Barcelona Sants is where trains from Barcelona go to eat tapas together.
This railway hub is the largest in the city, making room at the table for dozens of domestic and international trains. Coming from Madrid or heading to France? Most trains to Barcelona find a seat in Sants for one reason or another.
Here’s what you need to know about Barcelona Sants train station.
Image credit: Getty Images, Westend61
Everything you need to know about Barcelona Sants train station
How many train stations are there in Barcelona?
That really depends on what you count as a train station. If you mean only large stations that serve long-distance trains to other Spanish regions or France, there are only two main train stations: Barcelona Sants, the largest train station in the city, and Estació de França. Other notable stations include Passeig de Gràcia and Plaça de Catalunya, where you can catch regional trains and connect to the city's metro system.
Where is Barcelona Sants train station?
Barcelona Sants train station is located at Plaça dels Països Catalans, 1, 7, 08014 in Barcelona, Spain. It is the main train station in Barcelona for national and international trains, though it’s not in the city center. Barcelona Sants is located southwest of the city center; Estació de França is the Barcelona main train station located near the Gothic Quarter.
Is there a train from Barcelona Airport to Barcelona city center?
Yes, you can take the R2 Nord (R2N) line between Barcelona-El Prat Airport and Barcelona city center. The R2N line stops at Barcelona Sants, Passeig de Gràcia, and El Clot-Aragó.
Does Barcelona Sants connect to Madrid?
Yes, you can take a high-speed train from Barcelona Sants to Madrid Atocha train station in 2h 29m with zero connections. It’s one of the easiest ways to explore two of Spain’s most popular sites while spending as few precious hours as possible in transit.
Is there airport-style security at Barcelona Sants station?
If you’re taking a high-speed intercity train (AVE, Iryo or Ouigo, or TGV trains) from platforms 1–6, you’ll need to go through an X-ray baggage check. It’s not a full TSA situation here—there are no metal detectors and your shoes can stay on—but the lines can get busy at peak times, so give yourself at least 10–15 mins for security before your departure.
What is the most scenic train ride from Barcelona?
There are many scenic train rides from Barcelona, including the route to Valencia along the coast. One of the most popular is the more local train ride on the R5 line from Barcelona city center to Montserrat which, though short in duration, doesn’t skimp on the mountain vistas.
What is the best site to buy train tickets in Spain?
Trainline, of course. You can download the Trainline app to purchase etickets for the lowest prices available and store them on your phone. We also translate all station names and platforms into English so you’ll know exactly where to go when navigating Barcelona Sants train station.
Image Credit: Getty Images, feradz. Image Location: Barcelona Sants Station
What shops and cafés are in Barcelona Sants train station?
Barcelona Sants may be the biggest train station in the city, but you won’t have trouble finding your way around. Half-dozen shops like Parfois and Calzedonia line their four-way racks with bags, clothes, gifts, and more if you’ve got euros burning a hole in your pocket.
As for food and drink options, Barcelona Sants train station has several coffee shops, meats and cheeses at Enrique Tomás, and the old reliable from señor Ronald McDonald.
But you’re in Barcelona, so get out of the train station and explore as soon as you can!
What to do near Barcelona Sants train station
While La Sagrada Família isn’t next door, the home field of FC Barcelona is. Spotify Camp Nou is about a 1.5 mi walk from Barcelona Sants train station.
If you’ve gotten your fill of tapas tasting in Madrid, switch up your meal planning in Barcelona with a visit to a Michelin-starred restaurant. COME by Paco Méndez (1 Star), Cinc Sentits (2 Stars), and Enigma (1 Star) are within walking distance of Barcelona Sants.
And if you want to soak up the Spanish sunshine, a half-hour walk to Montjuïc hill will bring you to sites like Barcelona Botanical Garden, an Olympic Stadium, Catalan Museum of Archaeology, and the stunning National Art Museum of Catalonia.
Best of Barcelona
Let Trainline take care of your train tickets to and from Barcelona, so you can focus on getting the most out of the city. Download our app and see how simple it is to book and store your e-tickets. Looking for some more travel inspiration? Check out our articles on the best Barcelona hotels with pools and where to find the best paella in the city.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Arseniy Rogov. Image Location: Barcelona Sants Station