SNCF summer 2024 tickets are now on sale! Terms apply

TrainlineTrainline is Europe’s leading platform for train and bus tickets

Low prices found by our customers
Each fare is the lowest adult economy ticket fare found by our customers on Trainline. Fares booked further in advance than the dates displayed may be cheaper. Prices are updated daily, subject to change and indicative of price last update. Limited availability. Discount cards and coach journeys excluded, prices exclusive of booking fee.

What customers say about Trainline

Read real reviews from real users

Travelling from Barcelona to Málaga by train

The average journey time by train between Barcelona and Málaga is 7 hours and 44 minutes, with around 7 trains per day. However, the fastest AVE services can get you there in 5 hours and 56 minutes.

As your high-speed train eats up this 479-mile (771 km) journey, you can sit back in your comfortable seat and relax, while watching the scenery flash past. You’ll enjoy some truly breath-taking scenery along the way and can make the most of AVE’s onboard comforts before arriving right in the heart of Málaga, ready to hit the beaches or head over to the nearest tapas bar for some delicious food and drinks.

Want to learn more about travelling from Barcelona to Málaga? Start your search for tickets in our Journey Planner at the top of the page or keep reading for train times, FAQs about the journey and tips on how to find cheap train tickets from Barcelona to Málaga.

Barcelona to Málaga-María Zambrano by train

It takes an average of 6h 42m to travel from Barcelona to Málaga-María Zambrano by train, over a distance of around 479 miles (771 km). There are normally 19 trains per day travelling from Barcelona to Málaga-María Zambrano and tickets for this journey start from £28 when you book in advance.

First train

06:30

Last train

21:25

Departure station

Barcelona

Arrival station

Málaga-María Zambrano

Journey time

From 5h 32m

Distance

479 miles (771 km)

Frequency

19 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Price

From £28

Train and bus operators

Renfe, ALSA

Barcelona to Málaga-María Zambrano train times

Check out the next trains departing from Barcelona to Málaga-María Zambrano for Tuesday 26th March 2024. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
08:00 14:34 6h 34m, 1 change
08:50 16:24 7h 34m, 1 change
09:40 16:24 6h 44m, 2 changes
10:00 16:30 6h 30m, 1 change
10:55 16:54 5h 59m, 1 change
11:00 17:22 6h 22m, 1 change
11:40 18:31 6h 51m, 2 changes
12:50 18:40 5h 50m, 1 change
13:00 19:47 6h 47m, 1 change
13:55 20:12 6h 17m, 2 changes

AVE and Renfe trains from Barcelona to Málaga-María Zambrano

You can travel from Barcelona to Málaga-María Zambrano on AVE and Renfe trains. When you search for times and tickets, we might also show you some other options with multiple connections or operators if they’re available.

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.

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.

AVE classes from Barcelona to Málaga-María Zambrano

Compare the different travel classes offered by AVE when travelling from Barcelona to Málaga-María Zambrano.

Onboard services on AVE

Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Barcelona to Málaga-María Zambrano.

LuggageLuggageLuggage

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.

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

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.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

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.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel 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.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

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).

PetPetPets

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.

WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

AVE offer a free assistance and care service for people with reduced mobility. To request the service, passengers should contact AVE directly.

Cheap train tickets from Barcelona to Málaga-María Zambrano

The price of train tickets from Barcelona to Málaga-María Zambrano starts at £28 one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Booking on the day is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or class.

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 Barcelona to Málaga-María Zambrano 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.

§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.

Journey details

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

How long does the train from Barcelona to Málaga-María Zambrano take?

The average journey time by train between Barcelona and Málaga-María Zambrano is 6 hours and 42 minutes, with around 19 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.

What's the fastest journey time between Barcelona and Málaga-María Zambrano by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Barcelona to Málaga-María Zambrano is 5 hours and 32 minutes.

How much does the train from Barcelona to Málaga-María Zambrano cost?

Train ticket prices from Barcelona to Málaga-María Zambrano can start from as little as £28 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 Barcelona to Málaga-María Zambrano?

Yes, it is possible to travel from Barcelona to Málaga-María Zambrano without having to change trains. There are 2 direct trains from Barcelona to Málaga-María Zambrano each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.

What time does the first train from Barcelona to Málaga-María Zambrano leave?

The first train from Barcelona to Málaga-María Zambrano leaves at 06:30. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from Barcelona to Málaga-María Zambrano leave?

The last train from Barcelona to Málaga-María Zambrano leaves at 21:25. 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 Barcelona and Málaga-María Zambrano by train?

Trains travelling from Barcelona to Málaga-María Zambrano cover a distance of around 479 miles (771 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Málaga-María Zambrano to Barcelona.

Europe’s leading train and coach app

We help customers across Europe make more than 172,000 smarter journeys every day.