Train Barcelona - Madrid prices from £12.68

25/04/2024
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Barcelona to Madrid by train

The journey from Barcelona to Madrid by train is 313.67 mi and takes 3 hrs 2 mins. There are 65 connections per day, with the first departure at 02:55 and the last at 21:25. It is possible to travel from Barcelona to Madrid by train for as little as £12.68 or as much as £176.54. The best price for this journey is £12.68.

Lowest Price£12.68
Journey Duration3 hrs 2 mins
Connection per Day65
Lowest Price£12.68
Highest Price£176.54
First Departure02:55
Last Departure21:25
Distance313.67 mi
DepartureBarcelona
ArrivalMadrid
CarriersIryo, Renfe AVE INTMore

Barcelona to Madrid Train Times

Departure date
Thursday, 25 Apr 2024

Your journey from Barcelona to Madrid with Virail

Planning to travel from Barcelona to Madrid? Sometimes it can be hard to know where to start - but that's where Virail comes in. Our powerful search engine will explore all the options available for your trip, combing through more than 2000 transport companies all over the globe. All you have to do is enter your travel dates. In an instant, we'll show you a thorough list of possible routes, with all the information you need to make your decision. Choose from buses, trains, and more, connecting or direct, one-way or round trip - whatever you prefer. When you see your results, select your chosen option and Virail will redirect you to the provider's website, where you can complete your booking. Let us do the legwork for you, and you can just sit back and enjoy your trip.

How can I find the cheapest train tickets to get from Barcelona to Madrid?

When you're traveling from Barcelona to Madrid, you can expect to pay an average of approximately £47.71. You might be able to find prices as low as £12.68, but it all depends on how you travel. Some forms of transport are cheaper than others, and prices will vary according to time of day, day of the week, season, and other factors. For the cheapest train tickets, make your reservation well in advance. If you can, travel at an off-peak time, as train ticket prices will often be reduced. You might also be able to save money by booking a connecting journey, rather than a direct route. Be sure to check the conditions of the ticket before booking, as sometimes cheaper train tickets cannot be changed or refunded. Use Virail to check your options before booking, to ensure that you find the lowest price for your journey.
Unfortunately, no price was found for your trip from Barcelona to Madrid. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find price results.
Prices will vary when you travel from Barcelona to Madrid. On average, though, you'll pay about £47.71 for a train ticket. If you're looking for a low price, you may need to prepare to spend more time in transit. You can also often find cheaper train tickets at particular times of day, or on certain days of the week. Of course, ticket prices often change during the year, too; expect to pay more in peak season. For the lowest prices, it's usually best to make your reservation in advance. Be careful, though, as many providers do not offer refunds or exchanges on their cheapest train tickets.

How long does it take to get from Barcelona to Madrid by train?

Traveling from Barcelona to Madrid by train will usually take 3 hrs 2 mins. This journey covers a distance of 313.67 mi . When planning your trip, bear in mind that 3 hrs 2 mins is an average, and route times may vary from day to day. Weather conditions, issues with transport, unexpected diversions, and local events could all cause delays to your journey. Please keep the possibility of these exceptional events in mind when making travel plans. The journey from Barcelona to Madrid covers a distance of 313.67 mi. On average, you can expect your journey to last roughly 3 hrs 2 mins. However, booking the fastest option will see you reach your destination in approximately 2 hrs 29 mins. For faster journeys, look for express routes. Please remember that these may only depart at certain times of day, or on particular days of the week. You may also find that you can go from Barcelona to Madrid faster by making connections, rather than taking a direct route.

Which stations can I use on the Barcelona to Madrid route?

Depending on the type of transport, and the provider you decide to use for your journey, you will be able to depart Barcelona from the following stations: Barcelona Franca,Barcelona Placa de Catalunya,BARCELONA SANTS,Barcelona-Clot-Arago,Barcelona Nord,Barcelona Paseo de Gracia,Barcelona El Prat Airport T2,Barcelona-Sant Andreu Comtal. Arriving at Madrid, your route will pass through all or some of the following stations: Madrid Méndez Alvaro,MADRID (E),Madrid Barajas Airport,Madrid Puente de la Cea,MADRID BARAJAS aeropuerto T1,Madrid - Avenida de America,Madrid Chamartin,Madrid-Atocha. Not all transport providers serve every station, so check in advance to see exactly where your route takes you. You may need to use another form of transport to get from one station to another or to your final destination when you arrive in Madrid.

How many journeys from Barcelona to Madrid take place each day?

On average, there are 65 daily departures from Barcelona to Madrid. However, there may be more or less on different days. Providers' timetables can change on certain days of the week or public holidays, and many also vary at particular times of year. Some providers change their schedules during the summer season, for example. At very busy times, there may be up to departures each day. The providers that travel along this route include , and each operates according to their own specific schedules. As a traveler, you may prefer a direct journey, or you may not mind making changes and connections. If you have heavy suitcases, a direct journey could be best; otherwise, you might be able to save money and enjoy more flexibility by making a change along the way. Every day, there are an average of 64 departures from Barcelona which travel directly to Madrid. There are 1 journeys with one change or more. Unfortunately, no connection was found for your trip from Barcelona to Madrid. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find connections.

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Compare prices and tickets from Barcelona to Madrid

Cheap train tickets from Barcelona to Madrid
Looking for the best deal on a train ticket for your trip? Here are 4 ways to get cheap train tickets from Barcelona to Madrid.

Book in advance and save

If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from Barcelona to Madrid, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.

Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys

Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from Barcelona to Madrid.

Always check special offers

Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.

Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains

If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.

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Best time to book Barcelona to Madrid travel

Virail Pro Tip ✌: Booking 10 days in advance save 10% on average

Price as departure date approaches

Train companies may charge higher ticket prices as the date of departure approaches. Prices in the next days can range from around £17.13 to £31.44 but may be subject to change. Our advice is to book as early as possible to potentially save up to 46% on your trip!

Best time to book cheap train tickets from Barcelona to Madrid

The cheapest Barcelona - Madrid train tickets can be found for as low as £16.22 if you’re lucky, or £22.14 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as £26.80.

Find the best day to travel to Madrid by train

When travelling to Madrid by train, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!

Carriers on this route

Find out more about the carriers on this route.

Avlo trains were introduced in 2020 as a high-speed train service operated by Renfe, Spain's national railway company, as a more affordable alternative to the high-speed train service AVE. Avlo trains, unlike the AVE, offer a single class of seating and have fewer onboard services to offer more passenger capacity. The main stations are Barcelona Sants, Madrid Atocha, and Zaragoza-Delicias.

FlixBus, a long-distance bus company, operates in both Europe and the United States. Founded in 2013, it has grown to become one of the largest bus operators in Europe, connecting over 2,500 destinations in 30 countries. Originating in Germany, FlixBus has expanded quickly to neighboring countries including France, Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Croatia, while also offering regular services to Norway, Spain, and England. With affordable fares and comfortable amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard toilets, FlixBus provides a convenient and enjoyable travel experience.

Iryo is a Spanish high-speed train operator, founded in 2019 and serving Spain's major cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Seville, Valencia and Zaragoza. iryo operates on the national rail network in Spain, using the latest AVE high-speed trains to transport passengers at speeds of up to 310 km/h.

Ticket types and facilities from Barcelona to Madrid

Compare the different ticket types and the facilities provided by AVLO and Iryo when traveling from Barcelona to Madrid.

Economy Class

You can travel with the standard "economy class" ticket on Avlo trains, which refers to the standard, basic level of seating available on the train. With this ticket you have access to basic amenities such as overhead luggage racks, reading lights, restrooms.
wifi WiFi
power_sockets Power sockets
luggage Luggage
accessibility Accessibility
air_con Air conditioning
bicycle Bicycle

Singular

The "Singular fare" offers flexibility for entrepreneurs and companies with personalized customer service from iryo assistants.
wifi WiFi
power_sockets Power sockets
luggage Luggage
accessibility Accessibility
food_and_drink Food and drink
air_con Air conditioning
bicycle Bicycle

Inicial

iryo's Inicial fare provides affordable travel without compromising on comfort or service.
wifi WiFi
power_sockets Power sockets
luggage Luggage
accessibility Accessibility
food_and_drink Food and drink
air_con Air conditioning
bicycle Bicycle

Singular ONLY YOU

The "Singular Only YOU" fare is designed for entrepreneurs and companies, providing the best conditions for changes and cancellations in the ticket.
wifi WiFi
power_sockets Power sockets
luggage Luggage
accessibility Accessibility
food_and_drink Food and drink
air_con Air conditioning
bicycle Bicycle

Infinita

Infinita is iryo's all-inclusive fare that offers the best travel options with flexibility and comfort.
wifi WiFi
power_sockets Power sockets
luggage Luggage
accessibility Accessibility
food_and_drink Food and drink
air_con Air conditioning
bicycle Bicycle

Facility Description

Find out more about the different facilities available onboard with each carrier on this route.

wifi WiFi open icon close icon
Stay connected on Avlo with free WiFi via PlayRenfe. Enjoy movies, TV shows, and various reads at your fingertips.
power_sockets Power sockets open icon close icon
Every seat on Avlo is equipped with a power outlet for your convenience.
luggage Luggage open icon close icon
You can bring a piece of hand luggage with no weight limit, such as a bag, backpack, or similar item, with dimensions up to 27x36x25 cm, and a piece of checked luggage with no weight limit, such as a suitcase, with dimensions up to 55x35x25 cm, without paying an additional fee on top of the ticket price you pay under the Basic fare.
accessibility Accessibility open icon close icon
Avlo provides assistance for passengers with reduced mobility. Reach out to Avlo for more details.
food_and_drink Food and drink open icon close icon
While Avlo doesn't offer a dining service, you can find vending machines stocked with a range of drinks and snacks. Keep in mind, these machines only accept card payments.
air_con Air conditioning open icon close icon
Travel comfortably as Avlo trains are air-conditioned.
bicycle Bicycle open icon close icon
You may bring folding bicycles and scooters on board, as long as they adhere to the maximum dimensions for luggage: 55x35x25 cm (as a carry-on bag with no weight limit, included in the price of the Basic Fare), or 85x60x35 cm, or a maximum of 180 cm overall (as additional luggage for an extra fee). To comply with regulations, all bicycles and scooters must be folded and stored in their respective carrying cases.
wifi WiFi open icon close icon
Connect to free WiFi on iryo trains in any class. Enjoy movies, TV shows, live news, and Spotify for entertainment.
power_sockets Power sockets open icon close icon
Every seat on iryo trains comes with power sockets, and those in the Infinita and Singular Cafe class boast additional USB ports.
luggage Luggage open icon close icon
On iryo trains, flexible baggage policy lets you travel comfortably with up to 3 pieces of luggage, including a piece of hand luggage. Maximum size for 2 larger pieces is 85x55x35cm, while hand luggage must be 36x27x15cm. Total weight limit is 25kg.
accessibility Accessibility open icon close icon
iryo trains are designed for inclusivity, offering designated seats for passengers with reduced mobility and ensuring step-free access during both boarding and disembarking.
food_and_drink Food and drink open icon close icon
iryo offers quality menus for all classes. Find the onboard restaurant/bar usually close to coach 2. For Infinita Class passengers, meals are served at your seat, but remember to book 24 hours in advance.
air_con Air conditioning open icon close icon
Enjoy fresh and comfortable air on the ETR1000 train; its cutting-edge air-conditioning system refreshes the entire carriage's air in just 3 minutes, ensuring a generous 35 m3/h of fresh outside air for every passenger.
bicycle Bicycle open icon close icon
On Iryo trains, you can bring along one disassembled bicycle or electric scooter per coach, as long as it's tucked into a bag and stays within 90x120x40cm. It's free to transport! Just keep in mind that you'll handle the loading, safekeeping, and unloading. Also, be considerate of other passengers' comfort and safety, and remember any damages caused are on you.
Services on board Iryo, AVLO and FlixBus from Barcelona to Madrid
Compare services on board when travelling from Barcelona to Madrid by train.
Facilities Iryo AVLO FlixBus AVE
wifi WiFi check check check check
power_sockets Power sockets check check check check
luggage Luggage check check check check
quiet_zone Quiet zone cross check cross check
accessibility Accessibility cross check cross check
food_and_drink Food and drink cross check check check
air_con Air conditioning cross check check check
bicycle Bicycle cross check cross check

Barcelona to Madrid CO2 Emissions by Train

Ecology
Train
35.34kg
Bus
37.86kg
Flight
100.96kg
Car
80.77kg
What are the CO2 emissions from Barcelona to Madrid by train? The CO2 emissions from taking the train between Barcelona and Madrid are 35.34kg.
How much CO2 do I save by taking the train between Barcelona and Madrid? By taking the train between Barcelona and Madrid you will save 65.62kg CO2 emissions compared to a flight, 2.52kg compared to a bus and 45.43kg compared to a car.

Anything we can improve?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a train ticket from Barcelona to Madrid?
A train ticket from Barcelona to Madrid is £47.71. However the price varies depending on how early you buy, and if it's peak time to travel. Occasionally you can find them for as cheap as £12.68.
What's the cheapest train ticket from Barcelona to Madrid?
The cheapest ticket you can get from Barcelona to Madrid is £12.68. We recommend booking as early as possible and off-peak hours to get the cheapest ticket possible. Off-peak times are usually from 09:30 to 16:00, and after 19:00.
What's the distance between Barcelona and Madrid by train?
Barcelona to Madrid is 313.67 mi.
How long does the train between Barcelona and Madrid take?
Barcelona to Madrid is on average 3 hrs 2 mins. However the fastest option will get you there in 2 hrs 29 mins.
Which companies operate from Barcelona to Madrid?
The train journey from Barcelona to Madrid is covered by 6 operator(s). On Virail you can find these carriers that provide services on this route: Iryo, Renfe AVE INT, Renfe, AVLO, FlixBus, Renfe REGIONAL EXPRESS and AVE.
How many train connections per day go from Barcelona to Madrid?
Barcelona to Madrid has 65 connection(s) per day on average.
What time does the first train from Barcelona to Madrid leave?
The earliest train from Barcelona to Madrid departs at 02:55. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
What time does the last train from Barcelona to Madrid depart?
The latest train from Barcelona to Madrid departs at 21:25. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
Should I book my ticket from Barcelona to Madrid in advance?
If you can, we recommend booking your ticket as early as possible to ensure you get better savings. The cheapest train ticket we have found is £12.68 but this may be subject to change depending on the day of travel, hour you wish to depart and how far in advance you book.
How many direct connections depart from Barcelona to Madrid?
There are on average 64 direct connection(s) from Barcelona to go to Madrid.
What's the fastest journey time between Barcelona to Madrid by train?
The fastest journey time by train between Barcelona and Madrid is 2 hrs 29 mins.
Is there a direct train from Barcelona to Madrid?
Yes, there is a direct train between Barcelona and Madrid.
What are the CO2 emissions for Barcelona to Madrid by train?
The train journey from Barcelona to Madrid creates 35.34kg of CO2 emissions.

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