Trains between Malaga and Barcelona to run direct summer services

Ouigo’s new summer seasonal service allows rail passengers to enjoy a weekend getaway from the Costa del Sol without having to switch trains.

New weekend routes for Summer 2026

The direct connection is limited and only operates from Friday to Monday, between July 20 and Sept. 6, with some exceptions for July 24, 26, 31 and August 2. Tickets are available for the route on Ouigo’s website and mobile app.

The new journeys are just over seven hours long, stopping at Zaragoza and Madrid along the way. Northbound trains depart Barcelona at 7:35am. They reach Zaragoza by 9:07am. Madrid is reached at 11:05am. Cordoba and Malaga are both reached at 2:31pm. Southbound services depart Malaga, Spain at 4:50pm. They arrive at Cordoba 5:44pm. Madrid 7:42pm. Zaragoza 9:47pm. And finally Barcelona 11:56pm.

Costa del Sol Tourism: Meeting the high demand

This expansion is a result of the reopening the rail infrastructure to Andalucia. Renfe operates year-round direct rail services on the same corridor. Ouigo’s expansion brings new competition to this popular route.

Spain’s growth over the last four years

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.

Afi, a consultancy, says that the arrival of Ouigo has led to a 40% reduction in ticket prices. This means high-speed rail is now affordable for travellers who had previously considered it too expensive. One out of four Ouigo customers had never used high speed rail before the launch. 85% now say that they travel more frequently since the competition has arrived on Spain’s railroads.

Visit the official website for more information on times, booking and other details.