High speed train crossing a stone bridge through green vineyards on the route from Barcelona to Logroño, with a hilltop village and mountains in the background.

I am going to be honest. When someone first told me “let us take the train from Barcelona to Logroño” I pictured a long boring ride and a small sleepy town at the end. I was wrong on both counts. The train part is actually easy and kind of relaxing. And Logroño has this low key charm that sneaks up on you. Good food. Walkable streets. And then the wine country around it. That is the real magic.

If you want a trip that feels like a break from big city noise but still has life. This one works.

Table of Contents

Why Logroño is worth the ride

Logroño sits right in La Rioja. That basically means vineyards, tasting rooms, and villages that look like they were made for slow afternoons. But it is not only wine. The city itself has a strong food culture. Pinchos bars. Busy little streets at night. And a relaxed pace that makes you feel like you can finally breathe.

Barcelona is amazing. But sometimes you want something different. Less rush. More flavor.

Taking the train from Barcelona to Logroño

Where you start

Most people leave from Barcelona Sants. It is simple to reach by metro or taxi. I usually arrive a bit early because Sants can feel busy and you do not want to be running with a backpack and coffee in hand. Also it is nicer when you can grab a snack and just sit.

How long the journey feels

On most days the fastest trips are around the 3 hour 40 minute range. Many journeys land closer to 4 hours. Some routes have a connection so it can be longer. It depends on the day and the exact train.

Even when it is 4 hours it does not feel heavy. You sit. You watch the scenery change. And You read. You snack. It is a calmer kind of travel.

Direct train or connection

Some days you can find a direct train. Other days the simplest option is one connection. Zaragoza is a common transfer point. The connection can actually be smooth if the times line up well.

My personal advice is simple. Pick the route that looks least stressful. A slightly longer trip with a comfortable connection is better than a tight transfer where you sprint through a station.

Booking tips that saved me hassle

Book earlier if your dates are fixed. Prices usually feel better that way.
Pick a seat if the system allows it. Window seats are the move on this route.
Bring a small snack even if you plan to buy food. Station lines can be random.
Keep your ID handy. Sometimes it is needed during checks.

Heads up about rail works

Spain does rail upgrades from time to time. On certain weekends or dates there can be temporary changes like a bus replacement for a section of the route. It does not happen every day. Still it is smart to check your exact service details the day before travel so you are not surprised.

Arriving in Logroño and getting your bearings

Logroño is friendly for first timers. The center is compact. You can walk a lot of it without feeling tired. If your hotel is central you can drop your bag and start exploring quickly.

First thing I did was walk with no plan. Just streets and small plazas. That is how you find the vibe.

Best things to do in Logroño before the wineries

1) Calle Laurel for pinchos

Calle Laurel is the famous one and yes it can be crowded. But it is still worth it. The fun part is not sitting at one place for two hours. The fun part is hopping. One pincho here. One small glass there. Then move.

A small personal tip. Go earlier than peak time if you want breathing space. Later it turns into a lively squeeze. Which can be fun too. Depends on your mood.

2) A slow walk by the Ebro River

When you want a break from eating and drinking. The river walk is perfect. It is calm and simple. You see locals jogging and families walking. It feels real. Not staged.

3) Old town wandering

Logroño old town has that classic northern Spain feel. Stone streets. Churches. Little corners that look good in photos even if you are not trying.

4) Mercado vibe

If you like local markets. Try visiting in the morning. Fruit. snacks. and that everyday Spanish energy where people actually talk to each other. It is a nice contrast to touristy spots.

Wine country explorations near Logroño

Here is the fun part. You have three main “wine zone” vibes around La Rioja. People describe them in different ways. But as a visitor the easiest way to think about it is this:

One area feels cooler and more classic. Balanced reds. More structure.
Another area has dramatic landscapes and some modern architecture in wineries. Beautiful views.
Another area feels warmer and can give you riper styles.

You do not need to be a wine expert. Just follow what tastes good and enjoy the places.

Easy day trips for wine lovers

Haro

Haro is one of the best base spots for winery visits. There are bodegas there that feel historic and serious. Even the air smells a bit like barrels in some places. If you can fit one day trip. Haro is a strong pick.

Laguardia

Technically in Rioja Alavesa. It feels like a postcard village. Small streets. Viewpoints. And wineries nearby. This is great if you want wine plus scenery plus that “tiny medieval town” feeling.

Elciego

If you like modern design mixed with wine culture. Elciego is interesting. Even walking around feels different. Good for photos. Good for a more curated tasting vibe.

Briones and San Vicente de la Sonsierra

These are the quieter options. Villages where you slow down. Eat something local. Then maybe do one tasting and call it a day. If you want peace. This is it.

How to plan winery visits without overthinking

Option A: Book a guided wine tour from Logroño

This is the easiest way if you want zero stress. Transport is handled. You visit two or three bodegas. You do tastings. And You learn a bit. And You get back to the city and still have energy for dinner.

Option B: DIY with trains and short taxis

Some nearby towns can be reached by train. For example Logroño to Haro can be done on rail on certain schedules. Then you can use local taxis to hop to a bodega if it is not walkable. This method takes a bit more planning but it feels more independent.

Option C: Rent a car and choose one zone

If you rent a car then pick one zone for the day. Do not try to cover everything. And please keep tasting safe. The smart move is to have one person not drinking.

A simple 3 day itinerary that actually feels doable

Day 1: Barcelona to Logroño + food night

Arrive. Check in. Walk the center. Do Calle Laurel as a gentle introduction. No heavy tasting yet. Just pinchos and one or two glasses. Sleep early.

Day 2: Full wine country day

Pick Haro or Rioja Alavesa. Visit two wineries. Maybe three if the timing is easy. Long lunch. Then back to Logroño for a slow evening walk.

Day 3: Slow morning + return train

Market or river walk. Coffee. One last pastry. Then head back to the station with time to spare.

This plan gives you wine time without turning the trip into a race.

What to pack for this trip

Comfortable shoes. You will walk more than you think.
A light jacket. Northern Spain evenings can feel cooler than Barcelona.
A small bottle of water. Tastings plus walking can dry you out fast.
A tote bag. You might buy a bottle. It happens.

Little things I learned the hard way

Eating before tastings is a great idea.
Not every winery visit needs a full tour. Sometimes a simple tasting is enough.
Logroño nights can run late. But mornings are calm. Balance both.

FAQs

1. Is there a direct train from Barcelona to Logroño?
On some days there are direct services. On other days a connection is needed. A common transfer city is Zaragoza. The best option depends on your travel date and time.

2. How long is the train journey from Barcelona to Logroño?
Fast journeys can be around the 3 hour 40 minute range. Many trips land closer to 4 hours. Routes with connections can take longer.

3. Is Logroño walkable for tourists?
Yes. The city center is compact and easy to explore on foot. A central hotel makes everything simpler.

4. What is the best way to explore La Rioja wineries from Logroño?
A guided day tour is the simplest option. DIY also works if you use trains to nearby towns and short taxis to wineries. Renting a car is another option if the group plans safely.

5. How many days are enough for Logroño and wine country?
Two days can cover the basics. Three days feels better because you can do one full winery day and still enjoy Logroño without rushing.

6. What is Calle Laurel and why is it famous?
Calle Laurel is a popular street for pinchos bars. People go bar to bar trying small bites and local drinks. It is one of the most fun evening experiences in Logroño.

7. Is this trip good in winter or only in summer?
It works year round. Summer can be hot. Spring and fall feel comfortable for walking. Winter is quieter and cozy for food and cellar tastings.

shabir Ahmed / Train Journeys, Train Travel in Spain /

Train from Barcelona to Logroño: Wine Country Explorations