The train is the most comfortable and sustainable way to reach Madrid and Barcelona during Pope Leo XIV’s visit. The AVE between both cities covers 621 km in 2h 30m, with departures every 30 minutes. For international pilgrims, Trainline offers the best multilingual interface with combined search across Renfe + SNCF (France) + Trenitalia (Italy) + DB (Germany), paying in local currency. The Canary Islands are not accessible by train: they are reached by plane from mainland Spain (Gran Canaria LPA, Tenerife TFN/TFS) or by ferry from Cádiz, Huelva or Portugal.
Best international option
Trainline (covers Renfe + SNCF + Trenitalia + DB)
Madrid ↔ Barcelona AVE
2h 30m · from €39 · every 30 min
Madrid station
Madrid Puerta de Atocha
Barcelona station
Barcelona Sants
Canary Islands
No train connection (plane or ferry)
Advance booking
21 days ahead for best price
Why travel by train?
Comfort and speed for medium distances. The AVE connects Madrid and Barcelona in 2h 30m city centre to city centre, versus ~4h total by plane including airports, security and transfers. The train arrives at the heart of the city, not 30 km away like airports.
Sustainability. A Madrid-Barcelona AVE journey emits ~14 kg CO₂ per person versus ~120 kg by plane. The encyclical "Laudato si'" of Pope Francis —magisterium that Leo XIV continues— invites us to choose the least polluting option whenever possible.
Free luggage. Trainline and Renfe allow 2-3 large suitcases at no extra cost. Especially useful if you carry a Vatican flag, pilgrim kit, folding cushion and water: each checked suitcase on a plane costs €30-60.
No liquid restrictions. On the train you can carry water, energy bars and sunscreen without passing through airport security.
Main routes to Madrid and Barcelona
Reference prices in Standard class buying 21 days in advance. Prices rise quickly as the date approaches. We recommend booking before 20 May.
Pre-filled searches for 5 June (eve of the visit). Adjust dates and passengers in the Trainline form.
| Ruta | Duración | Precio | Frecuencia | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| paris → barcelona | 6h 45m | desde 39€ | 2/día | Search on Trainline → |
| paris → madrid | ~10h con cambio | desde 89€ | 1-2/día | Search on Trainline → |
| barcelona → madrid | 2h 30m AVE | desde 39€ | ~30/día | Search on Trainline → |
| sevilla → madrid | 2h 30m AVE | desde 35€ | 20+/día | Search on Trainline → |
| valencia → madrid | 1h 50m AVE | desde 29€ | 15+/día | Search on Trainline → |
| malaga → madrid | 2h 30m AVE | desde 45€ | 15+/día | Search on Trainline → |
| cordoba → madrid | 1h 40m AVE | desde 32€ | 20+/día | Search on Trainline → |
| zaragoza → madrid | 1h 15m AVE | desde 28€ | 15+/día | Search on Trainline → |
Main stations
Madrid Puerta de Atocha — Almudena Grandes
Plaza del Emperador Carlos V, 28045 Madrid
Metro: Atocha Renfe (L1). Cercanías: all lines. Bus: 10, 14, 19, 26, 27, 32, 34, 37, 45
💡 1.2 km from Plaza de Cibeles (event on 7 Jun). 25 min walking or Metro L1 → Banco de España.
Barcelona Sants
Plaça dels Països Catalans, s/n, 08014 Barcelona
Metro: Sants Estació (L3 and L5). Cercanías: R1, R2, R3, R4. Bus: H10, V7, V11
💡 4 km from the Sagrada Familia. Metro L5 direct or taxi 15 min. Close to Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium (vigil 9 Jun).
Canary Islands: no train connection
The Canary Islands have no railway network. To reach Gran Canaria (11 Jun event at the Gran Canaria Stadium) and Tenerife (closing Mass on 12 Jun at the Port of Santa Cruz) there are two options: plane from Madrid-Barajas (LPA 2h 30m · TFN 2h 35m, several daily frequencies) or ferry from Cádiz / Huelva with Naviera Armas or Trasmediterránea (38-48h crossing, suitable for taking a car).
Trainline vs Renfe: which one do I use?
Both sell the same Renfe AVE tickets. The difference is in the interface, language, currency and international routes.
| Criterio | Trainline | Renfe |
|---|---|---|
| Language | 14 languages (EN, ES, IT, FR, DE, PT…) | Spanish + basic English |
| Currency | EUR, GBP, USD, CHF… | Only EUR |
| Madrid-Barcelona AVE | ✅ Yes, same prices | ✅ Yes, official |
| Paris-Madrid connection | ✅ Combined SNCF+Renfe | ❌ No |
| Italy connection (Trenitalia) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Multi-city search | ✅ Yes | Limited |
| Best for | International pilgrims | Spaniards with Renfe Más account |
Frequently asked questions
- When does AVE sale open for 6-12 June 2026?
- Renfe opens AVE ticket sales 60-90 days before departure. For the Pope’s visit, sales have been open since March 2026. The earlier you book, the better the price (Promo and Promo+ fares sell out first).
- Is there a direct AVE Madrid-Barcelona on 9 June?
- Yes. The Madrid-Barcelona AVE operates every 30 minutes from 06:00 to 21:30. The Pope travels to Barcelona on 9 June at 11:30-12:25 (by plane, not train). For pilgrims following the route, we recommend a morning AVE to arrive in time for the Lluís Companys vigil (20:00).
- Can I take my Vatican flag on the train?
- Yes. Renfe and Trainline allow folded flags in hand luggage without restrictions. Flags with rigid pole > 1m must be checked as additional baggage (~€5). Soft cloth flags 90×90 cm fit folded in a backpack.
- Does Trainline work for international pilgrims?
- Yes, it is the best option for foreigners. Trainline has 14 languages, charges in local currency, searches international connections (Paris-Barcelona, Milan-Madrid with change in Paris, Lisbon-Madrid with change) and covers official Renfe. For Spaniards with a Renfe Más account, Renfe.com may be simpler.
- Are there pilgrim discounts?
- There is no official Renfe "pilgrim" fare. The best options are: 1) Buy 21+ days in advance (Promo and Promo+), 2) Renfe Youth Card (14-25 years, 25-30 % discount), 3) Large Family (20-50 %), 4) Over 60 (40 %).
- How do I get to the Canary Islands if there is no train?
- By plane from Madrid-Barajas: Iberia, Air Europa, Ryanair and Vueling operate daily. Flight time Madrid → Gran Canaria 2h 30m, Madrid → Tenerife North 2h 35m. By ferry: Naviera Armas and Trasmediterránea operate from Cádiz and Huelva (38-48h, ideal if you want to take a car).