On our 12-night trip to Spain, we spent 4 nights in 3 cities: Madrid, Seville and Barcelona.
But how did we get around 3 major cities in totally different regions of Spain?
We took trains and planes!
After spending 4 nights in Barcelona, we needed to get back to Madrid for our flight back home.
While doing some research we decided that the best mode of transportation would be the high speed train from Barcelona-Sants to Madrid Atocha.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how we chose our tickets and the experience at both the station and on the train.
So if you’re interested in getting between Barcelona and Madrid by train, you’ll find all the information you need right here.
Let’s get to it!
Some of the links contained in this post are affiliate links, meaning that at no cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Why we chose Iryo
When I was researching my train options I found that several train companies were offering a high-speed train from Barcelona to Madrid. On a high-speed train, the quickest journey would take about 2.5 hours.
Renfe AVE (Alta Velocidad Española): Renfe is the most well-known and widely used high-speed train service in Spain. These trains offer various classes of service, including Básic (Basic), Elige (Pick & Mix), or Prémium (Premium).
Renfe Avlo: Avlo is Renfe’s low-cost high-speed train, similar to AVE in speed and duration but with fewer amenities and lower prices. It’s a no-frills service with a focus on affordability. You can find both AVE and Avlo options on the Renfe AVE website.
Ouigo Spain: A subsidiary of the French SNCF. Similar to Avlo, Ouigo is a more economical option. The trains are fast and offer basic services, including free Wi-Fi and entertainment options.
Iryo: We ultimately chose Iryo which focuses on high-speed service with competitive pricing but with the promise of comfort and efficiency.
If you want to compare all the train options in one place, I’d recommend using Omio when searching for trains and buses.
I did some research on Rome2Rio and RailEurope before making a decision.
We chose Iryo based on the price, amenities, available departure times, and trip duration.
Although all the above are considered high-speed trains, some travel times were longer than others so keep that in mind when doing your comparison.
How we booked Iryo
When booking, the price varied depending on the date and time you booked. Our dates were not flexible and we were looking to depart by noon at the latest.
However, we did start looking about 4 months in advance which helped with the pricing. The earlier you book the cheaper the fare price.
Iryo offered 3 different ticket types or “classes”:
Infinite: $22.97
- Changes: Requires a fee and notice.
- Cancellation/Refund: 80% refund if canceled before 7 days; 70% after. No missed train allowance.
- Comfort: Standard reclining seat with individual armrests.
- Luggage: Standard carry-on and cabin suitcase allowance.
Singularly You: $40.84
- Changes: Free on the day of travel.
- Cancellation/Refund: Higher refund rates than Infinite and allows for missed train rebooking for a fee.
- Comfort: XL seat that is fully ergonomic with extra space.
- Luggage: Includes an additional large suitcase.
Infinite Bistro: $58.81
- Changes: Free on the day of travel.
- Cancellation/Refund: Highest flexibility and refund rates, minimal fee for missed train.
- Comfort: Same premium seat as Singularly You.
- Luggage: Similar to Singularly You but includes pet travel.
- Additional: Includes a full meal service with quality service.
Although our travel plans were set and we didn’t need flexible tickets, we opted for the Infinite Bistro ticket because it included unlimited beverages and full meal service.
I knew we would be hungry, enjoy larger more comfortable seats, and at this point in our trip (we had already spent 10 days in Spain) would likely have more luggage (souvenirs!).
We definitely could have just opted for Infinite, but we had already taken Iryo from Madrid to Seville in that ticket class, so I wanted to compare the two options.
Need Help Booking Your Train?
Check out Omio!
It helps you find the fastest and cheapest option.
Getting to Barcelona- Sants Station
Barcelona-Sants Station is one of the main transportation hubs in Barcelona and is well-connected and accessible by various modes of public transport.
Here are some options for getting to the station:
Metro: Barcelona-Sants Station is served by two major metro lines:
- L3 (Green Line): This line connects you to key points like Plaça Espanya, Plaça Catalunya, and the district of Gràcia.
- L5 (Blue Line): This line connects the station to the Sagrada Família, Diagonal, and other important areas.
Bus: Numerous city bus lines stop at or near Barcelona-Sants, providing easy access from many parts of the city. Key bus routes include 27, 32, 78, 109, and H10, among others.
We had used a 2-day metro pass during our time in Barcelona so we were very familiar with public transportation and found it an easy affordable way to get around.
Taxi: Ultimately, we decided to get a taxi because lugging around our suitcases on public transportation was not our ideal of a good time.
It was easy to book and pay for a taxi with the FREENOW app. It operates very similar to Uber and is available throughout Europe. It’s super convenient!
Check-In Process
The check-in process for the train is not like it is for an airplane flight. There’s no need to get on an app or go to a kiosk at the train station.
Once we purchased our tickets online (months in advance), we were sent tickets with a QR code. We printed out our tickets back home and brought them with us to Spain, but we totally could have just brought up the QR code on our phones.
Once we arrived at the train station, we looked at the boards for our train number and departure time.
It was over an hour before our departure time so the platform number was not yet assigned.
You can’t go through security until about an hour before your train leaves, but there’s no need to worry about waiting around.
The station has plenty of spots to grab a bite, including a McDonald’s where you can sit back and relax with some food. Once your platform is announced and you know which gate to head to, you’ll be all set to go!
Once through security and about 30 minutes before departure, they started to line up all passengers based on their assigned coach.
I will say that we found the process to be very smooth. The staff was very kind and super helpful.
Onboard Experience
Once we got settled into our coach and found our seats, we were really happy with the spacious cabin and how our seats were set up. We opted for seats facing each other, but there were also options for single and double seating.
The Wi-Fi on board was pretty solid—I managed to knock out some work. While they did have entertainment options if you brought your own device, we ended up just soaking in the views and listening to a podcast.
Not long after we started moving, they began the food service.
We enjoyed some gazpacho, a meat and cheese plate with Russian salad, a bread roll, and some chocolate for dessert.
They also served complimentary wine and soft drinks in actual glasses, which added a touch of class to the meal.
We had picked our food when we booked the tickets. It was a light lunch—nothing too heavy but definitely more substantial than a typical snack.
Throughout the journey, they kept offering coffee and more drinks.
Overall, it was a super relaxing ride. The staff was friendly and attentive, making sure we were comfortable throughout.
Arriving in Madrid Atocha Station
Once we arrived back in Madrid, we had several options for getting to our hotel located on Gran Via.
Here are some transportation options:
Metro: Madrid’s Metro system is efficient and connects Atocha Station to numerous parts of the city. The station is served by Line 1 (light blue), which can take you directly to the city center and other key areas.
We still had some trips left from our 10 journey pass (we shared the pass), but we had too much luggage to take the metro.
We used Google Maps to help us get around Spain with public transportation.
Cercanías (Commuter Trains): Atocha is a main hub for the Cercanías trains, which are ideal for reaching nearby areas or suburbs quickly. They also provide connections to other major train stations in Madrid, such as Chamartín.
Buses: Several city bus lines stop at Atocha, providing access to different districts within Madrid. The bus station outside the terminal offers both local and long-distance services.
Taxis: There’s a well-organized taxi rank outside the station. Taxis are available 24/7 and can be a convenient option if you have heavy luggage or if you prefer a direct route to your destination.
Since we had a lot of luggage we opted to take a taxi from the train station to the Hyatt Centric Madrid located on Gran Via. The cost was $17.22.
Final Thoughts
We really enjoyed our Infinite Bistro experience. From the comfortable seating arrangements to the impressive onboard services, every aspect of our trip was designed to enhance our travel experience.
The beautiful scenic views along with our meal and attentive service made our journey from Barcelona to Madrid after 10 days in Spain a very pleasant experience.
I would highly recommend Iryo for your train travel around Spain. We traveled with them twice during our 12-night trip to 3 cities and the experience was a delight each time.
FAQs
How early should I book my Iryo train ticket?
I recommend booking your train tickets at least three months in advance to snag the best deals. As your travel date approaches, prices tend to rise and seat choices often become more limited.
What is the refund policy for Iryo train tickets?
The refund policy will depend on the ticket type that you book. The cheapest ticket is the least flexible.
Can I change the date of my travel?
Yes, you can likely change the date of travel but whether there are fees and how much notice is needed will be determined by the ticket type that you have booked.
Are there discounts for children or seniors?
When we booked our tickets with Iryo, there were no discounts available for seniors, but special prices for children ages 4-13 were available.
Is there Wi-Fi on the train?
Yes, there is Wi-Fi on the train and it was complimentary.
How long is the journey from Barcelona to Madrid?
The journey from Barcelona to Madrid on our high-speed train was 2.5 hours and was the quickest. When comparing train options look at the trip duration because this can vary.
Is the train from Barcelona to Madrid Scenic?
Absolutely! The train ride from Barcelona to Madrid offered stunning views. We passed by sprawling vineyards and open fields that were simply breathtaking. It was beautiful!
Planning a Trip to Spain?
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