Jud321

We are planning to travel from Paris to Barcelona, and we are planning on taking an evening train. I would like to know if any one has ever done this train trip before. There are only 2 of us, so we are not planning a sleeping room, just the seats. We have never travelled Europe before, so any helpful information would be welcome.

Graziella5b

Today it seems that is better to fly one of the budget airlines.
I have not taken the long night train between B and P, but I have taken the one between Paris and Madrid and I guess they are similar. The one we took is called train hotel, we had a private sleeping room and bath. It is a long trip and even in very good conditions and we were fortunated to enjoy I believe the flying option is better and most likely cheaper. Good luck.

Michael

Consider <i>couchette</i> for your overnight ride. Much better than sitting up.

adrienne

It's been my experience that French trains do not have seats so you would need to book at least a couchette. Have you looked into this? The 3 night trains I checked are either sleepers or couchettes.

Bring food and water with you.

adrienne

I meant French NIGHT trains.

GeoffHamer

There are two options. The hotel train leaves Paris Austerlitz at 2037 for Barcelona and has sleepers and reclining seats. A French overnight train leaves Paris Austerlitz at 2156 for Port Bou, the first station in Spain, where you change for Barcelona; the French train has couchettes and reclining seats.
There is much more information on http://www.seat61.com/Spain.htm

Dukey1

I've done it twice. Agree that any sleeping accommodation is better than the seats. I would also look at www.skyscanner.net and www.whichbudget.com for budget flights. Make sure the flight is to BCN and NOT to some outlying airport such as Girona

mobilemc

I understand your interest in a night train - it's a cost efficient way to move from Paris to Barcelona. That said, we've always avoided them when the itinerary required a night train change. Flying is also an option, but boring, hassle-filled,with luggage-weight constraints.

Or, you can simply board the TGV in Paris, enjoy an incredibly smooth trip down the countryside of France and into Spain with no train changes, arriving relaxed and refreshed 8 hours later in Barcelona. Since you're planning so far in advance (very smart), you'll be able to get the best fares.

Man_in_seat_61

The trainhotel is excellent, saves a hotel bill and gets you centre to centre in less (daytime) time than flying, with none of the airport hassle or flight delays. You can see what it's like at www.seat61.com/Spain.htm.

Enjoy dinner in the restaurant car then retire to your sleeper and wake up in Spain!

However, on an overnight train, sleepers = hotel, couchettes = hostel or pensione, seats = sleeping in a shop doorway. NEVER sit up all night in seats, ALWAYS book a couchette or sleeper, whether sole occupancy or shared, it doesn't matter, there's a lock on the door and you can sleep safely and soundly. The trainhotel only has sleepers, no couchettes, with the cheapest fare in shared 4-berth sleepers. There are alos 1 and 2 bed sleepers.

TrainRider2011

If you plan on booking the Trenhotel (Elispos). book as early as possible for the cheapest fares.. IF you are going to do it rough.. neck support/pillow is required.