Madrid to Barcelona train with Ouigo

Spain’s Most Important High-Speed Line: Madrid to Barcelona

Introduction

Renfe, the Spanish state railway, and its flagship brand, AVE (Alta Velocidad Española or Spanish High Speed), have come under pressure from new competition in recent years, thanks to the arrival of open-access rival companies Ouigo and Iryo, as well as their own low-cost Avlo brand. I bought a ticket for the highest class of travel and took a trip on Renfe’s AVE from Madrid to Barcelona to see how they’re keeping up with their competitors.

Route Overview

In the past, the very popular puente aéreo (air bridge) was the main choice for people traveling between Madrid and Barcelona, taking just half an hour by flight. However, the train has now prevailed, and the end-to-end journey time is actually faster using the high-speed line, which accounts for over 80% of all journeys. There are multiple trains every hour, with some stopping to serve cities en route (Lleida, Zaragoza, and Tarragona) and others running nonstop between Spain’s two largest cities.

Fun fact: there’s even a regional train that runs between Madrid and Barcelona. It avoids the high-speed line entirely, taking around 9 hours to complete the journey! Don’t worry, though. The high-speed option is still much faster, taking as little as 2 hours and 37 minutes to complete the 621-kilometer (386-mile) distance.

Transportation Experience

All Spanish high-speed trains require a seat reservation, and they can sell out. The Madrid to Barcelona route has so many trains every day that, even if you can't travel on your desired train, there will be a seat available on another. Also, the prices are dynamic and, therefore, increase with demand. Last-minute trains will be more (and I mean way more) expensive. The further in advance you can reserve, the better. Thankfully, tickets are available on Omio up to three months prior to departure on this route.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

In Madrid, there are two main train stations. Trains to Barcelona leave from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha, which is located quite centrally within the city. As such, it is easy to reach using the Madrid metro or Cercanías local trains. Like at all Spanish high-speed train stations, you must go through an airport-style security check prior to accessing the platform. Don’t worry, as you won’t have to remove your electronics from your bag, and there is no limit on liquids. Arrive with enough time to complete the security check, as well as to visit the station's famous botanical garden! Prémium tickets, like mine, grant you access to the trendy Renfe Sala Club lounge.

All long-distance trains serve Barcelona-Sants station in Barcelona. It is served by metro line 5 and many Rodalies commuter rail lines. From the station, it is easy to reach all parts of the city.

Schedule & Frequency

There are around fourteen AVE trains every day linking both cities, from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm, at regular intervals. All trains leave at either 27 or 57 minutes past the hour, except the last departure at 21:07. The views across the central Spanish plains are also very pleasant, as seen from the many elevated viaducts on the route, but there are also many tunnels!

Onboard Experience & Services

Onboard comfort will vary slightly depending on the type of train you travel on. I traveled on an S-103, built by Siemens and part of their widespread “Velaro” train family. In my opinion, these are the best. In First Class (Confort carriage), the seats are laid out in a 2+1 configuration and are very spacious. They are very wide, with more than ample legroom, and the seating position is perfect for working or relaxing, thanks to the recline and comfortable head cushion.

My “Prémium” ticket included a comprehensive meal and drinks service, including alcohol for lunch or dinner. It was very delicious and featured roasted chicken salad, warm bread, a chocolate pudding, and a couple of glasses of prosecco. For those who don’t have a meal included in their ticket, a bar coach is on board, selling sandwiches, snacks, and a wide variety of drinks. Second Class (Estándar) seats are also great, offering all the amenities of the higher class, but with reduced legroom and width, in a 2+2 configuration. Free Wi-Fi was available for all passengers, and it was very fast. The train offers plentiful luggage storage, with a limit of three pieces (each weighing up to 25kg), so you can bring what you want within reason. However, you should be sensible and considerate of other passengers.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

Prices are dynamic and vary based on demand, so be sure to reserve in advance. For my Premium fare, I paid €81, with one month’s notice, which is definitely on the cheaper side. On-the-day fares can cost over €150. Basic Estándar fares start from just €22.

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

• Check out the botanical garden in Madrid Puerta de Atocha station before you go through the security checks.
• If you have time, make a visit to the Renfe Sala Club lounge, which features comfortable seats and free drinks and snacks for Premium ticket holders.
• Want to save money but still crave a First Class experience? There are also cheaper Elige fares that allow you to sit in the big seats, but these don’t include lounge access or meal and drinks service.

Conclusion

The AVE has always been a great option for travel in Spain, and nowadays, thanks to competition, even the Prémium fares are not absurdly high. Tickets are changeable up until departure, and trains are very frequent, making traveling onboard Renfe's AVE Prémium service a fantastic option on this route.

About the Author: Nonstop Eurotrip

• Job Title: Travel Content Creator
• Bio: Nonstop Eurotrip creates YouTube trip reports and reviews on trains, planes, buses and ferries within Europe—and all around the world—and also shares blog posts and travel deals on their website.