Barcelona Sant Train Station question

I would be surprised if they have ‘security’, such as airports have, at Barcelona Sants. It’s been awhile since I’ve been but I would say :30 is plenty, unless you find out there is security to pass through.

They do have security at the train station. In fact, every train station has luggage scanners. We were there in October 2022. When we were there for a morning train there was a line. You have to put your luggage through a scanner then show your ID, ticket etc, then down an escalator to the track. It didnt take long. The line moved quickly but you never know what your day will be like. I would give myself at least 1.5 hours. We don’t like to rush and stress ourselves out.
PS, you can search YouTube for a video of the process. The young Bloggers video everything.

There are definitely luggage scanners in Sants for AVE trains and usually for trains going long distance and medium distance (i.e. Valencia). However, the security scan is nothing like at airports. You don't have to empty out your pockets or take out your laptop or liquids. There is no scan of the passengers. So the line moves quite fast. I would plan on 30 minutes. The tricky part I have always found in BCN is that you might not estimate correctly the travel time to Sants from where you are staying. I have also been held up by lines at hotels to check out so for early morning trains I take care of the bill the night before.

It isn't that hard to find your train in Sants. Once you walk in past the shops there is a gigantic electronic board with the departing AVE and long distance trains details. There is also a board for the suburban commuter lines (called: Rodalies de Catalunya). Just look for the correct board.