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How to travel from Lyon to Barcelona by train
Thinking about taking the train from Lyon to Barcelona? We’ve got you covered.
You can expect the journey from Lyon to Barcelona by train to take around 5 hours. On this route, which spans 331 miles (532 km), you may not need to worry about making any changes along the way either as direct trains are available (from July 2023). Sit back and let a high-speed Renfe train whisk you to Barcelona in just under 5 hours.
Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to search for cheap ticket prices – we’ll show you how much you can save on train tickets from Lyon to Barcelona if you book in advance.
Keep reading for more information about the train journey to Barcelona, including FAQs, timetables with first and last train times and tips on booking cheap train tickets. If you’re ready to book, just start a search for tickets with us today.
Lyon to Barcelona by high-speed AVE train from €29 *
¡Vamos a Barcelona! Head to Spain with Renfe – from 13th July 2023, you’ll be able to travel from Lyon to Barcelona on a direct, high-speed AVE train. With tickets from €29, say adiós to flying and hop on board a Renfe train to Spain. Running every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, with free WiFi, super comfortable seats and even air-conditioning, you can sit back and relax as you travel from Lyon to Barcelona in style.
* Prices subject to availability.
Lyon to Barcelona by train
It takes an average of 9h 43m to travel from Lyon to Barcelona by train, over a distance of around 331 miles (532 km). There are normally 5 trains per day travelling from Lyon to Barcelona and tickets for this journey start from £34.23 when you book in advance.
Renfe and AVE trains from Lyon to Barcelona
Renfe
AVE
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 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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AVE classes from Lyon to Barcelona
Compare the different travel classes offered by AVE when travelling from Lyon 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:
- 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
Onboard services on AVE
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Lyon to Barcelona.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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 Lyon to Barcelona
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 Lyon 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.
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from Lyon 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 Lyon to Barcelona take?
The average journey time by train between Lyon and Barcelona is 9 hours and 43 minutes, with around 5 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 Lyon and Barcelona by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Lyon to Barcelona is 4 hours and 59 minutes.
How much does the train from Lyon to Barcelona cost?
Train ticket prices from Lyon to Barcelona can start from as little as £34.23 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 Lyon to Barcelona?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Lyon to Barcelona without having to change trains. There is 1 direct train from Lyon 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 Lyon to Barcelona leave?
The first train from Lyon to Barcelona leaves at 06:40. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Lyon to Barcelona leave?
The last train from Lyon to Barcelona leaves at 20:40. 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 Lyon and Barcelona by train?
Trains travelling from Lyon to Barcelona cover a distance of around 331 miles (532 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Barcelona to Lyon.