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Barcelona to Madrid by train
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First train05:50
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Last train21:25
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Avg changes0
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Fastest journey2hr 29m
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Distance503 kilometres
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Trains per day35
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Avg. journey time2hr 53m
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Train operators
Travelling from Barcelona to Madrid by train
Want to know how to get from Barcelona to Madrid by train? We have gathered for you all the useful information about this trip!
The fastest trains from Barcelona to Madrid take around 2 hours and 29 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 503 kilometres.
On weekdays, the first train leaving Barcelona is scheduled to depart at around 05:50. The last departure is usually at around 21:25. This is the same at the weekend. There are frequent services on this particular rail route. On average, there are about 35 trains per day travelling between the two cities. They leave approximately every 25 minutes.
Prices for a single ticket between the two cities start from US$10.00.
We think any time is a great time to visit Madrid, as each season has its own unique charm. Nevertheless, please make sure you check the local weather and average seasonal temperatures at destination before deciding on your holiday.
For more tips to help you plan your journey, check out our help articles, or read our guide to Madrid.
Is there a direct train from Barcelona to Madrid?
How long does it take to travel from Barcelona to Madrid?
The Barcelona to Madrid train travel takes about 2 hours and 29 minutes, no matter when you leave.
What are the Barcelona to Madrid train times and schedule?
If you're travelling on a weekday, you'll find the earliest train to Madrid leaving Barcelona at around 05:50 and the last train leaving at around 21:25. This is the same at the weekend.
How much is the train ticket from Barcelona to Madrid?
The cheapest tickets we've found for trains from Barcelona to Madrid are US$10.00.
If you book 30 days in advance, tickets will cost around US$46. The cost is usually the same if booking is done 7 days in advance. Booking on the day of travel is likely to be more expensive, so it's worth booking ahead of time if you can, or check our special offers and deals.
When should you book your train tickets from Barcelona to Madrid?
Trains in Spain usually open for booking around 4 months in advance. If booking is not yet open for your travel dates, you can set a booking alert and you'll receive an email as soon as the cheapest tickets are released for your train journey.
Which train companies operate between Barcelona and Madrid?
More than one train company operates on the route from Barcelona to Madrid, so you’ll be travelling with one or more of the following rail operators:
You can check which train you’ll be travelling on by looking for the train name in search results.
Other journeys to Madrid View all journeys to Madrid
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From Valencia to Madrid From US$10.00
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From Granada to Madrid From US$28.00
AVE
Travelling by train from Barcelona to Madrid is easy and so fast that the train is now taking a lot of trade away from Europe's busiest air route. This new rail route opened in 2008.
There is also a once-a-day Regional Express from Barcelona to Madrid. With three dozen stops en route, it leaves from Barcelona França, then stops also at Sants and arrives in Madrid at Chamartin. The overnight Estrella train from Barcelona to Madrid was withdrawn in April 2015.
Barcelona to Madrid
Take a high-speed AVE or Ouigo train directly from Barcelona Sants station to Madrid Atocha. Trains that stop up to four times along the way may take 30 to 40 minutes longer. This journey along Spain's premier high-speed rail route reveals a variety of passing landscapes as you speed from Catalonia through Aragon to the Spanish heartland.