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Madrid to Barcelona from $33: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Madrid, Spain
to
Barcelona, Spain

How to Get from Madrid 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.

$33 RideshareBest price
508.6 kmDistance
2h 30m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Madrid 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 AVE
Train
Average Duration
2h  30m
Estimated price
$23-85
Recommended
Company
BlaBlaCar
Rideshare
Average Duration
7h  13m
Estimated price
$33-33
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 508.6 km
Duration: 2h 30m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
3h  28m
Estimated price
$27-106
Company
BlaBlaCar
Rideshare
Average Duration
7h  13m
Estimated price
$33-33
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
5h  58m
Estimated price
$110-170

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 06/01Tu 07/01We 08/01Th 09/01Fr 10/01Sa 11/01Su 12/01
Bus $7 $5 $5 $13 $23 $11 $40
Train $19 $20 $21 $22 $18 $20 $40
Fly $24 $24 $27 $30 $22 $31 $36
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Madrid to Barcelona

Traveling from Madrid to Barcelona offers a fascinating contrast, with Madrid showcasing a vibrant cultural scene and historical landmarks, while Barcelona delights with its stunning architecture and Mediterranean vibe.

Best Neighbourhoods in Barcelona

Barcelona boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering its own charm and experiences.

Barri Gòtic
• Ancient streets full of history and character.
• Home to the stunning Barcelona Cathedral.
Gràcia
• Bohemian atmosphere with lively plazas and independent shops.
• Famous for its vibrant local festivals.
Eixample
• Known for Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces like Sagrada Família.
• Wide avenues lined with chic boutiques and eateries.

Best Times To Visit Barcelona's Attractions

Timing your visits to Barcelona's attractions can enhance your experience and minimize crowds.

Sagrada Família
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for fewer tourists and great lighting.
Park Güell
Go during weekdays and early hours to enjoy a quieter atmosphere.
Gothic Quarter
Explore in the early morning or late evening for a more magical vibe.

Barcelona Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Barcelona enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The best times to visit are in spring and fall when the weather is pleasant, allowing for enjoyable outdoor adventures.

Dining in Barcelona

Try the iconic 'escalivada' at Can Culleretes, a dish of smoky grilled vegetables that reflects Catalan flavors distinct from Madrid's hearty stews. The vibrant atmosphere and emphasis on fresh, local ingredients in Barcelona create a dining experience that captures the essence of the Mediterranean.

Madrid - Barcelona operators

Explore transport companies operating between Madrid 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 Estación de tren de Atocha to Barcelona-Sants

Average Duration
2h 30m
Estimated price
$55-80
Contact phone
+34 910 150 000
Website
https://iryo.eu/en/home

Train from Estación de tren de Atocha to Barcelona-Sants

Average Duration
2h 52m
Estimated price
$30-85
Contact phone
+34 91 232 03 20
Website
https://www.renfe.com/es/en

Train from Estación de tren de Atocha to Barcelona-Sants

Average Duration
2h 57m
Estimated price
$50-75
Contact phone
+34 910 780 990
Website
https://www.ouigo.com/es/en

Train from Estación de tren de Atocha to Barcelona-Sants

Average Duration
2h 55m
Estimated price
$23-35
Plane Show flights
Website
iberia.com

Plane from Madrid (MAD) to Barcelona (BCN)

Average Duration
1h 18m
Estimated price
$28-170
Website
vueling.com

Plane from Madrid (MAD) to Barcelona (BCN)

Average Duration
1h 18m
Estimated price
$28-170
Website
aireuropa.com

Plane from Madrid (MAD) to Barcelona (BCN)

Average Duration
1h 25m
Estimated price
$35-200
Rideshare
Website
blablacar.com

Rideshare from Madrid to Barcelona

Average Duration
7h 13m
Estimated price
$33-33

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

Traveling between Madrid 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 Madrid to Barcelona covering a distance of 624.4 km. 💰 Save on transportation costs with prices ranging from €101 to €157 for the journey by car. 🌆 Arrive in Barcelona after approximately 5 hours and 58 minutes of driving, ready to explore the city's architectural wonders, beaches, and vibrant culture.
Average price
€101 - €157
Useful tips for car travellers
• While driving from Madrid to Barcelona, take the A-2 highway; it is the most direct route, but be aware of speed limits: 120 km/h on highways and 90 km/h on secondary roads.
• Along the A-2, gas stations are available roughly every 50 km, with prices around €1.60 per liter for gasoline—plan your fuel stops accordingly.
• Upon arriving in Barcelona, expect to encounter the Zona de Baixes Emissions, where certain vehicles are restricted; consider using public transport or book parking in advance, with daily rates ranging from €15 to €30.
🚄 Traveling from Madrid to Barcelona by train is a convenient and efficient option. The direct train service operates daily, departing every 30 minutes from Estación de tren de Atocha and arriving at Barcelona-Sants in approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. 🌆 Enjoy the scenic journey as you cover a distance of 601 km from Madrid to Barcelona. The Renfe AVE train service offers a comfortable ride with multiple departures throughout the day. Make sure to check the fare prices, as they can range from €21 to €78 for this route. Sit back, relax, and savor the seamless 2-hour 30-minute ride from Madrid to Barcelona onboard the high-speed train.
Departure Point
Estación de tren de Atocha station
Arrival Point
Barcelona-Sants station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard Services: The AVE trains operated by Renfe offer a range of catering services. Passengers in both First and Business Class can enjoy complimentary meals and drinks, which include a selection of local Spanish wines, pastries, and meal options based on seasonal ingredients. Economy Class travelers can purchase refreshments from the onboard café service, which includes snacks, drinks, and light meals.
• Seating Options: Renfe provides several seating classes for the journey from Madrid to Barcelona. In First Class, you'll find spacious seating with wider seats and more legroom, along with personalized service. Business Class includes comfortable seating with better amenities and complimentary access to the lounge at the stations. Economy Class offers standard seating, which is still comfortable for the 2.5-3 hour journey. Choose the class based on your budget and comfort preferences.
• Arrival Station Tip: Once you arrive at Barcelona Sants station, you can leave your luggage at the left luggage service, which is located on the lower level of the station (Planta -1). This allows you to explore the city unencumbered. The station has restrooms available, but there are no shower facilities. Make sure to ask for the prices and storage duration at the luggage service before you head out.
🛫 Flying from Madrid to Barcelona is a convenient option, with direct flights taking just 1 hour and 15 minutes. Airlines such as Vueling Airlines, Air Europa, and Iberia operate this route. 🌆 The flight from Madrid to Barcelona offers a quick and efficient way to travel between these two vibrant Spanish cities. In just over 3 hours, you can be exploring the beautiful architecture, delicious cuisine, and lively atmosphere of Barcelona. 💸 Flight prices between Madrid and Barcelona can vary but generally range from €25 to €98, making it a cost-effective and time-saving choice for travelers looking to journey from the capital to the Catalonian gem.
Departure Point
Madrid Airport
Arrival Point
Barcelona Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Check for Vueling, Air Europa, and Iberia's specific flight schedules as they frequently offer multiple options throughout the day, providing flexibility for your travel plans.
• Upon arrival at Barcelona El Prat Airport, head to Terminal 1, where you'll find clear signage for public transportation options; take the Aerobus for a quick and easy transfer to the city center.
• Expect to pay around €30-€35 for a taxi from Barcelona El Prat Airport to the city center, but consider using the Aerobus for a budget-friendly option at €5.90 one-way.
🚌 Embark on a scenic journey from Madrid to Barcelona by bus, covering a distance of 601 km that lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. 🚉 Upon arrival in Barcelona, continue your adventure by boarding a train towards Barcelona-Sants station, departing from Estación Madrid - Puerta de Atocha. The train ride takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Useful tips for bus travellers
• When traveling from Madrid to Barcelona, consider booking your tickets in advance through Renfe (renfe.com) or FlixBus (flixbus.es) to secure the best rates, as prices can fluctuate as the departure date approaches.
• Arrive at Estación Madrid - Puerta de Atocha at least 30 minutes before your departure to familiarize yourself with the station layout and confirm your platform, as it can be busy—check the station map at Atocha Station Map.
• Upon arriving at Barcelona-Sants, be prepared for a larger station than Atocha; familiarize yourself with the layout beforehand as it connects multiple metro lines; you can find a detailed station map at Barcelona-Sants Station Map.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Madrid to Barcelona.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Madrid and Barcelona is approximately 508.6 km by air or train. By train, it takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to travel from Madrid to Barcelona. If you choose to fly, the travel time is around 3 hours and 27 minutes. However, if you prefer to drive, the road distance is longer at 623.8 km, and it takes approximately 5 hours and 58 minutes. Lastly, taking a bus from Madrid to Barcelona would take approximately 8 hours and 5 minutes.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Madrid to Barcelona is by train. It takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes and costs between €20-€78. Alternatively, ridesharing is the cheapest option, costing €29 and taking approximately 7 hours and 13 minutes, but it may take longer due to potential traffic or delays.
The prices for a train ticket from Madrid to Barcelona range from €20 to €78, depending on the class of service and the time of booking. On the other hand, bus tickets from Barcelona to Madrid can cost between €83 and €128, with prices varying based on the operator and the type of seat selected.
If you prefer not to use public transportation, you can consider carpooling with Blablacar for rideshare options between Madrid and Barcelona. This is a convenient option if you don't have a driver's license or want to avoid public transport. The driving distance between Madrid and Barcelona is approximately 624.4 km, and it takes around 5 hours and 58 minutes to drive. The estimated cost for a car journey from Madrid to Barcelona ranges from €101 to €156.
The best way to travel from Madrid to Barcelona without a car is by train. The train journey takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes and costs between €20 and €78. Another option is to take a bus, which takes about 8 hours and 5 minutes and costs between €83 and €128. Additionally, you can choose to fly, which takes about 3 hours and 27 minutes and costs between €25 and €101.
Yes, there is a direct link between Madrid and Barcelona. You can take a direct train from Madrid-Puerta De Atocha to Barcelona-Sants, which operates every day and takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Alternatively, there is a direct bus service that departs from Madrid and arrives in Barcelona, with a journey time of approximately 8 hours and 5 minutes.
The flight between Madrid and Barcelona typically takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes, making it the quickest mode of transportation between the two cities. The cost of a flight can vary between €25 and €93, depending on the airline and time of booking.
There are a wide range of accommodation options available near Barcelona. With over 1986 hotels to choose from, travelers can find something to suit their preferences and budgets. Prices start at €43 per night, but can vary depending on the location, amenities, and season.

Trips to Barcelona