Madrid to Lisbon by Train
 

I did a search on the forums for this information - but there is nothing very recent. I understand that there is an overnight train - do I book this via RENF or somewhere else?
Has anyone yravelled this way recently - I was interested to read on the old threads that it is probably cheaper than flying is you take into account the cost of a hotel bed. Note that we have enough time to travel this way ......

http://www.eurail.com/home
http://www.interrailnet.com/

Those are two train sites, both offer night trains.

However, if possible, I'd advise Lisbon to Madrid, rather than the reverse. beginning in Portugal is preferable to beginning in Spain, as there is a lot more places to see in Spain.

Thanks - we intend to visit both Spain and Portugal - I just was trying to find out how best to transfer from one country to the other!

Cheers

The only train between Madrid and Lisboa is the overnight hotel train. By day, there is one connection, changing trains at Badajoz and at Entroncamento, but it's a very long day's travel.
The hotel train leaves Madrid at 2225 and gets to Lisboa at 0741. It will actually waste less time than flying. The train has four-berth "turista" sleeping compartments, two-berth "preferente" compartments and two-berth "gran clase" compartments with a shower and WC. More details and pictures are on www.seat61.com. The hotel trains have a bar and a restaurant.

Hello again.

The following is applicable to all your train journeys in Spain.

Book direct with the national rail company http://www.renfe.com/ and not with agencies if you want to find savings.

Read at least this - http://tiny.cc/n384q
and if you have problems and it becomes necessary, this -
http://tiny.cc/j2368

Input to RENFE site a date a few weeks from now and you will see discounted web fares on many routes of 60%.

You cannot book greater than 60 odd days ahead. As I have told you previously, schedules and prices may change about middle of the year.

Good luck.

Yes, book direct with www.renfe.com and print out your own ticket.

Choose between 4-berth turista sleepers (single sex unless your party book all the berths) 1 or 2 bed Preferente sleepers with washbasin (fare includes breakfast), and 1 or 2 bed gran clase with en suite shower and toilet, fare includes dinner in the diner with wine and breakfast. Ignore the first class reclining seats

A great way to travel!