I'm traveling from barcelona to granada in May and I have two choices for a train ride. What is the difference between the talgo and gibralfaro? Has anyone gone that route? would you recommend it? HELP

Hi Monica <BR> <BR>David here again. <BR> <BR>I can't help you much on more on this route as I havn't travelled it myself, but on checking the RENFE site it appears that later in the year (around the time that you are hoping to travel) RENFE is listing 2 trains travelling from Barcelona to Granada as an overnight service. <BR> <BR>In checking the Timetable it appears that the Talgo and the Gibralfaro "COULD" be the same train as the departure and arrival times are identical, the stops on the way are as well and the train numbers are almost a match "00999" and "99999". So, personally, I wouldn't worry too much except that it is an overnight train and you will need to pay a supplement to reserve a sleeping berth. I'm not sure what type of sleeping arrangements this train has. It could be as basic as a 6 berth Couchette with shared facilities at the end of the carriage, or as "Luxurious" as a 2 berth with private shower. Maybe some-one else could help. <BR> <BR>I would also keep on checking RENFE as the daylight service may be resumed by the time you are ready to travel. <BR> <BR>David

Hi David, Thank you so much for your help. The Renfe site you suggested helped out a lot. I would prefer a night one so that we don't waste time traveling and missing days. I have another dumb question...mind you I have travelled on european trains before but I didn't know what the difference between a couchette is and a sleeper train. I read someones suggestion on this fodors message board suggesting sleeper trains offer more flexability. Also, from the renfe site it looked like they only had tourist class and I had hoped to get a 1st class ride. From my experiance its better (worth the extra money).

Fodors <BR> <BR>David in Australia has advised you well. The reference library of a city near you may have the Thomas Cook Europoean Timetable. Tabe 671 shows that the night train, the Gibralfaro, is a Talgo train (that is, built to a design where each pair of coach ends rests onn one bogey, which gives a smooth ride). The train number is 997. You leave Barcelona Sants at 2100 and reach Grenada at 0757. As a hotel train the Gibralfaro carries a resataurant car, 1, 2, 3 and 4 berth sleeping compartments with washbasin in the compartment and toilet down the corridor, and 1 or 2 berth sleeping compartments with shower, washbasin, and toilet for each compartment. <BR> <BR>Hotel trains don't use the terms first and second class, but in fact all sleepers are on the European first class pattern or better, except the 3 and 4 berth compartments, which are second class sleepers The 1 and 2 berth sleepers are called "turista" when they have no shower attached, and "preferente" when they have one. This train carries no couchettes. A couchette is a 6-berth compartment, with both toilets and washbasins down the corridor. Couchettes are crowded, but cheap. <BR> <BR>I took a bed in a 4-berth compartment on this train to Seville: I had a good night. <BR> <BR>Please write again if I can help further. From 5 January my e-mail address will be [email protected]. For safety's sake, could you also please copy to me at [email protected] ? <BR> <BR>Ben Haines, London

Ben I appreciate all your information. I will using the your suggestion. I am heading to London after my trip in Spain. I have an uncle who lives there and I wanted to see other cities in Britian for about 3 days. Any suggestions of B&B that are cute yet affordable outside of london? Would you suggest an overnight in Bath? I love that town.