Please help us in deciding whether to fly or overnight train to Madrid from Granada. The pro for flying is of course the time saved and cons are going to the airport, cost more, and have to stay in the hotel for the night before the am flight. If we train, less costly, no need for hotel, commuting from train station to hotel easier, cons are time (ugh! 9 hours), the need to leave luggage at the train station the whole day and the uncertainty of the sleeper accomodation. The train is not a Talgo nor Ave hence, the accomodation is not as good. Did anyone try the Granada-Madrid sleeper train already? How comfortable is it, were you able to sleep? What about safety? I am a middle age woman traveling with a young teen. Needs your expertise, please.

Why not drive. It is about 4 hr. drive - good way to see countryside.

Thanks Kathy, we prefer not to drive + we want to maximize our time in Granada. Any other suggestion? Thanks.

We took this overnight train in May and got a compartment for two people. It had a small sink. I thought it was fine, bedding was provided, I slept well and it saved us a lot of time.

I'd fly. I can never sleep on a train,and if it's not an AVE your accommodations will probably be less than comfortable. Further, you have to leave your luggage at the train station the whole day??Spain does have a problem with petty theft and that would trouble me somewhat. Also, nine hours on train sounds like a circle in Dante's inferno to me.

We just got back from Spain last night. I would take the train any time over the flying. We did the overnight from Madrid to Barcelona and it worked out great. The only thing that I didn't like about the train (which is a problem every where in Spain is the smoking. ( they were even smoking on the plane) <BR>The Ave is a great way to go if it is available. <BR>We got to Madrid at 8AM and went straight to our hotel, left our luggage with the front desk, and went to sightsee. That way we didn't have to backtrack to the train station. <BR> <BR>As far as safety in Spain in reading several posts on this board I thought I should bring along my 357. Not the case at all. Just be smart. Most hotels have a safe, and only take enough money for the day. Be aware that the gypies are out at all of the sights trying to give you rosemary. Don't talk to them. Spain is like anywhere else. Be smart, don't put yourself in a bad place at the wrong time. The main thing is to have fun. You will love it like we did.