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Alicante to Barcelona from $32: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Alicante, Spain
to
Barcelona, Spain

How to Get from Alicante to Barcelona: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$32 RideshareBest price
408.8 kmDistance
3h 17m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Alicante to Barcelona with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
Renfe Viajeros
Train
Average Duration
5h  18m
Estimated price
$45-65
Recommended
Company
various
Rideshare
Average Duration
6h  6m
Estimated price
$32-32
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 408.8 km
Duration: 3h 17m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
3h  17m
Estimated price
$34-117
Company
ALSA
Bus
Average Duration
7h  15m
Estimated price
$35-70
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
5h  26m
Estimated price
$50-175
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
5h  9m
Estimated price
$95-140

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 06/01Tu 07/01We 08/01Th 09/01Fr 10/01Sa 11/01Su 12/01
Bus $32 $28 $24 $36 $38 $29 $40
Train $41 $40 $34 $39 $46 $44 $39
Fly $44 $43 $33 $49 $39 $38 $44
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Alicante to Barcelona

The journey from Alicante to Barcelona offers a fascinating contrast between Alicante’s charming coastal vibes and Barcelona’s vibrant urban energy.

Best Neighbourhoods in Barcelona

Barcelona features diverse neighborhoods, each offering a distinct atmosphere and experiences.

Gothic Quarter
• Stunning medieval architecture around every corner.
• Lively plazas filled with shops and cafes.
El Born
• Trendy boutiques and artisan shops abound.
• Vibrant nightlife with cozy bars and live music.
Gràcia
• Bohemian vibe with relaxed, local charm.
• Numerous parks and cultural events year-round.

Best Times To Visit Barcelona's Attractions

Exploring Barcelona’s attractions at the right time enhances your experience and minimizes crowds.

Sagrada Familia
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for fewer visitors and stunning light.
Park Güell
Weekdays in the late afternoon offer a tranquil atmosphere and fewer tourists.
La Rambla
Strolling early in the morning provides a quieter experience before the crowds arrive.

Barcelona Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Barcelona enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild winters and warm summers, making it an attractive destination throughout the year. Visiting during spring (April to June) or fall (September to October) offers pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists, enhancing your travel experience.

Dining in Barcelona: A Culinary Contrast

Try the iconic dish 'Esqueixada' at the vibrant restaurant Cal Pep, where fresh ingredients come together in a lively atmosphere that feels distinctly different from the seafood-focused dining in Alicante. The combination of bold flavors and local Catalan ingredients creates a culinary experience that captures the spirit of Barcelona.

Alicante - Barcelona operators

Explore transport companies operating between Alicante and Barcelona, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+34 91 232 03 20
Website
https://www.renfe.com/es/en

Train from Alicante-Termino to Barcelona-Sants

Average Duration
5h 18m
Estimated price
$45-65

Train from Alicante-Termino to Valencia Joaquin Sorolla

Average Duration
2h
Estimated price
$17-24
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+34 910 207 007
Website
https://www.alsa.com/en/web/bus/home

Bus from Alicante to Estación de Autobuses Barcelona Nord

Average Duration
7h 15m
Estimated price
$35-70
Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300
Website
https://www.flixbus.co.uk

Bus from Alicante to Estación de Autobuses Barcelona Nord

Average Duration
7h 25m
Estimated price
$45-65
Contact phone
+33 1 71 53 01 80
Website
https://www.blablacar.co.uk/

Bus from Alicante to Estación de Autobuses Barcelona Nord

Average Duration
7h 35m
Estimated price
$35-55
Rideshare
Website
https://www.blablacar.es/

Rideshare from Alicante to Barcelona

Average Duration
6h 6m
Estimated price
$32-32
Plane Show flights
Website
https://www.ryanair.com

Plane from Alicante–Elche to Barcelona

Average Duration
1h 15m
Estimated price
$29-250
Website
https://www.vueling.com

Plane from Alicante–Elche to Barcelona

Average Duration
1h 13m
Estimated price
$35-150

Alicante to Barcelona: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Alicante and Barcelona offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from Alicante to Barcelona, covering a distance of 521.4 km through the beautiful Spanish countryside. Enjoy approximately 5 hours and 9 minutes of driving time as you traverse the diverse landscapes of Spain. 💰 Explore budget-friendly options for your journey as prices for the car trip from Alicante to Barcelona range from €88 to €129.
Average price
€88 - €129
Useful tips for car travellers
• Along the A-7 highway, which is your main route from Alicante to Barcelona, gas stations are available approximately every 50-80 kilometers. Prices per liter can be around €1.50 to €1.65, so keep an eye on signs for the best rates.
• Upon arrival in Barcelona, be aware of the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) that restricts access to certain vehicles in the city center; check if your car meets the environmental standards to avoid a fine. Parking costs can range from €10 to €25 per day in many areas, so consider using public parking facilities to save on costs.
• Use Google Maps or Waze for real-time navigation as they provide updates on traffic and potential detours along the A-7; ensure you're familiar with Spanish driving laws, such as a strict 'no phone' policy while driving, to stay compliant and avoid fines.
🚄 The direct train from Alicante to Barcelona takes approximately 5 hours and 18 minutes, covering a distance of 525 km. Services operated by Renfe Viajeros depart from Alicante-Termino and arrive at Barcelona-Sants.
Departure Point
Alicante-Termino station
Arrival Point
Barcelona-Sants station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard Services: Renfe operates the high-speed AVE trains on this route, providing a catering service that includes a variety of meals, snacks, and drinks. You can order items such as a selection of Spanish tapas, sandwiches, and beverages, including local wines and coffees. For First Class passengers, a complimentary meal service is usually included.
• Seating Options: The Renfe AVE trains offer several seating classes: 'Turista' (Economy), 'Preferente' (First Class), and 'Club' (Business Class). In 'Turista', you can enjoy comfortable seats with ample legroom at a more economical price. 'Preferente' offers wider seats, more space, and additional services such as welcome drinks. 'Club' offers even more luxury and exclusivity but is less common.
• Arrival Station Tip: When you arrive at Barcelona Sants station, you can easily leave your luggage at the left luggage service located near the main entrance, allowing you to explore the city without your bags. The station also has restrooms and a few shower facilities available for a refreshing clean-up after your trip.
🛫 Traveling from Alicante to Barcelona by plane is a convenient and quick option, with a direct flight taking just 1 hour and 10 minutes. 🌍 With a flight duration of 3 hours and 17 minutes, passengers can easily reach Barcelona from Alicante, with ticket prices varying between €31 to €108, making it an affordable option for those looking to explore the vibrant city of Barcelona.
Departure Point
Alicante–Elche Airport
Arrival Point
Barcelona Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Check your flight confirmation details as well as Ryanair and Vueling's websites for potential last-minute schedule changes; both airlines have dynamic pricing and frequently adjust their flight times.
• Upon arriving at Barcelona Airport, follow the signage for the Renfe train service if you prefer a quick and cost-effective transport method; the train takes about 20 minutes to reach the city center and costs around €4.60, significantly cheaper than a taxi.
• If you opt for a taxi from the airport to the city center, expect to pay around €30-€40; be aware of peak traffic hours to avoid delays, and use the official taxi ranks located outside the arrivals area to ensure safety.
🚌 The journey from Alicante to Barcelona by bus takes approximately 7 hours and 15 minutes with ALSA services departing every four hours and operating daily. 🌆 Covering a distance of 450 km, the bus trip from Alicante to Barcelona varies in price from €32 to €65.
Departure Point
Alicante station
Arrival Point
Estación de Autobuses Barcelona Nord station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Make sure to book your ticket through ALSA, as they offer the most direct and frequent services from Alicante to Estación de Autobuses Barcelona Nord, with departures every four hours; you can book online at alsa.ma
• Bring snacks and water for the approximately 7h 15m journey; while there are rest stops, having your own refreshments can enhance your comfort on the bus.
• Upon arriving at Estación de Autobuses Barcelona Nord, familiarize yourself with the station's layout by checking their official website for a station map at barcelonametropolitan.com this will help you quickly find transportation options or facilities like cafés and restrooms.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Alicante to Barcelona.

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The distance between Alicante and Barcelona is approximately 408.8 km by air, 521.6 km by road. The typical travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. It takes 5 hours and 18 minutes by train, 9 hours and 17 minutes by tram and bus, and 3 hours and 17 minutes by plane to reach Barcelona from Alicante. Conversely, it takes 5 hours and 9 minutes by car and 8 hours and 55 minutes by bus to reach Alicante from Barcelona.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Alicante to Barcelona would be to fly. It takes 3 hours and 17 minutes to reach Barcelona by plane and the cost ranges from €28 to €101. Another option would be to rideshare, which takes 6 hours and 6 minutes and costs around €28.
The price range for traveling from Alicante to Barcelona by train is between €41 and €60. On the other hand, the price range for traveling by bus from Barcelona to Alicante varies between €32 and €119.
To get from Alicante to Barcelona without using public transportation, you can consider using Blablacar's carpooling service, which offers rideshare options between the two cities. This is a good alternative if you don't have a driver's license or prefer to avoid public transport. The driving distance between Alicante and Barcelona is approximately 521.4 km, and it usually takes around 5 hours and 9 minutes to drive from one city to the other. The prices for a car journey from Alicante to Barcelona can vary between €87 and €128.
The best way to travel from Alicante to Barcelona without a car is by train. The journey takes around 5 hours and 18 minutes and costs between €41 and €60. Alternatively, you can take a bus, which takes about 8 hours and 55 minutes and costs between €32 and €119. Another option is to fly, which takes around 3 hours and 17 minutes and costs between €28 and €101.
Yes, there is a direct link between Alicante and Barcelona. You can take a train operated by Renfe Viajeros, which departs every four hours from Alicante-Termino and arrives at Barcelona-Sants. The journey by train takes approximately 5 hours and 18 minutes. Alternatively, you can also take a direct bus operated by ALSA, which departs every four hours from Alicante and arrives at Barcelona, with a journey time of approximately 8 hours and 55 minutes.
The flight duration from Alicante to Barcelona is typically 1 hour and 10 minutes. The cost of a flight between the two cities ranges from €30 to €98.
There are numerous accommodation options available near Barcelona. With over 1986 hotels to choose from, travelers can find a range of options to suit their preferences and budgets. Prices for hotels in Barcelona start at €43 per night, making it possible to find affordable options for a comfortable stay.

Trips from Alicante

Trips to Barcelona