Taking the train from London to Barcelona
The quickest journey from London to Barcelona is made up of two high-speed trains – Eurostar trains, which travel at speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h), and TGV trains, which travel at speeds of up to 200 mph (320 km/h). The fastest journey time from London to Barcelona by train is 10 hours and 22 minutes.
It may be quicker to fly, but if you want to reduce your carbon footprint, admire the European countryside or even turn the journey into a bigger trip with a stop along the way, taking the train is a relaxing and interesting way to travel between these two cities. Not only are Eurostar and TGV trains a far more comfortable option than flying, you can also take much more baggage with you and enjoy free WiFi along the way.
After you’re whisked across France and over the border into Spain, you’ll arrive into Barcelona’s main station – Barcelona Sants. Centrally located, it won’t be long before you’re wandering Las Ramblas or taking in the iconic Sagrada Familia once you’ve alighted your train.
Ready to book? Search for times and tickets in our Journey Planner at the top of the page or keep reading for FAQs about the train journey from London to Barcelona.
London to Barcelona by train
Cheap train tickets from London to Barcelona
- lowest price found‡
- from€98
- 4 weeksin advance‡
- avg. single price€199.56
- 2 weeksin advance‡
- avg. single price€260.42
- on the day‡
- avg. single price€425.90
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 London to Barcelona 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.
Journey details
How long does the train from London to Barcelona take?
The average journey time by train between London and Barcelona is 1 hour and 36 minutes, with around 2 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
How fast does the train from London to Barcelona travel?
The quickest journey from London to Barcelona is made up of two high-speed trains – Eurostar trains which travel at speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h) and TGV trains which travel at speeds of up to 200 mph (320 km/h). The fastest journey time from London to Barcelona by train is 1 hour and 19 minutes.
How much does the train from London to Barcelona cost?
Train ticket prices from London to Barcelona can start from as little as €98 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Is there a direct train from London to Barcelona?
No, there are no direct train services from London to Barcelona. Travelling from London to Barcelona by train will require a minimum of 4 change(s).
What time does the first train from London to Barcelona leave?
The first train from London to Barcelona leaves at 02:16 from London St. Pancras International. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from London to Barcelona leave?
The last train from London to Barcelona leaves at 02:50 from London St. Pancras International. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between London and Barcelona by train?
Trains travelling from London to Barcelona cover a distance of around 708 miles (1139 km) during the journey.
Which train companies operate between London and Barcelona?
Trains travelling from London to Barcelona are operated by Eurostar – high-speed services linking London to France via the Channel Tunnel or Renfe-SNCF – a joint cross-border high-speed venture between the national train companies in France and Spain.