Madrid to Paris Train?
Mar 3rd, 2011, 06:45 PM
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Madrid to Paris Train?
We are traveling to Spain in July. From Madrid, we would like to go to Lyon, France if possible by train. I have read alot about the high speed trains between Madrid and Paris, but can't seem to find a schedule for a train that goes to and from Madrid to Lyon, France or Madrid to Paris, France. If anyone can help me, I would greatly appreciate it. We are looking for the quickest travel possible, as we have to be in Lyon for work by the 17th, and will be traveling into the Alps from there.
Mar 5th, 2011, 06:43 AM
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There is an excellent 'Trainhotel' sleeper train direct from Madrid to Paris.
See www.seat61.com/Spain.htm for photos and info, and book online at www.renfe.com. It departs Madrid Chamartin 19:00, arrives Paris around 9am next morning.
There are no high speed daytime trains Madrid-Paris, though it's possible to travel Madrid-Paris by day with a change at the frontier, taking all day.
There is a new Barcelona-Paris high speed service twice a day, that might be what you're read about. And there's a direct barcelona-Paris trainhotel.
See www.seat61.com/Spain.htm for photos and info, and book online at www.renfe.com. It departs Madrid Chamartin 19:00, arrives Paris around 9am next morning.
There are no high speed daytime trains Madrid-Paris, though it's possible to travel Madrid-Paris by day with a change at the frontier, taking all day.
There is a new Barcelona-Paris high speed service twice a day, that might be what you're read about. And there's a direct barcelona-Paris trainhotel.
Mar 5th, 2011, 07:39 AM
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There is a new Barcelona-Paris high speed service twice a day, that might be what you're read about.>
Isn't it true that this service does not yet serve Barcelona but terminates in Figueras?
Anyway there is the overnight hotel train Man 61 seat talks about and if you want to go straight thru Madrid to Lyon this is about the only option if you want to do it without riding all day on trains - otherwise train to French border, TGV to Paris and then switch stations for TGV to Lyon.
From Barcelona it is much easier to reach Lyon via the Catalan Talgo to Montpellier then switch to TGV train for Lyon.
You may want to investigate the Spain-France railpass if traveling other places in these countries by train. For loads of great info on trains in those countries I always spotlight these great sites: www.seat61.com (Man in Seat 61's commercial site); www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.
Isn't it true that this service does not yet serve Barcelona but terminates in Figueras?
Anyway there is the overnight hotel train Man 61 seat talks about and if you want to go straight thru Madrid to Lyon this is about the only option if you want to do it without riding all day on trains - otherwise train to French border, TGV to Paris and then switch stations for TGV to Lyon.
From Barcelona it is much easier to reach Lyon via the Catalan Talgo to Montpellier then switch to TGV train for Lyon.
You may want to investigate the Spain-France railpass if traveling other places in these countries by train. For loads of great info on trains in those countries I always spotlight these great sites: www.seat61.com (Man in Seat 61's commercial site); www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.
Mar 5th, 2011, 08:59 AM
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There is no need to go to Paris and then backtrack to Lyon.
You can go Madrid-Barcelona-Figueres-Montpellier-Lyon, departing at 09:30 and arriving at 19:20. See the timetables on the German Rail site, www.bahn.de/i/view/USA/en/index.shtml.
You can go Madrid-Barcelona-Figueres-Montpellier-Lyon, departing at 09:30 and arriving at 19:20. See the timetables on the German Rail site, www.bahn.de/i/view/USA/en/index.shtml.
Mar 7th, 2011, 09:45 AM
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The route TimS aptly points out is a relatively new option due to the opening of the Madrid-Barcelona high-speed rail line and also the opening of the Figueras-Montpellier high-speed line with a tunnel under the Pyrenees.
