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Planning a trip from Paris to Barcelona? This guide will answer exactly how to get to Barcelona from Paris!

Both Paris and Barcelona are considered to be two of the most visited European cities, and for good reason too. 

Romantic Paris, the city of lights, famed for its sights that include the Eiffel Tower, the Garnier Opera House, the Louvre museum, and many more has been attracting tourists for decades.

Sunny Barcelona, the capital of vibrant Catalonia, with its golden beaches and colourful Gaudi architecture has been doing the same!

If you happen to be visiting both of these two amazing cities, then you may be wondering how to travel from Paris to Barcelona, or vice versa.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll discuss in detail how to get from Paris to Barcelona by train, by bus, by car, and by air, helping you plan the best route possible for your next trip! 

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Pssst…Have you packed all your essentials? Make sure to read our packing list for Europe guide to ensure you’ve ticked all the packing necessities off your list!

Paris To Barcelona Train

Once you’ve seen the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, why not hop on the nearest train to Barcelona? 

If this is your first visit to Barcelona, check out “Top Barcelona Tips for First-time Visitors” to make the most out of your trip. 

Paris To Barcelona Distance: Fastest Train Service – 6 Hour 15 Minutes

The high-speed train from Paris to Barcelona is undoubtedly the best way to travel. 

This is due to the highly reliable Renfe rail network that operates the Paris Barcelona train route. Trains from Paris to Barcelona travel 3 times a day, so finding a good travel time is easy. 

The Renfe-SNCF is a luxury travel option suitable for all budget types. Starting from around €89 and upward in price, this method of travel is still a tourist favourite. Travelling from Paris, or on the return by train from Barcelona to Paris, is definitely worth the effort. Travelling from Paris to Barcelona by train is comfortable and affordable and doesn’t take up too much valuable travel time 

Train Tickets From Paris to Barcelona

Unfortunately, this high-speed railway system only allows you to book tickets a month or two in advance, therefore diligent planning is crucial for a good trip to Barcelona. Tickets are highly sought after, so remember to book a month or two in advance to avoid disappointment. Bookings and cancellations can all be made online. 

Click here to search & book for availability on Omio for the Barcelona to Paris train route (or vice versa).

Your journey will kick off at the Paris train station – Gare de Lyon. You will then travel a 6-hour 30-minute journey to the Barcelona station – Barcelona Sants. 

Paris to Barcelona Bus

Travelling from Paris to Barcelona by bus through the amazing landscapes will take longer than with the famed railway system. But it will be a journey worth going on. 

Bus Paris Barcelona: Journey Duration: Fastest Bus Service – 10 Hours 20 Minutes

The bus services that run from Paris to Barcelona travel up to 8 times a day and the average timeframe is over 18 hours long. However, there are many different bus companies to choose from that all offer different timelines on their busses. 

The travel time on the Paris Barcelona bus route is highly dependent on the time of day and the day of the week. Busier roads and frequent stops will add to the duration of your journey. 

Make sure to double-check the dates before booking a spot. The bus services will specify how long a journey will take. 

Tickets start from only €24, which is very budget-friendly if you don’t mind a longer travel time. 

Click here to book your Paris Barcelona or Barcelona Paris bus tickets today.

Your journey from Paris will start at Gare de Bercy or Gallieni and end in Barcelona Nord, Sants, or Aeroport BCN T1. 

Paris to Barcelona Aeroplane

Flying from Paris to Barcelona is a direct route and is much quicker than all other transportation methods. It’s perfect for those in a hurry. 

Journey Duration: Fastest Flight  – 1 Hour 30 Minutes

Many flight companies offer routes from Paris to Barcelona daily. The cheapest ticket available currently is €27 and is available at Skyscanner.

There’s a total of 11 airlines that take the route from Paris to Barcelona daily, and they average 149 flights from Paris to Barcelona per week. 

You will board a flight at any one of Paris’ four airports and your flight will land in Barcelona’s only airport- Barcelona Airport. The flight provider will specify the time of departure and the Paris airport before your booking is finalised. 

Be sure to double-check your information, and book your Paris to Barcelona flights well in advance to ensure the best price and seat. 

Driving From Paris to Barcelona

If you’re more of an adventurous traveller, driving to Barcelona from Paris is a great way to see the sights.

Journey Duration: Fastest Driving Time  – 10 Hours 40 Minutes

Driving the stretch from Paris to Barcelona by car is a fun way to get acquainted with France and Spain, but the cost of this road trip can be a bit pricey. The average round-trip in an economy vehicle can cost upwards of €201, not including vehicle hire. 

Given the distance from Paris to Barcelona is roughly 1,036 km / 644 miles, the quickest route along the A71 and A75 motorways should take roughly 10 hours 40 minutes if travelling direct. 

The average car rental price is €34 per day, with a mileage limit. Additional fees apply per mile over the daily limit. However, if you are still keen on road-tripping down to Barcelona from Paris, I’ve made a 2-day itinerary that you can follow.

Day 1 – Paris to Barcelona

10:00 – Start in Paris

11:30 – Arrive at Orleans Centre, leave at 12:40

14:00 – Arrive at Bourges, leave at 15:00

16:30 – Arrive at Lapeyrouse, leave at 17:20

20:00 – Arrive at Mende, stay the night at Hotel De France and enjoy the luxurious space. This spot is located just a 2-minute walk away from Mende Cathedral

Day 2 – Paris to Barcelona

8:30 – Visit Mende Cathedral 

10:00 – Leave Mende, France

11:30 – Arrive at Pezenas, leave at 12:30

16:00 – Arrive at Girona, leave at 17:00

18:00 – Arrive in Barcelona

Barcelona Transport

Barcelona boasts a healthy public transportation system. From busses and metros to private taxis and simple walking, here are the best ways to get around Barcelona. 

Barcelona Busses

The bus system in this city is world-class. Starting from only €2.20, you can see the entire city on a tight budget. The busses operate between the hours of 5:00 and 24:00 daily and run on various routes throughout the city.  

Barcelona has numerous ticket options available to locals and tourists, which ranges from a single trip to integrated passes. Remember to download a bus schedule and map on the TMB website before you plan your trip to Barcelona. 

Barcelona Car Hire

Hiring a car in the city of Barcelona is only a good idea if you have a differently-abled travel companion or if you’re planning a day trip out of the city borders. The public transportation system will be the cheapest and quickest way to travel in Barcelona, especially for first-time visitors. 

Barcelona Taxis

The iconic yellow and black taxis that line the streets of Barcelona is one of the most popular ways to travel in the city. 

The driver charges the passenger according to a meter, and tipping is welcome but not necessary. These fares average around €0.73 per minute, and some taxis can handle a group of passengers. 

Taxis are available to book in advance, but it’s not necessary to do so. Simply flag them down and ask for a ride!

Barcelona Metro

Barcelona has a punctual, air-conditioned underground metro system available to take you to any major attractions. 

This system is welcomed in the summer months when it’s too hot to walk. This clean and safe space charges €2.40 per ticket and is a favourite among locals. 

Where to Stay in Barcelona 

If you’re planning to stay in Barcelona for a few days, you will need a great place to stay. Follow this link to booking.com to see over 800 spots waiting for you. Most of these exquisite spaces are located in central Barcelona and just walking distance from all major attractions.  

You may also want to search for the perfect VRBO self-serviced apartment for your stay in Paris. Follow this link for all Paris VRBO options. 

Things to Do in Barcelona

If you’re planning a trip from Paris to Barcelona, check out my 48-hour Barcelona Itinerary to make the most of your stay in this beautiful city.

With so many things to do in Paris and Barcelona, it’s clear to see why the route between these two cities is rather worn.