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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.
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.
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.
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Traveling by train from Paris to Barcelona
Want to take a trip to the Catalan capital and looking for more information on how to travel from Paris to Barcelona by train? Look no further!
On average, the journey time from Paris to Barcelona by train is 6 hours and 44 minutes. However, the fastest direct trains can take you from Paris to Barcelona in just 6 hours and 29 minutes. As there are direct trains available from Paris to Barcelona, you don’t need to worry about changing. On this popular route, all trains depart from Paris Gare de Lyon station and arrive at Barcelona Sants. With high-speed trains reaching speeds of 198mph, you’ll be sipping sangria in Barcelona in no time!
Traveling by train from Paris to Barcelona is an excellent way to get from one city center to the other without the hassle of flying. The direct Paris to Barcelona train service is operated by TGV INOUI. At Paris Gare de Lyon station, you’ll board a high-speed TGV train and head through the beautiful French countryside before arriving right in the heart of Barcelona. Check out our dedicated article on planning a train trip from Paris to Barcelona for more details. Also, Barcelona is one of the first stops for trains from Paris to Spain – so you’ll be well-located to start exploring the rest of Spain.
Once you’ve arrived in Barcelona, you can start exploring the city right away. Not sure where to begin? Take a look at some of our favorite things to do in Barcelona, including:
- Marveling at the gothic architecture of La Sagrada Familia, one of Spain's most beautiful churches
- Watching the world go by in La Rambla
- Taking a stroll through Park Güell
- Kick back and relax - check out our list of Barcelona's best hotels with pools
- Head a little further afield - check out the Costa Brava's best beaches and take a look at how to explore the Costa Brava without a car
No wonder Barcelona is one of the best places in Europe to visit from Paris according to our guide. Eager to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets from Paris to Barcelona with us today. For more information, keep reading for FAQs, timetables and advice on how to book cheap train tickets.
What’s in this guide?
- TGV INOUI classes
- Onboard services on TGV INOUI trains
- Traveling from the airport to central Paris
- How to get to Paris Gare de Lyon station
- Everything you need to know about Paris Gare de Lyon station
- Train stations between Paris and Barcelona
- Arriving in Barcelona from Paris
- Public transport in Barcelona
- Things to do in Barcelona and Spain
- Popular train journeys from Barcelona
- Traveling from central Barcelona to the airport
- See more of Europe with a Eurail pass
Paris to Barcelona by train
It takes an average of 8h 59m to travel from Paris to Barcelona by train, over a distance of around 516 miles (831 km). There are normally 6 trains per day traveling from Paris to Barcelona and tickets for this journey start from $71.25 when you book in advance.
| First train | 7:41 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 10:14 pm | |
| Departure station | Paris | |
| Arrival station | Barcelona | |
| Journey time | From 6h 48m | |
| Distance | 516 miles (831 km) | |
| Frequency | 6 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $71.25 | |
| Train and bus operators | BlaBlaCar Bus, SNCF, Flixbus, ALSA, Internorte, SNCF Voyageurs, Trenitalia, Renfe |
What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Paris to Barcelona?
Want to know more about your journey from Paris to Barcelona? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How fast can trains travel from Paris to Barcelona?
Are there any direct trains from Paris to Barcelona?
How far is the train ride from Paris to Barcelona?
Who operates the trains from Paris to Barcelona?
Can I take a flight-free trip from Paris to Barcelona?
What is the best way to travel to Barcelona from Paris?
What time does the first train run from Paris to Barcelona?
How late does the train from Paris to Barcelona run?
How many trains go from Paris to Barcelona per day?
When do tickets from Paris to Barcelona go on sale?
Planning a round trip from Paris to Barcelona?
TGV, Trenitalia, SNCF and Renfe trains from Paris to Barcelona
TGV
Trenitalia
SNCF
Renfe
TGV is the high-speed train service of the SNCF company. It connects the major cities of France at speeds of up to 200 mph (320 km/h). All TGV trains are equipped with a food carriage, a free WiFi connection, power sockets and fold-down tables. Two comfort classes are offered – First Class and Second Class, with flexible fare options available and access to the Grand Voyageur lounge in some stations.
More information
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.
More information
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).
More information
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
What TGV INOUI and AVE classes are there from Paris to Barcelona?
Compare the different travel classes offered by TGV INOUI and AVE when traveling from Paris to Barcelona.
TGV INOUI
AVE
Second Class
In Second Class, TGV INOUI allows you to travel comfortably while enjoying the onboard services, such as free WiFi, power outlets and more.
- Free WiFi
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Dining car
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Baggage storage
- Reading light
- More legroom
- Quiet area
First Class
Prefer to travel in style? Upgrade to First Class and you’ll enjoy all the benefits of Second Class as well as some additional extras.
- Free WiFi
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Dining car
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Baggage storage
- Reading light
- More legroom
- Quiet area
Estándar (Standard Class)
In AVE's Estándar Class, you'll enjoy comfortable fuss-free travel. With baggage storage and air-conditioning throughout, there's access to their dining car serving drinks and snacks and seats are usually in a row of 2 or 4 around a table. On board, you'll enjoy:
- Free WiFi
- Seat reservation
- Dining car
- Entertainment pass
- Fold-down table
- Reading light
- Power outlets at each seat
- In-seat meal service
- Lounge access
- Larger tables
Confort (First Class)
Onboard AVE's Confort Class, you’ll enjoy all the amenities of Estándar Class as well as extra perks, such as complimentary food and drinks, free newspapers and more. Don't forget to enjoy access to Renfe's Club Rooms before your trip to kick it off in style. On board, you'll enjoy:
- Free WiFi
- Seat reservation
- Dining car
- Entertainment pass
- Fold-down table
- Reading light
- Power outlets at each seat
- In-seat meal service
- Lounge access
- Larger tables
What are the onboard services on TGV INOUI and AVE?
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Paris to Barcelona.
TGV INOUI
AVE
What 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. |
|---|---|
What 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. |
What 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. |
What 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. |
Can 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. |
Can 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. |
What 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). |
What 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. |
|---|---|
What 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. |
What 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. |
What 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. |
Can 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). |
Can 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. |
What 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. |
How do I find cheap train tickets from Paris to Barcelona?
The price of train tickets from Paris to Barcelona starts at $71.25 one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Booking on the day is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or class.
1. Book in advance
2. Be flexible with your travel times
3. Choose a slower or connecting train
4. Look out for special deals
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
Traveling from the airport to central Paris
If you’re arriving in Paris from abroad, chances are you’ll land at one of Paris’ airports. Keep reading for more details on how to get to central Paris from the city’s three major airports.
How to get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to central Paris
How to get from Orly Airport to central Paris
How to get from Beauvais Tille Airport to central Paris
How to get to Paris Gare de Lyon station from central Paris
Before your journey to Barcelona, you need to travel to Paris Gare de Lyon station. Not sure how to get there? We’ve got you covered!
Gare de Lyon station is located in East Paris and easily accessed due to the city’s public transport system. If you’re hoping to take the train to Barcelona and need to get to Paris Gare de Lyon train station, you can get there by:
- Metro: From the city center, you can take Line 1 or Line 14 to the Metro station at Gare de Lyon.
- Train: Hop on the RER A or RER D service to Gare de Lyon.
- Bus: You can take RATP buses from across the city to Gare de Lyon, including services 24, 29, 57, 61, 63, 72, 77, 87 and 91.
- Night buses: If you’re traveling at night, you can take many buses to Gare de Lyon, including N01, N02, N11, N16, N31, N32, N33, N34 and N35.
- On foot: Paris Gare de Lyon can be accessed either from the forecourt (Place Louis Armand) overlooking Boulevard Diderot, from Rue de Bercy, or from Place Henri Frenay.
Using public transport in Paris
The Métro is the best way to travel around the city if you want to navigate Paris quickly, cheaply and easily. If you’re planning to travel around Paris and France, we recommend you buy a Tplus ticket – it allows connections between the Métro and RER trains in central Paris. Also, it will take you to all the main stations in Paris where you can catch a connecting TGV high-speed train to other French cities.
Traveling with family? In Paris, children under 4 can travel for free on the Métro, RER, bus, and tramway services, provided they sit on your lap and don’t occupy a seat. Children under 10 get 50% off the ticket price.
Everything you need to know about Paris Gare de Lyon station
As soon as you’ve arrived at Paris Gare de Lyon station, you can head to the platform. If you have a Business Première ticket or another eligible ticket, you can take advantage of the First Class lounge.
Once you’ve entered Gare de Lyon station, you can take advantage of the following services:
- Restaurants and cafés including Paul, Starbucks and McDonald's
- Shops such as Franprix and Relay
- Pharmacy
- Bathroom
- Lost property
Before boarding the train, SNCF staff welcome you at the control gates. To make your trip easier, follow these simple steps to validate your train ticket:
- Print your ticket or open your e-ticket on your mobile
- Go to the boarding reception to scan your train ticket
- Get on the train and look forward to the trip
On TGV INOUI trains, you can board up to two minutes before the departure time. After this time, you will be refused access to the train.
Grand Voyageur TGV INOUI lounges
Customers with a Business Première ticket, a Carte Liberté (with a Première ticket) or the Grand Voyageur loyalty card, can access the Grand Voyageur TGV INOUI lounges at Paris Gare de Lyon station. The First Class lounge is a premium space and perfect for relaxation or work. Here, you can enjoy a selection of newspapers, hot drinks, a water fountain and more.
Train stations between Paris and Barcelona
On your way from Paris to Barcelona by train, you can stop off at several towns and cities.
In total, the journey from Paris Gare de Lyon to Barcelona Sants takes just over 6 hours and 30 minutes. Depending on which service you travel on, you can visit some of the most beautiful towns in France and Spain, including Montpellier and Girona. The line from Paris to Barcelona serves:
Arriving at Barcelona Sants station from Paris
At the end of your journey, you will arrive at Barcelona Sants station.
Before you know it, your train will arrive at Barcelona Sants station, a short journey from the city center.
Once you’ve left the station, you’ll want to start soaking up the city’s atmosphere as soon as possible. The center of Barcelona is easy to reach due to the city’s extensive public transport network. You can get there by:
- 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 Barcelona Sants station to the city center.
- Walk: From Barcelona Sants station, La Rambla in the city center is a 42-minute walk.
If you need to catch a flight, you can simply catch the Renfe train from Barcelona Sants to Barcelona Airport, which takes around 20 minutes.
Using public transport in Barcelona
Barcelona is a sprawling city with many different areas, but it boasts a modern public transport system to help you navigate the city.
Taking the Metro in Barcelona
The Metro is the simplest way to get around the city and consists of 12 lines and 186 stations.
When buying tickets for the Metro, there are various options available, including a Single ticket for just one journey and a T-Dia, for unlimited travel for a whole day. Running 365 days a year, the Metro operates from 05:00 am until 12:00 am, except on Friday when it closes at 02:00 am and Saturday when it does not close.
Taking the Bus in Barcelona
If you want to enjoy panoramic views of the city, take the bus! In Barcelona, over 230 bus lines run from 05:00 am until 10:00 pm.
Taking the tram in Barcelona
The tram is a quick and convenient way to get around Barcelona. If you’d like to travel via tram, you can purchase tickets from the machines at tram stations.
Things to see and do in Barcelona
Considering a journey to the Catalan capital? To help inspire your trip, here are some ideas for things to see and do in Barcelona and Spain:
Popular train journeys from Barcelona
If you’ve enjoyed your time in Barcelona and want to explore more of Spain, 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 Barcelona:
Traveling from the airport to central Barcelona
If you’re traveling abroad from Barcelona, you’ll most likely depart from the city’s main airport, El Prat Airport – more commonly known as Barcelona Airport. Barcelona Airport is Spain’s second busiest airport and is situated around 8 miles southwest of Barcelona’s city center.
Buses to Barcelona Airport
Train to Barcelona Airport
Metro to Barcelona Airport
Taxis to Barcelona Airport
Explore Europe by train with a Eurail Pass
After visiting Barcelona, 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.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.