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# Barcelona to Madrid Train — Spain's Fastest High-Speed Route

The Barcelona to Madrid train is the easiest way to cross Spain: high-speed AVE, iryo and Ouigo trains link Barcelona-Sants and Madrid-Puerta de Atocha in as little as 2h30, running city center to city center along a 621 km high-speed line (about 505 km as the crow flies).

## Quick facts
- Shortest travel time: 2h30m–3h10m (shortest found on a recent search: 3h 2m)
- Distance: 505 km direct / 621 km (386 mi) by rail
- Lowest ticket price: from $80 (Ouigo from €9, Renfe AVE from €17.05, iryo €30–€70)
- Average daily departures: 26 (40+ direct trains combined across operators)
- First departure: 05:50 · Last departure: 20:00

## Route
Barcelona-Sants → Tarragona (Camp de Tarragona) → Lleida-Pirineus → Zaragoza-Delicias → Madrid-Puerta de Atocha

## Stations
- **Barcelona-Sants** — Plaça dels Països Catalans, s/n, 08014 Barcelona, Spain
- **Madrid-Puerta de Atocha** — Plaza del Emperador Carlos V, s/n, 28045 Madrid, Spain

## Train operators
- **Renfe AVE** — from €17.05, classes: Turista, Turista Plus, Preferente; 20+ daily departures
- **iryo** — €30–€70, classes: Inicial, Elige, Infinita
- **Ouigo** — from €9, budget operator with stricter baggage limits

## Onboard amenities
Free Wi-Fi (Renfe AVE, iryo), power sockets, cafeteria/trolley service, luggage racks, accessible seating, quiet coaches.

## Top spots in Barcelona
Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Gothic Quarter, La Rambla, Casa Batlló & La Pedrera, Barceloneta Beach.

## Top spots in Madrid
Museo del Prado, Retiro Park, Royal Palace of Madrid, Puerta del Sol, Gran Vía, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Mercado de San Miguel.

## FAQ
**How long does the Barcelona to Madrid train take?** As little as 2h30 on the fastest non-stop trains; most direct departures take 2h30–3h10.

**How much does a ticket cost?** From about $80 for the lowest fare; Ouigo from €9, Renfe AVE from €17.05, iryo €30–€70.

**Which stations are used?** Barcelona-Sants and Madrid-Puerta de Atocha.

**Do I need a seat reservation?** Yes, every seat is assigned.

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Book tickets: https://highspeedtrains.com