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Trains from Essen to Barcelona

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  3. Essen to Barcelona

Travelling from Essen to Barcelona by train

Looking to travel from Essen to Barcelona by train? You've come to the right place!

On average, it takes around 19 hours 21 minutes to travel from Essen to Barcelona by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 13 hours 12 minutes though. You'll usually find 14 trains per day running along the 732 miles (1179 km) route between these two destinations. You’ll need to make 2 changes during the journey to Barcelona, as there currently aren't any direct services on this route.

Plan your trip ahead of time and book early if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Tickets from Essen to Barcelona start from £140.46 when you book in advance, so use our Journey Planner to view the latest prices.

If you’re feeling ready to book, start looking for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information on the journey to Barcelona by train, including our timetable where you can view first and last train times.

Trains to Barcelona from Essen

It takes an average of 19h 21m to travel from Essen to Barcelona by train, over a distance of around 732 miles (1179 km). There are normally 14 trains per day travelling from Essen to Barcelona and tickets for this journey start from £140.46 when you book in advance.

First train

06:07

Last train

22:36

Departure stationEssen
Arrival stationBarcelona
Journey time

From 13h 12m

Distance

732 miles (1179 km)

Frequency

14 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Price

From £140.46

Train and bus operators

Flixbus

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

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

How do you get to Barcelona from Essen?

To travel to Barcelona from Essen, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 19 hours and 21 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 13 hours and 12 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information.

How long is the train ride from Essen to Barcelona?

Trains from Essen to Barcelona take an average of 19 hours and 21 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 13 hours and 12 minutes. You'll usually find 14 trains per day on this route, so use our Journey Planner to check specific dates as times may vary.

How much does it cost to get from Essen to Barcelona by train?

Train tickets from Essen to Barcelona can start from £140.46 when booked in advance, but they’re usually more expensive if bought on the day of travel. Prices may also vary depending on the time of day, route, and class you choose.

What is the quickest journey time between Essen and Barcelona by train?

The quickest journey time between Essen and Barcelona by train is 13 hours and 12 minutes.

What are the train times from Essen to Barcelona?

Check out the next trains departing from Essen to Barcelona for Tuesday 14th October 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
06:0920:2914h 20m, 2 changes
06:2120:2914h 8m, 3 changes
11:0911:3224h 23m, 5 changes
11:2111:3224h 11m, 6 changes
12:0011:3223h 32m, 7 changes
14:0911:3821h 29m, 4 changes
14:2111:3821h 17m, 5 changes
16:2813:2921h 1m, 2 changes
17:0913:2920h 20m, 3 changes
17:2113:2920h 8m, 4 changes

How do I find cheap train tickets from Essen 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 Essen to Barcelona starts at £140.46§ 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 travelling outside of 'peak hours' (generally between 06:00 - 10:00 and 15:00 - 19:00 on weekdays) as many train 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 Interrail Passes that are valid for travel within 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 discounts

Many train companies in Europe will often run sales on tickets throughout the year or offer discounts to senior/youth/group travellers, so keep an eye out!

6. Take a night train

Save on accommodation and use the night to travel by sleeper train to your next destination.

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.

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