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    Taking the train from Cologne to Barcelona in 19 hours 13 minutes

    Thinking about taking the train from Cologne to Barcelona? We've got you covered.

    It usually takes around 22 hours 52 minutes to travel the 780 km from Cologne to Barcelona by train, although you can get there in as little as 19 hours 13 minutes on the fastest services. You'll normally find around 8 trains per day running on this route. You'll need to make 3 changes along the way as there aren't any direct services on this line. You can travel on this route with either TGV, AVE or Frecciarossa. As the main train operators on this route, all offer comfortable seating and plenty of space for luggage as standard.

    Train tickets from Cologne to Barcelona start from $165.59 when you book in advance, which can be cheaper than buying them on the day. Start a search in our Journey Planner to check out the latest prices.

    Keen to book your train tickets to Barcelona? No need to wait, start a search with us today! If you want to find out a bit more about the journey first, you can find our train schedule below, tips on booking cheap tickets and our FAQs, including first and last train times.

    Cologne to Barcelona by train

    It takes an average of 22h 52m to travel from Cologne to Barcelona by train, over a distance of around 485 miles (780 km). There are normally 8 trains per day traveling from Cologne to Barcelona and tickets for this journey start from $165.59 when you book in advance.

    First train

    12:20 am

    Last train

    7:00 pm

    Departure station

    Cologne

    Arrival station

    Barcelona

    Journey time

    From 19h 13m

    Distance

    485 miles (780 km)

    Frequency

    8 trains per day

    Changes

    3 changes

    Price

    From $165.59

    Train and bus operators

    SNCF Voyageurs, BlaBlaCar Bus, Trenitalia, Renfe, Trenord, ALSA, SNCF

    What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Cologne to Barcelona?

    Want to know more about your journey from Cologne to Barcelona? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

    How do you travel to Barcelona from Cologne?

    To get to Barcelona from Cologne, why not take the train? With 8 trains per day and an average journey time of 22 hours and 52 minutes, taking the train is a great way to travel. See our Journey Planner for up-to-date times and prices.

    How long does it take to get from Cologne to Barcelona by train?

    On average it takes around 22 hours and 52 minutes to travel from Cologne to Barcelona by train, although you can get there in 19 hours and 13 minutes on the fastest services. With 8 trains per day running on this route, journey times may vary, so check our Journey Planner for more information.

    How much is the train ticket from Cologne to Barcelona?

    The price of a train ticket from Cologne to Barcelona can start from as little as $165.59, depending on the time of day, route and class you book. Train tickets may also be cheaper when you book in advance compared to buying them on the day.

    Are there high-speed trains from Cologne to Barcelona?

    Yes, there are high-speed trains available for the trip from Cologne to Barcelona. Frecciarossa trains offer various classes and onboard services. You'll be able to get there in around 19 hours and 13 minutes on the fastest services.

    What are the train times from Cologne to Barcelona?

    Check out the next trains departing from Cologne to Barcelona for Monday Sep 22nd 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
    DepartsArrivesDuration
    11:20 pm6:33 pm19h 13m, 3 changes
    12:40 pm11:32 am22h 52m, 7 changes
    12:40 pm11:38 am22h 58m, 4 changes
    3:40 pm1:29 pm21h 49m, 4 changes
    4:40 pm5:05 pm24h 25m, 8 changes
    4:40 pm5:40 pm25h 0m, 7 changes
    6:00 pm5:05 pm23h 5m, 9 changes
    6:00 pm5:40 pm23h 40m, 8 changes

    Frecciarossa, Trenitalia, Renfe and SNCF trains from Cologne to Barcelona

    You can travel from Cologne to Barcelona on Frecciarossa, Trenitalia, Renfe and SNCF trains. When you search for times and tickets, we might also show you some other options with multiple connections or operators if they’re available.

    Frecciarossa trains are Trenitalia's flagship high-speed trains capable of reaching speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h). The "red arrow" trains are distinguished by their comfort, their ultra-modern design and their reduced impact on the environment. All Frecciarossa trains are equipped with a food carriage, a free WiFi connection and four levels of service – Standard, Premium (with drinks and snacks served on arrival), Business (with drinks and snacks plus larger seats) and Executive (with Fast Track, access to FrecciaClub lounges in train selected stations, and gourmet meals served to your seat). From December 2021, you can also travel with Frecciarossa from Milan to Paris via Turin, Modane and Chambéry. The trains are operated by Trenitalia France and have 4 levels of service - Standard, Business, Executive and Meeting Room - and two types of carriages: Silence Area, for those who want to travel in total tranquillity, and Allegro Area, for those who want to chat with their fellow passengers.

    Trenitalia is the national railway company of Italy, with a fleet including high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento and Frecciabianca), Intercity and Intercity night trains and regional trains. Trenitalia offers discounts and special promotions on selected routes, two types of discounted tickets for young people under 30 and people over 60.

    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.

    PhotoCtruongngoc, under licence CC BY-SA 3.0

    SNCF is the national train operator of France. It operates all domestic trains and routes across France, as well as international services to Spain and Germany. There are three different types of domestic trains that operate under the SNCF banner – TGV (high-speed, full-service trains that connect the major cities in France), Intercités (usually a more frequent stopping service, but with all the amenities), and TER (regional train services with basic onboard facilities).

    What TGV INOUI, Frecciarossa, AVE and Trenord classes are there from Cologne to Barcelona?

    Compare the different travel classes offered by TGV INOUI, Frecciarossa, AVE and Trenord when traveling from Cologne to Barcelona.

    What are the onboard services on TGV INOUI, Frecciarossa, AVE and Trenord?

    Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Cologne to Barcelona.

    LuggageLuggageWhat baggage limits are there?

    On board TGV INOUI trains, you can take up to 2 pieces of luggage measuring no more than 70 x 90 x 50 cm (27.5 x 35.4 x 19.6 inches), plus one hand luggage measuring no more than 40 x 30 x 15 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches). If you are bringing an XL baggage (maximum 90 x 130 cm or 35.4 x 51.1 inches), it will replace one of the two 70 x 90 x 50 cm (27.5 x 35.4 x 19.6 inches) pieces of luggage authorised.

    All your luggage must be labelled before entering the train.

    RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

    All TGV INOUI trains are equipped with a café-bar car offering a range of food and drink to suit you at any time of day. The Bar is always situated in car 4 or 14 of the train. There's a range of local and responsibly sourced products on offer.

    WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

    TGV INOUI trains have free WiFi on board for you to use throughout your journey, allowing you to stay connected, reply to emails or even relax and enjoy what's offered on the TGV INOUI entertainment portal.

    ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

    Children under 12 can get a half price ticket on TGV INOUI trains. Children under 4 travel free when they travel on your lap.

    ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

    If you've got a foldable bicycle, you can take it on the train as hand baggage, so long as it's no larger than 130 x 90 cm once folded. Or, if you can dismantle your bike, you can transport it in a cover or case no larger than 130 x 90 cm. You can still travel with a bike that cannot be folded or dismantled - you'll need to reserve a bike space on the train when you buy your ticket. Bike tickets cost €10 per bike, per journey.

    PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

    Small pets are allowed on board TGV INOUI trains provided they weigh less than 10kg. They must travel in a carrier no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm. Tickets for small pets cost €7. Larger dogs can also travel on TGV INOUI services, provided they are wearing a muzzle and are kept on a leash. Tickets for larger dogs cost €20. Guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free of charge on all SNCF trains.

    WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

    For disabled passengers or those with reduced mobility, you can request assistance through 'Accès Plus'. With this service, a member of staff will meet you at the station and help you get to your seat on the train. To book assistance, contact Accès Plus after you book your tickets (and no later than 48 hours before your train is due to depart).

    LuggageLuggageWhat baggage limits are there?
    • You can take your bags on board Frecciarossa trains free of charge.
    • In most cases, there are no baggage size limits. You’ll need to make sure that your baggage is compatible with the space available on board.
    RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?
    • You can go to the FrecciaBistrò café-bar counter located in the middle part of the train to get snacks, main courses, and drinks.
    • You can also order your favorite meal from the comfort of your seat – go to the entertainment portal called FRECCIAPlay and use the EasyBistrò service or ask a member of staff.
    • If you travel in Premium Class, you’ll get a total of 4 food / beverage products is offered on board, including: sweet or savoury snack, welcome drink, small water bottle, 1 wet wipe.
    • Travelers in Business Class receive a food box containing 7 fresh food & beverage products differentiated according to the time of day, plus Illy expresso coffee.
    • If you travel in Executive Class, you’ll get unlimited drinks plus food from a rotating monthly menu where some meals were ideated by the renowned Michelin star chef Carlo Cracco.
    WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?
    • You’ll find free WiFi on all Frecciarossa trains. Connect to their entertainment portal called FRECCIAPlay and choose from a wide selection of movies, TV series, live news, eBooks, games, music, and podcasts.
    • You can also use the FRECCIAPlay portal to get the latest updates on your journey, as well as book other services that will help you reach your destination.
    ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?
    • Kids under 4 can travel for free if a seat is not assigned to them. If they do have a seat, they can get 50% off Base tickets (Frecciarossa’s standard fare).
    • Children aged 4-14 also get 50% off.
    • Bimbi Gratis offer: You can also get free travel for kids under 15 plus 40% off Base tickets for adults, if you’re traveling in a family group of 2 to 5 people (including at least one adult and one child).
    ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?
    • You can travel with your bike for free on all Frecciarossa trains provided it’s not larger than 80 x 110 x 45cm (31.4 x 43.3 x 17.7 inches).
    • Your bike must be disassembled or folded and stored in a bag in one of the dedicated luggage racks.
    PetPetCan I bring pets on board?
    • Dogs, cats and other small pets can travel for free in a carrier with maximum dimensions of 70x30x50 cm (maximum one per passenger).
    • Bigger dogs can travel for only 5 € from Sunday to Friday, and for as little as 1 € on Saturday.
    • Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost.
    WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

    If you need to request special assistance, you can call the toll-free number 800 90 60 60, which can be reached from a landline in Italy, or the national number +3902323232, which can be reached from a landline or mobile, even from abroad (international calling charges may apply).

    InfoInfoWhat else do I need to know?

    Air-conditioning is available on board. You can also charge your devices thanks to the power outlets you can find at your seat.

    LuggageLuggageWhat baggage limits are there?

    With AVE, you can travel with up to 3 pieces of baggage that do not exceed 290cm (114.1 inches) and 25kg (55.1 pounds). In total, the maximum measurements of each piece of baggage are 85 x 55 x 35cm (33.4 x 21.6 x 13.7 inches). Musical instruments also count as hand baggage as long as they do not exceed the dimensions 30 x 120 x 38cm (11.8 x 47.2 x 14.9 inches) and are stored in a case.

    RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

    If you’d like to stretch your legs and grab a coffee during your journey, AVE trains have an onboard dining car. If you’d prefer to stay in your seat, AVE staff will pass through each car with a food and drink cart.

    WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

    On AVE trains, you can take advantage of PlayRenfe – their free WiFi and entertainment pass. Giving you access to exclusive content and fast connection speeds, PlayRenfe can be downloaded from the app store on your phone. Once you’re connected, you can access the PlayRenfe portal, where you’ll find exclusive live sport, news, films and TV series.

    ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

    Children under 3 years old travel for free with AVE, as long as they do not occupy a seat and have their free child ticket. Children from 3 to 14 years old can take advantage of a 40% discount on ticket prices.

    ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

    On all AVE trains, each passenger can take one bicycle or scooter on board, as long as it’s folded and carried inside a case. Also, the pedals must be removed and handlebars turned 90 degrees. Lastly, if the sum of the dimensions of the case is less than 180cm (70.8 inches), it's considered as hand luggage. However, if it’s bigger, it will be considered as special luggage (max dimensions 120 x 90 x 40 cm or 47.2 x 35.4 x 15.7 inches).

    PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

    With AVE, you can travel with a pet as long as it weighs no more than 10 kg (22 pounds) and travels inside a cage or carrier that measures max 60 x 35 x 35 cm (23 x 13 x 13 inches). Your pet must have their own pet ticket, unless you’re traveling with a Premium ticket, in which case the pet ticket is free. Guide and assistance dogs travel for free.

    WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

    AVE offer a free assistance and care service for people with reduced mobility. To request the service, passengers should contact AVE directly.

    LuggageLuggageWhat baggage limits are there?
    • You can take your bags on board Trenord trains free of charge, provided their dimensions do not exceed 80 x 110 x 40cm (31.4 x 43.3 x 15.7 inches).
    • You’ll need to make sure that your baggage is compatible with the space available on board.
    RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

    At the moment, a restaurant service is not available on Trenord trains. However, you can take your own food on board so pick up some snacks at the station before you set off.

    WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

    Trenord do not offer an entertainment portal on board. However, you can make use of your internet data, as well as charge your devices thanks to the power outlets that are available at your seat.

    ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

    Kids under 4 travel for free on all Trenord trains if they don’t occupy a seat and sit on an adult’s lap. Children aged 4-13 get 50% off the standard fare.

    ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?
    • Each passenger can take only one bike onboard Trenord trains.
    • Folding bikes and scooters that do not exceed the maximum dimensions of 80 x 120 x 45cm (31.4 x 47.2 x 17.7 inches) are allowed on board free of charge.
    • If you can’t fold your bike, you may be able to take it onboard some Trenord trains. However, you’ll need to buy a ticket both for you and for your bike.
    • Please note that the last cars of some trains are only reserved for bikes of those working in the food delivery sector.
    PetPetCan I bring pets on board?
    • Small pets can travel on all Trenord trains free of charge, if they’re placed in a carrier of max dimensions of 70 x 30 x 50cm (27.5 x 11.8 x 19.6 inches).
    • Bigger dogs are allowed on all trains if they have a ticket for unlimited travel for the whole day you’re traveling. They need to be kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
    • Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost.
    • Pets are not allowed on board on weekdays from 7 am to 9.30 am and from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm.
    WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

    Passengers with disabilities can:

    • Request, through the Lombardy Region, the IVOL regional card, which allows them to travel at a discounted price
    • Buy the ticket on board without going through control checks
    • Access the train with CartaBlu (free card for disabled passengers that live in Italy)

    To request special assistance, passengers will need to call the toll-free number 800210955 (active every day from 8.15 am to 7:45 pm) at least 48 hours before departure.

    How do I find cheap train tickets from Cologne to Barcelona?

    If you’re planning a trip to Europe soon, our Trainline team of experts have put together some tips to help you find cheap tickets. Booking on the day in Europe is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or travel class.

    1. Book in advance

    The price of train tickets from Cologne to Barcelona starts at $165.59§ one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Most train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months ahead of time, so if you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find cheaper tickets.

    2. Be flexible with your travel times

    If you can, consider traveling outside of 'peak hours' (generally between 06:00 - 10:00 and 15:00 - 19:00 on weekdays) as lots of trains companies increase their ticket prices during these commuter times.

    3. Buy a rail pass

    If you're visiting multiple locations on your trip, buying a rail pass can be cheaper than buying individual tickets. We're official retailers of Eurail Passes that are valid for travel in one country or multiple countries across Europe.

    4. Choose a slower or connecting train

    On some busier routes, you might have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have some extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare.

    5. Look out for train ticket sales and deals

    Many train companies in Europe will often run sales and offers on tickets throughout the year, so keep an eye out!

    For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.

    §Some train companies may not offer any Advance ticket types or cheaper deals for early bookings. On rare occasions, train companies may choose to release special offers closer to the date on last-minute or late-release tickets. This is dependent on the individual train operating company you travel with.

    * Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.

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