How to Book Paris to Barcelona Train Tickets

Traveling by high-speed TGV between Paris and Barcelona is fast, comfortable, and scenic.

Here’s a clear guide to booking your ticket.

Table of Contents

• 1. Where to Buy Your Tickets
• 2. When to Book
• 3. Seat Layout Tips
• 4. Save Money with a Carte Avantage
• 5. Bonus Travel Tips

Where to Buy Your Tickets

You can buy tickets from multiple websites. Prices are the same, but fees, seat selection, and international support vary.

1. SNCF Connect - Official French Railways Site

• Pros: No booking fee, choose upper or lower deck, 1st class seat map selection

• Cons: Can't book Spanish domestic trains (Renfe)

• Best for: Simple Paris → Barcelona trips

• SNCF Connect's official site

2. The Trainline - Easy & International

• Pros: Accepts global cards, currency options, seat choices, books Renfe trains

• Cons: Small booking fee

• Best for: Paris-Barcelona with onward Spain connections

• The Trainline's official site

3. Rail Europe - For Travelers Worldwide

• Pros: Easy to use, accepts foreign cards, supports Renfe bookings

• Cons: Small booking fee

• Best for: Travelers in the US, UK, or Canada

• Rail Europe's official site

When to Book

• Bookings usually open up to 6 months in advance

• For travel just after the December schedule change, bookings often open in October

• Passholder Reservations: Eurail or Interrail users must reserve separately

Seat Layout Tips

• TGV Duplex trains have two levels:

  • Lower deck: Seats 11-58

  • Upper deck: Seats 61-128

• Car 1 (or Car 11 if double train) is usually at the Paris end, but not guaranteed

Save Money with a Carte Avantage

A smart discount option if you're traveling on a weekend or with family.

• Cost: €49 for 1 year

• Discounts:

  • 30% off for you + 1 companion

  • 60% off for up to 3 children under 12

• Valid for:

  • Weekend trips

  • Round trips with a Fri-Sun overnight stay

  • Any trip with a child under 12

• Where to use:

  • Only book discounted tickets at SNCF Connect or The Trainline

💡 Tip: Check prices with and without the discount card before buying it.

Bonus Travel Tips

• Trip time: ~6 hrs 47 mins

• Depart from: Paris Gare de Lyon

• Arrive at: Barcelona Sants

• Luggage: Bring it onboard - no check-in

• Snacks: Onboard café-bar available

• Wi-Fi & outlets: Available in most trains

• Arrival time: Be at the station 30+ minutes early

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Booking your Paris to Barcelona TGV ticket is simple if you know where to look and what to expect.

Choose the site that best fits your needs, book early for the best prices, and consider the Carte Avantage if you're traveling with others or over a weekend.

With a little planning, your journey through France and into Spain will be smooth, scenic, and stress-free.

Images sources: Wikimedia.org