Direct summer trains between Malaga and Barcelona launched

Rail passengers who fancy a change of scenery for the weekend away from the Costa del Sol with minimal hassle, can now travel direct between Malaga and Barcelona without the need to change trains in a new seasonal service for the summer with Ouigo.

New weekend route for summer 2026

This direct connection has limitations and operates only on Friday through to Monday between July 20 and September 6, with a few additional exceptions on July 24, 26 and 31 July and August 2. Tickets for the route are already available through Ouigo’s official website and app.

Newly released journeys will take just under seven hours, calling at Zaragoza, Madrid and Cordoba along the way. Northbound trains depart Barcelona-Sants at 7:35am, reaching Zaragoza at 9:07am, Madrid at 11:05am, Cordoba at 1:25pm and Malaga at 2:31pm. With southbound services leaving Malaga at 4:50pm, arriving in Cordoba at 5:44pm, Madrid at 7:42pm, Zaragoza at 9:47pm and finally Barcelona at 11:56pm.

Responding to high demand for the Costa del Sol traveller

Growing summer demand for southern Spain has driven the expansion, which follows the full reopening of rail infrastructure in Andalucia. Rail operator Renfe already runs year-round direct services on this same corridor, so Ouigo’s move brings fresh competition to a popular route.

Four years of growth in Spain

Since entering the Spanish market in 2021, Ouigo has carried more than 23 million passengers and invested over €700 million, now employing more than 460 permanent staff and running 16 trains across 15 destinations.

Research from consultancy Afi credits Ouigo’s arrival with cutting average ticket prices by a huge 40%, opening up high-speed rail to travellers who previously said they found it unaffordable. One in four Ouigo passengers had never used high-speed rail before the company launched, and 85% say they now travel more often since competition arrived on Spain’s railways.

For more information, times and booking, visit the official website