Traveling From Paris To Barcelona: Best Transportation Methods

Paris and Barcelona are two of the most visited cities in Europe. While they may seem far apart, travelling between these cultural highlights is both quick and easy. There are 8 ways to get from Paris to Barcelona: by train, bus, rideshare, plane, or car. The fastest way to travel from Paris to Barcelona is by taking the Renfe-SNCF high-speed train, which will transport you to your destination in just 6 hours and 15 minutes. The cheapest way to get from Paris to Barcelona is by rideshare, which costs $71 and takes 11 hours and 52 minutes. However, the most popular way to travel from Paris to Barcelona is by plane.

The fastest way to travel from Paris to Barcelona

The fastest way to travel from city centre to city centre is by taking the Renfe-SNCF high-speed train, which takes 6 hours and 15 minutes. This train departs from Paris Gare de Lyon and arrives at Barcelona Sants.

Other options for travelling between Paris and Barcelona include taking a bus or driving.

The cheapest way to travel from Paris to Barcelona

Another affordable option is the bus, with tickets costing between $65 and $95. The journey takes around 12 hours and 10 minutes. FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, Linebus, Eurolines, and Ouibus are some of the companies that operate buses on this route.

If you prefer to travel by train, the cheapest train tickets are around $38.50. However, these prices are not always available, and tickets can go up to $192. The journey takes about 6 hours and 47 minutes.

For those who prefer flying, flights can be found for as low as $50, with the journey taking approximately 4 hours and 56 minutes.

So, while there are several options for travelling from Paris to Barcelona, ridesharing and the bus are typically the cheapest choices.

The best way to travel from Paris to Barcelona without a car

There are several ways to travel from Paris to Barcelona without a car, including by train, bus, or plane. Here is a detailed guide on the best options for your trip:

By Train

The train is the best way to travel from Paris to Barcelona without a car. It is a comfortable, affordable, and relatively quick option. The high-speed Renfe-SNCF train takes around 6 hours and 15 minutes to 6 hours and 47 minutes for the entire journey. This train departs twice daily from Paris Gare de Lyon station and arrives at Barcelona Sants station. Tickets for this route typically range from €89 and upward, and you can book them online or at the train station. However, it's important to note that tickets can only be booked a month or two in advance, so early planning is crucial.

By Bus

Travelling by bus is a more affordable option, with tickets starting at €24. The journey takes significantly longer, with the fastest bus service taking around 10 hours and 20 minutes. The average journey time is over 18 hours, and buses run up to 8 times per day. The journey begins at either Gare de Bercy or Gallieni in Paris and ends at Barcelona Nord, Sants, or Aeroport BCN T1.

By Plane

Flying is the quickest option, with the fastest flight taking around 1 hour and 30 minutes. There are 11 airlines operating this route, with an average of 149 flights per week. The cheapest ticket available is currently €27 on Skyscanner. Paris has four airports, and Barcelona has one, so be sure to check which airport your chosen flight is departing from and arriving at.

So, whether you choose to travel by train, bus, or plane, there are convenient options available for your trip from Paris to Barcelona without a car.

The best way to book travel from Paris to Barcelona

There are several ways to travel from Paris to Barcelona, including by plane, train, bus, car, or rideshare. The best option for you will depend on your budget and how much time you want to spend travelling. Here is some information to help you book your travel:

By Plane

The fastest way to travel between the two cities is by plane, with direct flights taking around 2 hours. Paris has multiple airports, including Charles de Gaulle, Orly, Beauvais, and Paris-Vatry. However, Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Orly Airport are the closest to the city centre. Barcelona's airport is called Barcelona–El Prat Airport.

You can find direct flights with airlines such as Air France, British Airways, EasyJet, Iberia, Vueling, and Air Europa. If you book in advance, you may be able to find one-way fares for as low as $51, but tickets are usually in the range of $70 to $130.

By Train

The high-speed train from Paris to Barcelona takes around 6 hours and 15 minutes to 6 hours and 47 minutes. The train departs from Paris Gare de Lyon and arrives at Barcelona Sants. This option offers beautiful scenery along the way, including views of the Pyrenees and the Languedoc coast.

You can book your tickets online or at the train station, but reservations are mandatory, so it is recommended to book in advance. Tickets can be purchased through Omio, Rail Europe, or Eurail. The average cost of a ticket is around $180 to $290, but prices vary depending on class and time of booking.

By Bus

Taking a bus is the cheapest option, with tickets starting at $24 for a 13 to 14-hour journey. Buses depart from Paris' Quai de Bercy, Gare Routière Galliéni, or Porte Maillot bus station and arrive at Barcelona's Estació d'Autobusos Nord. Bus companies that operate this route include Flixbus, BlaBlaBus, Eurolines, and Ouibus.

By Car

Finally, you can also choose to drive or rideshare between Paris and Barcelona. The distance is approximately 640 miles, and the drive takes around 9 to 11 hours.

Booking Tips

When travelling by train or bus, it is generally more affordable to book your tickets in advance. For flights, booking in advance can also help you find better deals, and you are more likely to find a wider range of time slots.

When travelling by train, it is recommended to choose a travel time between Monday and Thursday, as you will have more options for nonstop high-speed trains. Similarly, when visiting Paris, it is best to go during the spring or fall to avoid the summer crowds and increased traffic in August.

The best mode of transport from Paris to Barcelona based on popularity

There are several ways to travel from Paris to Barcelona, each with its own advantages. Here is a list of the most popular options:

Train

The train is one of the most popular ways to travel between Paris and Barcelona, offering a comfortable and scenic journey. The high-speed Renfe-SNCF train takes approximately 6 hours and 15 minutes to 6 hours and 53 minutes, depending on the source, and offers a direct route between the two cities. The train departs from the Paris Gare de Lyon station and arrives at the Barcelona Sants station, with two departures per day. The train journey is popular due to its convenience, with central stations in both cities, comfortable seats, ample legroom, and modern amenities such as Wi-Fi and power outlets. The train also offers beautiful views of the countryside, including the Catalan countryside, Mount Canigou, the Côte Vermeille, and the rolling hills of France.

Plane

Flying is another popular option for travelling between Paris and Barcelona, especially for those seeking a faster journey. Direct flights between the two cities take approximately 2 hours, and with many airlines servicing this route, travellers have a variety of time slots to choose from. Paris has multiple airports, including Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly Airport (ORY), which are the closest to the city centre. When booking flights, it is important to pay attention to which airport you will be arriving at or departing from.

Bus

Taking the bus is a more affordable option for travelling between Paris and Barcelona, with tickets starting at around $30. The journey by bus takes approximately 12 hours and 10 minutes to 14 hours, depending on the source, and buses depart throughout the day. Buses are typically comfortable and equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi and onboard restrooms. The main bus stations in Paris and Barcelona are located near the city centres, making this option convenient for those without a car.

Car

Renting a car and driving between Paris and Barcelona can be a great option for those who want to make a road trip out of their journey and explore the countryside. The drive is approximately 640 miles (1,036 kilometres), and there are a few different routes to choose from, offering the opportunity to visit historic cities and scenic locations along the way. However, the drive can take at least 11 hours, so it is recommended to plan some scenic stops along the route.

Rideshare

Ridesharing is the cheapest option for travelling between Paris and Barcelona, with prices starting at around $70. However, the journey can take up to 12 hours, so it is important to consider the longer travel time when choosing this option.

Frequently asked questions