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Rock of Gibraltar, seen from a taxi near La Linea. |
This page explains how to travel by train from Gibraltar to other European cities and how to buy tickets. Click here to buy tickets starting in another city.
I want to go from
Gibraltar to...
Before you buy your
tickets...
Take a moment to read these important tips for buying European train tickets. It answers all the usual questions, "Do I need to book in advance or can I just buy at the station?", "Can I stop off?", "Are there Senior fares?" and that old favourite, "Should I buy an $800 railpass or just buy a 35 point-to-point ticket online?". And most important, click here to understand how far ahead you can buy train tickets.
European train travel
FAQ...
Gibraltar to Madrid & Barcelona...
Option 1, morning departure...
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Step 1, transfer from Gibraltar to La Linea to Algeciras:
Walk (15 minutes), take a taxi (£4-£6) or take one of the frequent buses (£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, journey time around 35 minutes (taxis don't use the meter on this run) or take an M-120 bus from La Linea to Algeciras bus station, journey time 45 minutes.
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 2.50. In Algeciras, the buses stop just 50 metres away from the railway station. For bus information see siu.ctmcg.es.
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.
Alternatively, San Roque-La Linea is actually the closest station to Gibraltar. If you prefer to pick up the train there, you can take a taxi the 16 km (10 miles) from La Linea to San Roque-La Linea station.
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Step 2, travel from Algeciras to Madrid by Intercity train, leaving Algeciras at 08:43 or San Roque-La Line 08:58 & arriving Madrid Atocha 14:05.
Check that this morning train is running, there may be some service reductions due to Covid-19 and the afternoon train may be the only one.
The Intercity train is an articulated air-conditioned Talgo train with cafe-bar. It takes the classic curvaceous line from Algeciras to Antequera-Santa Ana, where it is propelled through a gauge-changing shed. This adjusts axles adjust from Iberian gauge, (5'6") to standard gauge (4'8½), used for Spanish high-speed lines. It then joins the high-speed line for a scenic dash through the mountains to Madrid. You'll see the wonderful scenery shown in this Gibraltar to Madrid video guide.
Fares start at 28 in standard class (2nd class) or 38 in comfort class (1st class). Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy a ticket for this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com (much more fiddly, may reject some overseas cards, read this advice on using it first). Booking for Spanish trains normally opens 60 days ahead, but this varies. You print your own ticket.
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Step 3, travel from Madrid to Barcelona by high-speed AVE leaving Madrid Atocha at 15:00 daily, arriving Barcelona Sants at 17:30.
The S103 AVE has standard & comfort class and a cafe-bar. If you have a Premium comfort class ticket you can use the Sala Club at Madrid Atocha.
Fares start at 38 in standard class (2nd class) or 48 in comfort class (1st class). Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy a ticket for this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com (much more fiddly, may reject some overseas cards, read this advice on using it first). Booking for Spanish trains normally opens 60 days ahead, but this varies. You print your own ticket.
Option 2, afternoon departure...
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Step 1, transfer from Gibraltar to La Linea to Algeciras:
Walk (15 minutes), take a taxi (£4-£6) or take one of the frequent buses (£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, journey time around 35 minutes (taxis don't use the meter on this run) or take an M-120 bus from La Linea to Algeciras bus station, journey time 45 minutes.
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 2.50. In Algeciras, the buses stop just 50 metres away from the railway station. For bus information see siu.ctmcg.es.
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.
Alternatively, San Roque-La Linea is actually the closest station to Gibraltar. If you prefer to pick up the train there, you can take a taxi the 16 km (10 miles) from La Linea to San Roque-La Linea station.
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Step 2, travel from Algeciras to Madrid by Intercity train, leaving Algeciras at 15:03 or San Roque-La Line 15:18 & arriving Madrid Atocha 20:35.
The Intercity train is an articulated air-conditioned Talgo train with cafe-bar. It takes the classic curvaceous line from Algeciras to Antequera-Santa Ana, where it is propelled through a gauge-changing shed. This adjusts axles adjust from Iberian gauge, (5'6") to standard gauge (4'8½), used for Spanish high-speed lines. It then joins the high-speed line for a scenic dash through the mountains to Madrid. You'll see the wonderful scenery shown in this Gibraltar to Madrid video guide.
Fares start at 28 in standard class (2nd class) or 38 in comfort class (1st class). Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy a ticket for this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com (much more fiddly, may reject some overseas cards, read this advice on using it first). Booking for Spanish trains normally opens 60 days ahead, but this varies. You print your own ticket.
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Step 3, travel from Madrid to Barcelona by AVE, leaving Madrid Atocha at 21:25 daily except Saturdays, arriving Barcelona Sants at 23:55.
The high-speed AVE S103 has standard & comfort class and a cafe-bar. If you have a Premium comfort class ticket you can use the Sala Club at Madrid Atocha.
Fares start at 38 in standard class (2nd class) or 48 in comfort class (1st class). Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy a ticket for this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com (much more fiddly, may reject some overseas cards, read this advice on using it first). Booking for Spanish trains normally opens 60 days ahead, but this varies. You print your own ticket.
1. Transfer from Gibraltar to La Linea & Algeciras by bus or taxi, or take a taxi to San Roque station.
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Bus M-120 at Algeciras bus station |
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Rock of Gibraltar, seen from a taxi near La Linea. |
2. Algeciras or San Roque to Madrid by Intercity train...
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The Intercity train from Algeciras (formerly branded Altaria) arrived at Madrid Atocha. |
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Andalusian scenery seen from the train. The rail line from Algeciras is one of my favourite routes, especially the part from Algeciras to Antequera, a scenic treat. Watch the video... |
3. Madrid to Barcelona by AVE...
These superb-quality AVE high speed trains are amongst the classiest trains in Europe. They have three classes, Comfort (premium 1st class seating), Comfort (1st class seating) and Standard (2nd class). AVE trains run at up to 310 km/h (193 mph) over the Spanish high-speed lines.
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An S103 AVE train as used between Barcelona & Madrid Atocha, seen at Madrid Atocha station.. Taking as little as 2h30, it's faster than flying. See virtual tour |
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Comfort class (1st class) seating (formerly Club) on the AVE train. A meal with wine is available on Mondays-Fridays & Sundays |
Madrid Atocha station. One of my favourite stations, the old trainshed has been preserved and turned into a tropical garden. AVE trains arrive in the adjacent modern extension. See the Madrid Atocha station guide. |
Gibraltar to London...
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See the London to Gibraltar page which covers this in both directions.
Gibraltar to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam...
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Day 1 transfer from Gibraltar to La Linea to Algeciras:
Walk (15 minutes), take a taxi (£4-£6) or take one of the frequent buses (£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, journey time around 35 minutes (taxis don't use the meter on this run) or take an M-120 bus from La Linea to Algeciras bus station, journey time 45 minutes.
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 2.50. In Algeciras, the buses stop just 50 metres away from the railway station. For bus information see siu.ctmcg.es.
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.
Alternatively, San Roque-La Linea is actually the closest station to Gibraltar. If you prefer to pick up the train there, you can take a taxi the 16 km (10 miles) from La Linea to San Roque-La Linea station.
-
Day 1, travel from Algeciras to Madrid by Intercity train, leaving Algeciras at 08:43 or San Roque-La Line 08:58 & arriving Madrid Atocha 14:05.
The Intercity train is an articulated air-conditioned Talgo train with cafe-bar. It takes the classic curvaceous line from Algeciras to Antequera-Santa Ana, where it is propelled through a gauge-changing shed. This adjusts axles adjust from Iberian gauge, (5'6") to standard gauge (4'8½), used for Spanish high-speed lines. It then joins the high-speed line for a scenic dash through the mountains to Madrid. You'll see the wonderful scenery shown in this Gibraltar to Madrid video guide.
Fares start at 28 in standard class (2nd class) or 38 in comfort class (1st class). Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy a ticket for this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com (much more fiddly, may reject some overseas cards, read this advice on using it first). Booking for Spanish trains normally opens 60 days ahead, but this varies. You print your own ticket.
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Day 1, travel from Madrid to Barcelona by high-speed AVE leaving Madrid Atocha at 15:00 and arriving Barcelona Sants at 17:30.
The S103 AVE has standard & comfort class and a cafe-bar. If you have a Premium comfort class ticket you can use the Sala Club at Madrid Atocha.
Fares start at 38 in standard class (2nd class) or 48 in comfort class (1st class). Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy a ticket for this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com (much more fiddly, may reject some overseas cards, read this advice on using it first). Booking for Spanish trains normally opens 60 days ahead, but this varies. You print your own ticket.
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Stay overnight in Barcelona. Suggested hotels close to Barcelona Sants station with good or great reviews include the Hotel Barcelo Sants (4-star, great reviews, directly above Barcelona Sants station itself, recommended), AC Hotel Sants by Marriott (4-star, just 50m from the station), Hotel Catalonia Roma (3-star), Hostal Baler (2-star), Hotel Transit (1-star), Meeting Point Hostel (inexpensive private rooms & dorm beds).
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Day 2, travel from Barcelona to Paris by high-speed TGV Duplex, leaving Barcelona Sants at 09:10 and arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 15:46.
From 2 July to 28 August 2022 this train runs a bit later, leaving Barcelona Sants at 10:00 and arriving Paris Gare de Lyon 16:47.
Book an upper deck seat for the best views as the train round the southern end of the Pyrenees, passes the Fort de Salses near Narbonne, rolls past colonies of flamingos on the ιtangs in southern France, then speeds along the scenic Rhone Valley towards Paris. There's a cafe-bar on board and power sockets at all seats. If you have a 1st class ticket for the TGV you can use the Sala Club at Barcelona, details here. More information about the Barcelona-Paris journey and see the video.
Fares start at 39 in 2nd class or 59 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy a ticket for this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , more fiddly). Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your smartphone.
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Cross Paris by metro or taxi from the Gare de Lyon to the Gare du Nord. Always allow at least 60 minutes between trains.
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For Brussels...
Cross Paris by metro or taxi from the Gare de Lyon to the Gare du Nord. Always allow at least 60 minutes between trains.
Travel from Paris to Brussels by Thalys train leaving Paris Gare du Nord around 17:25 arriving Brussels Midi around 18:47.
From 2 July to 28 August you'll need a later connection, leaving Paris Gare du Nord around 18:25 arriving Brussels Midi around 19:47.
Thalys trains have a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see the Thalys information page.
Fares start at 35 in 2nd class or 79 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.
Buy a ticket for this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , more fiddly). Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your smartphone.
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For Amsterdam...
Cross Paris by metro or taxi from the Gare de Lyon to the Gare du Nord. Always allow at least 60 minutes between trains.
Travel from Paris to Amsterdam by Thalys, leaving Paris Nord at 17:25 & arriving Amsterdam Centraal at 20:44.
From 2 July to 28 August you'll need a later connection, leaving Paris Nord at 19:25 & arriving Amsterdam Centraal at 22:44.
Thalys trains have a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see the Thalys information page. If you take the summer-only 06:00 from Barcelona, a Thalys leaves Paris Nord at 14:25 & arrives Amsterdam Centraal 17:44.
Fares start at 35 in 2nd class or 79 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.
Buy a ticket for this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , more fiddly). Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your smartphone.
Gibraltar to Switzerland...
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Day 1, travel from Gibraltar to Barcelona using either the morning or afternoon departure as shown above & buy tickets as shown.
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Stay overnight in Barcelona. Suggested hotels close to Barcelona Sants station with good or great reviews include the Hotel Barcelo Sants (4-star, great reviews, directly above Barcelona Sants station itself, recommended), AC Hotel Sants by Marriott (4-star, just 50m from the station), Hotel Catalonia Roma (3-star), Hostal Baler (2-star), Hotel Transit (1-star), Meeting Point Hostel (inexpensive private rooms & dorm beds).
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Day 2, travel from Barcelona to Lyon by AVE-S100 high-speed train, leaving Barcelona Sants at 08:15 and arriving Lyon Part Dieu at 13:20.
The AVE train has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. You'll get great views of the imposing 2,784m Mt Canigou as the train rounds the southern end of the Pyrenees, you'll pass the historic Fort de Salses right by the tracks, flamingos on the lakes in the South of France between Narbonne & Montpelier, and Bιziers cathedral, see the photos, tips & information here.
Fares start at 39 in 2nd class or 59 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.
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Day 2, travel from Lyon to Geneva by TER regional train, leaving Lyon Part Dieu at 14:38 and arriving Geneva at 16:35.
This is a lovely ride through the Jura mountains and along the Rhτne. 2nd class only. The fare is a fixed-price 29.40.
Buy tickets from Barcelona to Geneva at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, small booking fee) or at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , a little more fiddly, no fee). Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own tickets.
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Day 2, take an onward train from Geneva to anywhere in Switzerland, check times and buy tickets at either www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, small booking fee) or the Swiss Railways website www.sbb.ch (in , no fee). If you buy in advance you may find Swiss Supersaver fares available, saving up to 70% off regular Swiss rail fares. Booking for Swiss trains opens 60 days ahead.
Gibraltar to all other destinations...
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Gibraltar to Germany, Scandinavia, Poland, Russia:
Travel to Paris as shown above, then see the Trains from Paris page.
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Gibraltar to the South of France, Andorra, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia:
Travel to Barcelona as shown above, then see the Trains from Barcelona page.
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Gibraltar to Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Bulgaria, Turkey, Ukraine...
Consider travel via Paris or via Barcelona. Travel to Paris as shown above, then see the Trains from Paris page. Or travel to Barcelona as shown above, then see the Trains from Barcelona page.