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Travelling by train from Paris to Barcelona
Looking to travel from Paris to Barcelona by train? You've come to the right place!
The journey time from Paris to Barcelona by train is around 6 hours and 44 minutes. Although, the fastest direct trains can take you from Paris to Barcelona in just 6 hours and 29 minutes. You don’t need to worry about changing, as there are direct trains available from Paris to Barcelona.
On this route, all trains depart from Paris Gare de Lyon station and arrive at Barcelona Sants station. The high-speed trains reach speeds of 198mph, so you’ll be sipping sangria in Barcelona in no time!
If you want to travel from Paris to Barcelona, travelling by train is an excellent way to get from one city centre to the other without the hassle of flying. The direct train service from Paris to Barcelona is operated by TGV INOUI.
Once you've arrived at Paris Gare de Lyon station, you’ll board a high-speed TGV train and head through the beautiful French countryside before arriving right in the heart of Barcelona. Once you’ve arrived, you’ll be well-located to start exploring the rest of Spain, as Barcelona is one of the first stops for trains from Paris to Spain.
As soon as you’ve hopped off the train in Barcelona, you can start exploring the city right away. Not sure where to begin? Take a look at some of our favourite things to do in Barcelona, including:
- Marveling at the gothic architecture of La Sagrada Familia
- Watching the world go by in La Rambla
- Taking a stroll through Park Güell
Eager to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets from Paris to Barcelona with us today. If you’d like to learn more about the train journey from Paris to Barcelona first, keep reading for more information on:
- Today's train times
- Information about TGV INOUI
- TGV INOUI classes
- Onboard services on TGV INOUI trains
- Finding cheap train tickets from Paris to Barcelona
- Travelling from the airport to central Paris
- How to get to Paris Gare de Lyon station
- Everything you need to know about Paris Gare de Lyon station
- Train stations between Paris and Barcelona
- Arriving in Barcelona from Paris
- Public transport in Barcelona
- Things to do in Barcelona
- Popular train journeys from Barcelona
- Travelling from central Barcelona to the airport
- Explore Europe with an Interrail pass
Paris to Barcelona by train
It takes an average of 10h 12m to travel from Paris to Barcelona by train, over a distance of around 516 miles (831 km). There are normally 7 trains per day travelling from Paris to Barcelona and tickets for this journey start from £34.07 when you book in advance.
FAQs about the train journey from Paris to Barcelona
Want to know more about your journey from Paris to Barcelona? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How fast can trains travel from Paris to Barcelona?
Are there any direct trains from Paris to Barcelona?
How far is the train ride from Paris to Barcelona?
Who operates the trains from Paris to Barcelona?
Can I take a flight-free trip from Paris to Barcelona?
What is the best way to travel to Barcelona from Paris?
What time does the first train run from Paris to Barcelona?
How late does the train from Paris to Barcelona run?
How many trains go from Paris to Barcelona per day?
When do tickets from Paris to Barcelona go on sale?
Planning a round trip from Paris to Barcelona?
TGV and SNCF trains from Paris to Barcelona
TGV
SNCF
TGV is the high-speed train service of the SNCF company. It connects the major cities of France at speeds of up to 200 mph (320 km/h). All TGV trains are equipped with a food carriage, a free WiFi connection, power sockets and fold-down tables. Two comfort classes are offered – First Class and Second Class, with flexible fare options available and access to the Grand Voyageur lounge in some stations.
More information
SNCF is the national train operator of France. It operates all domestic trains and routes across France, as well as international services to Spain and Germany. There are three different types of domestic trains that operate under the SNCF banner – TGV (high-speed, full-service trains that connect the major cities in France), Intercités (usually a more frequent stopping service, but with all the amenities), and TER (regional train services with basic onboard facilities).
More information
TGV INOUI classes from Paris to Barcelona
Compare the different travel classes offered by TGV INOUI when travelling from Paris to Barcelona.
Second Class
In Second Class, TGV INOUI allows you to travel comfortably while enjoying the onboard services, such as free WiFi, power sockets and more.
- Free WiFi
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Power sockets
- Fold-down table
- Luggage storage
- Reading light
- More legroom
- Quiet area
First Class
Want to travel in style? Upgrade to First Class and you’ll enjoy all the benefits of Second Class as well as some additional perks.
- Free WiFi
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Power sockets
- Fold-down table
- Luggage storage
- Reading light
- More legroom
- Quiet area
Onboard services on TGV INOUI
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Paris to Barcelona.
On board TGV INOUI trains, you can take up to 2 pieces of luggage measuring no more than 70 x 90 x 50 cm, plus one hand luggage measuring no more than 40 x 30 x 15 cm. If you are bringing an XL baggage (maximum 90 x 130 cm), it will replace one of the two 70 x 90 x 50 cm pieces of luggage authorised.
All your luggage must be labelled before entering the train.
All TGV INOUI trains are equipped with a café-bar carriage offering a range of food and drink to suit you at any time of day. The Bar is always situated in carriage 4 or 14 of the train. There's a range of local and responsibly sourced products on offer to whet your appetite.
TGV INOUI trains have free WiFi on board for you to use throughout your journey, allowing you to stay connected, reply to emails or even relax and enjoy what's offered on the TGV INOUI entertainment portal.
Children under 12 can get a half price ticket on TGV INOUI trains. Children under 4 travel free when they travel on your lap.
If you've got a foldable bicycle, you can take it on the train as hand luggage, so long as it's no larger than 130 x 90 cm once folded. Or, if you can dismantle your bike, you can transport it in a cover or case no larger than 130 x 90 cm. You can still travel with a bike that cannot be folded or dismantled - you'll need to reserve a bike space on the train when you buy your ticket. Bike tickets cost €10 per bike, per journey.
Small pets are allowed on board TGV INOUI trains provided they weigh less than 10kg. They must travel in a carrier no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm. Tickets for small pets cost €7. Larger dogs can also travel on TGV INOUI services, provided they are wearing a muzzle and are kept on a lead. Tickets for larger dogs cost €20. Guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free of charge on all SNCF trains.
For disabled passengers or those with reduced mobility, you can request assistance through 'Accès Plus'. With this service, a member of staff will meet you at the station and help you get to your seat on the train. To book assistance, contact Accès Plus after you book your tickets (and no later than 48 hours before your train is due to depart).
Cheap train tickets from Paris 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 Paris 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.
Travelling from the airport to central Paris
Flying into Paris? Chances are you’ll land at one of Paris’ airports. Continue reading for more details on how to get to central Paris from the city’s three major airports.
How to get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to central Paris
How to get from Orly Airport to central Paris
How to get from Beauvais Tille Airport to central Paris
How to get to Paris Gare de Lyon station from central Paris
You need to travel to Paris Gare de Lyon station before your journey to Barcelona. Not sure how to get there? We’ve got you covered!
Located in eastern Paris, Gare de Lyon station is easily accessed due to the city’s public transport system. If you’re hoping to take the train to Barcelona and need to get to Paris Gare de Lyon train station, you can get there by:
- Metro: From the city centre, you can take Line 1 or Line 14 to the Metro station at Gare de Lyon.
- Train: Hop on the RER A or RER D service to Gare de Lyon.
- Bus: You can take RATP buses from across the city to Gare de Lyon, including services 24, 29, 57, 61, 63, 72, 77, 87 and 91.
- Night buses: If you’re travelling at night, you can take many buses to Gare de Lyon, including N01, N02, N11, N16, N31, N32, N33, N34 and N35.
- On foot: Paris Gare de Lyon can be accessed either from the forecourt (Place Louis Armand) overlooking Boulevard Diderot, from Rue de Bercy, or Place Henri Frenay.
Using public transport in Paris
If you want to travel around Paris quickly, cheaply and easily, Paris Métro is the best way to travel around the city. Planning to travel around Paris and France? We recommend you buy a T+ ticket – it allows connections between the Métro and RER trains in central Paris and will take you to all the main stations in Paris where you can catch a connecting TGV high-speed train to other French cities.
Children under 4 can travel for free on the Métro, RER, bus, and tramway services, provided they sit on your lap and don’t occupy a seat. Children under 10 get 50% off the ticket price.
Everything you need to know about Paris Gare de Lyon station
Once you’ve arrived at Paris Gare de Lyon station, you can head to the platform. Travelling from Paris to Barcelona with TGV INOUI? You can take advantage of the First Class lounge.
In Gare de Lyon station, you can take advantage of the following services:
- Restaurants and cafés including Paul, Starbucks and McDonald's
- Shops such as Franprix and Relay
- Pharmacy
- Bathroom
- Lost property
SNCF staff welcome you to the control gates before boarding the train. To make your trip easier, follow these simple steps to validate your train ticket:
- Print your ticket or open your e-ticket on your mobile
- Go to the boarding reception to scan your train ticket
- Get on the train and look forward to the trip
With TGV INOUI, you can board up to two minutes before the departure time. After this time, you will be refused access to the train.
Grand Voyageur TGV INOUI lounges
Customers with a Business Première ticket, a Carte Liberté (with a Première ticket) or the Grand Voyageur loyalty card, can access the Grand Voyageur TGV INOUI lounges at Paris Gare de Lyon station. The First Class lounge is a premium space and perfect for relaxation or work. Here, you can enjoy a selection of newspapers, hot drinks, a water fountain and more.
Train stations between Paris and Barcelona
On your way from Paris to Barcelona, the train may stop at certain towns and cities along the way.
The journey from Paris Gare de Lyon to Barcelona Sants takes just over 6 hours and 30 minutes in total. Depending on which service you travel on, you can visit some of the most beautiful towns in France and Spain, including Montpellier and Girona. The line from Paris to Barcelona serves:
Arriving at Barcelona Sants station from Paris
You will arrive at Barcelona Sants station at the end of your journey.
Over six hours later, your train will arrive at Barcelona Sants station, a short journey from the city centre.
Once you’ve exited the station, you’ll want to start soaking up the city’s atmosphere as soon as possible. The centre of Barcelona is easy to reach due to the city’s extensive public transport network. You can get there by:
- Metro: Green Line L3 and Blue Line L5 link the city centre with the train station’s Metro, Sants Estació.
- Bus: There are various buses available from Barcelona Sants station to the city centre.
- Walk: From Barcelona Sants station, La Rambla in the city centre is a 42-minute walk.
If you need to catch a flight, you can simply catch the Renfe train from Barcelona Sants to Barcelona Airport, which takes around 20 minutes.
Using public transport in Barcelona
Barcelona boasts a modern public transport system to help you navigate the city.
Taking the Metro in Barcelona
Consisting of 12 lines and 186 stations, the Metro is the simplest way to get around the city.
When buying tickets for the Metro, you’ll find various options available, including a Single ticket for just one journey and a T-Dia, for unlimited travel for a whole day. Running 365 days a year, the Metro operates from 05:00 am until 12:00 am, except on Friday when it closes at 02:00 am and Saturday when it does not close.
Taking the bus in Barcelona
If you’d like to enjoy picturesque views of the city, take the bus! In Barcelona, over 230 bus lines run from 05:00 am until 10:00 pm.
Taking the tram in Barcelona
Barcelona’s tram network is a quick and convenient way to get around the city. If you’d like to travel via tram, you can purchase tickets from the machines at tram stations.
Things to see and do in Barcelona
Planning a trip to the Catalan capital but unsure where to visit first? From To help you out, here are some ideas for things to see and do in Barcelona:
Popular train journeys from Barcelona
If you’ve enjoyed your time in Barcelona and want to explore more of Spain, you can easily reach nearby towns and cities by train. To inspire your next trip, here are some of the most popular train journeys from Barcelona:
Travelling from the airport to central Barcelona
Situated around 8 miles southwest of Barcelona’s city centre, Barcelona Airport is Spain’s second busiest airport. To get from central Barcelona to the airport, you can take the bus, metro, train or taxi.
Buses to Barcelona Airport
Train to Barcelona Airport
Metro to Barcelona Airport
Taxis to Barcelona Airport
After visiting Barcelona, why not continue exploring Europe by train? With an Interrail Pass, you can travel across 33 European countries as much as you want on participating European train networks for a set amount of travel days.
You can use an Interrail Pass if you’re a European citizen or a non-European who is an official legal resident of a European country. If you’re not a European citizen or resident, you can use a Eurail Pass instead.