RM67

PS You will love Barcelona. We did

PalenQ

There is also an overnight train from Paris to Port Bou, from where regional trains go to Barcelona - not as nice as a direct overnight train but an overnight train - if they keep that one running as well.

Man in Seat 61 says above Elipsos will end in late October so just ain't loaded yet.

rialtogrl

Thanks again - I just went in and plugged in Sept. 12 and voila, there was the night train. It looks like I can get a first class sleeper for me and my mom for 286 euros total.
But - PalenQ! You just gave me a new situation to ponder - because our final destination is not Barcelona but Tarragona (we have been to Barcelona, are headed to Tarragona for the Santa Tecla festival.)

The night train to Portbou is 254 euros for a private cabin - and then there is a train, 40 minutes after arrival, that will take us straight to Tarragona for 32.40 euros each.

Since I've done all this research, may as well post it for the OP

Adding in taxis etc I've estimated it to work out roughly as follows:

Night train from Paris to Barcelona, bus to Tarragona - 344 E

Day train the day before, night in Barcelona to see the fireworks for La Merce festival, bus next day - 416 E (hotels are steep because of the festival)

Night train to Portbou, morning train to Tarragona 338 E

1:20 PM Vueling flight then bus to Tarragona 262 E

If the math seems weird it because of my taxi vs. metro estimates (for instance I'd want to take a taxi to an early flight at Orly but for the 1:20 the RER would be fine.)

Now to make a decision. Thanks again for your excellent help!

rialtogrl

oops I forgot one - the 9:00 AM flight on Vueling then bus to Tarragona. That one is 252 E including a taxi to Orly.

Seamus

Did BCN to ORY today on Vueling. Cab to airport took about 20 minutes, cost €30 for three with bags. Had checked in on line but had to drop bag, took about 15 minutes. Virtually walked through security, no one in line ahead of us. Flight on time. Cab from ORY to Paris 7th near Invalides cost €34 with bag supplement. Worked out to be lots cheaper than train, would do it again.

PalenQ

Beware that a recent survey of discount airlines added on fees placed Vueling near the very top - make sure you calculate all fees for bags (on some discount carriers if your bag exceeds certain dimensions they really sock you.

justineparis

I have done both Vueling and Easyjet a few times each.. I find it interesting how people complain about "add on " fees, they are all options.. we only paid one add on fee,, for a checked bag each.. we don't bother with pre boarding, seat assignments etc.. the flights are usually an hour or two at most and really who needs all those extras. I also didn't pay for their "insurance" simply because when I read through them it didn't seem there was much benefit to it, its not like they will replace your 30 or 40 euro flight with a 300 euro flight on another airline if they cancel the flight.. so not sure why one would bother..

rialtogrl

Vueling's baggage fee is not bad. I think it is 13 euros if you do it in advance. They do charge a fee (10 euros?) per order for a visa transaction. The other stuff - preboarding etc, like justine I do not bother with. I avoid easyjet, but I'd fly Vueling anytime...