Barcelona to Madrid Rail or Air?

I would choose the train. Admittedly, it's an easy choice because I love trains and absolutely loathe flying. RENFE has tickets for the 3 hour trip for ~50E. If RyanAir is substantially cheaper, go with them. Otherwise, relax on a train.

I dunno...I'd look into the details for both and compare cost/time (be sure to allow for getting between downtown and the airports). Honestly, most of the scenery along this route is nothing special. While it's certainly true that the train takes you between the convenient city centers, the train might be more expensive and probably takes longer. I'm all for the comfort, relaxation, convenence and romance of riding the train, but I'd weigh all that against the actual costs and time involved.

We'll be traveling from Barcelona to Madrid via AVE train on 30 December, and opted for that over the plane because we enjoy the train travel experience and conversation (and we've never been on a high-speed rail like that). But it's more expensive than the plane, in most cases, I think. And for the Madrid-Barcelona run, it's really important (we've been advised) to purchase the tickets in advance, and then make and pay for the seat reservations, too. We bought the Spain Pass (3-day) from Steves, and then had to pay another $75 for the seat reservation for our three trips (Barcelona-Madrid, Madrid-Toledo, Madrid-Sevilla). Total cost was just under $500.00 US. According to Steves, a 2nd class trip from Barcelona to Madrid is $150.00 US per person. I'm not complaining, because to the train experience is well worth NOT having to experience rushing to the airport (well outside most cities, going through the security process, possible delays, etc.), for us. But that's a personal preference. In the end, I believe the plane can be less expensive, but the total time may turn out to be close to the same. All a matter of how you prefer to spend it.

I agree with Martine....if you can snag one of thoe 50 Euro web fare specials, take the train. It's only three hours from city center to city center, avoiding the bus ride to Barcelona airport, and the metro ride from Barajas to Madrid city center which, if you're heading for Sol, can involve two transfers and a fair number of stairs. You can book up to 62 days in advance, so try to book as soon as the window opens, because the cheap tickets go fast. Note that, in Ryanair's case, they fly from what they call "Barcelona Girona" airport, which is actually in the town of Girona north of Barcelona....about an hour's bus ride away, a ride which costs about 15 Euro. They also nickel and dime you to death on the baggage charges. You also cannot use their online check-in since you're from outside Europe. So their "0.00 Euro" fare now hits 31 Euro, plus a 15 Euro bus ride to Girona....total, 46 Euro. If you DO want to fly, consider Vueling...much nicer airplanes and staff, flying from Barcelona's "real" airport, from about 50 Euro, baggage fees included.

I agree with those suggesting the train ride. You can enjoy the countryside and relax. Going through security and getting to and from the airport is no longer easy. Check the difference in RyanAir fare compared with RR fare.

Thanks you all so very much -- looks like the train has it -- after seeing the real Ryan Air scheduel -- i have too agree -- now where can i find the best deal on train tickets?

Best bet for tickets is www.renfe.es , the Spanish national rail company. Switch to English in the lower left, under "Seleccione su idioma." Once you select your travel date, click on the little shopping cart, and another window will open to show you prices and allow you to book your tickets. You can book 62 days in advance.