Cheap Flights from Madrid to Barcelona

Fly to Barcelona, the capital city of Spain’s Catalonia. Wander around its Gothic streets, or explore the nearby coastline to lap up all this town has to offer.

Airlines flying this route

Lots of airlines fly along this route. For direct flights to Barcelona from Madrid, carriers include Iberia, Vueling Airlines, AeroMexico, Delta, Etihad, Aeroflot and Air Europa.

For connecting flights, you can find services by TAP Portugal, Brussels Airlines, British Airways, and more that usually fly via London (LGW), Lisbon (LIS) or Brussels (BRU).

Your Departure Airport

Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD)

Departing from: Terminals 1, 2, 3 or 4.

As Spain’s largest airport, and one of its busiest, Madrid Airport is well equipped for international and domestic fliers. There are over 30 food outlets, from cafes to restaurants and bars, and well as over 100 retail stores to choose from. These are all spread over the four terminals, but passengers will find plenty to do no matter which terminal they are departing from. Guests will also have access to ATMs, currency exchange booths, a post office, and WiFi is accessible at various points throughout the airport.

Your Destination Airport

Barcelona Airport (BCN)

Arriving in: Terminal 1.

After landing in Barcelona Airport passengers can wander through the many retail shops that are available to transiting guests. From famous high street brands like Zara, to technology shops like Crystal and children’s toys from the Imaginarium, if you have any last minute shopping to attend to, this is a good place to do it. There are also plenty of dining options if you are hungry after coming off the flight and want to pick up some refreshments.  Passengers also have access to wireless internet throughout Terminal 1, as well as to tourist information booths and currency exchange services,

Transport

You can pick up a taxi from just outside the terminal. Depending on traffic, a journey from the airport into downtown Barcelona can take between 20-40 minutes, and will cost around 40EUR ($58).

If catching a taxi is too rich for your blood, there are several mass transit options. The Aerobus runs every 5-10 minutes, and costs only 5.90EUR ($8.60) for a one-way ticket. The train is also a popular way to travel into town, from Terminal 1 you only need hop on the shuttle service that takes you directly to the station. The train runs every 30 minutes and will have you in the city centre 24 minutes later, a T10 ticket (a Zone 1 ticket that allows for up to 10 journeys throughout the city) will cost you 9.95EUR ($14.60).

If you’d prefer to rent your own car, you can find the car hire desks on the ground floor of Terminal 1, where all the major companies are represented.

Do you need a form of identification?

Though this is a domestic flight, you must carry photo identification with you. This can be a social security card, a driver’s license or your passport. Please note: if you are an internationaltravellerflying within Spain, it is recommended that you use your passport as your primary form of identification.

How long should you leave to get to the airport?

As this is a domestic flight departing and arriving in domestic terminals, it is recommended that you check in at least 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Please be aware that if you are travelling in a group, or are going on to a connecting flight, that you arrive 90-120 minutes before departure time. 

Things you need to know

Time difference: None.

Weather: General consensus is the best time to visit Barcelona tends to be in May to June or September to October, the shoulder seasons either side of the European summer. The temperatures remain in the early 20s, and the rainy month of April has passed. High summer (July-August) tends to be busy with tourists, and hot, hot, hot. Expect the mercury to rise up to 30°C.

Madrid and Barcelona are fairly comparable in prices across the board. If you’re hitting the town for dinner, expect to pay around 40EUR ($58) for a three course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant.