How to Get from Barcelona to Lisbon by Train: Iberian Adventure

Taking the train from Barcelona to Lisbon

Taking the train from Barcelona to Lisbon is not the quickest way to travel, but it’s definitely one of the most beautiful and exhilarating rides along the Iberian Peninsula. It’s part culture experience, part drive with scenery, and part comfortable travel. So, here’s the scoop before you take the train.

Is There a Direct Train from Barcelona to Lisbon?

There is not yet a direct high-speed train from Barcelona to Lisbon. But if you take clever connections, you can easily do this inter-country journey in a day or take two days and sightsee beautiful Spanish cities along the way.

Train Route Suggestion

Option 1: Through Madrid and Badajoz

• Barcelona Sants ↔ Madrid Atocha (AVE high-speed train, ~2h 30m)

• Madrid Chamartín ↔ Badajoz (Intercity train, ~5h 15m)

• Badajoz → Entroncamento (Portugal) → Lisbon Oriente (regional trains in Portugal, ~4–5h)

Total travel time: ~12–14 hours
Tip: Advance-book AVE and Intercity trains for cheaper fares and good seats.

Option 2: Break It Up Into a Two-Day Journey

Split your trip with an overnight stay in Madrid, Cáceres, or Badajoz—historical towns with great cuisine, Moorish buildings, and lesser-touristy atmosphere.

Ticket Prices and Advance-Booking

• Barcelona to Madrid (AVE): €30–€90

• Madrid to Badajoz: €25–€40

• Badajoz to Lisbon: €15–€25
  Overall cost: Roughly €70–€150 depending on class and time booked

Book at:
Renfe for Spanish portions
CP – Comboios de Portugal for Portuguese trains

Why Go by Train?

Eco-friendly: Smaller carbon footprint compared to planes
Scenic: Traverse rivers, mountains, and sleepy quaint villages
Comfortable: Ample room to sit, no airport stress
Cultural: A fantastic means to discover off-the-beaten-path Iberian treasures

Tips for Travel

• Book connections with care — leave some buffer time in the event of delays between trains.

• Snack pack — especially for the Madrid–Badajoz and Badajoz–Lisbon routes.

• Store maps and entertainment offline — Wi-Fi is not always available on local trains.

• Travel light — station changes are rushed and some stations have no elevator.

Last Thoughts:

While not a bullet train, the train from Barcelona to Lisbon is an experience-filled journey. From cosmopolitan Barcelona to casual Lisbon, the experience is an excellent adventure for those who love adventure, scenery, and for anyone who wishes to observe what is in between.

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