As the fourth largest metropolis in France, Toulouse is a popular stop for travelers heading north from Spain, particularly those heading west towards Bordeaux. But this charming and historic city deserves much more than a quick stop.
Known locally as ‘La Ville Rose’ due to the iconic coral-toned bricks used in many of its structures, Toulouse is a dreamy, almost ethereal gem of a city that retains an intimate charm despite its size. Academics are big here – the city is home to one of France’s largest and most prestigious universities, but that doesn’t mean Toulouse is all work and no fun. A lively music scene and many gastronomic gems make it one of the most popular destinations in the South of France.
As a bonus, the location in town couldn’t be better. Just an hour away from the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, it also has easy access to the Pyrenees, making it a fabulous base for any adventure in the South of France.
Ready to go? Here’s everything you need to know about how to get from Barcelona to Toulouse to ensure a fabulous, stress-free journey between two of Europe’s most picturesque destinations.
Suggested route from Barcelona to Toulouse
Life in this part of Europe is about taking it easy and allowing plenty of time to enjoy life. If you have time in your itinerary, consider applying this mindset to your trip and make a few stops in northern Catalonia on the way to France.
Colorful Girona is one of the busiest destinations in Catalonia, and fans of »Game of Thrones» may recognize it as the filming location of Braavos and some of the streets of King’s Landing. Another popular stop on the way north is Figueres, where one of the most legendary artists in the region (and the world) is immortalized in the Salvador Dalí Museum.
Barcelona to Toulouse by train and bus
One of the best things about Europe is the efficient public transport system that makes it easy to access some of the most impressive destinations in the world. Bus and train travel in Spain and beyond is generally fast, cheap and efficient.
When traveling from Barcelona to Toulouse directly, the train is your best option. The high-speed AVE train connects both cities in a comfortable journey that lasts just over three hours, with tickets that cost around 60 euros. Trains leave from Barcelona Sants station.
You can book train tickets online through Spain’s national rail service, Renfe, but the website is notoriously meticulous and often does not accept foreign bank cards. If that’s the case, you can also get your tickets in person at the train station.
If you are on a budget or just prefer the scenic route, take the bus. There are a handful of direct buses that run between Barcelona (Estació Nord) and Toulouse every day, operated by Eurolines and Ouibus. The trip lasts six hours and costs 15 euros.
Barcelona to Toulouse by car
If you have access to a car, driving from Barcelona to Toulouse is a great way to make the most of all that this beautiful region has to offer. You can stop along the way at any of the picturesque towns that catch your eye, or even take a full day for a beach break along the coast.
The journey of almost 400 kilometers from Barcelona to Toulouse takes about four hours, traveling mainly on the AP-7, A9, A61 roads. Please note that roads marked ‘AP’ are toll roads. The free route includes an extra hour and a half for your trip, but takes you alongside Andorra in case you want to remove one of the smallest countries in Europe from your bucket list.
While passport controls are rare in the Schengen zone, especially when traveling by land, they are not unheard of. Make sure you have all your travel documents at all times.
Flights from Barcelona to Toulouse
Although both Barcelona and Toulouse have airports, there are no direct flights between the two destinations. If your goal is to get from point A to point B as quickly and efficiently as possible, the train is your best option.
