Cavangal

I'm putting on a new post as I plan my trip to Barcelona in September. Other member requested information on some cultural matters (even suggestions for restaurants) on my thread and received responses but I am anxious to get help getting my trip organized.

I tried to plan visit on Costa Brava coast but now thinking it might not be best choice as I only have flights booked so am free to change direction. I like day trips to historic places, gardens and nice walks. Would not want to sit around pool at hotel as I am active. Now might consider spending just 3 nights in Barcelona, do a day trip to Girona and visit Montserrat before continuing to Madrid.
I will try booking the train to Madrid for next 3 nights before leaving on overnight service to Lisbon. If I change my plans please let me know what not to be missed? I was in Madrid for brief visit but did not have enough time in central areas. I walked in areas at Porto del Sol but did not have enough time to visit Prada or historic sites.
Anxious to get help booking hotels in Madrid and Barcelona.

If I can get to Lisbon on the train route, might return to Povoa resort which is easy to reach from Porto by metro system. Know I will have more choices and can avail of public transportation from both cities. Was not encouraged to spend my time on Costa Brava which would give me limited access to buses .Looking forward to receiving more help as I look forward to my trip.

PalenQ

Have you ridden overnight trains? If not they are not for everyone - there is a modicum of noise always - even in the private compartments - so if not a sound sleeper you may arrive night train-lagged - but I've taken that Lusitania Hotel Train (or was called that) a couple of times and it is really nice as European night trains go.

For lots of great info on night trains and Spanish trains in general check: www.ricksteves.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.seat61.com - this site has great info on discounted tickets that are however I believe non-changeble non-refundable and as sold in limited numbers must be booked in stone weeks in advance to guarantee. But Barcelona-Madrid and on the night train you can save a lot by doing it - that said www.renfe.com is a flummoxing site for many - good luck!

Cavangal

Thank you. Would prefer evening train from Barcelona to Madrid which I believe is under 3 hrs. and should not be difficult. I did take overnight train one time from S. of France returning to Barcelona and apart from layover at one point it was comfortable enough and I felt safe.

My journey to Lisbon might be on overnight service. I have to look into the schedule but it has good reviews from other travelers.

Will be busy making changes when I work on the Madrid stop for about 3 nights. I just need to be certain about switching my route to include Madrid I need lots of help, please!.

danon

You can fly Madrid to Lisbon for 50 euros with Easyjet..

PalenQ

With the night train you save time even over flying and you also save on the cost of a night in a hotel - about a 100 euro value or much more for most folks. Flying takes a half day all told no matter how long the flight - getting to the airport and back in, waiting for planes - late planes perhaps, etc.

OP says no problem snoozing so snooze and wake up in Lisbon or Porto (train splits once in Portugal) in the morning bright and early.

Bring anything you want aboard the night train - wine, picnic, etc (though avoid things like smelly cheeses if in a shared compartment with strangers!)

PalenQ

BTW - it is virtually impossible to do day trains between Madrid and Lisbon - several changes and chances of getting a delay somewhere so you would not even get there!

danon

I took a morning flight to Lisbon ,because of an hour time difference ,ended up in Lisbon around 10:00 a.am. Taxi to the hotel was 10 euros.

If taking a train, one still has to get to and from train stations and show up at the platform some time before departure.
But, I am not a "train person"(except AVE) ...spending a night sharing a compartment
with strangers was o.k. in my teens. Now, no amount of " saving" would make me do it.

PalenQ

Well there are private compartments on those hotel trains too - you need not share with strangers.

Night trains saves time and money because you save on a hotel cost for a night - getting to train stations is a lot closer and quicker for most than schlepping with luggage out to some airport - cheap airlines may even charge for luggage, to reserve a seat and all kinds of things.

Cavangal

Many thanks. I will look at Easy Jet fares as its a good budget airline and I could take the shuttle from hotel. I could arrive Porto, as its easy getting from Porto to Lisbon by bus.

If I get a cheap ticket on Easy Jet that might be easier. I would prefer not sharing berth with more than 1 other passenger on overnight train, but will look at prices and compare choices.

Need more help with planning my few days in Madrid. I was there only for 2 days so would be able to see much more over several days. Looking forward to some ideas, please.

PalenQ

There are single compartments on that train - rather pricey compared to shared compartments but still way cheaper than a night in a hotel + plane fare.

danon

I don't "schlep " my carry on anywhere - I take taxis .

PalenQ

taxis add to the cost of a flight - $25 or so each way - flying is best for some folks who don't like trains - especially overnight trains and I respect that.

danon

PQ,
I appreciate that some travellers have to watch thieir money ( or just prefer to do so)
When I was a student , 12 hours on a train was not a problem.
Now, luckily , I ( and many others ) can afford a different style of travel.

Cavangal

I decided to look for E/J flight from Madrid to Lisbon. Booked morning departure on 9/8 and got good deal, Euro 66 which includes checking in one bag, so this will save me hassle with long train ride. I need help please finding a hotel in good area of Madrid, convenient to historic sites and central so I can enjoy the sightseeing over several days. Many thanks.

Christina

I'm not sure you'd save any money if you buy a private berth as the cost of that could be more than the flight plus a hotel, actually (I've seen fares on Renfe of about 175 euro for that trip in a private compartment but I don't know about discounts if you book far in advance) , but the big issue to me is you are saving your time, also. I don't consider my vacation time free as it isn't unlimited, so spending 12 hours on a train is taking from my vacation, and it's not just sleep hours for me. That night train has about 15 stops, also, which might not be so comfortable. But if you really like sleeping on trains, I guess that's another matter, and then you'll get into Lisbon very early in the morning where you may not be able to do anything, anyway (like 7 am).

These are all things to weigh. I have flown Easyjet several times and really like them. Good service and flights.

danon

I usually stay a bit further north of centre ,but if you search Madrid hotels here, you will find
many suggestions (for different budgets.).
I have also flown Easyjet several times from Berlin to various destinations and
found the service fine.

PalenQ

ah but from the ecological angle danon... you know global warming and all that fraud! Be green take the train - kind of jesting here--- that carbon footprint and all.

The fact is that some folks just cannot get a good night's sleep on trains and if you arrive in say Lisbon wasted from lack of sleep you'll lose a day sightseeing.