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Travelling by train from Paris to Barcelona
Travelling from Paris to Barcelona by train? You’re in the right place. The journey takes around 6 hours and 44 minutes on average, with the fastest direct trains at just 6 hours and 29 minutes. You won’t need to change trains either — direct high-speed services run straight from Paris to Barcelona, making your trip simple and stress-free.
Trains on this route depart from Paris Gare de Lyon and arrive at Barcelona Sants station. Operated by TGV INOUI, these sleek high-speed trains reach speeds of up to 198 mph, whisking you through the French countryside before arriving in the heart of Catalonia. You’ll be sipping sangria in Barcelona before you know it.
Why take the train from Paris to Barcelona? It’s one of the easiest and most scenic ways to journey between France and Spain. You’ll travel directly from city centre to city centre, avoiding airport queues and security checks. On board, you can sit back, relax and enjoy the changing landscapes from your window seat.
Once you’ve arrived in Barcelona Sants, you’re perfectly placed to start exploring. The station is close to the city’s top attractions, from the gothic towers of La Sagrada Familia to the bustling La Rambla and the colourful Park Güell.
Ready to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets from Paris to Barcelona today using the Journey Planner at the top of this page. Simply enter your travel dates to find the best fares. If you’d like to know more about the route, keep reading for details on train times, operators and travel tips:
- Today's train times
- Information about TGV INOUI
- TGV INOUI classes
- Onboard services on TGV INOUI trains
- Finding cheap train tickets from Paris to Barcelona
- Travelling 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
- Popular train journeys from Barcelona
- Travelling from central Barcelona to the airport
- Explore Europe with an Interrail pass
Trains to Barcelona from Paris
It takes an average of 10h 16m to travel from Paris to Barcelona by train, over a distance of around 516 miles (831 km). There are normally 5 trains per day travelling from Paris to Barcelona and tickets for this journey start from £45.03 when you book in advance.
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?
Trenitalia, OUIGO, Renfe and AVE trains from Paris to Barcelona
Trenitalia
OUIGO
Renfe
AVE
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.
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OUIGO is the low-cost brand of French rail company SNCF, who operate trains in France and Spain. In France, all seats on OUIGO are Second Class and tickets can only be purchased online. You can also pay for additional extras, such as reserving a seat in the ‘quiet area’, at-seat power sockets and extra luggage. OUIGO has been operating in Spain since May 2021, and their trains include an onboard bar and a premium class of service called OUIGO Plus.
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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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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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What AVE and OUIGO classes are there from Paris to Barcelona?
Compare the different travel classes offered by AVE and OUIGO when travelling from Paris to Barcelona.
AVE
OUIGO
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
Standard Class
OUIGO comes with only one class, Standard Class, which is the equivalent of TGV's Second Class. On board you'll find WiFi and a café-bar (on services in Spain). There may be a trolley service on Train Classique services in France. You can pay extra to guarantee a seat with a plug socket, as not all seats currently have one.
- Fold-down table
- Luggage storage
- Bar/restaurant carriage (1)
- Catering at your seat (2)
- WiFi (3)
- Power sockets
- (1) Available on OUIGO Spain services only
- (2) Snack service available on some OUIGO Classique trains
- (3) WiFi available for a fee on services in France; may be free in Spain
What are the onboard services on AVE and OUIGO?
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Paris to Barcelona.
AVE
OUIGO
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. |
|---|---|
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. |
What luggage limits are there? | One piece of hand luggage (36 x 27 x 15 cm) and one piece of cabin luggage (55 x 35 x 25 cm) can be taken onboard. You can take additional or larger bags with you (max. 30kg) for an extra fee or by paying for OUIGO Plus. |
|---|---|
What food and drink is available? | On OUIGO trains in France: an at-seat service of snacks is available on Train classique services. This service is not available on high-speed OUIGO trains. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | WiFi (OUIFI) and an entertainment portal (OUIFUN) are available at an additional cost. |
What facilities are there for travel with children? | For OUIGO trains in France: Passengers under 12 years old pay a fixed price for tickets all year round - €5 for journeys on Train classique services, and €8 for high speed services. |
Can I bring a bike on board? | You can take your bicycle on board OUIGO trains if you add the 'Bike' option onto your ticket for an additional fee of at least €5. Your bike must be folded or dismantled and placed in a storage bag for transport. |
Can I bring pets on board? | Pets are only allowed on board OUIGO trains if the 'Pets' option is added to your ticket at the time of booking. (1 pet per adult, per booking, €10 per pet.) |
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). |
How do I find cheap train tickets from Paris 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
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.
Travelling from the airport to central Paris
Flying into Paris? Chances are you’ll land at one of Paris’ airports. Continue 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
You need to travel to Paris Gare de Lyon station before your journey to Barcelona. Not sure how to get there? We’ve got you covered!
Located in eastern Paris, Gare de Lyon station is 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 centre, 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 travelling 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 Place Henri Frenay.
Using public transport in Paris
If you want to travel around Paris quickly, cheaply and easily, Paris Métro is the best way to travel around the city. Planning to travel around Paris and France? We recommend you buy a T+ ticket – it allows connections between the Métro and RER trains in central Paris and will take you to all the main stations in Paris where you can catch a connecting TGV high-speed train to other French cities.
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
Once you’ve arrived at Paris Gare de Lyon station, you can head to the platform. Travelling from Paris to Barcelona with TGV INOUI? You can take advantage of the First Class lounge.
In 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
SNCF staff welcome you to the control gates before boarding the train. 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
With TGV INOUI, 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, the train may stop at certain towns and cities along the way.
The journey from Paris Gare de Lyon to Barcelona Sants takes just over 6 hours and 30 minutes in total. 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
You will arrive at Barcelona Sants station at the end of your journey.
Over six hours later, your train will arrive at Barcelona Sants station, a short journey from the city centre.
Once you’ve exited the station, you’ll want to start soaking up the city’s atmosphere as soon as possible. The centre 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 centre with the train station’s Metro, Sants Estació.
- Bus: There are various buses available from Barcelona Sants station to the city centre.
- Walk: From Barcelona Sants station, La Rambla in the city centre 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 boasts a modern public transport system to help you navigate the city.
Taking the Metro in Barcelona
Consisting of 12 lines and 186 stations, the Metro is the simplest way to get around the city.
When buying tickets for the Metro, you’ll find 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’d like to enjoy picturesque 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
Barcelona’s tram network is a quick and convenient way to get around the city. 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
Planning a trip to the Catalan capital but unsure where to visit first? From To help you out, here are some ideas for things to see and do in Barcelona:
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:
Travelling from the airport to central Barcelona
Situated around 8 miles southwest of Barcelona’s city centre, Barcelona Airport is Spain’s second busiest airport. To get from central Barcelona to the airport, you can take the bus, metro, train or taxi.
Buses to Barcelona Airport
Train to Barcelona Airport
Metro to Barcelona Airport
Taxis to Barcelona Airport
After visiting Barcelona, why not continue exploring Europe by train? With an Interrail 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 an Interrail Pass if you’re a European citizen or a non-European who is an official legal resident of a European country. If you’re not a European citizen or resident, you can use a Eurail Pass instead.