Spain's great rivalry
Madrid and Barcelona are Spain's two largest cities and have very different personalities. Madrid is the inland capital, with grand boulevards, world-class art museums and a famously late-night social life. Barcelona is a Mediterranean port with its own language and culture, extraordinary architecture and a beach right in the city.
Visiting both in one trip shows how varied Spain is, and the high-speed train between them makes it remarkably easy.
The rail link
High-speed trains connect Madrid and Barcelona in roughly two and a half to three hours, depending on the service, running from city centre to city centre. Several operators now compete on the route, which has widened the choice of times and fares.
The journey crosses the dry plains of the interior before descending towards the coast, with glimpses of hilltop villages along the way. It's comfortable, relaxing and far less hassle than getting to and from airports for such a short distance.
Days in Madrid
Spend three nights in Madrid. Devote a day to the art museums along the main boulevard, another to the old town around the main square and the royal palace, and a third to neighbourhoods such as La Latina, Malasaña or Lavapiés. The large park near the museums is perfect for a lazy afternoon.
Evenings start late: dinner at nine or ten is normal, and tapas bars are busiest after dark. Embrace the rhythm and take a rest in the afternoon.
Days in Barcelona
In Barcelona, spend another three or four nights. Explore the Gothic Quarter and the Born, walk the Eixample to see its famous buildings, visit the hilltop park and spend time by the sea in Barceloneta. Food markets and Catalan dishes provide a delicious contrast to Madrid.
Fly home from Barcelona rather than returning to Madrid, which saves half a day and lets you finish your trip by the Mediterranean.
Booking and packing
Search for open-jaw flights, into Madrid and out of Barcelona or the other way around. Book train tickets in advance for the best fares. Light luggage helps on trains, so a cabin bag on a Classic fare is ideal, with the checked bag allowance there if you're shopping.
With extra days, add a stop along the way. Historic cities near the route, including Zaragoza with its vast riverside basilica, make an easy break in the journey, and there are wine regions within reach of both ends. Day trips from Madrid to nearby historic towns such as Toledo or Segovia are also very popular.
Good to know
- Book open-jaw flights to avoid backtracking between cities.
- Arrive at the station early; security checks are common on high-speed trains in Spain.
- Adjust to Spanish meal times for the best atmosphere in restaurants.