Busbud recommends taking the train from Madrid to Barcelona
Among the sustainable travel choices, the train stands out as a good way to reach Barcelona. The journey takes about 2 hours 52 minutes, and with fares starting at just US$19, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.
According to 14 reviews, Renfe received a 4.5-star rating for this journey. Travellers were especially satisfied with the seats and the temperature, but some complained about the value for money. Renfe ticket prices on this trip start at US$19
ALSA Madrid Barcelona recent customer reviews
My experience was uncomfortable. There were cockroaches on the bus and my seat recliner was broken. Other than that, the lights were dimmed and it was overnight, but it just wasn’t pleasant. The WiFi also wasn’t functioning.
2 out of 5 stars
Kaela M.
Great assistance from all workers. They made the experience be as efficient and easy as possible. They were very kind, even during the holiday season. I recommend them to everyone
5 out of 5 stars
Kristina J.
The company Renfe didn't send me a pdf ticket and I lost my ticket and I have to buy another ticket. Waste of time and bad customer service.
Customers have praised the Iryo train for its amazing, comfortable, and luxurious experience. They appreciate the fast and clean service provided. The spacious and comfortable seats in a clean environment are also highlighted positively by customers. Overall, they find the service easy, simple, on time with great assistance from workers even during busy holiday seasons.
ALSA Madrid Barcelona recent customer reviews
My experience was uncomfortable. There were cockroaches on the bus and my seat recliner was broken. Other than that, the lights were dimmed and it was overnight, but it just wasn’t pleasant. The WiFi also wasn’t functioning.
2 out of 5 stars
Kaela M.
Great assistance from all workers. They made the experience be as efficient and easy as possible. They were very kind, even during the holiday season. I recommend them to everyone
5 out of 5 stars
Kristina J.
The company Renfe didn't send me a pdf ticket and I lost my ticket and I have to buy another ticket. Waste of time and bad customer service.
Based on 80 reviews, the company was rated 4.3 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the temperature and the timeliness but often complained with the WiFi. OUIGO ticket prices on this trip start at US$35
ALSA Madrid Barcelona recent customer reviews
My experience was uncomfortable. There were cockroaches on the bus and my seat recliner was broken. Other than that, the lights were dimmed and it was overnight, but it just wasn’t pleasant. The WiFi also wasn’t functioning.
2 out of 5 stars
Kaela M.
Great assistance from all workers. They made the experience be as efficient and easy as possible. They were very kind, even during the holiday season. I recommend them to everyone
5 out of 5 stars
Kristina J.
The company Renfe didn't send me a pdf ticket and I lost my ticket and I have to buy another ticket. Waste of time and bad customer service.
Busbud helps you find a train from Madrid to Barcelona. Get the best fare and schedule, book a round trip ticket or find trains with WiFi and electrical outlets.
Train service from Madrid to Barcelona will be provided by the most trusted companies.
Whether it is train tickets or first class train tickets going to Barcelona from Madrid, we help you find what you're looking for based on how much of a budget you have.
Where are the popular train stations and stops in Madrid and Barcelona?
Stops in Madrid
A - Madrid Puerta De Atocha
Madrid Atocha railway station, Plaza del Emperador Carlos V, 28045 Madrid, SpainMadrid Puerta De Atocha
Av. del Marquès de l'Argentera,, 08003 Barcelona, , SpainEstación de Francia
Frequently asked questions on the trip Madrid - Barcelona
How much does a cheap train ticket from Madrid to Barcelona cost?
The average train ticket price from Madrid to Barcelona is US$62. The best way to find cheap train tickets from Madrid to Barcelona is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!
How long is the trip from Madrid to Barcelona?
A train trip between Madrid and Barcelona is around 2h 52m, although the fastest train will take about 2h 37m. This is the time it takes to travel the 505 km that separates the two cities.
How many daily trains are there between Madrid and Barcelona?
The number of trains from Madrid to Barcelona can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 28. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from Madrid to Barcelona by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.
Which train companies travel from Madrid to Barcelona?
When taking the train from Madrid to Barcelona, you can travel comfortably and safely with Renfe, Iryo, OUIGO.
What are the departure and arrival stations for a train from Madrid to Barcelona?
Trains travelling between Madrid and Barcelona leave from Madrid Puerta De Atocha or Madrid-Chamartin and arrive at Barcelona Sants, Estació del Nord de Barcelona, Barcelona Airport.
Find cheapest prices for trains
Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.
Best price found
08-30
US$78
08-31
US$116
Today
US$82
09-02
US$64
09-03
US$64
09-04
US$63
09-05
US$81
09-06
US$62
The cheapest trip from Madrid to Barcelona was searched and found on Sep 6, 2025 with a price of US$62
To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from Madrid to Barcelona, as early as possible.
You can expect to pay from US$62 to US$255 for a train ticket from Madrid to Barcelona based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at US$62 which is on 2025-09-06.
Usually Renfe will charge you higher prices for tickets closer to the departure date. To find the best prices, you should be flexible on your date of travel.
About Train Travel
Train Travel Tips
There are many train stations in the world, check out the station pages on Busbud to get all information you need.
No matter if you plan to take a regional or high-speed train to Barcelona, the planet will thank you. You’ll help to protect the beautiful landscapes that will unfold before your very eyes.
By choosing the train between Madrid and Barcelona, you emit up to 30 times less CO2 than for the same journey made by plane or car!
Make a music playlist for your train ride from Madrid to Barcelona, and enjoy the scenery to tunes from your own personal soundtrack.
Did you know?
The magnetic levitation train (Maglev for short) is currently the fastest train in the world. With a speed of 603 km/ h, it is closely followed by the French high-speed train (574.8 km / h) which remains in 2020, the fastest train to date.
Some trains in Sweden can recover more than a fifth of the energy they use by braking. This is especially true with ore trains as they descend from Narvik to Kiruna.
You can find dogs as passengers on the trains of Moscow, where there is a large number of stray dogs. Over time, the dogs have learned the inner workings of the rail system and it is not uncommon to find one travelling between the city and the suburbs.
Busbud helps you easily search, compare and book intercity bus tickets on a worlwide scale with our comprehensive list of bus routes and schedules. With several language and currency options available, Busbud seeks to cater to international bus travellers no matter where they are in the world. Busbud partners with safe and reliable bus companies throughout the world such as Greyhound, Eurolines, ALSA, OUIBUS (BlaBlaBus), National Express and many others so you can buy tickets without a worry.