How Long Is the Train Ride From Paris to Barcelona?

By Anna Duncan

If you’re planning a trip from Paris to Barcelona, you might be wondering how long the train ride will take. The good news is that there are several options for train travel between these two cities, so you can choose the one that works best for your schedule and budget. Let’s take a closer look at the different options and their travel times.

Direct Trains

The fastest and most convenient option for traveling from Paris to Barcelona is to take a direct train. These trains typically run once or twice per day and travel directly between the two cities without any stops. The travel time for direct trains is typically around 6-7 hours.

Eurostar

One popular option for direct train travel between Paris and Barcelona is the Eurostar. This high-speed train can reach speeds of up to 320 km/h (200 mph) and offers a comfortable and efficient way to travel between the two cities. Eurostar trains typically depart from Paris Gare de Lyon station and arrive at Barcelona Sants station, with a travel time of around 6 hours and 25 minutes.

Renfe-SNCF

Another option for direct train travel between Paris and Barcelona is the Renfe-SNCF train. This joint venture between Spanish rail company Renfe and French rail company SNCF offers comfortable and modern trains that run directly between the two cities. The Renfe-SNCF trains typically depart from Paris Gare de Lyon station and arrive at Barcelona Sants station, with a travel time of around 6 hours and 30 minutes.

Indirect Trains

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option or don’t mind making a few stops along the way, there are also several indirect trains that run between Paris and Barcelona. These trains typically make stops in other cities along the way, which can add some extra travel time but also give you the opportunity to see more of the French and Spanish countryside.

TGV

One popular option for indirect train travel between Paris and Barcelona is the TGV. This high-speed train runs from Paris to Figueres-Vilafant, a town just across the border in Spain, with a travel time of around 5 hours and 30 minutes. From there, you can transfer to a regional train that will take you to Barcelona, adding an additional 1-2 hours of travel time.

Intercités

Another option for indirect train travel between Paris and Barcelona is the Intercités. This regional train runs from Paris to Cerbère, a town on the French-Spanish border, with a travel time of around 7 hours.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several options for train travel between Paris and Barcelona, ranging from direct high-speed trains to more budget-friendly indirect trains. The fastest option is typically a direct Eurostar or Renfe-SNCF train, which takes around 6-7 hours. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option or don’t mind making a few stops along the way, there are also several indirect trains that can get you to your destination with just a bit more travel time.