 Gibraltar's famous apes, although strictly-speaking they are tailless monkeys. The stuffed black ape was my 6 year old son's new toy - the apes mugged him for it 5 minutes after we bought it. |
UK to Gibraltar by train, no problem...
Gibraltar, named after the Arabic name for the Rock, Jebel Tarik, is just across the bay from the Spanish port of Algeciras, the railhead for anyone travelling to Gibraltar. It's easy to reach Gibraltar by train from London, Paris or Madrid, and it's a scenic ride too, especially between Madrid and Gibraltar, see the video. This page will tell you the train times, fares and how to buy tickets.
Train
times, fares, tickets & information...
Useful country information: Currency, tourist info, dialling code...
Video guide: Gibraltar to Madrid by train showing train & scenery
Buying add-on tickets from other UK towns & cities
General information on train travel in Europe
Luggage Taking your bike Taking your dog
Useful
country information
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Train operator in Gibraltar: |
There are no trains in Gibraltar, but buses link La Linea (at Gibraltar's frontier with Spain) with Algeciras every 30-45 minutes, taking 45 minutes. For train times & fares in Spain, see www.renfe.com. Eurostar times & fares To check any European train times: http://bahn.hafas.de. To check for problems with trains from Paris to Spain (in French only), click here. |
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Time zone & dialling code: |
GMT+1 (GMT+2 last Sunday in March to last Saturday in October). Dial code +350. |
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Currency: |
£1 = £1 |
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Page last updated: |
1 May 2013. Train times valid 8 Dec 2012 to 8 June 2013. |
London
to Gibraltar
Gibraltar, named after the Arabic name for the Rock, 'Jebel Tarik', is just across the bay from the Spanish port of Algeciras, the railhead for anyone travelling to Gibraltar. It's easy to reach Gibraltar by train from London, Paris or Madrid, this page will tell you train times, fares and how to buy tickets:
London ► Gibraltar
- Day 1, afternoon: Travel from London to Paris by Eurostar, leaving London St Pancras at 13:31 (14:01 on Saturdays) arriving in Paris Gare du Nord at 16:47 (17:17 on Saturdays). Cross Paris by mιtro to the Gare d'Austerlitz. By all means book an earlier Eurostar if you'd like to spend some time in Paris.
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Day 1, evening: Travel from Paris to Madrid overnight on the excellent Elipsos trainhotel, leaving Paris Gare d'Austerlitz at 18:53 arriving at Madrid Chamartin station at 09:00 next morning. The trainhotel is a special articulated sleeper train with 4-berth Turista class sleepers, 1 & 2-berth Preferente (1st class) sleepers, and 1 & 2-berth Gran Clase sleepers with private shower & toilet, dinner & breakfast included. The trainhotel has an elegant restaurant and a vibrant cafι-bar, see the London to Spain page for more information about this train, or the excellent virtual tour at www.elipsos.com.
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On what days does the trainhotel run? In autumn & winter from 16 October 2012 until 19 March 2013 it runs only on Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday nights. In spring & summer from 20 March to 15 October 2013 it runs every night of the week.
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Important: There is lots of engineering work in France this year. If you don't see the Elipsos trainhotel in the booking systems for a given date, it may have been 'closed for sale' while they work out how the work will affect the train. Normally, tickets are released in due course, but rather less than the normal 90 days ahead. Engineering work may also affect arrival and/or departure times on a few dates, please check carefully when you book and if necessary take a later Eurostar connection
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Day 2: Spend the day enjoying Madrid. There are left luggage lockers at both Madrid Chamartin where you arrive and Madrid Atocha from where you depart. You can take the metro (www.metromadrid.es) from Chamartin into the city centre, or use a suburban train free of charge to Atocha (show your trainhotel ticket) and deposit your luggage there, then walk into the city centre, a 20 minute walk. In the late afternoon, make your way by metro to Madrid's Atocha station, or walk there from the city centre.
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Day 2, afternoon: Travel from Madrid to Algeciras (the Spanish town across the bay from Gibraltar) on the afternoon air-conditioned Altaria train. You leave Madrid Atocha station at 15:05, arriving Algeciras at 20:15. It's a scenic ride, though the last part may be after dark. Altaria trains have 1st class (Preferente) and 2nd class (Turista) and a cafe-bar. In Preferente, the fare includes an airline-style hot meal with choice of wines. The train speeds along the modern standard-gauge high-speed line from Madrid as far as Antequerra-Santa-Ana at 125mph, then stops and passes slowly through a gauge-changing shed where the axles are adjusted to traditional Spanish board gauge and a diesel is attached. The train now snakes at low speed along the scenic single-track to Algeciras on the Straits of Gibraltar. See the journey video guide.
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Day 2, evening: Either take a taxi from Algeciras railway station to La Linea for a fixed price of 24.75 (taxis don't use the meter on this run, and aren't normally allowed to cross the border into Gibraltar), or cross the roundabout outside Algeciras rail station and enter the San Bernado bus station, then take bus M-120 to La Linea for around 2.30. Bus M-120 runs every 30 minutes Mon-Fri at xx.00 and xx.30 past each hour or every 45 minutes at weekends, journey time about 45 minutes to La Linea, see www.ctmcg.com for bus information. La Linea is the Spanish town outside the border crossing to Gibraltar, and La Linea's bus stop and taxi rank are right outside the entrance to Gibraltar. Walk through the Spanish then UK passport checkpoints into Gibraltar (5-10 minutes), then either keep walking straight ahead of you into Gibraltar town (15 minutes walk) or look for the taxi stop on the right just after the passport check and wait for a taxi to your hotel for a few pounds (Gibraltar taxis will also accept euros). The walk from the border to Gibraltar's Main Street takes you across Gibraltar airport's runway, though they stop cars and pedestrians when an aircraft is landing or taking off! Map of Algeciras - La Linea - Gibraltar area.
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An alternative if you'd prefer to spend the night in Madrid: On day 2, stay the night in a hotel in Madrid, then on the morning of day 3 take the 08:35 Altaria train from Madrid Atocha station to Algeciras, arriving at 13:46. Although a half day slower overall, this option gives you a full day and evening in Madrid, and the morning Altaria train to Algeciras will show you the wonderful mountain scenery in southern Spain in daylight.
Gibraltar ► London
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Day 1, early in the morning: Walk (15 minutes), taxi (£4-£6) or bus (£1) from Gibraltar town to the border with Spain and walk through British and then Spanish passport control into La Linea. In La Linea, you'll find a taxi rank and bus stop right outside the border. Now either take a taxi from La Linea to Algeciras railway station for a fixed price of 24.75 (taxis don't use the meter on this run) or take an M-120 bus from La Linea to Algeciras bus station. On weekdays, buses leave La Linea every 30 minutes at xx.15 and xx.45 past each hour, at weekends they run every 45 minutes. The fare is 2.30. In Algeciras, the buses stop just 50 metres away from the railway station. Alternatively, your hotel may be able to arrange a private transfer direct from Gibraltar town to Algeciras station for around £50 - however, neither Gibraltar taxis nor Spanish taxis will normally cross the border.
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Day 1, morning: Travel from Algeciras to Madrid by high-speed Altaria train, leaving Algeciras at 08:43 and arriving in Madrid Atocha station at 14:05. A cafe-bar is available. An at-seat airline-style meal with wine is included in the Preferente class fare. See the video of this journey. Make your way by metro or suburban train to Madrid Chamartin.
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If you'd prefer to leave Gibraltar the day before (day 0) and spend a day and night in Madrid, there's also an afternoon Altaria train from Algeciras, departing at 15:05 and arriving Madrid Atocha at 20:25.
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Day 1, evening: Travel from Madrid to Paris on the excellent overnight Elipsos trainhotel leaving Madrid Chamartin at 18:12 and arriving next morning in Paris Gare d'Austerlitz at 09:03 on weekdays or 10:37 at weekends. On Saturdays it leaves Madrid a bit later, at 19:00. The trainhotel has sleepers, cafe-bar & restaurant, see the London to Spain page for more information or see www.elipsos.com for a virtual tour. Take the metro to the Gare du Nord.
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On what days does the trainhotel run? In autumn & winter from 16 October 2012 until 18 March 2013 it runs only on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday nights. In spring & summer from 19 March to 14 October 2013 it runs every night of the week.
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Important: There is lots of engineering work in France this year. If you don't see the Elipsos trainhotel in the booking systems for a given date, it may have been 'closed for sale' while they work out how the work will affect the train. Normally, tickets are released in due course, but rather less than the normal 90 days ahead. Engineering work may also affect arrival and/or departure times on a few dates, please check carefully when you book and if necessary take a later Eurostar connection
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Day 2 morning: Travel from Paris to London by Eurostar. On weekdays when the trainhotel arrives in Paris Austerlitz at 09:03, you can leave Paris Gare du Nord at 11:13 arriving London St Pancras at 12:30. At weekends when the trainhotel arrives in Paris Austerlitz at 10:37, you can leave Paris Gare du Nord at 13:13 arriving in London St Pancras at 14:39.
On board the trainhotel from Paris to Madrid...
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The trainhotel is an articulated Spanish Talgo train, run by Elipsos, a consortium of French & Spanish railways. |
A Gran Clase sleeper, in evening mode with the seats folded out... |
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...return from dinner to find the attendant has made up the beds... |
Gran Clase sleepers have a toilet & shower... |
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The trainhotel's cafι-bar serves drinks & food. Grab a barstool early, it gets crowded later on! |
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The elegant trainhotel restaurant awaits first sitting for dinner. The Gran Clase fares include dinner & breakfast. |
On board the Altaria train from Madrid to Algeciras...
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Turista (2nd class) seating on an Altaria train... |
The articulated Talgo Altaria train at Algeciras station... |
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The Preferente fare includes an at-seat meal with wine... |
Preferente (1st class) seating on an Altaria train... |
Taking the bus from Algeciras to La Linea (Gibraltar)...
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Bus M-120 boarding at Algeciras bus station |
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Rock of Gibraltar, seen from a taxi approaching La Linea. |
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At Algeciras, the bus station is just across the road (well, around the roundabout) from the railway station. This is an M-120 bus for La Linea boarding at the bus station. The bus links Algeciras with La Linea, 250m from the Gibraltar frontier, every 30 minutes on weekdays at xx.00 & xx.30 past each hour, every 45 minutes at weekends, fare 2.30, journey time 45 minutes. The bus station is directly across the road (well, around the roundabout) from Algeciras railway station, behind the Octavio Hotel. Alternatively, a taxi from Algeciras station to Gibraltar town charges a fixed price (non-meter) of 24.75. There are normally plenty of taxis available when the train from Madrid arrives. |
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How much does it cost?
See the London to Spain page for fares between London & Madrid.
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Madrid - Algeciras by Altaria train: |
2nd class (Turista)... Promo fare booked in advance: 28.90 (£24) one-way. Promo+ fare booked in advance: 43.40 (£37) one-way. Flexible: 72.30 (£61) one-way, 130 (£110) return. 1st class (Preferente), at-seat meal & drinks included: Promo fare booked in advance: 44.80 (£38) one-way. Promo+ fare booked in advance: 67.20 (£57) one-way. Flexible 112 (£95) one-way, 202 (£171) return. Check fares & book online at www.renfe.com or |
How to buy tickets online...
The easiest and cheapest way to book your London to Gibraltar train journey is online.
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Step 1, book the London to Paris Eurostar and the Paris-Madrid trainhotel following the step-by step instructions on the London to Spain page.
UK residents can book both tickets together at www.raileurope.co.uk, although I recommend splitting the journey into London to Paris and Paris to Madrid, and using the 'add to basket' facility.
Residents of any country worldwide can book the London to Paris Eurostar online at www.eurostar.com with print-at-home tickets, then book the Paris to Madrid trainhotel online at www.renfe.com again with print-at-home tickets following these step-by-step instructions. Make sure you allow at least 90 minutes to change trains & stations in Paris. If you have any problems booking or paying at Renfe.com, simply use www.petrabax.com/renfe instead, in plain English with no payment problems and also providing print-at-home tickets, but with a small mark-up added.
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Step 2, book the Spanish train from Madrid to Algeciras & back separately at the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com, looking for cheap Promo fares. Click here for advice on using Renfe.com. If you have any problems booking or paying at Renfe.com, simply use www.petrabax.com/renfe instead, in plain English with no payment problems and also providing print-at-home tickets, but with a small mark-up added.
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Step 3, you simply buy the bus ticket from Algeciras to La Linea on the bus.
How to buy tickets by phone...
You may prefer to book by phone. To book train travel all the way from London to Algeciras, call www.spanish-rail.co.uk on 020 7224 0345 (lines open 09:30-17:30 Monday-Friday), or Rail Europe on 0844 848 5 848 (lines open 09:00-19:00 Mondays-Fridays, 09:00-18:00 Saturdays, no longer open Sundays).
Gibraltar - Tangier ferries...
A fast ferry occasionally operates from Gibraltar to Tangier, run by www.frs.es. There were Friday & Sunday evening crossings a few years ago, there may be none now. At other times, simply take the bus from La Linea (Gibraltar's frontier with Spain) round the bay to Algeciras (every 30 mins, journey time 30 mins) for the ferry from there to Tangier. See www.trasmediterranea.es, www.comarit.com or www.euroferrys.com to check sailing times & fares.
Watch the video: Gibraltar to Madrid by ferry & train...
This video shows the train and the fabulous scenery between Algeciras (for Gibraltar) and Madrid.
In Gibraltar...
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The Governor's residence... |
Typically British telephone kiosk.... |
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The cable car up to the top of the Rock... |
The Rock of Gibraltar viewed from the top cable car station. It's a cloudy day, and we're above the clouds... |
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The famous apes. There's a fine for feeding them, but watch it, they'll pinch your own food right out of your hand! |
The Rock of Gibraltar, seen from one of the regular Dolphin safaris leaving from Marina Bay - www.dolphinsafari.gi |
The
Thomas Cook European Timetable
The
Thomas Cook European timetable
has train & ferry times for every country in Europe plus currency
& climate
information. Published since 1873, it costs £14.99.
It's essential for any serious traveller
and an inspiration for armchair travellers. Still
not convinced you need one?
More information
on what the Thomas Cook Timetable contains. You can
buy the latest monthly edition online at
www.thomascookpublishing.com with worldwide delivery or
buy it in person from selected UK branches of Thomas Cook (ask at the
bureau de change), or from W H Smiths in Victoria station in London. Or
buy the twice-yearly independent traveller's edition with
laminated cover from Amazon.co.uk:
Winter/Spring 2012/13 edition (Dec 2012 to June 2013) or
(when available)
Summer/Autumn 2013 edition (June to Dec 2013)
The Thomas Cook Rail Map of Europe is the best and most comprehensive map of train routes right across Europe, from Portugal in the west to Istanbul, Moscow & Ukraine in the east, from Finland in the north to Sicily & Crete in the south. High speed & scenic routes are highlighted. Highly recommended! Buy online at www.amazon.co.uk (worldwide delivery). See an extract from the map.
Find hotels
in Gibraltar...
◄◄◄◄ Search all the main hotel booking sites at once...
I'm a big fan of www.hotelscombined.com as it checks all the main hotel booking sites (Opodo, Expedia, Booking.com, Hotels.com, AsiaRooms, LateRooms etc.) to find the widest choice of hotels & the cheapest rates. Try it and see! |
Rock Hotel, Gibraltar...
Opened in 1932, Gibraltar's Rock Hotel nestles under the Rock at the far end of town, with a relaxing pool area across the road, complete with poolside bar. Many famous people have stayed here, from Winston Churchill to Sean Connery to Errol Flynn. Don't expect cutting edge design - if anything the rooms are a little tired and in need of refurbishment - but it's one of the classic hotels in Gib, a stone's throw from the lower cable car station and a 10 minute walk from the heart of Main Street. In the summer, dinner is served al fresco by the pool. The breakfast buffet is good, but ask for fried egg rather than taste their powdered scrambled egg!
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Travel
insurance & health card...
Get travel insurance, it's essential...
 |
Never travel without insurance from a reliable travel insurer with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover. It should also cover loss of cash (up to a limit) & belongings, and cancellation. An annual multi-trip policy is usually cheapest even for just 2 or 3 trips a year (I have an annual policy myself). Don't expect travel insurance to bail you out of every missed connection, though, see the advice on missed connections here. Here are some suggested insurers, Seat61 gets a little commission if you buy through these links, and feedback from using insurance for rail & ferry travel is always welcome.
In
the UK, use
www.confused.com to compare prices & policy features across
major insurance companies.
If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are over 65 (no age limit), see www.JustTravelCover.com.
If you live in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland or the
EU, try
Columbus Direct's other websites.
If you live in the USA or Canada, try
Travel Guard USA.
Get an EU health card, it's free...
If you're a UK citizen travelling in Europe, you should apply for a free European Health Insurance Card, which entitles you to free or reduced rate health care if you become ill or get injured in many European countries, under a reciprocal arrangement with the NHS. This replaced the old E111 forms as from January 2006. The EHIC card is available from www.ehic.org.uk. It doesn't remove the need for travel insurance, though.
Get a spare credit card, designed for foreign travel with no currency exchange loading & low/no ATM fees
Taking out an extra credit card costs nothing, but if you keep it in a different part of your luggage you won't be left stranded if your wallet gets stolen. In addition, some credit cards are better for overseas travel than others. Martin Lewis's www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-travel-money explains which UK credit cards have the lowest currency exchange commission loadings when you buy something overseas, and the lowest cash withdrawal fees when you use an ATM abroad.
You can avoid ATM charges and expensive exchange rates with a Caxton FX euro currency Visa Card, or their multi-currency 'Global Traveller' Visa Card, see www.caxtonfx.com for info.
Get an international SIM card
to save on mobile data and phone calls...
Mobile phones can cost a fortune to use abroad, and if you're not careful you can return home to find a huge bill. Consider buying a global pre-paid SIM card for your mobile phone from www.Go-Sim.com, which can slash costs by up to 85%. Go-Sim cuts call costs in 175 countries worldwide, and you can receive incoming calls and texts for free in 75 countries. It's pay-as-you-go, so no nasty bills when you get home. It also allows cheap data access for laptops & PDAs. A Go-Sim account and any credit on it doesn't expire if it's not used between trips, unlike some others, so a Go-Sim phone number becomes your 'global phone number' for life.