Barcelona To Valencia Train:
The Best Ways To Get There

Barcelona and Valencia are two of Spain’s finest cities. Located on the Mediterranean coastline, these two beautiful cities are perfect for a weekend trip individually or combined to make a week-long break.

With their close proximity, you could wake up in Barcelona and arrive in Valencia in time for lunch.

Spain’s railway network, Renfe, is renowned for its efficiency and connectivity. Its trains are punctual, comfortable, and safe and are a great option when travelling around Spain.

Back in 2012, I interrailed around Spain taking in 6 different major Spanish cities, including Valencia and Barcelona and had a great experience on Spanish trains.

Since then, Renfe has continued to deliver high-quality service and is the perfect way to travel from Barcelona to Valencia.  

In this post, I’ll explore the options, tips, and insights to help you plan the perfect Barcelona to Valencia train trip in 2023. I’ll also provide you with some alternatives giving you options to suit every budget and style of traveller.

Barcelona To Valencia Train: What You Need To Know

Capitals of the autonomous regions of Catalonia and the Valencian Community, Barcelona and Valencia are Spain’s second and third-largest cities.

Located around 350km/217 miles from one another, both are well worth visiting in their own right and are great options for a first trip to Spain. There are various options for getting between the two and taking the train may be the best way!

Barcelona To Valencia By Train

The train is one of my top recommendations for getting between the two cities. It is easy to navigate and connects you easily between the two city centres.

Spain’s railway network has a great reputation so you won’t need to worry about delays and can travel in comfort. However, there are a few things to consider before booking those tickets!

Type of train: Spain is home to one of Europe’s best high-speed rail networks. Known as AVE, these trains will get you to your destination the quickest.

There are also regional and slower trains available. These take a lot longer but may be more economical, so are worth considering if you are on a budget or have more time.

Unfortunately, the AVE line hasn’t been extended between Barcelona and Valencia yet, so your only options are the slower trains. On these slower trains, the journey takes between 3.5 to 4 hours.

Booking tickets: Booking tickets in advance is always advisable. Trains can sell out quickly at the weekend, during peak travel seasons and especially during national holidays.

I once nearly got stuck in La Coruña through a lack of planning. I tried to book a train ticket last minute and failed so I would advise you to plan ahead.

When booking tickets, you have various options to consider. You can purchase tickets through the Renfe and Trainline websites and also at the station.

If you book early and keep an eye on prices, you can secure a ticket for as little as €24 with the average price being around €30. Returns start around €48 but the price can change depending on the day or availability of the trip.

Type of seat: Renfe offers a variety of different ticket categories. Básico is the lowest-tier ticket.  This will be the cheapest. It doesn’t include a seat reservation and if your plans change, you cannot cancel your ticket.

Elige Estándar is the standard class, offering free changes and a 70% refund should your plans change. You can also pay an extra €5 to cancel up to 7 days before departure and receive a full refund.

For those who want to travel in style, there is the Prémium class, offering all the perks you would expect. This class includes a food and drinks service, access to Club Lounges, unlimited changes and no extra costs for any extras.

Timetable: The Barcelona to Valencia train line is well serviced. There are 10 trains per day on average that go directly between the two cities. The first train leaves Barcelona around 7:30 am. The final one departs around 6:15 pm, giving you plenty of options.

Accessibility: Stations in Barcelona and Valencia have facilities to assist wheelchair users, including ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. There is platform assistance and Renfe staff are trained to assist passengers with reduced mobility.

Once on the train, there are accessible train cars with designated spaces for wheelchair users with ramps or lifts to facilitate boarding. Wheelchair users are also given priority boarding to ensure a smooth boarding process.

When booking your tickets on the Renfe website, make sure you click the Trains with accessible wheelchair space to ensure the train you have chosen is fully accessible.

Stations: Trains depart Barcelona from either Barcelona Sants or Barcelona Estació de França. Pick the station that is closest to your accommodation. Both stations are well connected to the rest of the city via the metro. You can get to Sants on both the L3 and L5 lines whilst you need to take the L4 line and get off at Barceloneta station for Estació de França.

Trains arrive in Valencia at Joaquín Sorolla station, located about a 25-minute walk from the Ciutat Vella area of the city. There are also various buses that will take you to the city centre.

Taking the train between Barcelona and Valencia is definitely a great way to get between the two. However, you might be looking for some alternatives. Don’t worry I have got you covered!

For a comprehensive guide of what to expect on the journey, check out the video below:

Alternatives To The Train

Bus

If on a tight budget, you might prefer to save some money and take the bus. Spain’s bus network is well-resourced, and the prices are reasonable. The buses are pretty punctual and usually drop you off close to the city centre.

Alsa is one of Spain’s major bus companies and operates many routes including between Barcelona and Valencia. I have used Alsa many times over the years (particularly in the Basque Country, Asturias, and Galicia where the train network isn’t so great) and have always had a great experience.

The journey between the two cities takes between around 4 and 4.5 hours depending on what option you pick. The first option is a direct bus and takes around 3 hours 50 minutes. Prices for this route usually start around €33. You can also pay for added extras such as reserving the seat next to you.

The second, more economical option, takes around 4 hours 30 minutes and has one stop. Prices for this route start as low as €5 if booked in advance which is an absolute bargain. The stop is at T1 of Barcelona Airport so if your trip is only taking in Valencia, this could be a great option for you.

The buses go from either Barcelona Estación Nord or Barcelona Airport-Prat T1, both of which are easily accessible via public transport. The bus arrives at Valencia Bus Station which is just north of the Túria park and within a 25-minute walk of the historic centre.

Find out more on how to get around Barcelona by reading my post on Uber in Barcelona, which contains my thoughts on whether the ride-sharing app is a good option in the city and what alternative public transport options there are.

Car

If you have more time and want more flexibility, hiring a car is also a great option. Hiring a car in Barcelona is an easy process and will allow you to explore more towns, villages, and nature on your journey down the Mediterranean coast.

To hire a car in Spain, you must be at least 18 or 23 years old, depending on which company you hire from. Be aware that there is a surcharge for drivers under the age of 25. You will also need a valid EU or international driving license before renting the car.

On average, it costs around €25/$26/£22 per day to hire a car in Spain so if you are travelling in a group, this could be a great option. There is usually a surcharge for dropping off the car at a different location so factor this in when you are considering renting.

Remember that people in Spain drive on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left. It is also worth remembering that most highways, known as autopistas in Spanish, are toll roads and cost an average of €1 per 5 miles travelled.

If you are looking for some places to stop off on your way down the coast, consider the following 3 destinations:

Tarragona: Located about halfway between the two cities, Tarragona has a beautiful cathedral with panoramic views from the bell tower.

There are also some well-preserved Roman archaeological ruins including an amphitheatre and a Roman circus. If you are looking to relax, the city also boasts some stunning beaches. Try Playa del Milagro for a picturesque setting.

Delta de l’Ebre: If you are into nature, you cannot miss the Delta de l’Ebre. The are is one of Europe’s most important wetlands and is home to a range of species including a diverse range of birds.

Here there are various hiking and bike paths and even some boat tours. If you are hungry, head to the town of L’Ampolla, where you will find fresh seafood and some great views of both the marshes and the Mediterranean.

Albufera Natural Park: Closer to Valencia, you will find the Albufera Natural Park, a freshwater lagoon and wetland area. Here you can take a boat trip across the lake and visit the traditional village of El Palmar. Have lunch at one of the charming restaurants and have your first bite of Valencian paella!

BlaBlaCar

An unknown to many tourists, BlaBlaCar is incredibly popular in Spain and could be a great alternative to the ways of transport listed above. It provides the comfort and speed of a car without paying out for a car of your own.

BlaBlaCar is a ride-sharing app that pairs drivers with fellow commuters. You can select the start and end point of your journey and the app will tell you if anyone is making the same journey. For a journey such as Barcelona to Valencia, you are likely to find a match.

Prices for BlaBlaCar do vary depending on the driver and the pickup and drop-off points. It is worth checking the exact location of the pickup and drop-off points to ensure they are either close to your destination within the city or are close to transport.

You can’t choose the time for when you go so you have to be flexible, but it will be quicker than the train or the bus.

The app is secure and monitored. The majority of drivers will be Spanish speaking only so if you do not speak Spanish, you may prefer to take public transport.

Taxi, Plane or Boat

The above four options offer plenty of choices for how to travel between Barcelona and Valencia but you may be asking yourself if there are any other ways to get there. I wouldn’t recommend any of these three options but here are my thoughts.

Taxi: Taxi is not really a viable option to travel between the two. Given the distance, you would be paying an astronomical price for the door-to-door service. Prices for this start at around €120 but the average price is closer to €250. It doesn’t represent good value for money and is not quick enough to be worth the money.

Plane: There are no commercial flights between Barcelona and Valencia. Also, think of the environment!

Boat: This option, whilst sounding picturesque, is another cumbersome one. You would spend a long time on the boat when the journey could take place a lot quicker by land.

Barcelona To Valencia Train: FAQs

Is There A Super-Fast Train From Valencia To Barcelona?

Sadly, the answer is no. The AVE high-speed train network does not currently extend to the Barcelona to Valencia line. Both cities have high-speed AVE trains connecting them with other major Spanish cities like Madrid, the direct route does not offer the same level of speed due to limitations of the existing railway infrastructure.

Thankfully, the standard AVE service still offers a relatively fast and efficient travel option, taking you from Barcelona to Valencia in around 4 hours.

How Long Is The High-Speed Train From Barcelona To Valencia?

Unfortunately, there is no high-speed train line from Barcelona to Valencia. You would have to take one of the slower regional trains which takes between 3.5 and 4 hours.

Is There Any Direct Train From Barcelona To Valencia?

There are plenty of direct trains from Barcelona to Valencia. There are around 10 a day depending on the day of the week and the time of year. The first train leaves Barcelona around 7:30 am with the final one departing around 6:15 pm, giving you plenty of options.

How Much Are Train Tickets From Barcelona To Valencia?

The cost of train tickets from Barcelona to Valencia can vary depending on several factors, including the type of train, the class of service, how far in advance you book, and whether you qualify for any discounts or promotions.

For regional trains prices start at around €20 or even less. Renfe often offers discounts for advance bookings, youth, seniors, and other categories of travellers. These discounts can significantly reduce the ticket price so keep an eye on the Renfe website regularly before you go to try and snag a discount.

Final Thoughts: Barcelona To Valencia Train: The Best Ways To Travel In 2023

If going to either Barcelona or Valencia, you should definitely consider making it a two-in-one trip. Both cities have so much to offer and with their close proximity are a great introduction to Spain.

The train is a fantastic way to get from Barcelona to Valencia and if booked in advance, you should be able to get a reasonable price. Whilst the AVE high-speed line sadly doesn’t connect the two cities, the slower regional trains still are reliable, comfortable and a great option.

If travelling by train isn’t your thing, I recommend you strongly consider taking the bus. Spain’s bus network is fantastic and the prices cannot be beaten. And for those travelling in a group, why not hire a car and make your trip even more memorable? Or even make your trip even more Spanish by using BlaBlaCar?!

All are fantastic options when creating this trip of a lifetime down Spain’s eastern Mediterranean coast!