According to Google Maps, the distance between Barcelona and Madrid is approximately 620 kilometers or 386 miles. The travel time between the two cities can vary depending on the mode of transportation chosen. Typically, though, it’ll take at least a few hours.
Why travel to Barcelona from Madrid when visiting Spain? Why not? There’s so much to see and do, and the city has an entirely different vibe than Madrid. As a coastal city catering to tourists and international students, Barcelona has more of a laidback, electric energy than Madrid (although Madrid’s great for different reasons!).
Tourists from all around the world also visit Barcelona to experience its architecture, including Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia Cathedral and Park Güell. Have we convinced you to book a trip? Great. Here’s what to know about visiting Barcelona from Madrid, including tips on the cheapest and fastest ways to travel between the two Spanish cities.
The distance between Barcelona and Madrid is just under 400 miles. The fastest way to get between the two cities is to fly or to take the train.
EUROPE TRAVEL INSIDER
How to Get From Madrid to Barcelona
Madrid and Barcelona are two of the most beautiful and fascinating cities in Spain, both offering great yet distinct experiences. As such, they’re two of the most popular destinations on any Spanish vacation or European bucket list adventure.
If you’re looking to get from one city to the other, here are a few of the best ways to get from Madrid to Barcelona.
Bus
For those traveling on a budget, taking a bus from Madrid to Barcelona is usually the best option. There are several bus companies that operate between Madrid and Barcelona, offering affordable fares.
The duration of the trip usually takes around seven to eight hours. While that’s quite long for a bus journey, the advantage of traveling by bus is that it’s usually cheaper than the train, and you get to enjoy views of the Spanish countryside.
Train
Spain’s national railway system, Renfe, operates two types of high-speed trains: the standard AVE train and the low-cost AVLO. The AVE train is more expensive but offers amenities such as onboard Wi-Fi and a café car, while the AVLO has fewer amenities, but it’s cheaper.
Each train from Madrid to Barcelona departs from Madrid’s Atocha Station and arrives at Barcelona-Sants Station. Because they’re both high-speed trains, the train time from Madrid to Barcelona is about two and a half hours.
Car
If you prefer privacy and convenience, renting a car is also a good option for those who prefer to travel at their own pace. The route from Madrid to Barcelona offers beautiful landscapes, and driving can be enjoyable (if that’s your kind of thing — it’s definitely not ours!).
The journey takes about approximately six to seven hours, and there are several tolls along the way. However, driving in Spain can be challenging for those not familiar with the roads, and renting a car can be costly.
Plane
Finally, if you’re short on time or want a more luxurious experience, a plane is the fastest and most comfortable option. Flights are frequent, with an estimated travel time of one hour. If you’re just traveling with carry-on luggage, you can find cheap flights via budget airlines like Ryanair.
Traveling From Madrid to Barcelona by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane
Whether you prefer the adventure of the train, the convenience of the bus, the freedom of the car, or the speed of the plane, you’ve got plenty of options available, meaning that most make the decision of which to choose based on price. While prices change rapidly these days, here’s a brief breakdown of the costs for each travel option.
Also Read: Where is Madrid? Discover the Location of the Spanish Capital
| Travel Option | Time | Cost | Notes |
| Train | 2.5 hours | €7 to €120 | Prices vary if booked online a few weeks in advance or purchased at a regular price. There is also usually a discount when booking a round trip. |
| Bus | 7 to 8 hours | €10 to €38 | The cost varies from one bus company to the next. Some buses are cheaper because they make stops in other cities or take longer routes to pick up more people. |
| Car | 6 to 7 hours | €100 to €150 | The cost may vary according to your needs, tolls, gas, additional expenses, as well as the duration of the trip, which may depend on traffic and the route you take. Ultimately, the longer you rent a car, the more expensive it will be. Remember to check to see if you need an International Driver’s License. |
| Plane | 1 hour | €30 to €100 | Prices may vary depending on the airline, the season, and how far in advance you make the reservation. If you’re traveling around Spain for a longer trip, we recommend bringing only a carry-on to make plane and train travel a bit easier. |
What Is the Cheapest Way to Travel From Madrid to Barcelona?
The least expensive way to travel from Madrid to Barcelona is by taking a bus. Although it takes between seven to eight hours, if you book online a few weeks in advance you can find tickets for more or less €10. The usual price is approximately €38.
Perhaps the biggest advantage of traveling by bus between Madrid and Barcelona is that it’s the least expensive mode of transportation after the train.
You can book your bus ticket in advance to ensure that you can travel at a set time or book at the last minute for maximum flexibility.
Additionally, some bus services allow you to reserve specific seats so that you can sit together with friends/family or just choose a seat you like — like the window or near the front to avoid getting car sick.
Another advantage is that it makes stops during the journey for a short rest, allowing you to stretch, get some fresh air, and use an actual bathroom.
Most Popular Bus Companies in Spain:
- Alsa
- FlixBus
- Avanza
- Daibus
- Conda
Our pick? We’ve traveled from Madrid to Barcelona via Alsa buses before, and they were on time, comfortable (as a bus can be), and spacious enough to stretch our feet out. Our bus was an overnight bus, and it had maybe a total of ten people on it, so there was room to lay out.
What Is the Fastest Way to Travel From Madrid to Barcelona?
The fastest way to travel from Madrid to Barcelona is by catching a flight at the Barajas Airport in Madrid. Once you arrive at Barcelona airport (Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat), you can take a short ride to the city center by underground metro, bus, commuter train network, or private transport.
We found that taking the train and metro to Barcelona from the airport took quite a while. It’s a long walk from the airport out to the train station, and from there, you’ll go past about four stops until you get to the city center. Depending on where your accommodation is, you’ll have to get off at the closest stop and take the metro, walk, or order an Uber/Bolt. Ultimately, if you’re traveling with a few people and can split the cost, it’s likely just as easy to get a taxi into the city!
If you prefer to travel by train, Spain’s national railway system, Renfe, offers two types of high-speed trains between Madrid and Barcelona: the standard AVE train and the low-cost Avlo. Both trains travel from Atocha Station in Madrid to Barcelona-Sants Station in as little as two and a half hours, with a speed of up to 310 km/h, with the only difference being the amenities offered and the price.
How Long is the Flight From Madrid to Barcelona?
The flight from Madrid to Barcelona takes about an hour, with direct flights available throughout the day. Popular airlines that fly between Madrid and Barcelona include the following:
- Vueling (often the cheapest)
- Air Europa
- Iberia
However, it’s important to note that the total travel time between Madrid and Barcelona can be longer than just the flight duration. Flights these days can take longer than scheduled due to various unforeseen reasons, such as:
- Airport transfers
- Check-in times
- Weather conditions
- Air traffic congestion
- Mechanical issues
- Security procedures
- Late-arriving passengers or crew
- Airline scheduling
Pro tip? If you’re traveling with kids or pets, it might pay to take the train instead. We traveled this route with our cat, and the hassle of checking her in at Iberia’s front desk and then going through security, boarding the plane, etc., were all kind of a drag on our day. The train would have been easier.
How Long Does It Take to Drive from Madrid to Barcelona?
Driving from Madrid to Barcelona is a popular option for those who want to explore Spain by car.
The journey covers around 620 kilometers and takes approximately six to seven hours, depending on traffic and the route taken. However, this is really only the best option if you have a lot of time to spend in Spain and are interested in stopping and exploring smaller towns on the way.
There are several routes to choose from when driving from Madrid to Barcelona, including the A-2, the AP-2, and the AP-7. The A-2 is the most direct route, but it can be quite busy, particularly around Zaragoza. The AP-2 is a toll road and may be less congested, but it can be more expensive. The AP-7 is a scenic route that passes through Valencia, but it can be longer and more expensive than the other two options.
It’s important to plan ahead, check traffic updates, and have enough time for your trip. Stay safe on those Spanish roads!
What’s the Most Scenic Route from Madrid to Barcelona?
Honestly, the train ride from Madrid to Barcelona is pretty scenic. It’s an excellent way to take in the beauty of the Spanish landscape without having to drive and pay attention to the road at the same time.
The train journey takes you through the Spanish countryside, offering views of rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves. Along the way, you’ll pass through some historical places such as Zaragoza, which boasts a stunning cathedral, and the Aljafería Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Ultimately, it’s also a very comfortable and convenient way to travel between the two cities without having to worry about stopping for gas or paying attention to the rules of the road.
When’s the Best Time to Travel to Barcelona?
The best time to visit Barcelona largely depends on what you want to do and see while there. But according to us (the experts on European travel, duh), the ideal time to travel to Barcelona is typically from April to June and from September to October.
Really, whatever you do, avoid August at all costs! During the shoulder months, temperatures are pleasant and mild, ranging between 60°F (15°C) and 80°F (27°C), with mostly sunny days.
The “regular” shoulder periods can be quite busy and expensive, so if you’re on a budget, the best time to visit would be between October to November and February to April, as these shoulder seasons are known for lower flight and hotel rates. We recently visited in November, and the city was still beautiful and warm-ish. We suggest waiting until after February if you can, though, as Barcelona really only starts to bloom in March at the earliest.
Things to Do in Barcelona
So you’ve made it from Madrid to Barcelona? Yay! Now what?
One of the most popular things to do in Barcelona is to take a tour of Antoni Gaudi’s incredible architecture, including La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell.
The Gothic Quarter is another must-visit destination, where you can explore the grand Palau de la Generalitat, the striking Plaça Reial, and the impressive Barcelona Cathedral. Moreover, the area is known for late-night bars and clubs that stay open until the early morning hours.
Also Read: The 14 Best Things to Do in Barcelona
If all you want to do is wander around and explore, visit one of Barcelona’s beautiful parks. The oldest one is the Parc de la Ciutadella, where you’ll find lily-glazed ponds, sculptures of mythological figures, and a cypress maze.
If you’re interested in browsing some art (Barcelona is a great place to do so — the city is a living work of art!), the Picasso Museum showcases a vast collection of artwork by the famous artist, while the Joan Miró Foundation has an extensive collection of modern art.
Regardless of the time of year, as long as it’s not raining, we definitely suggest visiting Barceloneta Beach. Even in October and November, we found it to be buzzing with activity, and while there weren’t many people in the water, the sunsets were beautiful, and the energy was great.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Barcelona from Madrid by train?
The distance between Madrid and Barcelona by train is approximately 620 km (just under 400 miles), and the journey takes about 2.5 hours.
How far is Barcelona from Madrid by plane?
The distance between Madrid and Barcelona by plane is approximately 484 km (301 miles), and the flight takes around an hour.
How far is Barcelona from Madrid by bus?
The distance from Madrid and Barcelona by bus is the same as by car. It’s approximately 620 km. However, the journey takes slightly longer, at approximately seven to eight hours.
Is there a direct bus between Madrid and Barcelona?
Yes, there is a direct bus between Madrid and Barcelona operated by ALSA and FlixBus. The journey takes around seven to eight hours, and there are multiple departures every day. Tickets can be purchased online.
Is there a direct train between Madrid and Barcelona?
Yes, there is a direct train between Madrid and Barcelona. The Renfe (Spain’s national train operator) AVE operates hourly and takes 2 hours and 30 minutes. There is also Ouigo, a new budget bullet train, which operates between these two cities with ten daily services and the same journey time.
Where do I catch the Madrid to Barcelona bus from?
The main bus station to travel from Madrid to Barcelona is called Madrid South Bus Station. From there, several daily routes are offered to the Barcelona-Sants and Barcelona Nord stations.
