The trains from Santiago to Madrid travel around 240 kph, at top speed, and slower through the mountains. There is a train change en-route and the location depends upon your departure route from Santiago. Once you get to Madrid, you have to change stations, (from Charmartin to Atocha,) which is easily accomplished by the underground and takes about 20 minutes. If you have your ticket in hand, then this portion of the travel is free. Once at the Atocha Station, the "bullet train" will take you to Barcelona at 300 kph. Other than flying, this is the fastest way to get to Barcelona, is far more scenic, the price is right and there is a real sensation of flying on the ground, at speed. As was said earlier, this takes about nine hours.