This is a meaningful planning change for travellers connecting through Málaga María Zambrano: the published arrival in Barcelona is now 23:00. Recheck the selected travel date in Renfe before booking onward transport, as individual services can still change.
The direct daily connection remains, but moving the Málaga departure from 08:22 to 15:50 changes what the journey can realistically connect with at both ends. It is no longer an early start that leaves an afternoon in Barcelona. Instead, the published timetable makes it an afternoon and evening travel day with a late arrival.
That late arrival deserves practical attention. Travellers should check hotel reception, local onward transport and any final metro or regional connection for the actual date. A tight separate-ticket connection after 23:00 is a fragile plan. The source confirms the schedule adjustment, not real-time running or a guarantee that every dated service will operate identically.
Use the official Renfe route to check the selected date, fare conditions and current service before paying. If comparing rail with a flight, include airport transfer and waiting time rather than comparing only the scheduled time in the air. Costa Notes provides the decision context; the operator remains the source for tickets and live changes.