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This page explains how to travel by train from Barcelona to other cities all over Europe, and how to buy tickets the cheapest way. Information current for 2024.
Before you buy your tickets
Take a moment to read these tips for buying European train tickets. They answer the usual questions including "Do I need to book in advance or can I just buy at the station?", "Can I stop off?", "Are there Senior fares?" and the old favourite, "Should I buy an $800 railpass or buy a 35 point-to-point ticket online?". Click here to understand how far ahead you can buy train tickets.
European train travel FAQ
Barcelona to other Spanish cities
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Popular train routes from Barcelona:
Barcelona to
Malaga, Cordoba & Seville
Barcelona to Valencia & Alicante
Barcelona to San Sebastian
& Bilbao
Barcelona to Santiago de Compostela, A Coruna &
Vigo
Barcelona to Mallorca by ferryAll Spanish long-distance trains and even many regional trains require seat reservation and have variable pricing, so yes, trains can sell out although although outside busy holiday periods it's easy to buy tickets at the station on the day of travel if you want.
Renfe has airline-style fares for its long-distance trains, so tickets will be much more expensive bought on the day, much cheaper booked in advance. So pre-book if possible.
For more information including an explanation of Renfe's fare types & classes, see the train travel in Spain page.
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How to buy tickets
Arguably the quickest & easiest way to buy Spanish train tickets is at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com with print-at-home tickets and all of Renfe's cheap prices shown. Raileurope & Thetrainline link to Renfe's ticketing system and sell Renfe's cheap fares at the same prices as Renfe in , £ or $ with the same print-at-home tickets, in plain English without Renfe's quirky translation or credit card acceptance problems. Anyone can use Raileurope or Thetrainline as they accept international credit cards. There's a small booking fee. More about Raileurope. More about Thetrainline.
Note that in Spain, although infants under 4 go free, for journeys on any mainline long-distance train wholly within Spain, you'll need to obtain a free infant ticket at a Renfe ticket office before boarding, see the advice here.
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You can of course buy tickets direct from Spanish Railways at www.renfe.com, with no booking fee. The disadvantage is that Renfe.com has more than its fair share of quirks, so please read the advice on using Renfe.com here. The quirks include some odd English translations and a reputation for rejecting a significant proportion of overseas credit cards with various error messages. Although I have to say it has always worked OK with my credit card and it now also accepts PayPal.
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You can also book Spanish trains online in US$ in plain English with no payment problems at www.petrabax.com. This is a US-based agency that also links to the Renfe ticketing system, so has the same trains and cheap prices, with a small mark-up. It issues the same print-at-home tickets as renfe.com, so anyone from any country worldwide can use it, including the United States, Canada & Australia.
Barcelona to Madrid by AVE, Ouigo, Avlo or Iryo
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See the Barcelona to Madrid page for route-specific info, trips & advice.
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Every hour or two, high-speed AVE trains link Barcelona Sants with Madrid Atocha in as little as 2h30, faster (and a lot less hassle) than flying. The route has been opened up to competition, and as well as Renfe's AVEs you can now also choose a lo-cost Ouigo train, lo-cost Avlo train or competing full-service Iryo train.
Barcelona to Malaga, Cordoba & Seville by AVE
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Direct AVE-S112 high-speed trains leave Barcelona Sants at 08:35 and 15:15 every day for Cordoba, Seville & Malaga.
It's beats flying: City centre to city centre with no formal check-in. Flying is a relay-race of train, airport, flight, airport, bus, taking around 4 hours so saving very little time over the train and denying you the relaxing journey across Spain through the countryside at ground level, seeing the country you're supposed to be visiting.
These trains leave Barcelona Sants on the high-speed line towards Madrid - you get great views of Montserrat on your right (see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montserrat_(mountain) soon after departure. Just south of Madrid, a chord line allows the train to by-pass Madrid Atocha and join the Madrid-Andalucνa high-speed line heading southwards. It's pretty scenic, especially where the train speeds through the mountains, short tunnels alternating with viaducts across rocky valleys.
Superb AVE-S112 trains are used on this route, with 3 classes: Standard (2nd class), Comfort (1st class seats without 1st class extras), Comfort (1st class for Premium ticketholders, access to Sala Club lounge, meal & wine included in fare served at seat on some trains). More information about classes. The trains have a cafe-bar serving beer, wine, tea, coffee, snacks and some hot dishes, and free WiFi.
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From December 2023 you'll also find two direct Iryo trains competing with Renfe between Barcelona and Cordoba/Seville, use www.thetrainline.com to see times and prices and compare with Renfe AVE prices.
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Fares start at around 36 in standard (2nd) class or 64 in comfort (1st) class.
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead for the cheapest prices. Reservation is compulsory so trains can in theory sell out, and do so at very busy times, but there are usually places available even on the day.
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Buy tickets at www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com and print your own ticket. More about buying Spanish train tickets. Booking usually opens 60 days ahead but Renfe are inconsistent in how far ahead they open bookings.
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Note that in Spain, although infants under 4 go free, for journeys on any mainline long-distance train wholly within Spain, you'll need to obtain a free infant ticket at a Renfe ticket office before boarding, see the advice here.
Barcelona to Granada by AVE
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There's a direct Barcelona to Granada AVE-S112 high-speed train every day, they have varied it's departure time but as I write this it leaves Barcelona Sants at 06:45 every day and arrives Granada at 13:10.
It's city centre to city centre with no formal check-in. Flying is a relay-race of train, airport, flight, airport, bus, taking around 4 hours so saving very little time over the train and denying you the relaxing journey across Spain through the countryside at ground level, seeing the country you're supposed to be visiting.
These trains leave Barcelona Sants on the high-speed line towards Madrid - you get great views of Montserrat on your right (see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montserrat_(mountain) soon after departure. Just south of Madrid, a chord line allows the train to by-pass Madrid Atocha and join the Madrid-Andalucνa high-speed line heading southwards. It's pretty scenic, especially where the train speeds through the mountains, short tunnels alternating with viaducts across rocky valleys.
Superb AVE-S112 trains are used on this route, with 3 classes: Standard (2nd class), Comfort (1st class seats without 1st class extras), Comfort (1st class for Premium ticket holders, access to Sala Club lounge, meal & wine included in fare served at seat on some trains). More about classes. The trains have a cafe-bar serving beer, wine, tea, coffee, snacks and some hot dishes, and free WiFi.
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Fares start at around 36 in standard (2nd) class or 64 in comfort (1st) class.
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead for the cheapest prices. Reservation is compulsory so trains can in theory sell out, and do so at very busy times, but there are usually places available even on the day.
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Buy tickets at www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com and print your own ticket. More about buying Spanish train tickets. Booking usually opens 60 days ahead but Renfe are inconsistent in how far ahead they open bookings and it can be less than this.
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Note that in Spain, although infants under 4 go free, for journeys on any mainline long-distance train wholly within Spain, you'll need to obtain a free infant ticket at a Renfe ticket office before boarding, see the advice here.
Barcelona to Valencia & Alicante
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Fast EuroMed trains link Barcelona Sants with Valencia & Alicante, and slower but cheaper articulated Intercity trains built by Talgo also operate on this route.
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Buy online at www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com and print your own ticket. More about buying Spanish train tickets. Booking usually opens 60 days ahead but Renfe are inconsistent in how far ahead they open bookings and it can be less than this.
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If you're going to Valencia, the slower Intercity trains can be better, as they use Valencia Estacio del Nord in the city centre. The faster EuroMed trains use the new Valencia Joaquin Sorolla station a little way from the city centre. In Alicante, both train types use Alicant-Terminal.
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Note that in Spain, although infants under 4 go free, for journeys on any mainline long-distance train wholly within Spain, you'll need to obtain a free infant ticket at a Renfe ticket office before boarding, see the advice here.
Barcelona to San Sebastian & Bilbao
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Every morning at 08:45 comfortable high-speed Alvia train links Barcelona Sants with Bilbao in 6h51
There are other services during the day with a change of train.
The trains are fully-air-conditioned with Standard (2nd) class & Comfort (1st) class and a cafe-bar serving beer, wine, tea, coffee, snacks.
The train rolls out of Barcelona with views of Montserrat on your right (see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montserrat_(mountain) on the high-speed line towards Zaragoza, this particular type of train travelling at up to 250km/h (155 mph). Just beyond Zaragoza it slows to 50 km/h and passes seamlessly through a gauge-changing system where the wheels adjust from European standard gauge (the new high-speed lines are all standard 4' 8.5") to wider Iberian gauge (5' 6"). It then rolls across the plains on the classic lines calling at Pamplona, then climbs into the mountains to San Sebastian, twisting and turning. A really lovely run!
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Fares start at 22.90 in standard (2nd) class or 29.90 in comfort (1st) class.
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead for the cheapest prices. Reservation is compulsory so trains can in theory sell out, and do so at very busy times, but there are usually places available even on the day.
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Buy online at www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com and print your own ticket. More about buying Spanish train tickets. Booking usually opens 60 days ahead but Renfe are inconsistent in how far ahead they open bookings and it's often less than this.
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Note that in Spain, although infants under 4 go free, for journeys on any mainline long-distance train wholly within Spain, you'll need to obtain a free infant ticket at a Renfe ticket office before boarding, see the advice here.
Barcelona to Santiago de Compostela, A Coruna & Vigo
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Every day, an air-conditioned Alvia train links Barcelona Sants with Galicia, leaving mid-morning and arriving late evening. It's a chill-out day across Spain, on an excellent air-conditioned train with cafe-bar, sit back and enjoy the ride.
On Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays it leaves Barcelona Sants at 09:05 and goes to Vigo Guixar, arriving 23:35.
On Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays it leaves Barcelona Sants at 09:05 and arrives Santiago de Compostela 22:06 & A Coruna 22:38.
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Check times & book online at either www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com and print your own ticket. More about buying Spanish train tickets. Booking usually opens 60 days ahead but Renfe are inconsistent in how far ahead they open bookings, it's often less than this.
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Note that in Spain, although infants under 4 go free, for journeys on any mainline long-distance train wholly within Spain, you'll need to obtain a free infant ticket at a Renfe ticket office before boarding, see the advice here.
Barcelona to Ibiza by ferry
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Trasmed (formerly Acciona Trasmediterranea) offer an overnight ferry from Barcelona to Ibiza most nights, around 22:00, arriving 07:00.
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The ferry has cosy cabins, bar & restaurant, it sails from the Trasmed terminal in central Barcelona, a few minutes' walk from the Columbus monument at the foot of La Rambla.
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Times & dates vary, see the Direct Ferries website or www.trasmed.com or call Trasmed's UK agent, Southern Ferries on 0844 815 7785.
Barcelona to Mallorca by ferry
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Overnight ferry: There are two overnight ferries from Barcelona to Palma de Mallorca, both with restaurants, bars & cosy en suite cabins. One is run by Trasmed (formerly Acciona Trasmediterranea) (www.trasmed.com, UK agent Southern Ferries on 0844 815 7785), the other run by Balearia (www.balearia.com).
Both ships usually sail from Barcelona around around 22:00 and arrive in Palma around 07:00. Check times & buy tickets at the Direct Ferries website.
The Trasmed & Balearia ferry terminals are located in central Barcelona, a few minutes' walk from the Columbus monument at the foot of La Rambla. I recommend Trasmed, as they have the bigger, nicer ships which usually sail from right alongside the terminal so you can walk straight onto the ship, whereas the smaller Balearia ship requires an awkward shuttle bus transfer between the ferry check-in and the vessel in both Barcelona and Palma.
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Fast ferry: On many days in summer Balearia operate a daytime fast ferry (SeaCat) from Barcelona to Alcudia, on the northeast corner of Mallorca near both Alcudia and Pollensa, calling at Minorca on the way. This leaves from directly alongside the Balearia terminal in central Barcelona around 17:00 and arrives at 23:00. See www.balearia.com or use the Direct Ferries website to check whether it is running on your dates of travel. There will be plenty of taxis waiting at Alcudia ferry terminal, it's a 10 minute taxi ride to Pollensa.
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Train service on Mallorca: There are two train lines on Majorca, from Palma to Inca & Soller, see www.tib.org & (for Soller) trendesoller.com.
Blue arrow = Balearia ferry terminal, white arrow = Trasmed terminal. Above right, the Balearia terminal. See map of Barcelona showing ferry terminals
Balearia's fast ferry from Barcelona to Alcudia. That's the Columbus Monument at the foot of La Rambla in the background, the terminal is that central!
Balearia ferry. Photo courtesy of Luke Sibieta.
Grimaldi Trasmed's Ciudad de Barcelona, at Barcelona port. Photo courtesy of Luke Sibieta.
Barcelona to Tenerife, Gran Canaria & the Canary islands
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There are no direct ferries from Barcelona to the Canary Islands, but 3 ferry companies sail from southern Spain to the Canaries, all with comfortable ships with a choice of reclining seats or private en suite cabins, bars & restaurants. The voyages takes 1 night & 1½ days or 2 nights, 1 day.
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Naviera Armas sail weekly from Huelva to Tenerife & Gran Canaria, see www.navieraarmas.com or book on the Direct Ferries website.
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Fred Olsen/Balearia ferries sail 2 or 3 times a week all year round from Huelva to Tenerife & Gran Canaria, see www.fredolsen.es or book on the Direct Ferries website.
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Trasmediterranea sail from Cadiz in mainland Spain with Arrecife (Lanzarote), Las Palmas and Tenerife once or twice a week, taking 2 nights, www.trasmediterranea.es.
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After checking ferry sailing dates & times, check train times & buy tickets from Barcelona to Huelva or Cadiz at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com. You may well need to stay overnight in Cadiz or Huelva.
Barcelona to Gibraltar
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Step 1, travel from Barcelona to Algeciras, taking the 11:00 high-speed AVE train from Barcelona Sants to Madrid Atocha then the 15:16 Intercity train from Madrid Atocha to Algeciras, arriving 21:13.
The trains are comfortable, air-conditioned with cafe-bar. There's great scenery both on the high-speed line between Madrid and Cordoba through the mountains and on the classic line twisting through the hills to Algeciras, the Spanish town across the bay from Gibraltar, see a video of the journey here.
Fares start at around 50.
Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, both easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee, or at the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com (much more fiddly, may reject some overseas credit cards, see this advice on using it first). You print your own tickets. Booking should open 60 days ahead but it varies.
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Step 2, take a bus or taxi from Algeciras to la Linea & walk into Gibraltar.
A taxi from Algeciras railway station to La Linea costs 24.75 and takes about 22 minutes. Taxis don't use the meter on this run, and aren't normally allowed to cross the border into Gibraltar.
To go by bus, cross the roundabout outside Algeciras railway station and enter the San Bernado bus station, then take bus M-120 to La Linea for around 2.50. 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, for bus information see siu.ctmcg.es.
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 (a) keep walking straight ahead into Gibraltar town, it's takes about 15 minutes to the centre or (b) take a frequent local Gibraltar bus from the border into town or (c) 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 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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Alternative via San Roque-La Linea station: The closest station to Gibraltar is actually San Roque-La Linea, and all trains to Algeciras call here around 20 minutes before arriving at Algeciras. So if you prefer, you can get off here and take a taxi to La Linea, or walk the 1.6 km (1 mile) to the Bar La Redonda bus stop on the main road on the M-120 bus route from Algeciras to La Linea. Buses run to La Linea every 30 minutes weekdays, every 45 minutes weekends. Taxis are usually available outside San Roque station, San Roque to the La Linea/Gibraltar border is about 16 km (10 miles) and it takes just over 30 minutes depending on traffic.
Barcelona to London from 96
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Barcelona to Paris by TGV, Paris to London by Eurostar, see the London to Spain page.
Barcelona to Dublin & Ireland
Option 1, Barcelona to Dublin using a direct ferry from Spain to Ireland
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Step 1, travel from Barcelona to Bilbao by train.
There's a daily 08:45 train from Barcelona Sants to Bilbao Abando station, journey time 6h50.
Check ferry sailing times and dates first, then check train times & buy tickets at either www.thetrainline.com (easiest to use, in , £ or $) or www.renfe.com (in , much more fiddly). Look for a train which arrives several hours before the ferry sails, to allow for any delay and the transfer to the port. If necessary travel the day before.
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On arrival at Bilbao Abando, take the metro to Santurtzi metro station, 21-23 minutes, see www.metrobilbao.net. Then take a 5 km 18 taxi ride to the ferry terminal at Zierbena, 16 km northwest of central Bilbao.
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Step 2, sail from Bilbao to Rosslare with Brittany Ferries.
The ferry sails twice a week for most of the year, typically either sailing at 13:01 arriving at 20:46 next day, or sailing at 18:00 and arriving at 06:00 2 nights later. Check sailing dates and book online at www.brittany-ferries.ie.
The ferry has restaurants, bar, lounges, and cosy private cabins all with shower & toilet.
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Step 3, take a train from Rosslare to Dublin, www.irishrail.ie. In Rosslare, the ferry terminal is a few minutes walk from the railway station platform.
Option 2, Barcelona to Dublin via Paris and ferry from Cherbourg to Dublin
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Day 1, travel from Barcelona to Paris by TGV as shown below.
You can book this at www.thetrainline.com from 39.
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Stay overnight in Paris, see suggested hotels near Paris stations.
Alternatively, travel from Barcelona to Paris using a sleeper, as shown on the Barcelona to Paris by sleeper page.
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Day 2, take a morning train to Cherbourg & ferry overnight to Dublin as shown in the Paris to Dublin section, arriving in the morning on Day 3.
Irish Ferries sails Cherbourg-Dublin several times a week. Start by booking the ferry at www.irishferries.com and add a train connection using www.thetrainline.com, see the Paris to Dublin section for full details.
Barcelona to Paris from 39
Option 1, Barcelona to Paris by high-speed train in 6h30 from 39
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High-speed TGV Duplex trains link Barcelona Sants with Paris Gare de Lyon every day in around 6h30, with departures from Barcelona at 09:28 & 13:25 all year round, see the timetable & information here. An additional afternoon departure may run in July & August.
A flight from Barcelona to Paris takes up to 5 hours when ground transportation, check-in time and airport security are added. The train takes hardly any longer but is the relaxing option with a chance to chill out and see Spanish & French countryside roll past your window, see here for the sights to see from the train on the way. I recommend selecting an upper deck seat for the best views on thee impressive & comfortable 320km/h (199mph) double-decker trains, with a cafe-bar on board and power sockets at all seats.
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Fares start at 39 in 2nd class or 59 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Buy tickets at either www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee) or www.raileurope.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, small booking fee, about Raileurope) or www.thetrainline.com (also easy to use, in , £ or $, small booking fee, about Trainline).
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
Tip: www.sncf-connect.com & www.thetrainline.com allow you to choose your seat from a seat map when booking 1st class tickets.
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See the TGV from Paris to Barcelona page for more details of times, fares, how to buy tickets & photos & a video guide to the journey.
Option 2, Barcelona to Paris by sleeper train via Latour de Carol
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The Barcelona-Paris Elipsos sleeper train was discontinued in 2013, but you can still travel overnight, using a local train through the scenic Pyrenees from Barcelona to Latour de Carol, then the French overnight train from Latour de Carol to Paris. Departure from Barcelona around 14:00, arrive Paris around 07:00 next day.
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See the Barcelona to Paris by sleeper train page for full details, prices, tips & how to buy tickets.
Option 3, Barcelona to Paris by sleeper train via Cerbθre/Perpignan
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This is very similar to option 2, but uses the Cerebθre-Perpignan-Paris overnight train rather than the Paris-Latour one, so you go along the coast rather than directly through the Pyrenees. This night train runs daily in summer, but usually only Fridays & Sundays in winter. Departure from Barcelona around 15:15, arrival in Paris around 07:00 next day.
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See the Barcelona to Paris by sleeper train page for full details, prices, tips & how to buy tickets.
Barcelona to Perpignan, Narbonne, Montpellier, Nξmes
Option 1, Barcelona to southern France by high-speed train - the fastest option
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Up to 5 high-speed TGV Duplex & AVE services link Barcelona Sants with Narbonne, Perpignan, Montpellier & Nξmes.
SNCF (French Railways) run two daily TGV Duplex trains leaving Barcelona Sants at 09:28 & 13:35 en route to Paris, with a 3rd in July & August.
Renfe (Spanish Railways) run two cross-border AVEs leaving Barcelona Sants at 08:19 & 16:34, en route to Lyon and Marseille respectively.
Until December 2022, Renfe & SNCF co-operated in running and marketing all these trains, now each runs its own trains and you won't find the Spanish trains listed on the French Railways website, and vice versa!
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Fares start at around 29 in 2nd class or 39 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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You can buy tickets for both SNCF's TGV and Renfe's AVE at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in , £ or $, small booking fee, international payment cards no problem).
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
Alternatively, you can book the French TGV trains at www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee) and the Spanish AVE trains at www.renfe.com (significantly more fiddly, in , see advice on using it).
Tip: www.sncf-connect.com & www.thetrainline.com allow you to choose your seat from a seat map when booking 1st class on a TGV.
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Tip: Plain Nξmes is the main station in the city centre, sometimes called Nξmes Centre. Nξmes Pont du Gard is a new out-of-town station on the high-speed bypass line. If you are visiting Nξmes, I recommend using the city centre station. Similarly, Montpellier Saint-Roche is the main station in the city centre, Montpellier Sud de France is a new out-of-town station on the high-speed bypass line.
Option 2, Barcelona to southern France by classic train - slower, but cheaper, scenic and with a much wider range of departures!
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With the high-speed service so sparse, the classic route can be a useful alternative, Barcelona to Portbou on the border by Spanish local train, then Portbou to Narbonne, Perpignan, Montpellier & Nξmes by French TER regional train.
Furthermore, the high-speed service is cheap when booked in advance, expensive at short notice. This route uses local trains with fixed prices, you can pay affordable fares even on the day of travel. And if you've an Interrail or Eurail pass, no reservation is needed.
The only catch? Renfe has chosen to put Barcelona-Portbou local trains in a totally separate database, unconnected with any other system in the outside world, so they don't show up on normal booking systems such as www.raileurope.com, www.thetrainline.com or the official French Railways site www.sncf-connect.com or the Spanish Railways site www.renfe.com. Stupid, eh? So you need to look up these trains on a special website, then look up onward trains from Portbou at the normal booking websites.
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Step 1, check times from Barcelona Sants to Portbou at the Barcelona suburban lines website rodalies.gencat.cat.
At the time I write this, you'll find departures from Barcelona Sants as follows:
Mondays-Saturdays at 06:16, 07:16, 07:46, 08:16, 09:16, 10:16, 11:16, 11:46, 13:16, 15:16, 15:46, 17:16.
Sundays at 07:46, 08:46, 09:46, 10:46, 11:46, 12:46, 13:46, 15:16, 17:16.
Journey time varies from 2h13 to 3h14.
All trains are air-conditioned.
The fare is 13.50 on most trains marked R (Rodalies, suburban), or 18.10 on a few fast services marked MD (Media Distancia).
These are fixed-price unlimited-availability fares, you can turn up on the day and pay this, it cannot sell out. You can check fares using the journey planner at rodalies.gencat.cat.
You can also join these trains at Barcelona Plaza Catalunya which might be more convenient for you.
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Step 2, check times from Portbou to Narbonne, Perpignan, Montpellier & Nimes at www.raileurope.com, www.thetrainline.com or the official French Railways site www.sncf-connect.com.
I'd allow at least 10 minutes to change at Portbou.
Trains leave Portbou every 2 hours until early evening, taking 57 minutes to Perpignan, 1h47 to Narbonne, 3h to Montpellier, 3h41 to Nimes.
For example, you could leave Barcelona Sants at 11:16, change at Portbou, arriving Perpignan 15:01, Narbonne 15:51, Montpellier St Roche 17:04, Nimes 17:42.
These trains run along the coast via Port Vendres and Collioure, with great coastal scenery.
The fare is 9.20 from Portbou to Perpignan, 19.10 to Narbonne, 33 to Montpellier, 39.10 to Nimes.
These are fixed price, unlimited-availability fares, cannot sell out, you can buy on the day at this price.
If you book in advance, you'll find some limited-availability fares from 1, only good for the specific train you book.
Barcelona to Lyon
Option 1, Barcelona to Lyon by direct AVE train - recommended
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A direct AVE high-speed train leaves Barcelona Sants at 08:19 and arrives Lyon Part Dieu at 13:20.
This comfortable Spanish high-speed train has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Look out for great views of the imposing 2,784m Mt Canigou on the left as the train rounds the southern end of the Pyrenees, you'll pass the historic Fort de Salses on the left by the tracks just after Perpignan, flamingos on the lakes in the South of France between Narbonne & Montpelier, and Bιziers cathedral on the left, see the photos, tips & journey information here.
Fares start at 39 in 2nd class or 49 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both sites easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com (in , significantly more fiddly, see advice on using it).
Booking normally opens 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
Option 2, Barcelona to Lyon with a change of train
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There are two other good options, using French-run trains, with a change of train en route:
Leave Barcelona Sants at 09:28 daily, change at Valence, arrive Lyon Part Dieu 15:50.
Leave Barcelona Sants at 13:25 daily, change at Valence, arrive Lyon Part Dieu 18:50.
As with the direct AVE, 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 just after Perpignan, flamingos on the lakes in the South of France between Narbonne & Montpelier, and Bιziers cathedral.
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Fares start at around 39 in 2nd class or 49 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Check train times & buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both sites easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee).
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
Barcelona to Bordeaux
Option 1, Barcelona to Bordeaux via Narbonne - this is fastest & easiest
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Take a high-speed TGV Duplex from Barcelona Sants to Narbonne then an Intercitι from Narbonne to Bordeaux St Jean. In 2023 there will be just two departures every day:
Leave Barcelona Sants at 09:28, change at Narbonne, arrive Bordeaux St Jean at 15:39.
Leave Barcelona Sants at 13:25, change at Narbonne, arrive Bordeaux St Jean at 19:35.
The TGV Duplex 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 just after Perpignan.
The Intercitι has a refreshment trolley & free WiFi.
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Barcelona-Narbonne starts at 29, Narbonne-Bordeaux at around 20. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Book from Barcelona Sants to Bordeaux St Jean at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both sites easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee).
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. In the search results, look for options with just 1 change. You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
Option 2, Barcelona to Bordeaux via San Sebastian - how about lunch in San Sebastian?
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This route takes longer, but is usually cheaper. And I'd be tempted to go this way with a stop for lunch and a wander (or an overnight stop) in the lovely city of San Sebastian!
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Step 1, take an Alvia train from Barcelona Sants to San Sebastian (Renfe station), journey time around 5h46.
If you take a morning train you can reach Bordeaux the same day, and could easily fit in a stop in San Sebastian for lunch and a look round. If you take the direct afternoon Alvia train you'll need to overnight in San Sebastian. See the Barcelona-San Sebastian section above for photos of the excellent Alvia trains used on this route and a summary of this interesting and scenic journey.
Fares start at 28 in Standard class or 38 in Comfort class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy a ticket at www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com. Booking normally opens 60 days ahead, but this varies. You print your ticket.
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Step 2, take the little Euskotren from San Sebastian Amara station to Hendaye, trains leave every 30 minutes through the day, journey time 37 minutes, fare around 2.50, no reservation necessary or possible, it's a metro, you just turn up, buy a ticket and hop on.
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Step 3, take a train from Hendaye to Bordeaux, trains leave regularly through the day, journey time 2h40.
Some departures are TER regional trains, some are TGV. TER trains have a fixed price of around 38.40 which you can buy at the station on the day, it cannot sell out. TGVs require reservation and have dynamic pricing starting from 20.
Check times and buy online at www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com (both easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee). You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
Option 3, Barcelona to Bordeaux via Latour de Carol
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Step 1, take the slow but cheap & scenic route from Barcelona Sants to Toulouse Matabiau via Latour de Carol as shown as option 2 in the Barcelona-Toulouse section below. This involves local trains with no reservation required (or even possible) and fixed (cheap!) prices, so is good if you have to travel at short notice when TGVs are expensive or if you have a Eurail or Interrail pass and want to avoid hefty TGV passholder reservation fees.
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Step 2, then take an Intercitι from Toulouse to Bordeaux St Jean taking around 2h07 with fares from 15 upwards. Reservation is required for this bit, and prices are dynamic, cheaper if you book ahead, more expensive (over 40) bought on the day.
Barcelona to Toulouse & Carcassone
Option 1, Barcelona to Toulouse via Narbonne - the high-speed option, reservation required, dynamic pricing so book ahead.
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There are two departures every day from Barcelona to Carcassonne & Toulouse with 1 easy change of train at Narbonne:
Leave Barcelona Sants at 09:28, change Narbonne, arrive Carcassonne 12:29 & Toulouse Matabiau at 12:17. Arrival times may vary.
Leave Barcelona Sants at 13:25, change Narbonne, arrive Carcassonne 16:32 & Toulouse Matabiau at 17:20. Arrival times may vary.
The TGV Duplex 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 just after Perpignan.
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Fares start at 29 in 2nd class or 49 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Check times and buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both sites easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee).
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
Option 2, Barcelona to Toulouse via Latour de Carol - through the Pyrenees, slower, cheaper, always 12 + 28.10 any day, any date.
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Alternatively, there's a cheap & scenic option from Barcelona to Toulouse taking the slow but direct route through the Pyrenees via Latour de Carol, no pre-booking necessary and if you don't want to book in advance it's much cheaper than the high-speed route. It cannot sell out and you can even buy tickets on the day at the same price.
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You won't find this route listed on train booking websites because it involves two separate trains and two separate tickets, one of which is classed as a Spanish suburban train to cannot even be booked online, you just buy a ticket on the day at the station. But it's easy to check times and use it, buying tickets on the day at the station. Here's how...
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Step 1, travel from Barcelona Sants to Latour de Carol (Tor de Querol in Catalan) by local train, these leave every couple of hours, journey time 3h05, fare 12, buy at the station from the staffed counter or self-service ticket machines, no advance booking necessary or possible. This is a fixed-price open ticket which cannot sell out. Easy!
You will not find this train on normal journey planners, so read this paragraph carefully!!!! To check times for this train. use the special Barcelona suburban train website rodalies.gencat.cat/en/inici. Alternatively, you can use www.renfe.com but ignore the main journey planner. Click Welcome at the top for English, then COMMUTER TRAINS AND FEVE then select Barcelona as this train is classed as a Barcelona suburban route. Then search for Barcelona Sants to Tor de Querol.
If there's a wait between trains at Latour de Carol - as there usually is, the French and Spanish don't co-ordinate timetables - simply enjoy lunch, coffee or a beer at the station bistro, www.facebook.com/bistrotdutrainjaune.
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Step 2, then take a local TER train from Latour de Carol to Toulouse for a fixed-price 28.10 bought at Latour de Carol station, journey time 2h56. These leave every few hours, you can check times for this leg at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.
This journey is also very scenic, as the train negotiates the Pyrenees for the first hour. At Portι-Puymorens (the last station just before Latour) the train reaches the highest point on any normal standard-gauge railway in Europe, 1,562m (5,125 feet) above sea level. Look out for the castle at Foix on the left.
Barcelona to Avignon, Marseille, Cannes & Nice
Option 1, Barcelona to Avignon, Aix-en-Provence & Marseille by direct AVE train - the easiest option for these 3 cities, recommended
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Step 1, travel from Barcelona to Avignon & Marseille by direct AVE high-speed train, leaving Barcelona Sants at 16:34 and arriving Avignon TGV 20:43, Aix-en-Provence TGV 21:08 & Marseille St Charles at 21:23.
This comfortable Spanish high-speed train has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Look out for great views of the imposing 2,784m Mt Canigou on the left as the train rounds the southern end of the Pyrenees, you'll pass the historic Fort de Salses on the left by the tracks just after Perpignan, flamingos on the lakes in the South of France between Narbonne & Montpelier, and Bιziers cathedral on the left, see the photos, tips & journey information here.
Fares start at 39 in 2nd class or 49 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both sites easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com (in , significantly more fiddly).
Booking normally opens 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
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For Cannes, Nice or Monaco, stay overnight in Marseille. Inexpensive hotels with good reviews near Marseille St Charles station include the Ibis Marseille Centre Gare St Charles & Holiday Inn Express Marseille St Charles.
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Step 2, travel from Marseille to Cannes, Nice & Monte Carlo on any suitable train next day.
For example, the 07:57 TER local train from Marseille St Charles arrives Nice Ville 10:36, or an 08:28 TGV arrives Nice 10:56, and so on. But why not spend a morning in Marseille? It's a wonderful city, well worth a look around, see the Marseille station page.
Book onward trains from Marseille at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both sites easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee).
Option 2, morning departure, Barcelona to Nice in a day
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Travel from Barcelona to Avignon, Marseille Cannes or Nice, leaving Barcelona Sants at 09:28 every day, change at Nξmes, arriving Marseille St Charles 14:36. Change at Marseille St Charles for Cannes & Nice, arriving Nice Ville at 17:36.
Barcelona to Nξmes is by TGV Duplex with 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 just after Perpignan, flamingos on the lakes in the South of France between Narbonne & Montpelier, and Bιziers cathedral, see the photos, tips & journey information here.
Nξmes to Marseilles is by Intercitι with refreshment trolley & free WiFi. Marseille to Cannes & Nice is by TER regional train.
Fares start at around 39 in 2nd class or 59 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy tickets at either www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee) or www.raileurope.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, small booking fee, about Raileurope) or www.thetrainline.com (also easy to use, in , £ or $, small booking fee, about Trainline).
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
Tip: www.sncf-connect.com & www.thetrainline.com allow you to choose your seat from a seat map when booking 1st class tickets.
Option 3, afternoon departure, Barcelona to Nice in a day
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Step 1, travel from Barcelona to Marseille, leaving Barcelona Sants at 13:25 every day, change at Nξmes, arriving Marseille St Charles 18:36.
Barcelona to Nimes is by TGV Duplex with 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 just after Perpignan, flamingos on the lakes in the South of France between Narbonne & Montpelier, and Bιziers cathedral, see the photos, tips & journey information here. Nξmes to Marseille is by Intercitι with refreshment trolley & free WiFi.
Or change at Nimes for a TER regional train to Avignon Centre, arriving 19:10.
Fares start at 29 in 2nd class or 49 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy tickets at either www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee) or www.raileurope.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, small booking fee, about Raileurope) or www.thetrainline.com (also easy to use, in , £ or $, small booking fee, about Thetrainline).
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
Tip: www.sncf-connect.com & www.thetrainline.com allow you to choose your seat from a seat map when booking 1st class on a TGV or Intercitι.
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Step 2, travel from Marseille to Cannes & Nice, leaving Marseille at 18:57 arriving Cannes 21:07 and Nice Ville 21:38.
Check times & buy tickets at either www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee) or www.raileurope.com (in , £ or $, small booking fee, about Raileurope) or www.thetrainline.com (in , £ or $, small booking fee, about Trainline).
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
Tip: www.sncf-connect.com & www.thetrainline.com allow you to choose your seat from a seat map when booking 1st class on a TGV or Intercitι.
Barcelona to Brussels & Bruges from 68
Option 1, Barcelona to Brussels in a single day, via Lyon - breakfast in Barcelona, dinner in Brussels, avoids crossing Paris
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Step 1, travel from Barcelona to Lyon by AVE high-speed train, leaving Barcelona Sants at 08:19 and arriving Lyon Part Dieu at 13:20.
This comfortable Spanish high-speed train has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Look out for great views of the imposing 2,784m Mt Canigou on the left as the train rounds the southern end of the Pyrenees, you'll pass the historic Fort de Salses on the left by the tracks just after Perpignan, flamingos on the lakes in the South of France between Narbonne & Montpelier, and Bιziers cathedral on the left, see the photos, tips & journey information here.
Fares start at 39 in 2nd class or 49 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both sites easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com (in , significantly more fiddly, see advice on using it). Booking normally opens 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
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Step 2, travel from Lyon to Brussels by French TGV, leaving Lyon Part Dieu at 14:00 and arriving Brussels Midi at 17:43.
The TGV has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. The TGV by-passes Paris using the high-speed Paris avoiding line through Marne la Vallιe & CDG.
If you'd like lunch in Lyon and an extra-safe connection, given that this involves two different operators, a later TGV leaves Lyon Part Dieu at 17:00 arriving Brussels Midi at 20:43. See suggested brasserie for lunch near Lyon Part Dieu.
Fares start at 29 in 2nd class or 39 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both sites easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee).
Booking normally opens 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Step 2, Lyon to Brussels by TGV. Above left, 2nd class seats with a mix of unidirectional seats & tables for 4. Seats 2+2 across car width. Larger photo.
Option 2, Barcelona to Brussels in a single day, via Paris - slightly faster, but involves crossing Paris
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Step 1, travel from Barcelona to Paris by TGV Duplex leaving Barcelona Sants at 09:28 and arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 16:12.
This impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Book an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck.
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 just after Perpignan, flamingos on the lakes in the South of France between Narbonne & Montpelier, and Bιziers cathedral, see the photos, tips & journey information here.
Fares start at 39 in 2nd class or 59 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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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Step 2, travel from Paris to Brussels by Eurostar (formerly Thalys) leaving Paris Gare du Nord at 17:54 arriving Brussels Midi at 19:18.
Eurostar trains have 3 classes, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see more about Eurostar (formerly Thalys).
Fares start at 35 in 2nd class or 79 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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The easiest way to buy tickets is at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.
You can then book Barcelona to Brussels all in one go as one easy transaction with print-your-own tickets for both trains. Prices are in , £ or $, you can use it wherever you live as all overseas credit cards are accepted. There's a small booking fee. Booking for the TGV & Eurostar usually opens 4 months ahead.
Tip: Using www.raileurope.com, you can click More options and add Paris (any station) as a via with a 1 hour duration to ensure a robust connection. Otherwise the French Railways system has been known to offer cross-Paris connections as tight as 42 minutes.
Tip: I recommend an upper deck seat on the TGV Duplex for the best views. You can request an upper deck seat and you'll be shown your seat number before you pay. Any seat number over 60 is on the upper deck, if you don't get an upper deck seat simply leave it in your basket & try again until you get an upstairs seat, then delete the tickets you don't want from your basket. If you use www.thetrainline.com or www.sncf-connect.com you can select a seat from a seat map if booking 1st class.
Alternatively, you can book at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , with no booking fee). Split the booking into Barcelona-Paris and Paris-Barcelona if you want longer to cross Paris, it makes no difference to the price as you get two tickets anyway. You print your tickets or can show them on your phone.
Option 3, Barcelona to Brussels with overnight stop in Paris - as option 2, but with an overnight stop
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Day 1, travel from Barcelona to Paris by TGV Duplex leaving Barcelona Sants at 13:25, arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 20:18.
From early July to early September there should also be a later TGV, leaving Barcelona Sants around 16:10, arriving Paris Gare de Lyon 23:35.
This impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Book an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck.
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 just after Perpignan, 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, so book ahead.
Cross Paris by metro or taxi from the Gare de Lyon to the Gare du Nord.
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Stay overnight in Paris. If you want a hotel room on arrival at the Gare de Lyon, I suggest the Mercure Paris Gare De Lyon as it's part of the station complex. If you'd prefer to stay near the Gare du Nord I suggest the excellent 25 Hours Terminus Nord, directly across the road from the Gare du Nord with great reviews & great feedback from Seat61 users. See other suggested hotels near the Gare de Lyon or Gare du Nord.
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Day 2, take any Eurostar (formerly Thalys) you like from Paris to Brussels, the 06:21 from Paris Gare du Nord arrives Brussels Midi at 07:44, but by all means have a leisurely breakfast and take a later one, they leave every hour or so.
Eurostar trains have 3 classes, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see more about Eurostar (formerly Thalys).
Fares start at 29 in 2nd class or 55 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com. First book from Barcelona to Paris for day 1, add to basket, then book from Paris to Brussels for day 2, add to basket and check out. You can pay in , £ or $, there's a small booking fee.
You can also book at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee).
Option 4, Barcelona-Paris using a French overnight train, then high-speed train to Brussels
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Step 1, travel from Barcelona to Paris overnight, taking a mid-afternoon local train from Barcelona Sants to either Latour de Carol in the Pyrenees or to Cerebθre on the French border, then a French sleeper train overnight to Paris Gare d'Austerlitz.
See the Barcelona to Paris by sleeper train page for train times, prices, tips & how to buy tickets
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Allow at least 60 minutes to change trains & stations in Paris by metro or taxi from the Gare d'Austerlitz to the Gare du Nord.
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Step 2, travel from Paris Gare du Nord to Brussels Midi by Eurostar (formerly Thalys), these leave every hour or so taking 1h22 with fares from 29.
Eurostar trains have 3 classes, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see more about Eurostar (formerly Thalys).
Book the Eurostar at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee).
Barcelona to Amsterdam from 74
Option 1, Barcelona to Amsterdam in a single day
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Step 1, travel from Barcelona to Paris by TGV Duplex leaving Barcelona Sants at 09:28 and arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 16:12.
This impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Book an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck.
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 just after Perpignan, flamingos on the lakes in the South of France between Narbonne & Montpelier, and Bιziers cathedral, see the photos, tips & journey information here.
Fares start at 39 in 2nd class or 59 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Allow at least 60 minutes to change trains & stations in Paris by metro or taxi from Paris Gare de Lyon to the Gare du Nord.
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Step 2, travel from Paris to Amsterdam by Eurostar (formerly Thalys), leaving Paris Nord at 18:23 & arriving Amsterdam Centraal at 21:44.
Eurostar trains have 3 classes, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see more about Eurostar (formerly Thalys). Times may vary.
Fares start at 35 in 2nd class or 79 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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The easiest way to buy tickets is at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.
You can book Barcelona to Amsterdam all in one go as one easy transaction with print-at-home tickets for both trains. Prices are in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem. There's a small booking fee. Booking for the TGV & Eurostar usually opens 4 months ahead.
Tip: Using www.raileurope.com, you can click More options and add Paris (any station) as a via with a 1 hour duration to ensure a robust connection. Otherwise the French Railways system has been known to offer cross-Paris connections as tight as 42 minutes.
Tip: I recommend an upper deck seat on the TGV Duplex for the best views. You can request an upper deck seat and you'll be shown your seat number before you pay. Any seat number over 60 is on the upper deck, if you don't get an upper deck seat simply leave it in your basket & try again until you get an upstairs seat, then delete the tickets you don't want from your basket. If you use www.thetrainline.com or www.sncf-connect.com you can select a seat from a seat map if booking 1st class.
Alternatively, you can book at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , with no booking fee). Split the booking into Barcelona-Paris and Paris-Barcelona if you want longer to cross Paris, it makes no difference to the price as you get two tickets anyway. You print your tickets or can show them on your phone.
Option 2, Barcelona to Amsterdam with overnight stop in Paris - as option 1, but with an overnight stop
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Day 1, travel from Barcelona to Paris by TGV Duplex, leaving Barcelona Sants at 13:25, arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 20:18.
From early July to early September there should also be a later TGV, leaving Barcelona Sants around 16:10, arriving Paris Gare de Lyon 23:35.
This impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, book an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck.
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 just after Perpignan, flamingos on the lakes in the South of France between Narbonne & Montpelier, and Bιziers cathedral, see the photos, tips & journey information here.
Fares start at 39 in 2nd class or 59 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Cross Paris by metro or taxi from Paris Gare de Lyon to the Gare du Nord.
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Stay overnight in Paris. If you want a hotel room on arrival at the Gare de Lyon, I suggest the Mercure Paris Gare De Lyon as it's part of the station complex. If you'd prefer to stay near the Gare du Nord I suggest the excellent 25 Hours Terminus Nord, directly across the road from the Gare du Nord with great reviews & great feedback from Seat61 users. See other suggested hotels near the Gare de Lyon or Gare du Nord.
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Day 2, travel from Paris Gare du Nord to Amsterdam Centraal by Eurostar (formerly Thalys) on any departure you like, journey time 3h30.
The 06:21 from Paris arrives Amsterdam 09:44, but by all means have a leisurely breakfast and take a later one, they leave every hour or two.
Eurostar trains have 3 classes, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see more about Eurostar (formerly Thalys).
Fares start at 35 in 2nd class or 79 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, first booking from Barcelona to Paris on day 1, add this to your basket, then book Paris to Brussels on day 2, add to basket and check out, paying for all tickets at one transaction. Booking for the TGV & Eurostar usually opens 4 months ahead. You can pay in , £ or $, small booking fee. Alternatively, you can book at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com, in , no booking fee.
Option 3, Barcelona-Paris using a French overnight train, then high-speed train onwards to Amsterdam
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Step 1, travel from Barcelona to Paris overnight, taking a mid-afternoon local train from Barcelona Sants to either Latour de Carol in the Pyrenees or to Cerebθre on the French border, then a French sleeper train overnight to Paris Gare d'Austerlitz.
See the Barcelona to Paris by sleeper train page for train times, prices, tips & how to buy tickets
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Allow at least 60 minutes to change trains & stations in Paris by metro or taxi from the Gare d'Austerlitz to the Gare du Nord.
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Step 2, travel from Paris Nord to Amsterdam Centraal by Eurostar (formerly Thalys), they leave every hour or two, journey time 3h20.
Eurostar trains have 3 classes, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see more about Eurostar (formerly Thalys).
Fares start at 35 in 2nd class or 79 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book the Eurostar at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee).
Barcelona to Luxembourg
Option 1, Barcelona to Luxembourg in a single day
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Step 1, travel from Barcelona to Paris by TGV Duplex leaving Barcelona Sants at 09:28 and arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 16:12.
This impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex 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 just after Perpignan, flamingos on the lakes in the South of France between Narbonne & Montpelier, and Bιziers cathedral, see the photos, tips & journey information here.
Fares start at 39 in 2nd class or 59 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Allow at least 60 minutes to change stations in Paris by metro or taxi from the Gare de Lyon to the Paris Gare de l'Est.
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Step 2, travel from Paris to Luxembourg by TGV, leaving Paris Gare de l'Est at 19:39, arriving Luxembourg 21:52.
The TGV has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
Fares start at 25 in 2nd class or 45 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem. There's a small booking fee.
Booking usually opens 4 months ahead. Try booking from Barcelona to Luxembourg as one transaction, if you have any problems, book each train separately, adding each to your basket and checking out at the end. You print your own tickets.
Tip: Using www.raileurope.com, you can click More options and add Paris (any station) as a via with a 1 hour duration to ensure a robust connection. Otherwise the French Railways system has been known to offer cross-Paris connections as tight as 42 minutes.
Tip: I recommend an upper deck seat on the TGV Duplex for the best views. You can request an upper deck seat and you'll be shown your seat number before you pay. Any seat number over 60 is on the upper deck, if you don't get an upper deck seat simply leave it in your basket & try again until you get an upstairs seat, then delete the tickets you don't want from your basket. If you use www.thetrainline.com or www.sncf-connect.com you can select a seat from a seat map if booking 1st class.
Alternatively, you can book each train at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com, in , no booking fee.
Option 2, Barcelona to Luxembourg with overnight stop in Paris
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Day 1, travel from Barcelona to Paris by TGV Duplex leaving Barcelona Sants at 13:25, arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 20:18.
From early July to early September there should also be a later TGV, leaving Barcelona Sants around 16:10, arriving Paris Gare de Lyon 23:35.
This impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex 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 just after Perpignan, 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, so book ahead.
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Stay overnight in Paris. If you want a hotel room on arrival at the Gare de Lyon, I suggest the Mercure Paris Gare De Lyon as it's part of the station complex. If you'd prefer to stay near the Gare de l'Est I suggest the Libertel Gare de l'Est Franηais or OKKO Hotels Paris Gare de l'Est, both right next to the station with great reviews. See other suggested hotels near the Gare de Lyon or Gare de l'Est.
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Day 2, next morning travel from Paris to Luxembourg by TGV.
On Mondays-Fridays the 07:27 from Paris Gare de l'Est arrives Luxembourg at 09:44. On Saturdays, the 08:14 from Paris Gare de l'Est arrives Luxembourg at 10:32. On Sundays, the 10:40 from Paris Gare de l'Est arrives Luxembourg at 12:52. Or there are later trains.
The TGV has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
Fares start at 25 in 2nd class or 45 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, you can then buy all your tickets together in one place, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem.
Booking usually opens 4 months ahead. First book from Barcelona to Paris, add to basket, then book from Paris to Luxembourg for the following day and add that to your basket, then check out. You print your own tickets. There's a small booking fee.
Alternatively, you can book each train at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com, in , no booking fee.
Tip: I recommend an upper deck seat on the TGV Duplex for the best views. You can request an upper deck seat and you'll be shown your seat number before you pay. Any seat number over 60 is on the upper deck, if you don't get an upper deck seat simply leave it in your basket & try again until you get an upstairs seat, then delete the tickets you don't want from your basket. If you use www.thetrainline.com or www.sncf-connect.com you can select a seat from a seat map if booking 1st class.
Option 3, Barcelona-Paris using a French overnight train, then high-speed TGV onwards to Luxembourg
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Step 1, travel from Barcelona to Paris overnight, taking a mid-afternoon local train from Barcelona Sants to either Latour de Carol in the Pyrenees or to Cerebθre on the French border, then a French sleeper train overnight to Paris Gare d'Austerlitz.
See the Barcelona to Paris by sleeper train page for train times, prices, tips & how to buy tickets
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Allow at least 60 minutes to change trains & stations in Paris by metro or taxi from the Gare d'Austerlitz to the Gare de l'Est.
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Step 2, next morning travel from Paris Gare de l'Est to Luxembourg by TGV in around 2h20.
Fares start at 25 in 2nd class or 45 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, book ahead.
Times vary, so check times & buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in , £ or $, small booking fee) or the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee).
Barcelona to Geneva, Zurich & Switzerland
Option 1, Barcelona to Switzerland in a day, morning departure - recommended option, using the direct AVE to Lyon
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Step 1, travel from Barcelona to Lyon by AVE high-speed train, leaving Barcelona Sants at 08:19 and arriving Lyon Part Dieu at 13:20.
This comfortable Spanish high-speed train has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Look out for great views of the imposing 2,784m Mt Canigou on the left as the train rounds the southern end of the Pyrenees, you'll pass the historic Fort de Salses on the left by the tracks just after Perpignan, flamingos on the lakes in the South of France between Narbonne & Montpelier, and Bιziers cathedral on the left, see the photos, tips & journey information here.
Fares start at 39 in 2nd class or 49 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book 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 (in , significantly more fiddly, see advice on using it). Booking normally opens 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
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Step 2, travel from Lyon to Geneva by TER regional train, leaving Lyon Part Dieu at 14:38 and arriving Geneva at 16:38.
These TER trains use former inter-city carriages, old but comfortable. There's no catering, so bring your own food & drink. It's a lovely journey along the river Rhτne and through the Jura.
Lyon to Geneva costs a fixed-price 31.90 in 2nd class, 42.40 in 1st class.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee). Booking normally opens 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
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Step 3, take onwards trains from Geneva to anywhere in Switzerland.
Check times and buy tickets at either www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the Swiss Railways site www.sbb.ch.
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Step 2, Lyon to Geneva by TER: This is a TER from Lyon at Geneva. |
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Option 2, Barcelona to Switzerland in a day, late morning departure
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Leave Barcelona Sants at 09:28, change at Valence & Lyon Part Dieu arriving Geneva 18:38.
Take an onward train from Geneva to anywhere in Switzerland, check times at www.thetrainline.com or the Swiss Railways website www.sbb.ch.
You travel from Barcelona to Valence by impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex with 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 just after Perpignan, flamingos on the lakes in the South of France between Narbonne & Montpelier, and Bιziers cathedral, see the photos, tips & information here.
You then travel from Valence to Lyon on another TGV also with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, and from Lyon to Geneva along the Rhτne by TER regional train.
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Fares from Barcelona to Lyon start at around 39 in 2nd class or 59 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Lyon to Geneva costs a fixed-price 31.90 in 2nd class, 42.40 in 1st class.
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Book from Barcelona to Geneva at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee). Then add an onward ticket from Geneva to anywhere in Switzerland also at www.thetrainline.com. If you buy the Swiss ticket in advance (but less than 60 days ahead) you may find Swiss Supersaver fares or a Saver Day Pass available, saving up to 50% off regular Swiss rail fares.
Alternatively, book Barcelona-Geneva at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee) then onward Swiss tickets at the Swiss Railways website www.sbb.ch.
Option 3, Barcelona to Switzerland in a day, afternoon departure
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Leave Barcelona Sants at 13:25, change at Valence & Lyon Part Dieu arriving Geneva 22:35.
You travel from Barcelona to Valence by impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex with 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 just after Perpignan, see the photos, tips & information here.
You then travel from Valence to Lyon on another TGV also with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, and from Lyon to Geneva along the Rhτne by TER regional train.
For other destinations in Switzerland, stay overnight in Geneva and continue next day. Hotels with good reviews near Geneva station include Hotel Cornavin Genθve, Hotel Les Arcades, ibis Styles Geneva Gare.
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Fares from Barcelona to Lyon start at around 39 in 2nd class or 59 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Lyon to Geneva costs a fixed-price 31.90 in 2nd class, 42.40 in 1st class.
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Book from Barcelona to Geneva at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee). Then add an onward ticket from Geneva to anywhere in Switzerland also at www.thetrainline.com. If you buy the Swiss ticket in advance (but less than 60 days ahead) you may find Swiss Supersaver fares or a Saver Day Pass available, saving up to 50% off regular Swiss rail fares.
Alternatively, book Barcelona-Geneva at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee) then onward Swiss tickets at the Swiss Railways website www.sbb.ch.
Barcelona to Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome & Italy
So many people want to travel this route, and many of them mistakenly think you have to fly. You don't. You can travel cheaply and time-effectively by comfortable and civilised train with lots to see on the way, from the Pyrenees to the Alps.
Option 1, Barcelona to Turin or Milan in a single day - from the Pyrenees to the Alps in a day
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Day 1, travel from Barcelona to Lyon by AVE S100 high-speed train, leaving Barcelona Sants at 08:19, arriving Lyon Part Dieu at 13:30.
This comfortable Spanish high-speed 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 just after Perpignan, flamingos on the lakes in the South of France between Narbonne & Montpelier, and Bιziers cathedral, see the photos, tips & journey information here.
Fares start at 39 in 2nd class or 59 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
You now have time for lunch and a wander around Lyon, see suggested brasserie near the station.
Tip: A later 09:28 departure is possible by French TGV Duplex, with a change in Valence, see the Barcelona to Lyon section for details.
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Day 1, travel from Lyon to Turin & Milan by Frecciarossa, leaving Lyon Part Dieu 17:20 & arriving Turin Porta Susa 21:18 & Milan Centrale 22:07.
This is a lovely ride at low speed snaking through the Alps, see the photos & information here. The train has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, sit back and enjoy the ride.
Fares start at 29 in standard (2nd class) or 36 in business (1st class) or 165 in executive class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Update: The direct Paris-Milan line via Modane was blocked by a landslide in August 2023, and remains blocked in 2024. Until further notice, all direct Paris-Lyon-Milan trains are cancelled. Please use alternative routes, for example options 3 or 4. More information.
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Stay overnight in either Turin or Milan.
Personally I'd choose Turin, a lovely city even if you're not a fan of the 1969 Michael Caine film The Italian Job which was set there. I'd allow some time for a look around next morning.
In Turin I suggest the Hotel Torino Porta Susa or Hotel Diplomatic, Best Quality Hotel Dock Milano or small Al Porta Susa B&B, all right next to Turin Porta Susa station where the TGV arrives and where your onward train leaves next morning, with good or great reviews. Alternatively, the excellent Turin Palace Hotel is in the centre right next to Porta Nuova station, a 7 minute taxi ride, 3-stop 1.50 metro ride or 20 minute walk from Porta Susa, but next morning you can board your train to Venice, Florence, Rome or Naples at Porta Nuova station where these trains start their journey.
In Milan, hotels near Milan Centrale with good or great reviews include Made to Measure Business, 43 Station Hotel, Starhotel Echo or Starhotel Anderson.
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Day 2, take a morning train to anywhere in Italy.
For Florence, Rome or Naples take a 300 km/h (186 mph) Frecciarossa train from Turin Porta Nuova, Turin Porta Susa or Milan Centrale to Florence SMN from 19.90, to Rome Termini or Naples Centrale from 29.90. There are regular departures throughout the day, Turin-Florence takes 2h48, Milan-Florence takes 1h40, Turin-Rome 3h55, Milan-Rome 2h55.
For Verona or Venice take a 186mph Frecciarossa high-speed train from Turin Porta Nuova, Turin Porta Susa or Milan Centrale to Verona Porta Nuova or Venice Santa Lucia. Milan to Venice takes 2h35 from 19.90. Turin to Venice takes 3h25 from 19.90. It's easier to change in Turin as that's a same-station change. In Milan, a transfer from Porta Garibaldi to Centrale is a 25 minute walk or 8 8-minute taxi ride.
For Cinque Terre take a train from Milan Centrale to Monterosso, some direct in as little as 2h57 from 19.90, or there are other departures involving a change. There are also trains from Milan Centrale to Genoa (1h32) and Pisa (3h47).
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How to buy tickets
The easiest way to buy tickets is to use either www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, as you can buy all the tickets together in one place, in plain English, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee. Booking normally opens up to 4 months ahead. About Raileurope. About Thetrainline.
Go to www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, book the direct morning train from Barcelona Sants to Lyon Part Dieu for day 1 and add this to your basket. Then book the direct afternoon train from Lyon Part Dieu to Turin or Milan and add that to your basket. Then book a train from Turin or Milan to your final Italian destination for the following morning, add to basket and check out.
For the AVE you can print your ticket or select a mobile ticket to show on your phone. Italian high-speed trains are ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone.
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How to buy tickets, advanced
You can of course book each train separately with the relevant operator, with no booking fee. This means more work and it won't necessarily make it any cheaper.
Step 1, book from Barcelona to Lyon at the French Railways website, www.sncf-connect.com, or if using the direct Barcelona-Lyon AVE, at the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com. Step 2, now buy tickets from Lyon to Turin or Milan and from Turin or Milan to anywhere in Italy at either www.italiarail.com (easy to use, in plain English, they'll refund seat61 users their booking fee if you email seat61@italiarail.com afterwards) or Trenitalia's site www.trenitalia.com, you'll need to use Italian-language place names and it has a few quirks so see this advice on using it. Both sites sell the same tickets at the same prices and both usually offer ticketless travel, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone.
Option 2, Barcelona to Italy with an overnight stop in Lyon
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Day 1, travel from Barcelona to Lyon, leaving Barcelona Sants at 13:25, change at Nξmes, arriving Lyon Part Dieu at 18:50.
You travel from Barcelona to Nξmes by impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, then on another TGV from Nξmes to Lyon, also with with 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 just after Perpignan, 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, so book ahead.
Book this at either www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both sites easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee). You print your own ticket.
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Stay overnight in Lyon, The Ibis Budget Lyon Centre - Gare Part Dieu is affordable & right next to Lyon Part Dieu station with good reviews, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Lyon also gets great reviews and is just a few minutes walk away.
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Day 2, travel from Lyon to Turin & Milan by Frecciarossa, leaving Lyon Part Dieu 09:30 & arriving Turin Porta Susa 13:18 & Milan Centrale 14:07.
This is a lovely ride at low speed snaking through the Alps, see the photos & information here. The train has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, sit back and enjoy the ride.
Fares start at 29 in standard (2nd class) or 36 in business (1st class) or 165 in executive class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book from Lyon to anywhere in Italy at either www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both sites easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the Italian Railways website www.trenitalia.com (in , no booking fee). You print your own ticket.
Update: The direct Paris-Milan line via Modane was blocked by a landslide in August 2023, and remains blocked in 2024. Until further notice, all direct Paris-Lyon-Milan trains are cancelled. Please use alternative routes, for example options 3 or 4. More information.
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Day 2, travel from Milan to Verona, Venice, Florence, Rome or Naples by connecting high-speed train.
Fares from Milan to Venice or Florence start at 19.90 in 2nd class or 29.90 in 1st class. Milan to Rome or Naples starts at 29.90 in 2nd class or 39.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this as a single transaction from Lyon to anywhere in Italy.
Option 3, Barcelona to Italy with an overnight stop in Marseille
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Day 1, travel from Barcelona to Marseille by AVE S100 high-speed train, leaving Barcelona Sants at 16:34 & arriving Marseille St Charles 21:23.
This comfortable Spanish high-speed train has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
Look out for great views of the imposing 2,784m Mt Canigou on the left as the train rounds the southern end of the Pyrenees, you'll pass the historic Fort de Salses on the left by the tracks just after Perpignan, flamingos on the lakes in the South of France between Narbonne & Montpelier, and Bιziers cathedral on the left, see the photos, tips & journey information here.Fares start at 39 in 2nd class or 49 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both sites easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com (in , much more fiddly, see this advice on using it).
Booking normally opens 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
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Stay overnight in Marseille. Inexpensive hotels with good reviews near Marseille St Charles station include the Ibis Marseille Centre Gare St Charles & Holiday Inn Express Marseille St Charles.
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Day 2, travel from Marseille to Nice by TER regional train, leaving Marseille St Charles at 09:57 and arriving Nice Ville at 12:36.
This is a regional express train, there's no catering so bring your own supplies. It's a lovely run along the French coast.
Book this at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both sites easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee).
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Day 2, now travel from Nice to Genoa, Milan, Verona or Venice, leaving Nice Ville on the 13:20 departure shown on the Nice to Italy page.
You take the 13:20 double-deck TER regional train from Nice to Ventimiglia on the Italian border, then the 15:10 Trenitalia Intercity train from Ventimiglia to Genoa & Milan. Change in Milan for Verona, Venice, Florence & Rome, see the timetable on the Nice to Italy page.
Book from Nice to anywhere in Italy at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, but please read my booking advice for this route on the Nice-Italy page.
Option 4, Barcelona to Italy with an overnight stop in Nice
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Day 1, travel from Barcelona to Nice, leaving Barcelona Sants at 09:28, change at Nξmes & Marseille St Charles, arriving Nice Ville at 17:36.
You travel from Barcelona to Nimes by TGV Duplex with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. There are 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 just after Perpignan, flamingos on the lakes in the South of France between Narbonne & Montpelier, and Bιziers cathedral, see the photos, tips & journey information here.
You travel from Nimes to Marseilles by Intercitι with refreshment trolley & free WiFi, then from Marseilles to Nice by TER regional train along the scenic Cote d'Azur past rocky headlands, millionaires' villas and yacht-filled harbours.
Fares start at around 49 in 2nd class or 69 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both sites easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee).
Booking normally opens 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
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Stay overnight in Nice. The Hotel 64 is just 3 minutes walk from the station, 15 minutes walk from the old town & sea front, and gets great reviews. The Hotel Paganini is also just outside the station with good reviews.
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Day 2, travel from Nice Ville to anywhere in Italy along the coast, on any departure shown on the Nice to Italy page.
You take a double-deck TER regional train from Nice through Monte Carlo to Ventimiglia on the border, then an Italian Intercity train to Genoa & Milan. Change in Milan for trains to Venice, Florence, Rome & Naples. If you left Nice soon after 07:00 you'd reach these cities late afternoon, if you left Nice after 09:00 you'd reach them early evening. See the timetable on the Nice to Italy page.
Book from Nice to anywhere in Italy at either www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, but please read my booking advice for this route on the Nice-Italy page.
UK call 0207 864 4600,
US call free 1-888-829-4775,
Canada call free 1-855-882-2910,
Australia call toll-free 1300 971 526,
New Zealand call toll-free 0800 000 554 or
