Take the train from London to Barcelona? Why not? Whether you hate airports, or you have big luggage, or you just fancy taking the scenic route, a train journey through France to get to Barcelona is a great way to get from London to Spain.

Instinctively, you'd think flying would be much quicker. But bear in mind that London St Pancreas is a central train station and London's airports (apart from Heathrow and the little-used City Airport) are not.

With transport to the airport and check-in time - plus transfer from Barcelona airport to the city center - you might find it's not much quicker to fly.

It is possible to take the train all the way from London to Barcelona with just one change. If continuing to Madrid, you'll need to take a separate service from Barcelona to Madrid.

London to Barcelona by Train - Two Suggested Itineraries

There are no direct trains, but there are two ways you can get there with a single change:

• Change in Paris Total travel time: 8h45 (plus changing train stations in Paris)
• Change in Marseilles Total travel time: 11h

Considering the need to change train stations in Paris, the difference between the two journeys is negligible. The question is whether you want to spend a day or two in Paris or in Marseilles.

France-Spain Rail Pass

If you plan on visiting multiple cities in France and Spain, making a number of train journeys in each country, you may want to consider getting the Eurail France-Spain Pass, which gives you up to ten days of train travel in Spain and France for a very reasonable price.

As French train tickets cost more than Spanish ones, the more journeys you make in France, the better value you'll find the Eurail pass. Buy a Eurail France-Spain Pass

London to Barcelona via Paris

Taking the train via Paris has two advantages over the Marseilles route. It's a bit quicker, and Paris! However, if you're planning on traveling straight through without visiting Paris, bear in my you need to change train stations.

London to Paris by Eurostar

• Depart: London St Pancras
• Arrive: Paris Gare de Nord
• Travel Time: 2h15
  Book Eurostar tickets (book direct)

Paris Gare de Nord to Paris d'Austerlitz
You will need to travel by public transport between these two stations. Why not break up the journey by staying the night in Paris?

Paris to Barcelona by train

• Depart: Paris Gare de Lyon
• Arrive: Barcelona Sants
• Travel Time: 6h30
   

Total Travel Time: 8h45

London to Barcelona via Marseilles

This route takes a little longer than going via Paris, but it doesn't require changing train stations. 

London to Marseilles

• Depart: London St Pancras
• Arrive: Marseilles Saint Charles
• Travel Time: 6h30
  Book Eurostar tickets (book direct)

Marseilles to Barcelona

• Depart: Marseilles Saint Charles
• Arrive: Barcelona Sants
• Travel Time: 4h30
   

Total Travel Time: 11 hours

You can then take the high-speed train from Barcelona to Madrid. Read more on the AVE High-Speed Train in Spain.