train or plane from Barcelona to Madrid

Patty, when are you going? If you book the train far enough in advance (62 days) on Renfe, you can get a Web fare of 47,10 euros (some trains are a bit more, 55,50 euros). The train takes 2 hours 45 minutes or so. Remember with the plane you have to add the cost and time of getting to and from each airport, plus security wait time. And with the discount carriers, there may be baggage fees. Also, some of the budget carriers fly from the airport at Girona, farther from Barcelona.

Depending on when you're traveling, I'm finding about the same cost. So if an airfare is more than half as much, it might be a better option. But keep in mind the airfare cost will go up if you account for baggage fees, and taxis or transport to/from the airports.

I'm having the same dilemma! I've done a search and the majority of people are saying train is the best. I read somewhere that going by air could take up to as long as 4hours if you're going city centre to city centre because of the commute to and from the airports, waiting time and then the 1 hour travelling time, not to mention the baggage restrictions. I went to the Renfe website (most people recommended going straight here instead of through Rail Europe where they are full price) and the cost of Madrid to Barcelona is still about 117 euros on Renfe. A lot of others have suggested that it should cost as low as 43 euros - is this right?

You can check the RENFE web site 62 1/2 days prior to departure and get discouted seats. They often go fast. The train station in Madrid is in the city, most likely near where you wish to go. Less taxi fare, etc. From the Madrid airport you can take the Aerocity Van for about 15-18 euros or the taxi for about double that, depending on the destination. The train has a very cursory security check (scan the luggage, look at your passport) and you can basically walk right on when the gate is posted. The airport has all the security show procedures. Much more of a hassle. No luggage limit on the train, except for your ability to carry it on. The staff on the train are much better in general as well. A much better experience is to be found on the train. I would opt for the train myself. And have done so whenever possible.

No question about it, the AVE is the best option for all the reasons previously mentioned. Plus, you can see the landscape at high speed, get up and walk around, go get a snack, etc. Much less time and stress compared to flying for that route. And I believe this route now only takes 2 hours 30 minutes. BTW, just as an FYI – there is a new express bus from Madrid Barajas to Atocha – cost is only €2 per person.

We ended up going by train. The only flight we are taking within Spain is from Granada to Barcelona. Didn't want to take a 9 hr. train! Leaving next Thursday. Can't wait.Thanks for all the help from the message board. So much help in planning our trip. When I get back I'll have to post all the fun things we did.

I have been checking this same train trip and even 62 days out, the fare is around 117 Euros.The only time you see a lower fare is for a train that leaves around 8:00 p.m. and arrives in Barcelona right before midnight. Train trips between other cities show special fares but not this one.

To the new posters, just a reminder to account for all the costs of flying, not just the ticket price. You'll need to get to and from the airport and if it's a discount airline, you will almost for sure be charged extra for luggage and any extra services. If the cost is still substantially less than the train, then it makes sense. But you won't save any time or hassle by flying this route.

Mary, if you look on Renfe for 62 days out you are well into June. For some reason the discount fares have not appeared for travel on the Barcelona to Madrid route. Look in May, like May 30 and 31, and you will see there are Web fares of 47 or 55 euros still available at reasonable times of the day for travel.