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Essential Guide To The Madrid To Barcelona Train

This page is a complete guide all about the Madrid to Barcelona train. We’ve found out for you where you can take the train from, what time it leaves, ticket prices and discounts, journey times, what services are provided on board, and most importantly, where you can buy tickets.

Where To Catch The Madrid To Barcelona Train?

Atocha Station

There are 3 trains. The "Alvia" train and the "Altaira" train runs from Madird Puerta de Atocha to Barcelona-Sants, and the ‘Costa Brava’ train runs from Madrid-Chamartin to Barcelona-Sants. Unless you want to travel overnight, you’ll most likely be taking the Alvia, as this runs throughout the day.

To get to Atocha station by metro, take the following:
Metro: Atocha Renfe (Light Blue Line, L1)
To get to Chamartin station by metro, take:
Metro: Chamartin (Dark Blue Line, L10)

When Does The Madrid To Barcelona Train Leave?

All the trains run daily. The Alvia starts takes 5 and a half hours, while the Costa Brava train runs overnight, making more stops and takes 9 hours. There is just one Costa Brava train that departs at 22:00 - check the RENFE site for up to date timetable information. Barcelona is not the last station, so make sure you wake up before your scheduled arrival time!

Timetables are subject to change. Click here to see up to date timetables click here for the official Renfe timetable for Madrid to Barcelona train

Ticket Prices From Madrid To Barcelona By Train

The official RENFE prices in euros are as follows (information correct January 2008):

‘Alvia’ single adult 65.80, single child 39.50, first class adult single 101.90, first class child single 61.15.

There is an official English RENFE branch, that offers tickets at discount prices. Call Tel: (0044) 020 7725 7063 for further information. Prices they were offering in January 2008 were cheaper!

Single adult 63 euros, single adult first class 97.40 euros.
Return adult 100.80 euros, return adult first class 155.90 euros.

Click here for English RENFE agents website

On the Costa Brava train you may want a bed. The price if you want a deluxe individual, is 114 euros. For a deluxe double it costs 80.70 euros. Bunks 49.30 euros.
Tickets: single adult 38.40, single child 23.05, first class adult 50.80, first class child 30.50

Reasons To Take The Train Instead Of The Plane

The trains are very comfortable, and you get room to get up and stretch you legs. Plus, on the daytime trains, you have the option of dining in the restaurant or snacking in the café. I find the train more relaxing, as you don’t have to turn up hours in advance to check in, and of course you get to see the scenery.

How Long Does The Madrid To Barcelona Train Take?

The Alvia train makes 8 stops. Currently the train uses the high speed line from Madrid to Lleida, and then the slower track until Barcelona. The high speed line (AVE) is being placed along the entire route, so that by the end of the decade the link between Madrid and Barcelona will be much faster. Watch this space!

Services On Board The Madrid To Barcelona Train

First class Altvia customers can benefit from free parking facilities at the departure station. If you are making a single journey, you may park for 24 hours, and if you are making a return journey you can park for 48 hours. All customers must pass through a checkpoint before getting on board. Notes that this closes 2 minutes before departure time.

Other Facilities On The Train

First class (preferente) or standard (turista)
Disabled toilets and seating
Café and restaurant
Free drink and restaurant meal for first class
Free magazine
TV, music

The Costa Brava train facilities include parking for first class ticket holders. (Single journey 24 hours; return 48 hours), a free magazine and café facilities.

Official RENFE website

Then click the English flag to see the site in English. (Other languages are available too).

Buying Tickets

Ticket reservations can be made by phone on Tel: (0034) 90 224 0202

Tickets are also available through some travel agents. They will display a RENFE notice in the window if this is the case.

Or online with the ticknet system on the official website given above.
You must register as a client, and for this you will need an ID number. You can use your passport number, or if you have a Spanish resident’s card, you can use the number on there. You can also choose the option to print your own internet bought tickets.

If the web page doesn’t accept your Spanish ID number, try it without the letters.

Customer service Ticket Enquiries: Tel: (0034) 90 215 7507 (between 07:00 – 23.00)

You can cancel tickets bought online up to two hours after the time you bought them, without any extra charges. After this, they will charge 15% to the card that you used to but them.

The credit card holder must be the one to collect the tickets from the station, and they must take photographic ID.

In the ticket office in Atocha station, there is a machine where you must take a numbered ticket (a bit like the delicatessen at the supermarket!). You then wait for your number.

If you have only reserved tickets online or by phone, you must pick them up at least 24 hours before your journey or you will loose them!

Madrid To Barcelona Train – Station Details

Madrid Chamartin Station
Street: Calle Agustín de Foxa, s/n

Opening hours: 05:30 – 24:00
Reserved ticket collection: 08:30 – 21:00
Tickets sales: 06:35 - 22:55
Left luggage: 07:00 – 23:00

Taxis
Metro: Chamartin (Dark Blue Line, L10) undergoing works!
Click here to double check on official metro website to see if it is open.
Distance to airport: 6km
Tourist information

Madrid Atocha Station
Street: Glorieta Carlos V s/n

Opening hours: 06:30 – 23:45
Reserved ticket collection: 07:00 – 21:30
Ticket sales: 18:30 – 21:30
Left luggage: 06:30 – 21:20

Taxis
Metro: Atocha RENFE (Light Blue Line, L1)
Distance to airport: 15 km
Tourist information office.