The best way to get from Madrid to Barcelona [ADVICE]

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Going from Madrid to Barcelona is one of the most popular journeys for tourists who want to visit the country’s two biggest cities. Furthermore, many tourists who come from afar, like from America, make the most of landing in Madrid to tour Europe’s most beautiful cities. The first essential stop on this tour is Barcelona.

Below, we are going to show you all the options available for going from Madrid to Barcelona, and we will give you some advice on the best choices.

Once you’re in Barcelona you have the chance to go on 27 reduced-size tours offered by World Experience. If you’re looking for unique ways of discovering Barcelona, then take a look at what we have on offer.

Madrid to Barcelona by train (AVE)

If you want the best way of going from Madrid to Barcelona, then look no further than the train. The AVE (Alta Velocidad Española [Spanish high-speed train]) takes 3 hours, and although this is three times the journey by plane, if you add the fact that you have to get to the airport a while before, plus the hassle of going through security and boarding, then it’s pretty much the same time, but without the stress.

Furthermore, the stations of Madrid-Atocha and Barcelona-Sants are located in the centre of each city, so you will save time getting to them too.

The train is the most expensive option of all, but if you buy the ticket in advance you will find some great prices. You can check times and buy tickets for the AVE here.

Madrid-Barcelona by air

The flight between Madrid and Barcelona lasts just 50 minutes, although, as we have already mentioned, you need to consider the time you’ll spend in each airport.

Tickets are cheaper than the AVE, as many companies operate on this flight path meaning there is plenty of competition for prices. Vueling, Iberia and Air Europa are some of the main operators.

Once you get to Barcelona, you have several options to get from the airport to the city centre. The airport is very well connected.

Madrid to Barcelona by car

You can also do this journey by car, although we recommend doing this with several other people so you can share the expenses. This will take you about 6 and a half hours, and you will have to use several toll roads, adding up to around €30. Then you must take into account the fuel.

Spanish motorways are generally good. If you’re not in a hurry you can stop off at the beautiful cities of Soria, Zaragoza and Lleida, which are well known for their good food.

Madrid to Barcelona by bus

Finally, the cheapest option for this journey is the bus. There are even night buses that will save you a night in a hotel.

The journey by bus takes around 7 hours and prices are usually around €30. In Madrid, the departure station is the Avenida América interchange, whilst in Barcelona the bus will usually arrive in Barcelona Sants or Barcelona-Nord stations.

Now you know how to get to Barcelona from Madrid, all you have to worry about is having a good time! How does a night of tapas, flamenco and wine sound to start off your stay?