How to travel from Málaga to Barcelona, Spain

The distance between Málaga and Barcelona is around 848km (527 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to take the bus and then fly which takes around 4h 5m.

4 routes found

We've found 4 different ways to get from Málaga to Barcelona by train, bus, car and plane. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out BarcelonaMálaga if you're planning a return trip.

🚀 Fastest
💰 Cheapest
1
bus
+
plane
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Bus and Plane

Take the bus to Granada then fly from Granada (GRX) to Barcelona (BCN).

  • Duration4h 5m
  • Flight time1h 25m
  • Typical cost
    €95($95)
Operated by

Multiple operators

2
train
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Train

Take the train to Barcelona-Sants.

  • Duration5h 45m
  • Departsonce daily
  • Typical cost
    €150($150)
3
bus
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Bus

Take the bus to Barcelona.

  • Duration16h 45m
  • Departs4 times a day
  • Typical cost
    €110($110)
4
car
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Drive

Drive to Barcelona.

  • Duration9h 30m
  • Distance968km (601 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Málaga and Barcelona

There are several options for getting from Málaga to Barcelona by train, bus, car and plane. The cheapest option is to take the bus and then fly which costs around €95 ($95) and will take around 4h 5m.

The distance between Málaga and Barcelona is around 848km (527 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 770km (478 miles)

It takes around 5h 45m to get from Málaga and Barcelona by train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 9h 30m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Málaga to Barcelona is to take the bus and then fly which takes around 4h 5m and will set you back approx €95 ($95).

The cheapest way to travel between Málaga and Barcelona, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus and then fly which will typically cost around €95 ($95) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Málaga and Barcelona. It typically takes around 5h 45m and departs once daily.

Yes there is a direct train service that runs between Málaga and Barcelona with no changeovers required. The train runs once daily and takes 5h 45m.

Renfe AVE run train services between Málaga and Barcelona. Trains depart once daily and will take around 5h 45m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Málaga and Barcelona. It typically takes around 16h 45m and departs 4 times a day.

Yes there is a direct bus service that runs between Málaga and Barcelona with no changeovers required. The bus runs 4 times a day and takes 16h 45m.

ALSA run regular bus services between Málaga and Barcelona. Buses run 4 times a day and take around 16h 45m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Málaga to Barcelona. We recommend that you take the bus to Granada then fly from Granada (GRX) to Barcelona (BCN). instead which will take 4h 5m.

The closest major airport to Barcelona is Josep Tarradellas Airport Barcelona-El Prat (BCN) (BCN) which is approximately 12km (8 miles) from Barcelona. Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO) (GRO) and Reus Airport (REU) (REU) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Málaga and Barcelona. The distance is around 968km (601 miles) by road and it will take around 9h 30m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Málaga to Barcelona is to take the train which takes, on average, 5h 45m and will usually cost around €150 ($150).

How do I get from Málaga to Barcelona

Compare travel optionsbetween Málaga and Barcelona

Transport options from Málaga to Barcelona
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Bus and Plane
4h 5m
€95($95)
hourly848km (527 miles)
Train
5h 45m
€150($150)
once daily1,112km (691 miles)
Bus
16h 45m
€110($110)
4 times a day1,064km (661 miles)
Drive
9h 30m
€115($115)
on demand968km (601 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Málaga and Barcelona

Airports near Barcelona

The following major airports near Barcelona offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Spain and internationally.

BCN
Josep Tarradellas Airport Barcelona-El Prat (BCN)
International Airport
Distance
12km (8 miles) from Barcelona
GRO
Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO)
Domestic Airport
Distance
75km (47 miles) from Barcelona
REU
Reus Airport (REU)
Domestic Airport
Distance
90km (56 miles) from Barcelona