Is there a high-speed train from Barcelona to France?
As of 2024, no high-speed train runs from Barcelona to France. No direct services are available on this route, meaning you must stop at least once in Perpignan or Narbonne. SNFC and Renfe-Operadora operate on this line, so go online to check the schedule to find the quickest carriage on your day of departure.
Is Toulouse close to Barcelona?
The shortest road distance from Toulouse to Barcelona is 247 miles, which can take 4 hours when traveling at a safe speed. Although the direct airline distance is only 158 miles, the Pyrenees Mountains Range wedged between the cities drastically increases the expected drive time.
Are there flights from Barcelona to Toulouse?
As of 2024, no direct flights are available to travel from Barcelona Airport to Toulouse Airport. Barcelona Airport flies to numerous airports in France, so it's possible to fly and catch a bus to Toulouse. But this is not recommended due to the cost, hassle, and ease of other transportation methods.
How do you get from Barcelona to Toulouse?
As of 2024, four modes of transportation can transport you from Barcelona to Toulouse, each with benefits. The bus is ideal when traveling on a budget, the train is the most scenic method, and Daytrip's private door-to-door is best if you value a fast, comfortable, or convenient option.
What is the fastest way to get from Barcelona to Toulouse?
Daytrip is the fastest way to travel from Barcelona to Toulouse. A private door-to-door service can transport you between the cities in only 4 hours. Since a professional driver will drop you off at your hotel, you'll save more valuable vacation time than organizing taxis to your accommodation.
Why is Toulouse so famous?
Toulouse is most famous for its nickname, La Ville Rose, or The Pink City in English. Most of the buildings downtown were built from distinctive red bricks. Their unique appearance is due to the high concentration of iron oxide in the clay mined below the surface. Toulouse is also renowned for its food scene, with traditional meals like cassoulet and Toulouse sausages.
The thrilling car trip from Barcelona to Toulouse showcases the best views of the awe-inspiring Pyrenees Mountains. Sandwiched by rustic Spanish hills and luscious French vineyards, seeing these iconic peaks is a bucket-list experience for every modern-day explorer.
After zig-zagging your way from the L'Eixample district, Catalonia's gently flowing hills give you a taste of the majestic mountains en route. As you speed towards the French frontier, the more Mother Earth peaks above the vibrant greenery and whitewashed villages below.
In France, the road slowly begins to level out. After a quick splash and dash at Perpignan, the former capital of the Kingdom of Majorca, you can continue your voyage along smooth country roads lined by picturesque vineyards and grand yet rustic French villas.
The final leg, through the unspoiled fields of Occitanie to Toulouse, is the most beautiful stretch. Once you arrive in La Ville Rose, the distinctive red-brick buildings will whet your appetite for adventure the minute you arrive in town. If you travel by the best mode of transport from Barcelona to Toulouse, you'll feel recharged for exploring when you drop your bags at your hotel!
About Toulouse
A transfer from Barcelona to Toulouse will transport you across the Spanish frontier to France's fourth-largest city. Although it's not a sprawling metropolis like London or Paris, it's a significant urban space by European standards.
Around half a million residents live in southwestern France along the Garonne River. Its position in central Occitanie means it's only 93 miles from the Mediterranean Sea in the east and 143 miles from the Atlantic Ocean in the west.
Early Toulouse
Gallic tribes from Belgium and Germany were the first to settle in Toulouse in the 3rd century BC. However, the Romans began their conquest of southern France in the 1st century BC and arrived in Tolosa in 106 BC.
After the Roman Empire collapsed, Toulouse fell under the control of several rulers, including the Visigoths and the Franks, until its inclusion into the Kingdom of France in 1271. Although Toulouse experienced economic growth during the Renaissance due to its position along pastel trade routes, it also endured the French Wars of Religions.
Nazi Germany invaded Toulouse during World War II. Unfortunately, citizens suffered from deprivation and a lack of food supplies. But luckily, Toulouse's historic and iconic red-bricked building remained virtually untouched.
Modern Toulouse
Toulouse is unique, unlike anywhere else in France. Its nickname, La Ville Rose, or The Pink City, stems from its distinctive and beautiful red-bricked buildings. In fact, the city is so exclusive that the locals here refer to the beloved national delicacy, pain au chocolat, as chocolatine. Believe us, you won't get this sweet treat in any bakery by ordering a pain au chocolat!
The differing accents, cultures, and buildings make Toulouse stand out from the crowd of enchanting French cities. Nowhere else will you find 105,000 students creating vibrant energy along brick-paved lanes and terracotta-roofed squares. Its authenticity even claimed the city's three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Canal du Midi, Basilica of St. Sernin, and Hotel-Dieu Saint-Jacques.
By visiting Toulouse, you won't get a true taste of France. But you will get a once-in-a-lifetime experience of one of Europe's most fascinating cities!
Language: French
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Climate: subtropical
Time zone: GMT+1
Plug types: C and E
From Barcelona to Toulouse: travel tips
Getting from Barcelona to Toulouse is straightforward. But to make it a more relaxing and enjoyable experience, you'll need insider tips from our local drivers and travel experts!
Know the cultural differences
While Spain and France are neighbors, there are numerous differences when traveling between the countries. Luckily, both use the Euro. But you should know that France is generally more expensive than Spain, and there are different tipping cultures.
Language is also crucial, as you'll switch from Spanish to French once you cross the border. Bring a pocket travel guide for the drive and learn some basic phrases before you arrive.
Embark on a UNESCO exploration
UNESCO landmarks are treasures for travelers. These gems are a stamp of approval from an organization committed to preserving cultural and historical values. Luckily, the road from Barcelona to Toulouse is studded with these jewels.
You can visit the Four Locs Saint Roch, a canal dating back to 1666 connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean, or admire the impressive fortified city of Carcassonne. For an enriching UNESCO experience, explore Girona, which is part of the Global Network of Learning Cities!
Pack wisely
Packing a light bag is the simplest yet most effective tip when traveling from Barcelona to Toulouse. The last thing you want on your European road trip is to hurdle oversized bags when getting onto a crowded train or to arrive on cobbled streets with heavy suitcases.
Also, remember to pack for the weather. Temperatures can reach 88° F, so sunscreen and sun-protective clothes are vital. Hats, clothes, and waterproof shoes are essential in winter due to the stormy conditions around the Pyrenees Mountain Range.
How to get from Barcelona to Toulouse
As two breathtaking European cities, it's unsurprising that three modes of transportation connect Barcelona to Toulouse. Each has unique advantages, so uncover which is best for you below!
Buses from Barcelona to Toulouse
If you're touring Europe on a budget, the bus is the ideal way to travel from Barcelona to Toulouse. It's a cheap option, with several budget firms, including Flixbus, BlaBlaBus, and Asla, offering multiple daily connections.
Buses have the least comfortable seating, but traveling this way is simple. All direct services depart at Barcelona Bus Terminal Nord and arrive at Toulouse Pierre-Semard Station.
Cheapest bus ticket: $20 (âŹ18)
Average bus ticket: $48 (âŹ44)
Quickest bus duration: 5 hours and 20 minutes
Longest bus duration: 6 hours and 50 minutes
First bus departure: 2:20 AM
Last bus departure: 11:45 PM
Trains from Barceolna to Toulouse
The train is the most scenic travel option from Barcelona to Toulouse. However, this beauty comes at a cost, as it's not as cheap and more extensive as the alternative public transport method.
Since no direct services are available, you must book separate tickets with the French provider SNFC and the Spanish operator Renfe-Operadora. The most convenient option requires only one charge in Perpignan. Buy your tickets from Barcelona-Sants to Perpignan and Perpignan to Toulouse-Matabiau at least 30 days before departure to keep the cost down.
Cheapest train ticket: $47 (âŹ43)
Average train ticket: $74 (âŹ80)
Quickest train duration: 4 hours and 22 minutes
Longest train duration: 7 hours and 45 minutes
First train departure: 8:19 AM
Last train departure: 4:34 PM
Daytrip private car transfer from Barcelona to Toulouse
Daytrip is the best means of transportation from Barcelona to Toulouse if you prioritize speed, comfort, or convenience. A private door-to-door service can make you feel like a celebrity as you glide over the Pyrenees Mountains in a quiet and relaxing environment in only 4 hours.
In fact, you'll feel like royalty right off the bat. A professional driver will collect you from your hotel's front door and manage your luggage at your desired time. You don't need to worry about arranging taxis in France, as you'll be dropped off at the doorstep of your new accommodation.
But you're not obligated to travel directly to Toulouse. You're free to explore the alluring roadside attractions like the Marimurtra Botanical Gardens clinging to Spain's Mediterranean coast, Perpignan Cathdeal's gothic architecture, or the mind-blowing artworks in the Dali Theatre and Museum. With your luggage safely stored in the trunk, you won't need to walk with unwanted bags!
Seats from: $140 (âŹ129)
English-speaking driver
Clean, sanitized, smoke-free vehicle
Equipped for kids, pets, groups, or those with limited mobility
24/7 fast customer support
Free cancellation 24 hours before departure
Things to do when you get to Toulouse
After an action-packed journey over the Pyrenees mountains, you'll be eager to relax in the home of fine wines and cassolette. But remember to uncover the city's highlights after driving from Barcelona to Toulouse!
The Place du Capitole will take your breath away, whether you're standing inside or out. While it may not be as well-known as Paris' Eiffel Tower, its pink-tinted neoclassical architecture will catch your eye.
The palace has been the seat of municipal power since the twelfth century. But today, you can take free tours of its frescoed walls and rooms fit for royalty. Believe it or not, the Capitole also has an opera house inside!
Unwind in the Jardin des Plantes
Jardin des Plantes is a public park spread across 17 acres, around a 30-minute walk from the main square in Toulouse. But it's also a botanical garden where you relax while smelling the scented flora and admiring the neatly arranged plants.
When traveling as a family, you'll be glad to know your kids can come face-to-face with over 100 animal species, including swans and peacocks. You can bring fresh produce from a local market and enjoy picnics on the benches.
Roam the Canal du Midi
The Canal du Midi is one of Toulouse's three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offering a picturesque escape from the urban environment. This 17th-century canal stretches from Toulouse to the Mediterranean Sea and is ideal for leisurely walks, cycling, or boat rides.
Lined with plane trees and dotted with charming bridges, it provides a tranquil setting for relaxation and exploration. Renting a boat or taking a guided cruise allows you to fully appreciate the engineering and scenic beauty.
Explore the Saint-Sernin Basilica
The Saint-Sernin Basilica is the second of Touolouse's UNESCO Sites, added in 1998. Architect Eugene Viollet-le-Duc designed the exquisite Romanesque facade, and construction began on this masterpiece in 1096.
This stunning basilica features intricate sculptures, a beautiful crypt, and an impressive bell tower. You can join a guided tour to appreciate its rich history and marvel at the interior and exterior craftsmanship.
When is the best time to visit Toulouse?
When you're deciding the best time to visit Toulouse, you can easily rule out two options. In the winter, temperatures drop below freezing, while French and international tourists clog the narrow streets during the summer. Therefore, the shoulder months are the best time to embark on your Barcelona to Toulouse transfer!
Due to Toulouse's subtropical weather, the sun still shines, and the temperatures are pleasant enough to spend the days outside from April to May and September to October. You can make the most of dining alfresco style without having to make a reservation or queue for hours. The slightly cooler temperatures compared to July and August are also more pleasant for walking tours and outdoor activities.
You'll contribute to sustainable travel by traveling in the spring or autumn. Visiting when there are fewer crowds puts less pressure on local infrastructure and resources. These small groups mean you have more time to visit museums and capture photos at your desired pace!
Visitez ces sites en chemin
Marimurtra Botanical Garden
The Marimurtra Botanical Garden is known by many as one of the most beautiful gardens in all of the Mediterranean. A Hidden Cliffside OasisÂ
Girona
Conquered more times than most, this ancient city offers the opportunity to peacefully experience its historical landmarks, including the well-preserved Jewish Quarter. Preserving TranquillityÂ
Dali Theatre and Museum
Lose yourself in the artwork and designs of Dali in this museum designed by the artist himself, which also serves has his mausoleum. Surreal to the BoneÂ
Perpignan Cathedral
Built while the city was ruled by Spain, this Catholic Cathedral is a premier example of Catalan architecture in France. Cross-Border BeliefÂ
Carcassonne
Thanks to some pioneering conservation, this quintessential European castle has survived the centuries to earn a spot on the UNESCO list. Â Playing for TimeÂ
The Four Locs Saint Roch
The most impressive part of the UNESCO-protected Canal du Midi is this still-functioning 17th century mechanism. Engineered to LastÂ
