Flight or train
| Option | Time | Price seen | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct flight | about 1 h 55 to 2 h | very wide range, from budget fares to a few hundred EUR | fastest; Madrid airport to Paris CDG or Orly |
| Train via Barcelona | about 9 to 11 h in total | comparison sites quote averages between about 230 and 285 EUR | change at Barcelona Sants; book each leg early |
| Car | about 12 to 13 h, 1,270 km | fuel and French tolls | only with a stopover |
For most travellers the flight is the answer. The train suits those who avoid flying or want a night in Barcelona or the Pyrenees on the way. If you split the trip, book the Madrid to Barcelona leg and the Barcelona to Paris leg on the same search so the connection is protected.
Practical tips
Flights leave from Madrid Barajas: read Madrid airport to the centre for the metro, bus and taxi, and hotels near Barajas airport if your flight is early. The AVE to Barcelona leaves from Atocha: see Madrid's train stations.
Where to sleep in Paris
Choose the area by your plans: near a main station for a short stay, or the centre for sightseeing. Search hotels in Paris on Booking.com and compare cancellation terms. For the rest of your trip, see our guide Madrid or Barcelona.
Times and fares: Omio, Trip.com and Kupi, read on 30 October 2026. La rédaction Madrid Authority.
