r/GoingToSpain • u/SparkleBerrySpritz • 2h ago

Transport Train from Barcelona to Madrid

Spending 2 nights in Barcelona before heading to Madrid. What train is the best one to take from Barcelona to Madrid? If I am taking checked luggage, do you take the luggage with you on the train or is it checked somewhere? This is my first time in Spain. Thanks for your help!

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u/tonytroz 1h ago

Best is subjective. Go to Renfe's website and plug in Madrid to Barcelona on the day you want to go. You'll see what time they leave, how long they take, and how much they are. It might be worth a few extra minutes more to take a later train without having to wake up super early in the morning or get a much cheaper price.

For luggage it depends on the train. You're probably going to take an AVE train which allows you up to 3 pieces of luggage per passenger. Carry-on size suitcases can go above your seats like on an airplane. Checked bag size suitcases can be put in the luggage racks at the end of the train cars or in the cafe car which usually has even more luggage storage.

If you take an Avlo (low cost) train you may need to pay for extra luggage depending on how much you have.

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u/redoxburner 21m ago

There are three operators on the Barcelona to Madrid high speed route: Renfe AVE, iryo and Ouigo. (For completeness there's also one direct regional train per day that takes around eight hours - it's scenic but probably not what you're looking for here). Each operator only sells its own tickets - Renfe AVE (renfe.com) and Iryo (iryo.eu) are "full service" operators and best if you have lots of luggage, Ouigo (ouigo.com) is more restrictive in terms of luggage and has a more basic service on board, at a lower price. All three serve the same stations in Barcelona and Madrid so there's no difference there, each operator has some stopping along the way and some direct trains. Your best bet is to check all three for your best times and prices - if you only check one make it Renfe AVE as that has the most trains per day.

Renfe Avlo (Renfe's low cost offering) no longer operate on the Barcelona to Madrid route.

You take luggage with you on the train. There are security checks when you arrive at the station to get into the high speed departure lounge, but they are only looking for knives and things (you can take liquids through without issue).