weeks in advance—a fair price, but fares can spike just days before departure.

Costs for one passenger:

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

• Book Barcelona to Valencia train tickets early to secure the best prices.
• Sit on the left-hand side for the best views along the Mediterranean coastline.
• Arrive early at Barcelona-Sants station for a stress-free journey!

Conclusion

After this trip, I’ll never fly between Barcelona and Valencia again. The scenery by train is too beautiful to miss, and three hours pass quickly when you can relax or get some work done on the train to Valencia.

About the Author: Thibault Constant

• Job Title: Train Travel Content Creator

• Bio: Thibault Constant is a content creator from Simply Railway, specializing in train travel from all across the globe. He has explored over 40 countries by rail, sharing honest and detailed experiences for his audience.