I would absolutely take the train. While bus is cheaper (28-41 euros), the fastest bus trip is 7.5 hours while you can take the high speed AVE train and make the journey in 2.5 to 3 hours. Train is also much more comfortable – you can get up and walk around, go have a snack in the bar car, etc. If you choose the train you’ll want to book online to take advantage of special online advance purchase fares that make the high speed train cost as little as 65 euros (the Estrella fares).

Spanish train website:
www.renfe.es

Bus schedules, fares and booking:
http://www.movelia.e…

Thanks ! I was checking out the site , but couldn’t figure out how to get the English language on !

Is this site also available in English ?

Thanks and lot !

The site is not designed very well, and if you select English on the home page it is difficult to purchase and doesn’t seem to show you the special fares. I think the best way to purchase in English is to follow these steps, doing the first part in Spanish.

1) go to http://www.renfe.com
2) At the top left hand part of the page under where it says “Compra de Billetes” check the circle for “Ida” (this selects a one-way ticket).
3) Choose Barcelona() and then Madrid() from the drop down menus.
4) Enter your travel date using the calendar where it says “Ida” under the box where you chose Madrid.
5) In the box that say “Num. Viajeros” enter how many tickets you want to buy.
6) click “Buscar”

A new window will open and in that new window you can select for English on the bottom left hand side of the page. You should then be able to complete the process in English, with access to those lower Estrella fares.

Hey thats great – many thanks ! Besides AVE are there any other trains ( that are even more cheaper ? ) – do they take much more time (like 5 hrs ? )

I guess we will go with your recommendation of AVE , but just wanted to have an idea on the other options as well !

Many Thanks !

The only other train I see is an overnight train. The cheapest seat is 41 euros, a couchette is 52.

The bus system in Spain is extremely efficient, runs regularly and is overall very cost-friendly. I suggest you buy your ticket the day of, less of a hassle.

You can find schedules for different companies leaving from Madrid to Barcelona on this site in English:
http://www.busbud.co…

Hope this helps!

Wonder if DHIR is still interested in the answer to this 3 year old question….

Might be useful for others… I found this info while searching google and I’m sure there are other people who will look for info for transits between barcelona and madrid…

yup true and I suggest train! to move inside Europe or inside any country in Europe trains are best! and most importantly cheaper, there’s always good offers in websites and when you book online there’s always discounts (or maybe I was lucky ) anyway check this site it may help www.raileurope.com.a… I tried it, I tried one of their planned trip all in all it was good

Hi,

I have seen some posts above, mentioning prices below 100 euro to travel from barcelona to madrid with Train…

Can you suggest anywebsites that you found such prices because the cheapest ticket i found is 118 euro while there is flight with 70 euro…

Hambis— the best place to price and book train tickets is on the individual national rail company websites. The links are in a sticky at the top of this forum and under “transportation” on the “travel tips” tab. http://www.renfe.com… gets you to the English page for the Spanish rail company. If you’re unable to find or purchase an Internet special or other low fare for your ticket, then buy the ticket at the train station after you get to Europe. Avoid using raileurope.com, railpass.com, eurail.com or other travel agency websites as they generally don’t offer any advance purchase specials, sell tickets at inflated “global pricing” (usually 30 to 35% more than the standard fare you’d pay at the station) plus often add fees and shipping charges.

For international tickets try the websites for all the countries you pass through — just make sure there’s a workable option to print your ticket or to pick it up at your departure station. You don’t want to be trying to board a train in Paris with your ticket waiting for you in Madrid.