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Best Day Trip from Barcelona to Zaragoza by Train
Zaragoza, sometimes also called Saragossa in English, is under the fifth largest cities in Spain, and the convenient location almost halfway between Barcelona and Madrid makes it an easy day trip option from those popular cities.
I did a day trip from Barcelona to Zaragoza by train which is super easy to do with the Spanish high-speed trains. In this post, I’ll tell you all you need to know about taking high-speed trains in Spain and what to do in Zaragoza.
Before we jump in, Zaragoza might just be the most Spanish city I’ve visited in Spain, meaning they really like their siesta. Most attractions are closed in the afternoon for two to three hours, so if you want to visit many museums it’s probably not possible on a day trip.
Getting from Barcelona to Zaragoza by Train
Spain has an extensive high-speed train network called AVE, which is operated by Renfe. These trains run at speeds up to 300km/h and connect major cities in Spain with each other.
The journey from Barcelona to Zaragoza takes approximately 90 minutes, making it a perfect day trip option from Barcelona by train.
The trains depart from Barcelona Sants station and arrive at Zaragoza Delicias station, located a 40-minute walk outside the city center. The easiest and quickest way is to take a taxi which takes about 10 minutes. There are plenty of taxis parked right outside the train station.
š Check prices for the train from Barcelona to Zaragoza!
Things to Know About the Barcelona Zaragoza Train
- You can buy train tickets online on the Renfe website or through an international train booking platform like Trainline.
- It’s recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak season, as the trains can get fully booked.
- You need your passport number to book a train.
- Make sure to arrive at Barcelona Sants early enough, it’s a short underground walk from the metro to the train station.
- There’s a security check for passengers on high-speed trains. So, it’s important to keep some extra time for that.
- Sit on your allocated seat, you can see the carriage number on the outside and on the electronic displays inside of the train.
š Don’t forget to book your train tickets in advance!
Best Things to Do in Zaragoza
There are many things to do and see in Zaragoza. Here are some of the highlights that I recommend:
Admire the Basilica del Pilar
This iconic landmark is a must-visit in Zaragoza. The BasĆlica de Nuestra SeƱora del Pilar is a stunning baroque-style church located on the banks of the Ebro River. It is said to be built on the site where the Virgin Mary appeared to St. James.
The best view of the cathedral is from the other side of the river, simply cross the beautiful stone bridge.
The outside is absolutely stunning, but to be honest, I was a bit underwhelmed by the inside since I’m not a big fan of Baroque. However, since it’s free, it’s still worth a quick look inside.
š¤© See the main attractions in Zaragoza with this amazing walking tour!
Relax at Plaza del Pilar
This square is located right next to the Basilica del Pilar and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. It’s a great place to sit and people-watch while enjoying an ice cream or drink from one of the many cafes surrounding the square.
There are also multiple cool statues on the square, like the modern Fuente de la Hispanidad, or the Monumento to Francisco de Goya.
š¤© This private walking tour is customizable and very affordable!
Discover Cathedral la Seo
Another architectural gem in Zaragoza is the Cathedral la Seo or Catedral del Salvador de Zaragoza. Located in the historic heart of the city, this cathedral is a unique blend of styles, from Romanesque to Baroque, reflecting its long history of reconstruction.
It’s particularly famous for its Mudejar wall decoration, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The interior, adorned with stunning tapestries and a lavish choir, is not to be missed.
It’s a testament to Zaragoza’s rich cultural and religious history, making it a must-visit for those exploring the city’s heritage sites.
š¤© I love this walking tour for the knowledgable local guide!
Enter the AljaferĆa Palace
The AljaferĆa Palace is a stunning example of Islamic architecture and design in Spain. Built in the 11th century, it was later converted into a Christian palace and now serves as a museum.
This palace gives you a sense of the Moorish architecture found in Spain, although it can’t quite compete with the iconic Alhambra in Granada.
Visit a Museum
Zaragoza has a variety of museums to choose from, but since most of them are closed in the afternoon you really have to pick just one and head there soon after you arrive in Zaragoza.
The most popular museums are the Goya Museum, Sala de Exposiciones La Lonja, Museo del Foro de Caesaraugusta, Teatro romano de Zaragoza, IAACC Pablo Serrano, and Escuela Museo de Origami Zaragoza (EMOZ).
Walk along the Ebro River
The Ebro River runs through Zaragoza and offers a beautiful setting for a leisurely walk. You can also rent bikes or scooters to explore the city along the river or take a boat ride.
When you’re up for a longer walk next to the river, I highly recommend checking out the bridge PabellĆ³n Puente, which is an impressive modern bridge with museum exhibits about modern transportation inside.
š¶š A more fun way to explore the River Ebro is with a kayak tour!
Is a Day Trip to Zaragoza Worth It?
So, is Zaragoza worth visiting? Despite Zaragoza’s authentic charm and the stunning cathedral set majestically beside the river, I couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed.
My first impression of the city was that of an industrial city with some scruffy-looking parts. The city’s siesta culture significantly limits the number of attractions one can visit in the afternoon, and it’s difficult to get around since the city is quite spread out.
Ultimately, Zaragoza ranks as one of my least favorite day trips from Barcelona. However, experiences can vary, and it’s always worth exploring new places and forming your own opinion. It’s a great option for an authentic Spanish city visit without crowds.
Vegan Food in Zaragoza
I’ll be honest, the vegan restaurants in Zaragoza can’t compete with the amazing vegan restaurants in Barcelona, but there are two fully vegan restaurants in Zaragoza, well technically there are even three but one is quite far away from the city center.
The top vegan spot in Zaragoza for affordable traditional dishes is La Piparra. Unfortunately, it was closed during my visit, so I tried A Flama Madalena instead, a great choice for vegan fast food.
FAQ: Zaragoza Day Trip from Barcelona
What is the distance from Barcelona to Zaragoza?
The Zaragoza to Barcelona distance is about 300 km (186 miles). Going from Barcelona to Zaragoza by car takes about 3.5 hours, but the high-speed train only takes about 1.5 hours.
How to get from Barcelona to Zaragoza?
The Barcelona to Zaragoza high-speed train is the best way to get from one city to the other. It only takes about 1.5 hours, making it the fastest option.
What are the Barcelona to Zaragoza train times?
There’s a train from Barcelona to Zaragoza Spain multiple times a day, usually at least one per hour. You can check up-to-date train times on the official Spanish railway webpage.
Final Thoughts: Best Day Trip from Barcelona to Zaragoza by train
In conclusion, a one day trip from Barcelona to Zaragoza by train is possible and convenient with the AVE high-speed trains.
While the journey itself is smooth and easy, it’s important to plan your time in Zaragoza wisely due to the siesta culture and limited afternoon opening hours of attractions.
Zaragoza may not be for everyone, but it offers a unique and authentic Spanish experience that is worth considering for your next trip to Spain. So why not add it to your Spain itinerary and see for yourself?
Read more:
- 17 Best Things to Do in Zaragoza Spain
- Best Day Trip from Barcelona to Zaragoza by Train
- Is Zaragoza Worth Visiting? Pros and Cons
- 7 Best Day Trips from Barcelona by Train
- 15 Amazing Day Trips From Madrid To Explore Spain
- Unforgettable 10-Day Itinerary in Spain by Train
- Spain and Portugal Itinerary: 14 Unforgettable Days
- Spain and Portugal Itinerary: 10 Days You Wonāt Forget
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