I am going to Spain this summer, and have started to plan my itinerary. One of the people I am traveling with doesn't feel comfortable taking the trains. I don't feel the same way, but I respect her decision. Is there any way to get from city to city without a train? Are there buses? Are they reliable? Would it be very expensive to hire a car? We'd like to take a day trip from Barcelona to Girona, and a day trip from Madrid to Toledo.

A statistical safety analysis (train vs. bus .vs. auto) may persuade your friend to reconsider.

I realize that, but it will not change her mind. I'd rather find an alternative if possible.

Hi Beth,

Definitely take the bus from Madrid to Toledo. It is great - fast, safe, reliable, lots of buses. I did this last month and it worked great. You actually can't take the train to Toledo because they are working on the tracks, so you would end up on a bus for part of the way anyway.

For schedules, go to www.continental-auto.es. It's in Spanish, but it's pretty easy to figure out. There are buses every hour or so all day.

For Barcelona to Girona, look at this website: http://www.gobcn.com/girona_barcelona.html
Buses are a little over an hour and run relatively frequently.

No need to rent a car.

Have a great time!

Karen

Even before 3/11, there was supposedly construction on the train line to Toledo. From what I've read, the train didn't go all the way anyway, and you had to take a bus at some point to get into Toledo. The bus from Madird to Toledo runs every 1/2 hour and takes around 1hr 15min (more if traffic). There are some expresses that take around 55 min. For bus sched see: http://www.continental-auto.es/continental/index.php. They depart from `Estacion Sur de Autobuses' (Southern Bus Station- continental auto line) in Madrid, located at Mendez Alvaro metro station. I'll be making this trip in less than 2 weeks and can't wait.

Presumably you will have to fly to Spain. Terrorism on planes, as well as genuine accidents is far more likely than on any Spanish railway. Isn't it time "one of the people" behaved like an adult and grew up?

MFNYC - we must have been typing at the same time!

Karen

m_kingdom - why must you always disbarage people while giving no actual useful information? What's the point? Does it make you feel better?

Get a life.

Beth, I hope my and MFNYC's answer help you solve your dilemma.

Karen

If you are not going to use trains because your friend is afraid your better off having them stay home and lock their doors while you go and enjoy your travels.

I offer useful advice when I can, and when it is applicable. Someone who can't use trains for any reason shouldn't travel. I can perhaps understand a fear of flying, but if you can go in a car, you can use a train.

Karen and MFNYC: Thanks for the advise, I am relieved and really excited to continue planning.

m_kingdom and pgmargate: You really shouldn't judge people without knowing their life experiences. I know some (maybe most) fears are irrational, but that's okay. I am doing this for my friends's peace of mind, and I know she would do the same for me.

Have you not considered making her go on a train, having a safe, uneventful journey and curing her of this phobia?

Beth23 you appear to be a considerate friend, i wish you and your friend well on your trip. after experiencing european bus drivers your friend may reevaluate her fears.

Thanks for the tip pgmargate, I guess we will consider it an adventure!

Spain, unlike France, Italy or Germany, has a limited railway system and and an extensive long-distance bus network. I think it would be silly to avoid travelling by train in Spain, but if that is what your friend really wants to do, then it is very easy to get anywhere in Spain using the buses. Spanish cities generally have big bus stations and you can get anywhere by bus. They are comfortable and reliable, and allow you to get anywhere without a car.