How to travel from Paris to Barcelona by train

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Paris to Barcelona by train

The era of high speed rail travel has transformed taking the train from Paris to Barcelona, so despite the distance, this is a very straightforward journey.

Routes you can take to go from Paris to Barcelona

When travelling between most cities by train there is only one logical option, though on other journeys there is a choice between different trains or alternative routes. If different options are available you can use the info to decide which is best for you.

Choose one of the following options:

Looking for connections?

Journey guides for travel to Paris Journey guides for travel from Barcelona

Route Information

Station Guides

The beautiful exterior of Hall 1 at Gare De Lyon

Paris Gare de Lyon / Paris Lyon Rail Station Guide

The salidas/platforms at Barcelona Sants station

Barcelona Sants Rail Station Guide

Travel Time (approx)

6hr 25min - 6hr 35min (approx)

Frequency

Daily

Travel Info

Until July 7th
2 x trains per day

July 8th - Sept 3rd
The additional train will depart Paris at 06:56

From Sept 4th - Dec 11th
2 x trains per day

Is the journey from Paris to Barcelona direct?
Yes, there is no need to make a connection when taking this route.

Is the journey scenic?
Not particularly, though there are some notable highlights to experience once the train is south of Montpellier - see the Journey Information

What other tourist locations are along the route from Paris to Barcelona?
Nimes and Montpellier and Beziers and Perpignan and Girona

When is the usual approximate earliest arrival at Barcelona-Sants from Paris Gare De Lyon?
Around 14:30 daily
Source = European Rail Timetable

How easy is it to travel on from the station in Barcelona?
Barcelona-Sants is served by two metro lines, see the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay in its neighborhood.

When is the approximate latest departure from Paris Gare De Lyon?
Before 14:45 daily
Source = European Rail Timetable

How easy is it to get to the station in Paris?
The Gare De Lyon is served by two Metro lines - line 14 is now directly linked to Orly Airport. The station also has rail links from the Gare Du Nord and the La Défense business district.
See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay by the Gare De Lyon.

When is the usual approximate latest departure from Paris Gare De Lyon to Barcelona-Sants?
Around 14:45 daily
Source = European Rail Timetable

Are tickets cheaper if booked in advance for these Paris to Barcelona trains?
Yes, and they can be purchased from a choice of booking agents - see below.

How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale for these Paris to Barcelona trains?
Up to 6 months in advance

What are the child ticket terms for these Paris to Barcelona trains?
The adult rate is charged for all travellers aged 12 and over.
Children aged 4-11 pay half fare

Does the ticket for these Paris to Barcelona trains include assigned seats?
Yes - See the Train Guide in the Journey Information for insights on how to board the train.

Do rail pass users need to book reservations for these Paris to Barcelona trains?
Yes; see the rail pass reservation guide for the options on how to book.

Is catering available on the Paris to Barcelona trains?
Yes, there is a bar/bistro car.
See the Train Guide in the Journey Information.

What else is good to know about French rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in France.

What else is good to know about Spanish rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in Spain.

Travel Information

Final Destination: Barcelone (Barcelona)

All trains also call at: Figueres-Vilifant and Girona

On to Madrid

The easiest, but usually more expensive, option for a train journey from Paris to Madrid involves making these connections:

(1) Taking the daily train to Barcelona, which typically departs from the Gare De Lyon at 07:42 and usually arrives in Barcelona Sants station at around 1430.

(2) There will then be a choice of connections on from Barcelona to Madrid with regular AVE trains on to the Spanish capital, typically departing at 15:00 and 17:25.

This is a direct journey

You will be travelling on one of these trains...

TGV InOui France - Espagne Train Guide

Journey Features

High Speed (partial journey)Coastal views

Good to Know

On departure the train heading to Barcelona will usually be attached in front of another train which will be terminating in Montpellier.
Therefore the coaches heading to Barcelona will usually be found towards the far end of the voie (platform/track) at the Gare De Lyon
So don't cut it too fine when boarding these trains, if you don't want to hurry, be at the Gare De Lyon at least 5 minutes before the train will be leaving.

Journey Description

This is a journey of three distinct parts.

1: Between the outskirts of Paris and Nimes the trains travel on the high speed line.

From Nimes to Perpignan the trains follow the coast, but don't expect incredible seascapes, the sea is often just out of sight on the right, but you're more likely to see it from the upper deck

Though what makes the part of the journey between Sete and Perpignan unusual is that between these two towns there are often sea lagoons which can be seen from the left-hand side of the train, particularly south of Narbonne when the railway seems to skim across the surface of the water

As can be seen in the video above, what's unusual and rather fabulous about this part of the journey, as the train leaves Narbonne behind, is that the 'sea' can be seen from both sides of the train.

3, Between Perpignan and Barcelona, the train reverts back to using a high speed line.

From the left of the train between Narbonne and Perpignan

From the left of the train between Perpignan and Figueres

How Eurail and InterRail pass users can save money when travelling from Paris by train

Alternative routes from and to Paris for Eurail and InterRail Users How Eurail and InterRail pass users can save money when travelling from and to Paris by train

The general guide to Spanish rail travel Discover what's good to know about riding the trains, using the major stations, booking tickets and travelling with Eurail and InterRail passes

Take the stress out of your journey Everything planned to your specification, so sit back and relax… Try Concierge

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