Getting tickets to see Real Madrid take on Barcelona in El Clásico is one of the most difficult tickets to get in world football. As the two biggest clubs in Spain with a fierce rivalry dating back decades, demand massively outstrips supply when these two footballing giants meet. Tickets sell out immediately, prices are sky-high, and securing a seat requires planning, perseverance and a bit of luck.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get Real Madrid vs Barcelona tickets, including:
- When El Clásico takes place each season
- Where to find tickets – official sources and secondary market
- How much you can expect to pay
- Tips and strategies for increasing your chances
- Additional factors to consider like travel and accommodations
Follow these tips and you’ll give yourself the best possible shot at scoring the hottest ticket in football when Real Madrid and Barcelona meet. Let’s get started!
When Does El Clásico Take Place?
The first step is knowing when El Clásico will happen so you can start planning.
El Clásico takes place twice per La Liga season in Spain, once at the Bernabéu stadium in Madrid, and once at the Camp Nou in Barcelona.
The exact dates vary from season to season based on the La Liga schedule, but El Clásico usually takes place in October/November and March/April each year.
Here are the specific dates for the upcoming 2022/2023 season:
- October 16, 2022 – Camp Nou, Barcelona
- March 19, 2023 – Bernabéu, Madrid
Mark your calendars! With the dates confirmed, you can start looking into how to get tickets.
Where to Find Real Madrid vs Barcelona Tickets
There are two main avenues to get El Clásico tickets – directly from the clubs, or from secondary ticket providers. Let’s explore both options:
Official Club Sources
The best way to ensure legitimacy is to get tickets directly from the official sources – FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. However, this is extremely difficult as supply is incredibly limited. Here’s how to try:
FC Barcelona
You must be a Barcelona club member to access tickets. Memberships start at €199 per year. Even with membership, there is a lottery for the limited number of tickets with more than 100,000 members vying for 20,000 seats.
Real Madrid CF
A Madridista Card membership (starting at €118/year) is required to access tickets. Availability is scarce as 120,000+ members compete for just over 80,000 seats at the Bernabéu.
As you can see, while club memberships give you access, there’s no guarantee you’ll actually get tickets through the official channels. But it’s worth trying given the peace of mind of legitimacy.
Secondary Ticket Markets
The more reliable method is to use a secondary ticket site. Third party sellers obtain tickets and resell them at market prices based on demand. Here are some of the top secondary sites to find El Clásico tickets:
- Stubhub – Large inventory from verified sellers. Prices from $250 USD upwards.
- Vivid Seats – Official reseller. Decent availability with prices starting around $200.
- SeatGeek – Aggregates listings from multiple sellers. Good supply with tickets from $180.
- LiveFootballTickets – Specializes in La Liga matches. Large selection with cheaper tickets around $100.
These secondary sites add fees on top of the ticket price, so account for that in your budget. Also beware of potential scams from independent resellers.
While often expensive, your chances of getting Real Madrid vs Barcelona tickets are much higher using a reliable secondary source.
How Much Do El Clásico Tickets Cost?
Expect to pay a premium. Here are the typical price ranges:
Direct from Clubs
If you can win the membership lottery, official tickets cost:
- Camp Nou: €120 – €350
- Bernabéu: €50 – €350
Secondary Market Sites
Prices get inflated based on demand, but average:
- Camp Nou: $200 – $1200+
- Bernabéu: $150 – $1000+
You’ll pay more for better category seats in central areas closer to the pitch. Upper deck and end zone seats are cheapest.
A budget of at least $300 per ticket should be expected, with an average of $500+ for good seats.
Tips & Strategies for Getting Tickets
Given the insane demand, you’ll need some savvy strategies to boost your odds of scoring the coveted tickets. Here are some clever tips:
- Join the waitlist on both club sites – you may get early access to tickets.
- Follow fan ticket exchange pages on social media for members reselling tickets.
- Check secondary sites constantly – new listings appear as game approaches.
- Set up price alerts if tickets are currently out of your budget.
- Buy a hospitality VIP package – extremely expensive but 100% guarantee of tickets.
- Consider tickets to the Copa del Rey Clásicos instead – demand is lower so easier to get.
- If desperate, head to the stadium on game day – last minute tickets sometimes appear.
It may take persistence over multiple seasons, but using multiple strategies at once will eventually pay off with El Clásico tickets in your hands!
Travel and Accommodations
One last major consideration is arranging travel and lodging once you have your tickets.
Book flights well in advance. Prices skyrocket into Madrid and Barcelona on El Clásico weekends.
Finding hotels at a reasonable rate can also be tricky. Reserve rooms as far ahead of time as possible.
For special access, hospitality VIP packages with an included hotel stay are sold on secondary sites. These all-inclusive options remove hassle but are very expensive.
If money is no object, chartered flights and luxury suites are available for the ultimate El Clásico experience. But standard flights and hotels booked early are still great options for most fans.
Conclusion
Securing a ticket to the legendary rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona is a dream for any football fan. While extremely difficult, it is possible with early planning, constant searching, and flexibility across multiple avenues.
Arm yourself with patience and persistence, and one day you’ll be cheering on El Clásico live at the Bernabéu or Camp Nou. ¡Hala Madrid! Visca Barca!