Barcelona vs Madrid
Barcelona and Madrid are 505 km apart, both in Spain.
Key differences
Madrid runs warmer: 26°C in July against 25°C in Barcelona's August.
Madrid is drier, with 419 mm of rain a year to Barcelona's 554 mm.
Both are at their most comfortable from May to October, so the timing decision is the same either way.
Barcelona has the bigger choice of stays: 18 hotels on trip1 to Madrid's 15.
We have written more about Barcelona: 2 travel guides against 1 for Madrid.
Barcelona and Madrid at a glance
| Fact | Barcelona | Madrid |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Spain (Catalonia, northeastern Spain) | Spain |
| Region | Catalonia (Catalunya) | Community of Madrid |
| Time Zone | CET (UTC+1) / CEST (UTC+2) in summer | CET (UTC+1) |
| Currency | Euro (€) | Cards widely accepted | Euro (EUR) |
| Nearest Airport | Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN) | Madrid-Barajas (MAD), 13 km |
| Airport to City Centre | ~35–45 min by Aerobus; ~30 min by metro (L9 Sud); ~20 min by taxi (€35–45) | 30 min by Metro Line 8 + transfer (EUR 4.50) |
| Typical Cost Level | Mid-range to High (€€–€€€). Budget: €60–90/day; Mid: €120–200/day | Mid-range |
| Hotels on trip1 | 18 | 15 |
| Travel guides | 2 | 1 |
| Warmest month | August, 25°C | July, 26°C |
| Coolest month | January, 10°C | January, 7°C |
| Rain per year | 554 mm | 419 mm |
| Best time to visit | May to October | May to October |
Weather side by side
Average temperature and rainfall by month, 1991–2020. Each month links to its weather page.
Barcelona
Madrid
Where to stay
About Barcelona
Barcelona blends Gothic alleyways, Gaudí's modernist landmarks, and a Mediterranean coastline into one of Europe's most visited cities. From the narrow streets of the Barri Gòtic to the buzzing food markets and beachfront promenades, there's something for every kind of traveler. Whether you're exploring La Sagrada Família, catching sunset from Bunkers del Carmel, or eating your way through El Born - Barcelona delivers year-round.
About Madrid
More comparisons
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Barcelona vs Madrid FAQs
Answered from the numbers on this page.
Barcelona and Madrid are about 505 km apart in a straight line.
Madrid is warmer at its peak: 26°C on average in its warmest month, against 25°C for Barcelona. These are 1991–2020 climate normals.
The most comfortable stretch for both is May to October, on average temperature and rainfall.
Barcelona lists more: 18 hotels on trip1 against 15.
