Toniseid

Oh oh! I just booked a night hotel train from Granada to Barcelona for my husband and myself. I couldn't find a compartment for just the two of us. Not having found any posts about sleeping in recliners (they look very comfortable) I am wondering about safety of our luggage! Thanks anyone!

Christina

Haven't done it, I can't sleep in a recliner no matter what. You must have slept in one if you take a Transatlantic overnight flight. The RENFE seats have a bit more room and may recline a bit more.

But on trains, the main danger of theft would be when it is in a station, as someone can't steal your luggage en route, there is nowhere to go. I wouldn't leave anything of real value in a piece of luggage easy to get into (without locks) while I slept, on the overhead rack or anywhere. This may be tough, you could try a moneybelt for most important stuff, I guess. It would be like whatever you do when sleeping on a plane, about the same thing (I presume you aren't putting money in your big luggage on the rack). I don't know specifics but RENFE says the luggage racks on those train have an anti-theft system. I don't know how that works but sounds promising. Maybe someone else can describe what that is, I'm curious also.

nytraveler

There is no way you could pay me to try to sleep in an armchair (except air - and then we still try for the flat beds).

You potential issues is theft - not of luggage but of purse and personal belongings. Not sure how many stops the train makes - but a friend of mine (madly, I think) did this in Romania and when she woke in the morning her very expensive camera was gone (even though she had tucked it between her body and the wall of the train). Her money and passport were safe (in a belt under her clothing - or that would probably have been gone too - since someone had obviously opened her purse).

So, unless you plan on taking turns staying awake I would try to get a compartment.

Toniseid

Oh dear.... We are doing this towards the end of October. I'll make sure to let you know what happened!

Thanks for the replies. We will start thinking of ways to keep stuff safe.

thursdaysd

I would strongly urge you to try to upgrade to Turista. Sharing a compartment is not that bad. I travel solo, so I have done it a number of times successfully. (Did you mean that the two top classes were sold out?)

Man_in_seat_61

Yes, even though I'll mean separate nearby compartments(as when shared they're single-sex) a proper bed in a safely locked compartment, even a shared Turista 4-berth one, is vastly better experience than a recliner and more secure. I would ALWAYS go for that, not a seat.

Robert2533

I don't know why anyone would opt for the night train from Granada to Barcelona (over 11 hours travel time) when Vueling offers three direct flights (1hr 25min) for as low as €39,90 one/way, the late evening flight. The earlier departure is only €59,99 one/way.

suec1

We purchased a lock and cable for on overnight train - often the luggage racks are at the end of the cars and we locked our bag to it. I was always worried about someone just nipping in at a stop in the middle of the night and lifting off the entire bag - but I don't know if that actually happens. So you could lock up the bag on the rack at the end of the car and keep money and passport in a moneybelt under your clothes. But a better idea would be to upgrade - on one trip from Amsterdam to Germany, my husband and I slept in a 4 berth co-ed compartment - but I'm not sure that is often an option.

chapla

Since you have already purchased the tickets I would make the best of it! Just use precautions.If you have suitcases that you need to leave far away from you, lock them up and chain them together.Do the same w/overhead racks.
Lastly, when you get to Granada, see if you can upgrade//change the tickets.Maybe the hotel can help you or direct you to a nearby travel agency.
It will be an experience,hopefully good!

Robert2533

The least expensive tickets cannot be exchanged. The more expensive tickets can, but at a price. Forget the note. A local travel agent may be able to assist you, but you will have to pay a fee.

thursdaysd

There's a difference between exchanging and upgrading.

Robert2533

"There's a difference between exchanging and upgrading." How do you think you can 'upgrade' on Renfe without exchanging the ticket?

If you want to upgrade, you have to pay the difference between the cost of the original ticket and whatever it is you want to purchase. This can only be done at the station and at least a few hours before the scheduled departure. If you are able to 'upgrade', you are in fact exchanging your old ticket for a new one, at a far more expensive rate than what is available online. You pay the 'walkup' rate, just as you would at the airport if you arrive without a ticket. Renfe does not 'upgrade' tickets.

Toniseid

THANK you everyone. I was able to get a family double compartment, so I am relieved. I did check flying and since this is a last minute trip I didn't find any deals, plus we would have to book a hotel and would also have less touring time. What I like about the train is that we have the whole departure day in Granada and the whole arrival day in Barcelona. Thanks again!!!!

thursdaysd

Thanks for letting us know. I think you'll be MUCH happier...