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Trains from Málaga to Barcelona

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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.

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Travelling from Málaga to Barcelona by train

Making your way from Málaga to Barcelona? Take the direct AVE train operated by Renfe on this 478-mile (770 km) route. The average journey time by train between Málaga and Barcelona is 7 hours and 54 minutes, with around 6 trains per day. However, the fastest AVE services can get you there in as little as 5 hours and 47 minutes.

Reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h (186 mph), the high-speed AVE train will take you from the central Málaga-María Zambrano station to the heart of Barcelona, saving you the trouble and expense of airport transfer. Settle into the comfy seats on air-conditioned trains, with free WiFi, power sockets, and a buffet carriage. Want to treat yourself? Book First Class tickets and sink into ultra-wide seats with 2+1 configuration and gourmet food and drinks served to your seat.

Arrive in bustling Barcelona and spend your days marvelling at Gaudi’s architecture and tucking into tapas in the vibrant beachfront areas.

Want to learn more about travelling from Málaga to Barcelona? 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 Málaga to Barcelona.

Málaga to Barcelona by train

It takes an average of 7h 31m to travel from Málaga to Barcelona by train, over a distance of around 478 miles (770 km). There are normally 19 trains per day travelling from Málaga to Barcelona and tickets for this journey start from £28.09 when you book in advance.

First train

06:28

Last train

20:37

Departure station

Málaga

Arrival station

Barcelona

Journey time

From 5h 43m

Distance

478 miles (770 km)

Frequency

19 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Price

From £28.09

Train and bus operators

Renfe, ALSA

Málaga to Barcelona train times

Check out the next trains departing from Málaga to Barcelona for Tuesday 7th May 2024. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
07:58 14:30 6h 32m, 1 change
08:17 15:22 7h 5m, 2 changes
09:48 16:20 6h 32m, 1 change
10:35 16:29 5h 54m, 1 change
10:58 17:10 6h 12m, 1 change
11:40 17:30 5h 50m, 1 change
13:07 19:30 6h 23m, 1 change
13:58 20:05 6h 7m, 1 change
14:34 20:30 5h 56m, 1 change
14:55 21:10 6h 15m, 1 change

AVE and Renfe trains from Málaga to Barcelona

You can travel from Málaga to Barcelona 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.

More information

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.

More information

AVE classes from Málaga to Barcelona

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

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:

  • WiFiWiFiFree WiFi
  • SeatSeatSeat reservation
  • BarBarBar/restaurant carriage
  • AtSeatServiceAtSeatServiceEntertainment portal
  • SeatSeatFold-down table
  • ReadingReadingReading light
  • PlugPlugPower sockets at each seat
  • RestaurantRestaurantCatering at your seat
  • LoungeLoungeLounge access
  • SeatSeatLarger 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:

    • WiFiWiFiFree WiFi
    • SeatSeatSeat reservation
    • BarBarBar/restaurant carriage
    • AtSeatServiceAtSeatServiceEntertainment portal
    • SeatSeatFold-down table
    • ReadingReadingReading light
    • PlugPlugPower sockets at each seat
    • RestaurantRestaurantCatering at your seat
    • LoungeLoungeLounge access
    • SeatSeatLarger tables

      Onboard services on AVE

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

      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 Málaga to Barcelona

      The price of train tickets from Málaga to Barcelona starts at £28.09 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 Málaga 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.

      §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 Málaga to Barcelona? 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 Málaga to Barcelona take?

      The average journey time by train between Málaga and Barcelona is 7 hours and 31 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 Málaga and Barcelona by train?

      The fastest journey time by train from Málaga to Barcelona is 5 hours and 43 minutes.

      How much does the train from Málaga to Barcelona cost?

      Train ticket prices from Málaga to Barcelona can start from as little as £28.09 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 Málaga to Barcelona?

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

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

      The first train from Málaga to Barcelona leaves at 06:28. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

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

      The last train from Málaga to Barcelona leaves at 20:37. 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 Málaga and Barcelona by train?

      Trains travelling from Málaga to Barcelona cover a distance of around 478 miles (770 km) during the journey.

      Looking for more information?

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

      Tips and tricks from our Trainline team

      We love helping our customers find inspiration for their next train journey. Discover some travel stories written based on our employees' experiences.

      With the AVE train from Malaga to Barcelona, you’ll cross Spain in one morning. 1,100 km in 5h 30m!

      The AVE train from Malaga to Barcelona is one of the longest high-speed routes in Europe – it covers 1,100 km! With AVE you can get from one city to another in about 5h 30m. You may now say that travelling by plane is so much quicker, but just think about the time you need to get from the airport to the city centre, how much you need to wait at the terminals and the usual delays – the travel time is quite similar. Travelling from Malaga to Barcelona by train is certainly the most comfortable and hassle-free way to move from one part of the country to the other.

      Málaga-María Zambrano, an incredible train station

      I arrived at Málaga-María Zambrano train station at 08:20 and was struck by its huge size. Located a few minutes away from the old town of Málaga, the station is integrated into a shopping centre and has plenty of shops, supermarkets and restaurants where you can buy or eat something before the trains leave. The trains that serve the station include AVE, AV-City, Avant and Media Distancia (middle distance) trains bound for the main cities of Andalucía – Seville, Cordoba or Granada – and the rest of Spain (Madrid, Barcelona or Valencia).

      I took the AVE train 3993 at 08:40 bound for Barcelona. Since the trip lasts approximately 5h 30m and the difference in price between the Second and First Class tickets wasn’t that big, I decided to buy a ticket for the Confort class, with a window seat in the direction of travel.

      The carriages of the Confort class are very spacious, have 21 leather seats (two in a row and one in the other), luggage storage, shelves for hand luggage and toilets. My seat was reclining and had everything I needed for a long journey, from footrests to armrests, a big reclining table, power sockets to charge my electronic devices, reading lights, window blinds and a coat hanger.

      An AVE train without WiFi?

      This is the only AVE train that doesn’t offer onboard WiFi connection. We got on the train at the scheduled time and after stopping at Puente Genil-Herrera, Antequera-Santa Ana and Cordoba train stations, breakfast was served – it was included in my ticket fare.

      There are ten special menus to choose from – you need to express your preference at least 24 hours before your date of travel. The menu included a piece of bread and a croissant, a hot dish (I got a tortilla with vegetables), yoghurt and a hot or cold drink – you can choose from hot chocolate, coffee or tea (hot drinks) – or from water, juice, wine, beer or soda (cold).

      I worked on the train. Thanks to the large reclining table and the large space between the seats of the Confort class, working with a laptop is very comfortable.

      During my trip, two films were shown on the two TVs that were in each carriage. Renfe staff offer free headphones if you want to watch the film with sounds or listen to the different onboard radio stations, which can be selected with one of the buttons under the armrests.

      After stopping at Zaragoza-Delicias, Lleida-Pirineus and Camp de Tarragona, we reached Barcelona Sants at 14:20.

       

      Origin: Málaga-María Zambrano

      Destination: Barcelona-Sants

      Train stops: Antequera-Santa Ana, Puente Genil-Herrera, Córdoba Central, Zaragoza Delicias, Lleida-Pirineus y Camp de Tarragona

      Departure time: 08:40

      Arrival time: 14:20

      Service: Renfe AVE

      Train: AVE 3993

      Maximum speed: 301 km/h

      Class: Confort

      Carriage: 22

      Seat: 4C (Window)

       

      About Jaime

      Jaime, a former Trainline employee, chose to share their experience of the journey between Málaga and Barcelona.

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