9 train trips from Barcelona

BarcelonaYou board the train with a coffee in hand, sit down, look out the window, enjoy the changing landscapes that pass by, and in just a few hours you're in another city, with a different reality ready to be discovered, adding a thousand stories to your memories. No lines, no tolls. In less time than it would take to cross the entire AP-7 on a Sunday afternoon, you can have breakfast in Madrid, stroll along the banks of the Turia River, or get lost in the streets of Zaragoza's historic center.

From Barcelona, ​​​​trains offer a range of getaways that invite you to improvise. Now that air travel is starting to be questioned due to its carbon footprint and more and more people are choosing trains for relatively short trips, we're taking a look at the cities in Spain that we can visit by this means of transport instead of taking a plane. With the advantage that they always travel from the center of Barcelona to the center of the destination city.

Some are quick journeys, like Madrid and Zaragoza, and others require a little more patience, like Salamanca and San Sebastián, but are rewarded with changing landscapes and the arrival in a city worthwhile. Some are direct and easy, others require a connecting flight, but they all have in common the convenience of letting yourself go, enjoying the scenery from the train, and opting for a more sustainable way of traveling with far fewer CO₂ emissions than airplanes.

In this article, we propose a selection of train routes from Barcelona that take less than six hours and offer a change of scenery. All you need is a light backpack, good headphones, and a desire to discover cities with the comfort of letting yourself be carried along by the rails.

Madrid

Whether you're looking for a busy day or a relaxing weekend getaway, Madrid is a safe bet. In just over two and a half hours, you'll reach Atocha and start the route: Plaza Mayor, a stroll through the Retiro Park, and a visit to the Prado Museum. If you're already familiar with classic Madrid and looking for authenticity, get lost in the Lavapiés neighborhood, where urban art blends with charming cafes and cuisines from around the world. And to round off the day, how about watching the sunset at the Temple of Debod or having a drink on the rooftop of the Riu Plaza Hotel, with spectacular views of the entire city?

Practical information:

Duration: 2.30 - 3 hours

Type: Direct AVE

Toledo

Getting to Toledo is quick and easy. Just take the AVE (High Speed Train) to Madrid and connect there. In another half hour, you'll be able to explore its cobblestone streets by train from Atocha. You can start with the must-sees of this city in Castilla-La Mancha: the imposing Alcázar, the cathedral, and the El Greco route. If you want to be amazed, walk along the Tajo ecological trail or descend to the mysterious Caves of Hercules, and end the day with a nighttime legends trail through the illuminated city. For the best views, climb to the Mirador del Valle and admire Toledo from above.

Practical information:

Duration: 4 - 4.30 hours

Type: Direct AVE with connection to Madrid

Seville

We're already talking about a longer journey here, but in just over five hours we can take a direct AVE train to the Andalusian capital, which is always worth the trip. You'll step off the train at Santa Justa and be immediately captivated by its light and unmistakable rhythm. With the Giralda tower just a stone's throw away, you can enjoy the narrow streets of the historic center and the excellent cuisine and atmosphere of the streets. If you want to try the tapas that the Sevillians eat, order the best fried fish offered by the locals at the Calle Feria market. To end the day, nothing beats an intimate flamenco concert in the heart of Triana.

Practical information:

Duration: 5 hours

Type: Direct AVE

Cordova

Córdoba is a city to be savored slowly. The direct AVE train from Barcelona will drop you off five hours later at the doors of the impressive Mosque. You can start the route with a stroll through the Jewish quarter, following the trail of centuries of history, or lose yourself in the flowery courtyards of the San Basilio neighborhood, where traditional houses preserve their Andalusian essence. For a unique experience, visit the Medina Azahara archaeological site, the ancient caliphal city on the outskirts, or treat yourself to a nighttime soak in a hammam. Before leaving, stroll across the Roman bridge at sunset and discover the gastronomy of a city that always invites you to return.

Practical information:

Duration: 5 hours

Type: Direct AVE

Valencia

Valencia is much more than the City of Arts and Sciences or a frying pan in Malvarrosa. Arrive just three hours from Euromed and be prepared to be surprised. If you're a history buff, we suggest a visit to the City Hall air raid shelter to relive the city's past. If you're into that subject, foodieStroll through the Ruzafa neighborhood, full of charming cafes and art galleries. If you're looking for some nature, the Botanical Garden is a peaceful oasis perfect for unwinding. Or enjoy a boat trip on the Albufera to watch the sunset.

Practical information:

Duration: 3 hours

Type: Euromed direct

Alicante

Alicante is light and pure Mediterranean. In less than six hours by Euromed, the train will take you to the city center, next to the port and the old town. You can start the day with a walk to Santa Bárbara Castle, which offers the best views of the bay, and then head down to Postiguet Beach to take a dip or simply sunbathe. For the more adventurous, an excursion to the island of Tabarca It's a must-see: a charming little paradise perfect for unwinding. If you prefer to stay in the city, Serra Grossa Park offers spectacular views, especially at sunset.

Practical information:

Duration: 5 hours

Type: Euromed direct

Saragossa

A whirlwind getaway with many facets less than two hours from Barcelona. You'll arrive at Zaragoza's Delicias station and be just a stone's throw from the historic center. You can start with the classics—the Basilica del Pilar, the Aljafería, and a walk along the Ebro River to the Puente de Piedra—or, if you're familiar with it, take an alternative route that takes you to explore the underground galleries of ancient Caesaraugusta. To round out your getaway, don't leave without trying the lamb or the crumbs, a traditional dish of Aragonese origin made with bread, garlic, peppers and, often, lamb, typical of winter.

Practical information:

Duration: 1.20 - 1.45 hours

Type: Direct AVE

Salamanca

Salamanca is a city that transports you to another time. A combination of high-speed trains and Alvia trains will take you to this city in Castile and León in just 5 hours. The Plaza Mayor, one of the city's most emblematic places, captures the essence of Salamanca, with streets steeped in tradition and the famous university. When the sun begins to set, Salamanca lights up and the city invites you to enjoy a tapas tour through its narrow streets. Try the grilled meat or the traditional tapas. cheese toastTo close the day properly, there's nothing better than a stroll along the Tormes River with the cathedral illuminated.

Practical information:

Duration: 6 hours

Type: AVE with connection to Madrid

San Sebastián

The train will also take you to La Concha Bay in just over six hours, with a city full of charms—from architecture to gastronomy to nature—waiting for you. Enjoy the hilltop walk, and close out the day with a sunset from the Peine de los Vientos, where the sea and Chillida's sculptures will give you a unique view of the city.

Duration: 6 hours

Type: Alvia direct