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Planning a trip to the French capital and need more information on how to travel from Barcelona to Paris by train? Look no further!
On average, the train journey from Barcelona to Paris takes 6 hours and 48 minutes. As there are direct services available, you don’t need to worry about changing along the way. When travelling on this direct route, you’ll board an SNCF train at Barcelona Sants station, travel over the French-Spanish border and arrive at Paris Gare du Nord station. If you’re travelling from Barcelona to Paris, train is the sensible choice! You don’t need to worry about queues at check-in, luggage limits or airport transfers.
As the SNCF train passes through miles of picturesque Spanish and French countryside, you’ll have the chance to enjoy breath-taking views. If you like travelling in style, add extra comfort to your journey by travelling in First Class.
Once you arrive in Paris, you can jump on the Metro and make your way to the city’s iconic landmarks. Not sure where to start? Check out our guide to the best things to do in Paris, including a trip to the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe.
Keen to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets from Barcelona to Paris today. Just head to the Journey Planer at the top of the page and we’ll show you the cheapest fares available. If you’re still not convinced, keep reading for more information including FAQs and tips on how to book cheaper train tickets.
It takes an average of 7h 2m to travel from Barcelona to Paris by train, over a distance of around 516 miles (831 km). There are normally 5 trains per day traveling from Barcelona to Paris and tickets for this journey start from $55.66 when you book in advance.
First train | 8:19 am | |
---|---|---|
Last train | 4:34 pm | |
Departure station | Barcelona | |
Arrival station | Paris | |
Journey time | From 6h 44m | |
Distance | 516 miles (831 km) | |
Frequency | 5 trains per day | |
Changes | Direct trains available | |
Price | From $55.66 | |
Train and bus operators |
SNCF is the national train operator of France. It operates all domestic trains and routes across France, as well as international services to Spain and Germany. There are three different types of domestic trains that operate under the SNCF banner – TGV (high-speed, full-service trains that connect the major cities in France), Intercités (usually a more frequent stopping service, but with all the amenities), and TER (regional train services with basic onboard facilities).
TGV is the high-speed train service of the SNCF company. It connects the major cities of France at speeds of up to 200 mph (320 km/h). All TGV trains are equipped with a food carriage, a free WiFi connection, power sockets and fold-down tables. Two comfort classes are offered – First Class and Second Class, with flexible fare options available and access to the Grand Voyageur lounge in some stations.
In Second Class, TGV INOUI allows you to travel comfortably while enjoying the onboard services, such as free WiFi, power outlets and more.
Prefer to travel in style? Upgrade to First Class and you’ll enjoy all the benefits of Second Class as well as some additional extras.
On board TGV INOUI trains, you can take up to 2 pieces of luggage measuring no more than 70 x 90 x 50 cm (27.5 x 35.4 x 19.6 inches), plus one hand luggage measuring no more than 40 x 30 x 15 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches). If you are bringing an XL baggage (maximum 90 x 130 cm or 35.4 x 51.1 inches), it will replace one of the two 70 x 90 x 50 cm (27.5 x 35.4 x 19.6 inches) pieces of luggage authorised.
All your luggage must be labelled before entering the train.
All TGV INOUI trains are equipped with a café-bar car offering a range of food and drink to suit you at any time of day. The Bar is always situated in car 4 or 14 of the train. There's a range of local and responsibly sourced products on offer.
TGV INOUI trains have free WiFi on board for you to use throughout your journey, allowing you to stay connected, reply to emails or even relax and enjoy what's offered on the TGV INOUI entertainment portal.
Children under 12 can get a half price ticket on TGV INOUI trains. Children under 4 travel free when they travel on your lap.
If you've got a foldable bicycle, you can take it on the train as hand baggage, so long as it's no larger than 130 x 90 cm once folded. Or, if you can dismantle your bike, you can transport it in a cover or case no larger than 130 x 90 cm. You can still travel with a bike that cannot be folded or dismantled - you'll need to reserve a bike space on the train when you buy your ticket. Bike tickets cost €10 per bike, per journey.
Small pets are allowed on board TGV INOUI trains provided they weigh less than 10kg. They must travel in a carrier no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm. Tickets for small pets cost €7. Larger dogs can also travel on TGV INOUI services, provided they are wearing a muzzle and are kept on a leash. Tickets for larger dogs cost €20. Guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free of charge on all SNCF trains.
For disabled passengers or those with reduced mobility, you can request assistance through 'Accès Plus'. With this service, a member of staff will meet you at the station and help you get to your seat on the train. To book assistance, contact Accès Plus after you book your tickets (and no later than 48 hours before your train is due to depart).
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Barcelona to Paris by booking early.§
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
If you are flying to Barcelona, you will probably land at El Prat Airport, more commonly known as Barcelona Airport.
If you’re hoping to take the train from Barcelona to Paris, you will need to travel to Barcelona Sants station.
Situated in the heart of the city, Barcelona Sants station is easy to get to via the city’s public transport. To get from central Barcelona to Barcelona Sants station, you can use:
If you want to travel from Barcelona Airport to Barcelona Sants station, you can catch the Renfe train from Barcelona Airport station to Barcelona Sants station, which takes around 25 minutes.
While you wait for your train to Paris, there are plenty of things to keep you occupied at Barcelona Sants station.
Arrive at Barcelona Sants station early and you’ll find plenty of things to do to help pass the time. As you wait for your train to arrive, you can check out:
Your TGV INOUI train will arrive at Paris Gare de Lyon station.
Located in east Paris, Paris Gare de Lyon is well-connected to the rest of the city. Once you've left the platform, you’ll find Métro and RER trains to whisk you to Paris’ most famous landmarks.
If you want to get to the city center from Paris Gare de Lyon station, you can use the following modes of transport:
Public transport is the quickest, easiest, and cheapest way to travel around the city.
Paris is home to charming eateries, cobbled streets and fascinating history. From the Eiffel Tower to Sacré-Cœur, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in Paris. To help inspire your next trip, here are some ideas for things to do in Paris:
After visiting Paris, why not continue exploring Europe by train? With a Eurail Pass, you can travel across 33 European countries as much as you want on participating European train networks for a set amount of travel days.
You can use a Eurail Pass if you’re not a European citizen or resident. If you're a European citizen or a non-European who is an official legal resident of a European country, you can use an Interrail Pass instead.
The average journey time by train between Barcelona and Paris is 7 hours and 2 minutes, with around 5 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
The fastest journey time by train from Barcelona to Paris is 6 hours and 44 minutes.
Train tickets from Barcelona to Paris can start from as little as $55.66 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Barcelona to Paris without having to change trains. There are 3 direct trains from Barcelona to Paris each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
The first train from Barcelona to Paris leaves at 08:19. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
The last train from Barcelona to Paris leaves at 16:34. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
Trains travelling from Barcelona to Paris cover a distance of around 516 miles (831 km) during the journey.
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Paris to Barcelona.