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All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
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Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
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Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
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Traveling from Barcelona to Valencia by train
Considering a trip to the third-largest city in Spain and need more advice on how to travel from Barcelona to Valencia by train? You’ve come to the right place!
On average, the train journey from Barcelona to Valencia takes 2 hours and 54 minutes, with the fastest services taking just 2 hours and 40 minutes. As there are direct services available, you won’t need to worry about changing along the way either.
When traveling on the Barcelona-Valencia route, you’ll be traveling on a service provided by Renfe – Spain’s national railway operator. You’ll board a train at Barcelona Sants station, and if you’re on Renfe’s Euromed train you’ll arrive quickly at Valencia Joaquin Sorolla station. However, if you’re traveling on Renfe’s Talgo train, you’ll arrive a bit slower at Valencia Estacio Nord, although the journey tends to be cheaper.
Barcelona and Valencia are separated by 188 miles of coastline, and Renfe’s direct trains will take you directly from city center to city center. Once you’ve hopped off the train at Valencia, you can head straight to the city’s most famous landmarks, including:
- The City of Arts and Sciences – one of the 12 Treasures of Spain.
- L'Hemisfèric - wander around and study the stunning architecture.
- L'Oceanogràfic – an open-air oceanographic park.
Obviously, no trip to Valencia would be complete without a visit to the beach and a sample of the local seafood!
Eager to book? Begin your search for cheap train tickets from Barcelona to Valencia in our Journey Planner at the top of the page. If you’d like to learn more about the train journey from Barcelona to Valencia first, keep reading for more information on:
What’s in this guide?
- Today's train times
- Information about Renfe
- Finding cheap train tickets from Barcelona to Valencia
- Traveling from the airport to central Barcelona
- How to get to Barcelona Sants station
- Everything you need to know about Barcelona Sants station
- Train stations between Barcelona and Valencia
- Arriving in Valencia from Barcelona
- Public transport in Valencia
- Discover Spain
- Popular train journeys from Valencia
- Traveling from central Valencia to the airport
- See more of Europe with a Eurail pass
- Review: Barcelona to Valencia by train
Barcelona to Valencia by train
It takes an average of 4h 18m to travel from Barcelona to Valencia by train, over a distance of around 188 miles (303 km). There are normally 8 trains per day traveling from Barcelona to Valencia and tickets for this journey start from $15.61 when you book in advance.
FAQs about the train journey from Barcelona to Valencia
Want to know more about your journey from Barcelona to Valencia? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Are there any direct trains from Barcelona to Valencia?
How far is the train ride from Barcelona to Valencia?
Who operates the trains from Barcelona to Valencia?
Can I take a flight-free trip from Barcelona to Valencia?
What is the best way to travel to Valencia from Barcelona?
What time does the first train run from Barcelona to Valencia?
How late does the train from Barcelona to Valencia run?
How many trains go from Barcelona to Valencia per day?
When do tickets from Barcelona to Valencia go on sale?
Planning a round trip from Barcelona to Valencia?
Renfe, Alvia and Euromed trains from Barcelona to Valencia
Renfe
Alvia
Euromed
Renfe is the national train operator in Spain. It operates trains on the longest high-speed railway network in Europe, and the second-longest in the world. The country's major cities are linked up by the high-speed AVE and Avlo trains, while other long-distance routes are served by Altaria, Talgo, Alvia and Euromed trains. Renfe also operates cross-border services into neighbouring Portugal and France. Depending on which service you are travelling on, you'll usually find two classes on Renfe trains - Estándard (Standard Class) and Confort (First Class). Fare types range from the cheapest (but least flexible) Básico fare, to the more flexible Elige fares, to the Premium fare for seats in Confort carriages.
More information
Renfe's Alvia services combine high-speed tracks with lower speed sections, reaching speeds of up to 155 mph (250 km/h) on international lines and 125 mph (200 km/h) on conventional lines. These trains connect the cities of Madrid, Barcelona and Alicante with the other main Spanish cities. Alvia offers two types of classes – Turista (Second Class) and Preferente (First Class). The latter has wider seats, carriages with fewer seats, offers complimentary food and drinks, free newspapers, and access to parking and Club meeting rooms.
More information
Euromed is Renfe's high-speed service that travels along the Mediterranean coast. Able to travel at 155 mph (250 km/h), Euromed trains run on the Barcelona – Tarragona – Castellón – Valencia – Alicante route - also known as the "Mediterranean Corridor". With a frequency of up to 12 daily trips between these cities, Euromed trains offer two classes on board – Turista (Second Class) and Preferente (First Class). Designed by Talgo, the trains that run between Barcelona and Alicante offer 63 seats in Preferente and 236 in Turista, with 11 carriages (including a food carriage) and two locomotives, which allows them to travel in both directions.
More information
Alvia classes from Barcelona to Valencia
Compare the different travel classes offered by Alvia when traveling from Barcelona to Valencia.
Estándar
Travel in Alvia's Estándar Class (Standard Class) and you'll enjoy many amenities, including air-conditioning, power outlets at every seat and footrests.
- Baggage storage
- Fold-down table
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
Confort
Upgrade to Alvia's Confort Class (First Class) and enjoy more comfortable seats, more legroom, an in-seat meal service and access to Renfe's Club lounges.
- Baggage storage
- Fold-down table
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
Onboard services on Alvia
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Barcelona to Valencia.
On Alvia trains you can take up to three pieces of baggage on board, provided that they are less than 290cm long and weigh less than 25kg in total. Strollers and instruments smaller than 30 x 120 x 38 cm are also classed as hand baggage.
Most Alvia trains have an onboard café-bar, as well as an at-seat service with a wide selection of food and drinks.
On board Alvia services, you can connect to PlayRenfe, a platform offering free WiFi and hours of entertainment.
Children under 4 travel free on Alvia services with a free child's ticket. Plus, passengers under 14 get a 40% discount on their chosen tariff.
With Alvia, folded bicycles that are less than 180cm long and are stored in a case count as hand baggage. If your bike is larger than this, it will count as special baggage and must be no larger than 120 x 90 x 40 cm - you must also detach the pedals and rotate the handlebars 90 degrees.
You can take your pet with you if they weigh less than 10kg, travel in a carrier no larger than 60 x 35 x 35 cm, and have a pet ticket. In Elige Confort a pet ticket is free, while in Básico a pet ticket costs 25% of the price of a ticket.
Alvia has an assistance service for passengers with reduced mobility or a disability. To arrange assistance, you can call (+34) 900 400 555 (international calling charges may apply).
Cheap train tickets from Barcelona to Valencia
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Barcelona to Valencia by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
Free travel on Cercanías trains with a long-distance train ticket
If you buy a ticket for one of Renfe’s long-distance services, such as AVE, you can benefit from free travel on Cercanías and other regional trains before and after your journey. This is known as a Combinado Cercanías ticket.
This means that if you need to get to the station where your long-distance journey starts, or if you want to travel onward from your destination station, you may be able to use regional trains at no extra cost!
You’re also able to get a Combinado Cercanías ticket if you’re traveling with iryo.
Find out more on our dedicated Combinado Cercanías page, which contains information about eligible tickets and the cities included in the offer.
Traveling from the airport to central Barcelona
Flying to Barcelona from abroad? You will probably land at El Prat Airport, more commonly known as Barcelona Airport.
Buses from Barcelona Airport
Trains from Barcelona Airport
Metro from Barcelona Airport
Taxis from Barcelona Airport
How to get to Barcelona Sants station from central Barcelona
If you’re taking the train from Barcelona to Valencia, you will need to travel to Barcelona Sants station first.
Nestled in the heart of the city, Barcelona Sants station is easy to get to via the city’s public transport. To get from central Barcelona to Barcelona Sants station, you can use:
- Metro: Green Line L3 and Blue Line L5 link the city center with the train station’s metro, Sants Estació.
- Bus: There are various buses available from the city center to Barcelona Sants station.
- Walk: From La Rambla in the city center, Barcelona Sants station is a 42-minute walk.
If you want to travel from Barcelona Airport to Barcelona Sants station, you can catch the Renfe train from Barcelona Airport station to Barcelona Sants station, which takes around 25 minutes.
Everything you need to know about Barcelona Sants station
As you wait for your train to Valencia, there are plenty of things to keep you occupied at Barcelona Sants station.
Arrive at Barcelona Sants station early and you’ll find plenty of things to do to help pass the time. As you wait for your train to arrive, you can check out:
- Restaurants and cafés
- Shops
- Newsstand
- Pharmacy
- Cash machines
- Currency exchange
- Car rental
- Tourist office
- Parking
Find out more about Barcelona Sants train station in our guide.
Train stations between Barcelona and Valencia
On your way from Barcelona to Valencia by train, the train may stop at certain towns and cities along the Spanish coast.
In total, the journey from Barcelona to Valencia takes under 3 hours. Depending on which service you travel on, you’ll stop at some of the most beautiful towns and cities in Spain. The line from Barcelona to Valencia serves:
Arriving in Valencia from Barcelona
Depending on which train operator you decide to travel with, your train will arrive at either Valencia Joaquín Sorolla station or Valencia Estaciò Nord station.
Because your journey starts and ends in the same country, you can simply leave the station as soon as you’ve arrived. If you need any help or advice, you’ll find a 24-hour tourist information office at both stations.
How to get from Valencia Joaquín Sorolla station to central Valencia
After you’ve left the station, you’ll find that Valencia Joaquín Sorolla train station is located in the south of the city. You’ll probably want to start soaking up the city’s atmosphere straight away – you can get from Valencia Joaquín Sorolla station to different parts of the city by:
- Shuttle bus: From the station, there is a shuttle bus taking passengers to Estació Nord – Valencia's other train station located in the city center. The best part? It’s free! Simply present your train ticket to ride the shuttle bus for free.
- Metro: Walk to Jesús metro station (5 minutes) and take either line 1, 2 or 7 to the city center.
- Bus: Make your way to the San Vicente Mártir bus stop and take bus lines 9, 10 or 27 to central Valencia.
- Taxi: Exit the station from the main concourse and you’ll find a taxi rank directly outside the entrance to the station.
How to get from Valencia Estaciò Nord station to central Valencia
If you’ve traveled to Valencia on a slower Renfe Talgo train, you will arrive at Valencia Estaciò Nord station. From here, you’re less than a 5-minute walk from Plaça de l'Ajuntament, Valencia’s main square in the heart of the city.
Using public transport in Valencia
Use the city's public transport system if you want to navigate Valencia quickly and conveniently.
Taking the bus in Valencia
Across Valencia, 23 bus lines are waiting to take you all over the city and surrounding neighborhoods. Buses run from 4:00am until 10:30pm and then night buses run until 2:00am on weekdays, and 3:30am on weekends.
Usually, locals use the rechargeable Suma travel card to get around the city. For visitors, the best option is the Valencia Tourist Card. It offers unlimited journeys on public transport for 24 hours, 48 or 72 hours. You can buy a Valencia Tourist Card from any tourist information point. Alternatively, you can buy single bus tickets from the driver.
Taking the Metro in Valencia
Comprised of 9 lines, Valencia’s underground transport and tram system is run by Metrovalencia.
Typically, a single underground ticket costs €1.50 ($1.64) for one zone, €2.80 ($3.06) for two zones and €4.80 ($5.25) for three zones as of October 2023. Each ticket allows passengers to switch between metro, tram and bus lines as necessary. All tickets can be purchased at underground or tram stations.
On weekdays, operating hours are 4:00 am until 11:30 pm. On Friday and Saturday, the schedule is extended until 3:00am. Certain stations are famous for their design. Head to Lameda station to check out the iconic architecture, or make your way to Colón station to see what’s on at the exhibition space. Finally, Amado Granell-Montolivet station is home to a spectacular mural by Valencian illustrator Paco Roca.
Discover Spain
If you’d like to explore more of Spain but you’re unsure where to begin, here’s some inspiration for the best places to visit and how to get there by train:
Popular train journeys from Valencia
Enjoyed your time in Valencia and want to explore more of Europe? You can easily reach nearby towns and cities by train. To inspire your next trip, here are some of the most popular train journeys from Valencia:
Traveling from central Valencia to the airport
Want to know how to get to the airport from central Valencia? Keep reading for more details!
If you’re traveling abroad from Valencia, you’ll most likely depart from the city’s main airport, Valencia Airport. The airport is located about 5 miles west of the city and can be reached by Metro or bus.
Metro to Valencia Airport
To get to Valencia Airport from central Valencia, there are two metro lines to choose from. Depending on where you’re located in the city, you can take either Line 5 (Airport / Torrent Avinguda- Neptú) or Line 3 (Airport / Palmaret- Rafelbunyol) directly to Valencia Airport.
Every 15-20 minutes, services can take you from central Valencia to the airport. In total, the journey takes around 20 minutes. The ticket costs €4.40 ($4.82) as of October 2023, unless you have a Valencia Tourist Card, in which case it’s free.
Bus to Valencia Airport
Although it takes a bit longer, the bus is the cheapest option to get from Valencia’s downtown to the airport. From central areas such as Mislata, Quart de Poblet and Manises, you can take the number 150 bus to Valencia Airport.
On weekdays, buses run every 26 minutes. However, on weekends, buses run every 35 minutes. In total, the journey time is around 47 minutes. At the end of your journey, the bus will drop you off at the entrance of Terminal 1. A single ticket costs €1.45 ($1.59) as of October 2023 and you can buy one from the driver.
Explore Europe by train with a Eurail Pass
After visiting Valencia, why not continue exploring Europe by train? With a Eurail Pass, you can travel across 33 European countries as much as you want on participating European train networks for a set amount of travel days.
You can use a Eurail Pass if you’re not a European citizen or resident. If you're a European citizen or a non-European who is an official legal resident of a European country, you can use an Interrail Pass instead.
Tips and tricks from our Trainline team
We love helping our customers find inspiration for their next train journey. Discover some travel stories written based on our employees' experiences.
Traveling by train from Barcelona to Valencia: comfort and speed
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.