We are staying in Barcelona a few days and then heading for Madrid. We were told the train ride through that part of the country is beautiful. Can anyone give us information about train service,such as location of train station in Barcelona and accessibility (we will have luggage. Will be find lots of steps, escalators, or is station on street level?) Also, what is the difference between 1st and 2nd class ticket? Thanks
We travelled in the opposite direction and at night, so I can't tell you what the countryside is like. However, the station itself is at street level, and I seem to recall the platforms are below street level. There are stairs leading down to the platform, but there ARE elevators that get you down there. If I remember correctly, the elevator doors face the ticket counters, so you don't see them as you are walking in the station. If you go to the stairs, turn around and look back, and you'll see it.<BR><BR>Can't help you with the difference between 1st and 2nd class tickets -- we were in a first class compartment, which was VERY nice.
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The trains from Madrid to Barcelona leave from Sants Estacio. It is easily accesible by Metro. If you have luggage, it shouldn't be a problem, unless the escalators aren't working.<BR><BR>Train schedules are not really convenient, because there are only 7 trains a day. They leave at 700, 830, 1030, 1200, 1530, 2203 and 2300. The shortest ride is 6 hours 30 minutes, while the longest one is 9 hours.<BR><BR>The difference between a first and second class ticket in price is negligible. First class tickets range from 41.00 to 56 Euros, while second class tickets range from 31.00 to 42.00 euros. The seats in 1st are larger and more spread apart. If money is no object, take 1st.<BR><BR>The train ride is nice, but very inconvenient. Have you considered flying? Try Spanair or Air Europa for fares. You should be able to get a plane ticket for no more than 50-60 euros.<BR><BR>Hope this helps.<BR><BR>PS: For further train info try www.renfe.es<BR>For air info try www.spanair.es or www.aireuropa.es
Sorry to tell you, but I read in the www.renfe.es that presently there are some work being done in the Barcelona-Madrid. Please check ....<BR>Also check rates in the same site and if you can buy tickets in Spain the difference is BIG.
We loved the train trip from Madrid to Barcelona, very glad we did it and worth the couple of hours longer than negotiating the whole mess of getting to the airport, going through security, killing time from the early check in, possible delays, and then getting from airport to hotel. <BR><BR>Re: buying tix there vs. on internet: you are pretty much stuck with DER to buy tickets on line and they append a HEFTY premium for themselves, esp. now that they have no competition from RailEurope (which bought them out). It's not just a matter of "service charge," it's what they quote you as the price in the first place. <BR><BR> WIthout hesitation I'd advise you to wait until you are in Barcelona and then go to the station or a travel agency there as soon as you have settled in a bit. Unless you're traveling on some special weekend, it's unlikely that there wouldn't be seats available as late as a day or two ahead.<BR><BR>I've known people to have saved as much as $150 on certain routes by waiting 'til they got there. On that route, I wouldn't be surprised if there were a difference of $30-50., at least.
