How to travel from Madrid to Barcelona

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3 ways to go from Madrid to Barcelona

Bus
Average PriceUS$47 - US$204Average Duration7h 50m
12kg CO₂e5 out of 5 stars
Most eco-friendly
Train
Average PriceUS$21 - US$232Average Duration2h 45m
12kg CO₂e5 out of 5 stars
Cheapest
Fastest
Carpool
Average PriceUS$22 - US$109Average Duration6h 10m
21kg CO₂e4 out of 5 stars
%{brand}s logoBusbud 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 45 minutes, and with fares starting at just US$21, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1train per day
2h 45mAverage Duration
US$21Cheapest ticket
12kgCO₂ emissions
TodayDec 22
from US$47
TomorrowDec 23
from US$28
TueDec 24
from US$35
WedDec 25
from US$32
ThuDec 26
from US$37
FriDec 27
from US$36
SatDec 28
from US$42
SunDec 29
from US$32

Next departures to Barcelona

One passenger / one way

  • This trip is recommended because it is the: Cheapest
    Departure time: December 23 at
    Departure city: Madrid
    Departure location: Madrid
    Arrival time: December 23 at
    Destination city: Barcelona
    Destination location: Barcelona
    Operated by: BlaBlaCarBlaBlaCar
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • This trip is recommended because it is the: Fastest
    Departure time: December 23 at
    Departure city: Madrid
    Departure location: Atocha
    Arrival time: December 23 at
    Destination city: Barcelona
    Destination location: Barcelona-Sants
    Operated by: iryoiryo
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: December 23 at
    Departure city: Madrid
    Departure location: Madrid
    Arrival time: December 23 at
    Destination city: Barcelona
    Destination location: Barcelona
    Operated by: BlaBlaCarBlaBlaCar
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: December 23 at
    Departure city: Madrid
    Departure location: Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, MAD T4
    Arrival time: December 23 at
    Destination city: Barcelona
    Destination location: Barcelona Sants
    Operated by: ALSAALSA
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: December 23 at
    Departure city: Madrid
    Departure location: Atocha
    Arrival time: December 23 at
    Destination city: Barcelona
    Destination location: Barcelona-Sants
    Operated by: iryoiryo
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: December 23 at
    Departure city: Madrid
    Departure location: Madrid-Chamartin
    Arrival time: December 23 at
    Destination city: Barcelona
    Destination location: Barcelona-Sants
    Operated by: RENFE Regional ExpressRENFE Regional Express
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: December 23 at
    Departure city: Madrid
    Departure location: Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, MAD T4
    Arrival time: December 23 at
    Destination city: Barcelona
    Destination location: Estació del Nord de Barcelona
    Operated by: ALSAALSA
    Vehicle: BusDuration:

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 8:18 PM CET.

Prices and availability are subject to change.

From Madrid to Barcelona: Trip Overview

Travel the 310 miles (500 km) from Madrid to Barcelona by Bus, Train, Carpool or Carpool. The average cost for a trip from Madrid to Barcelona is US$46. This route is served by top travel providers like FlixBus, Renfe, OUIGO, Iryo, BlaBlaCar, ALSA, among others.

Average ticket priceUS$46
Average bus trip duration5h 35m
Number of daily departures1
Number of daily train departures1
Number of daily carpool departures1
Earliest departure12:00am
Distance310 miles (500 km)
Latest departure11:59pm
Cheapest mode of travelTrain - US$21
Fastest mode of travelTrain - 2h 29m
Popular travel companiesFlixBus, Renfe, OUIGO, Iryo, BlaBlaCar, ALSA

Helpful information to go from Madrid to Barcelona

Whether you're a budget traveller or seeking a swift and comfortable journey, planning your trip from Madrid to Barcelona is a breeze. Discover the transportation options that suit you and embark on your next adventure!

Travel Modes

Bus

Travel by bus from Madrid to Barcelona for an average of US$51 and a travel time of 9 hours 12 minutes. ALSA, FlixBus, Infobus offer tickets starting at US$47.

Train

Opt for a sustainable train journey from Madrid to Barcelona. The trip typically takes 2 hours 48 minutes, with ticket prices starting at US$21. Renfe operates trains between these cities, stopping at major stations like Madrid Puerta De Atocha, Madrid-Chamartin, etc.

Carpool

Share the ride and the cost with carpooling! This social option is often the most affordable, with fares starting at US$22. Keep in mind that carpool schedules and pick-up locations might be less flexible, and you depend on the driver's reliability.

Flight

While Busbud promotes sustainable travel, flying from Madrid to Barcelona is sometimes an option travellers can consider. However, be aware of the higher carbon footprint and, in most cases, higher costs compared to other travel options. No matter your chosen travel mode, with Busbud we are here to simplify your decision-making. Find the best way to travel from Madrid to Barcelona and the best travel option that perfectly matches your needs and budget, ensuring a seamless booking experience.

Frequently asked questions

  1. What’s the cheapest way to travel from Madrid to Barcelona?

    The most affordable option for this trip is the train. The cheapest train ticket costs US$21, and the average price is US$58. Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate depending on when you book, with last-minute departures typically costing more.

  2. What is the fastest way to travel between Madrid and Barcelona?

    If you're pressed for time, the train reigns supreme, taking you from Madrid to Barcelona in roughly 2h 45m.

  3. How do I travel from Madrid to Barcelona without a car?

    You can take a bus, train or carpool for this route. If you’re looking for the most cost-effective option, than we recommend train.

  4. How long is the bus ride from Madrid to Barcelona?

    The average travel time between Madrid and Barcelona is around 7h 50m, although the fastest bus will take about 7h 20m.This is the time it takes to travel the 500 km that separates the two cities.

  5. Which bus companies travel from Madrid to Barcelona?

    When taking the bus from Madrid to Barcelona, you can travel comfortably and safely with ALSA, FlixBus, Infobus.

  6. How many daily bus connections are there between Madrid and Barcelona?

    The number of buses from Madrid to Barcelona can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 1 on this route. Some buses run direct routes, while others have layovers. Simplify your bus trip from Madrid to Barcelona by comparing and selecting the bus that fits you travel style and budget on Busbud.

  7. What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from Madrid to Barcelona?

    Buses travelling between Madrid and Barcelona leave from Estación Sur or Madrid-Barajas Airport and arrive at Estació del Nord de Barcelona, Barcelona Airport, Barcelona Sants.

  8. How long is the trip from Madrid to Barcelona?

    A train trip between Madrid and Barcelona is around 2h 45m, although the fastest train will take about 2h 29m. This is the time it takes to travel the 500 km that separates the two cities.

  9. 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 1. 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.

  10. What are the departure and arrival stations for a train from Madrid to Barcelona?

    Trains travelling between Madrid and Barcelona leave from Estación Sur or Madrid-Barajas Airport and arrive at Estació del Nord de Barcelona, Barcelona Airport, Barcelona Sants.

Why choose Busbud?

The Best Way To Book Bus and Train Tickets

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.

Which way will you travel today?

Go by bus

Buses from Madrid to Barcelona

Buses from Barcelona to Madrid

Go by train

Trains from Madrid to Barcelona

Trains from Barcelona to Madrid

Popular routes