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Travelling from Barcelona to Málaga by train
Looking to travel from Barcelona to Málaga by train? You've come to the right place!
On average, it takes around 6 hours 40 minutes to travel from Barcelona to Málaga by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 5 hours 58 minutes though. You'll usually find 20 trains per day running along the 478 miles (770 km) route between these two destinations. Once you're onboard, you can sit back and relax, as you won’t need to make any changes on your way to Málaga. Trains on this route are usually operated by either AVE or Renfe. On board you'll find modern comfortable seating and plenty of room for luggage as standard.
Plan your trip ahead of time and book early if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Tickets from Barcelona to Málaga start from £28.89 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 Málaga by train, including our timetable where you can view first and last train times.
Trains to Málaga from Barcelona
It takes an average of 6h 40m to travel from Barcelona to Málaga by train, over a distance of around 478 miles (770 km). There are normally 20 trains per day travelling from Barcelona to Málaga and tickets for this journey start from £28.89 when you book in advance.
What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Barcelona to Málaga?
Want to know more about your journey from Barcelona to Málaga? 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 Barcelona to Málaga?
Are there any direct trains from Barcelona to Málaga?
How far is the train ride from Barcelona to Málaga?
Who operates the trains from Barcelona to Málaga?
Can I take a flight-free trip from Barcelona to Málaga?
What is the best way to travel to Málaga from Barcelona?
What time does the first train run from Barcelona to Málaga?
How late does the train from Barcelona to Málaga run?
How many trains go from Barcelona to Málaga per day?
When do tickets from Barcelona to Málaga go on sale?
Planning a round trip from Barcelona to Málaga?
AVE, iryo and Renfe trains from Barcelona to Málaga
AVE
iryo
Renfe
AVE is Renfe's flagship high-speed service, with trains capable of reaching up to 193 mph (310 km/h). It’s one of the fastest trains in Europe and connects the main cities of Spain. Most AVE trains offer two comfort classes – Estándard (Standard Class) and Confort (First Class equivalent, with 1-1 configuration, ultra-wide seats, gourmet food and drink and lounge access). All AVE trains have air conditioning, power sockets, free WiFi and a buffet carriage serving a selection of food and drinks. There are three fares for AVE services: the cheapest but least flexible Básico fare, the Elige fare (slightly pricier but more flexible), and the Premium fare for seats in Confort Class.
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Operating since the end of 2022, iryo is a new high-speed train company in Spain. It’s a consortium between the Spanish airline Air Norstrum and the train company Trenitalia, one of the greatest leaders in European rail transport. The first private Spanish high-speed company to operate, iryo runs high-speed services on the Madrid – Zaragoza – Barcelona route and connects Madrid – Cuenca – Valencia/Alicante and Madrid – Cordoba – Seville/Malaga. They are doing this all with a fleet of ETR1000 model trains that offer the highest level of comfort in Spain, with a combination of advanced propulsion and highest quality onboard services, including WiFi connection and catering service. 98% of the parts of the trains are 100% recyclable, making this trip sustainable as well!
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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.
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What iryo and AVE classes are there from Barcelona to Málaga?
Compare the different travel classes offered by iryo and AVE when travelling from Barcelona to Málaga.
iryo
AVE
Inicial
If you're looking for a reasonably-priced experience without compromising on the best service and comfort, Inicial Class is ideal for you!
- Luggage storage
- Entertainment portal
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Fold-down table
- Power sockets at each seat
- Free WiFi
- Trolley service
- Single seat options
- Only YOU Hotel access
- Catering at your seat
Singular
Singular Class is ideal for business travellers looking for flexibility and comfort. If you need to, you can adapt your ticket to your needs at the time.
- Luggage storage
- Entertainment portal
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Fold-down table
- Power sockets at each seat
- Free WiFi
- Trolley service
- Single seat options
- Only YOU Hotel access
- Catering at your seat
Singular Only YOU
If you're looking for added comfort and full flexibility, Singular Only YOU class is a fantastic choice, with access to select hotels too.
- Luggage storage
- Entertainment portal
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Fold-down table
- Power sockets at each seat
- Free WiFi
- Trolley service
- Single seat options
- Only YOU Hotel access
- Catering at your seat
Infinita Bistró
iryo's Infinita Bistró Class offers plenty of amenities on board, including wider leather reclining seats, free WiFi and at-seat meal service offering a complimentary gourmet meal. You'll need to book your meal 24 hours in advance.
- Luggage storage
- Entertainment portal
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Fold-down table
- Power sockets at each seat
- Free WiFi
- Trolley service
- Single seat options
- Only YOU Hotel access
- Catering at your seat
Estándar (Standard Class)
In AVE's Estándar Class, you'll enjoy comfortable fuss-free travel. With luggage storage and air-conditioning throughout, there's access to their bar/restaurant carriage 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
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Entertainment portal
- Fold-down table
- Reading light
- Power sockets at each seat
- Catering at your seat
- 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
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Entertainment portal
- Fold-down table
- Reading light
- Power sockets at each seat
- Catering at your seat
- Lounge access
- Larger tables
What are the onboard services on iryo and AVE?
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Barcelona to Málaga.
iryo
AVE
What luggage limits are there? | You can carry up to 3 pieces of luggage on iryo trains, as long as they do not exceed 25kg in total. These 3 pieces can be 2 suitcases with a maximum size of 85 x 55 x 35cm and a backpack or handbag that does not exceed the dimensions of 36 x 27 x 15cm. |
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What food and drink is available? | iryo offers different menus with high-quality products in all classes. You can buy your favourite meal from their onboard restaurant/bar carriage, which is usually near coach 2. If you’re travelling in the Infinita Bistró Class, you can enjoy the Infinita Bistró food service – your meal will be served straight to your seat. Please note that you’ll need to book your meal at least 24 hours in advance. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | You can enjoy free WiFi in all classes on iryo trains, as well as an onboard entertainment platform providing a wide selection of movies, TV series, live news and Spotify. |
What facilities are there for travel with children? | Children aged 0-3 travel for free on all iryo trains. Children aged 4-13 get a discounted ticket while those aged 14-18 need to pay the full price. Please note that children aged under 18 need to be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians. |
Can I bring a bike on board? | You can take your bike on board iryo trains for free if it’s folded and does not exceed 90 x 120 x 40cm. Also, your bike must travel without the pedals and with the handlebar rotated 90 degrees. |
Can I bring pets on board? | iryo allows pets that do not exceed 10kg in weight, as long as they travel inside a carrier with a maximum size of 60 x 35 x 35cm. You'll need to buy a ticket for your pet in advance. In addition, guide dogs can travel at no additional cost. |
What special assistance is available? | There are seats for people with reduced mobility on iryo trains. Step-free access is also available both when boarding and when getting off the train. |
What luggage limits are there? | With AVE, you can travel with up to 3 pieces of luggage that do not exceed 290 cm and 25 kg. In total, the maximum measurements of each piece of luggage are 85 x 55 x 35 cm. Musical instruments also count as hand luggage as long as they do not exceed the dimensions 30 x 120 x 38 cm and are stored in a case. |
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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 bar carriage serving drinks and snacks. If you’d prefer to stay in your seat, AVE staff sell food and drinks from a trolley that will pass through the train during the journey. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | On AVE trains, you can take advantage of PlayRenfe – their free WiFi and entertainment service. 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, it is considered as hand luggage. However, if it’s bigger, it will be considered as special luggage (max dimensions 120 x 90 x 40 cm). |
Can I bring pets on board? | With AVE, you can travel with a pet as long as it weighs no more than 10 kg and travels inside a cage or carrier (60 x 35 x 35 cm). Your pet must have their own pet ticket, unless you’re travelling 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 Barcelona to Málaga?
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
2. Be flexible with your travel times
3. Buy a rail pass
4. Choose a slower or connecting train
5. Look out for train ticket sales and discounts
6. Take a night train
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.