Madrid Atocha station. This page covers journeys starting in Madrid, Malaga, Granada, Cordoba, Seville, Alicante, Valencia To buy train tickets in Spain, www.raileurope.com, www.thetrainline.com (in €, £ or $) or www.petrabax.com (US$) are much easier to use than www.renfe.com. |
This page explains how to travel by train from Madrid, Malaga, Granada, Cordoba, Seville, Alicante, Valencia to other European cities, 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. It answers all the usual questions, "Do I need to book in advance or can I buy at the station?", "Can I stop off?", "Are there Senior fares?" and that old favourite, "Should I buy an $800 railpass or a €35 point-to-point ticket?". How far ahead can you buy train tickets?
European train travel FAQ
Buy train tickets for Spain: See the train travel in Spain page
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All Spanish long-distance trains and even many regional trains require seat reservation and have variable pricing, so yes, trains can sell out and sometimes do, at least at busy times. Outside busy periods it's easy to buy tickets at the station on the day of travel.
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Renfe (Spanish national railways) has airline-style fares, so tickets are much more expensive bought on the day, much cheaper booked in advance. So pre-book if possible.
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How to buy tickets
The easiest way to buy Spanish train tickets is online at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.
These connect directly to Renfe's ticketing system to sell Renfe's cheap fares with Renfe's print-your-own tickets, but in plain English without any of Renfe's confusing translations or credit card rejection problems. There's a small booking fee, but it's worth it.
www.thetrainline.com can also book the Ouigo & Iryo trains that compete with state-owned Renfe on the Barcelona-Madrid route and others.
Babies & infants: Although infants under 4 go free, for journeys on any Renfe mainline long-distance train wholly within Spain, you'll need to obtain a free infant ticket at a Renfe ticket office before boarding, see the advice here.
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You can also book Spanish trains online in US$ in plain English with no payment problems at www.petrabax.com, a US-based agency that also links to the Renfe ticketing system, so has the same trains and cheap prices, although they add 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.
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Alternatively, you can buy tickets direct from Spanish Railways at www.renfe.com with no booking fee, but it has more than its fair share of quirks, so read my advice on using it. The quirks include odd English translations and a reputation for rejecting some overseas credit cards with various error messages. Although I have to say it's always worked OK with my own credit card and now accepts PayPal.
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For advice on trains between Madrid & Barcelona, see the Madrid to Barcelona to page.
A Barcelona-Madrid AVE (type S103) at Barcelona Sants. See virtual tour
Madrid to Barcelona
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Four competing train services link Madrid & Barcelona in as little as 2h30, see the Madrid to Barcelona page.
Ferries to Ibiza & Mallorca
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Step 1, look up a suitable ferry from Valencia or Barcelona to Ibiza or Mallorca, using the Direct Ferries website as this covers all ferry operators. You'll find ferries run by Trasmediterranea (www.trasmediterranea.es and Balearia (www.balearia.com).
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Step 2, now add a suitable train connection from Madrid or any other Spanish city to Valencia or Barcelona using www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com. Allow plenty of time (several hours, not minutes!) to transfer between the station and ferry terminal in Valencia or Barcelona and check-in for the ferry
Ferries to Tenerife, Gran Canaria & the Canary islands
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Three ferry companies sail from mainland Spain to the Canary islands, 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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Check train times and buy tickets to Huelva or Cadiz at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.
Madrid to Gibraltar
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Step 1, travel from Madrid to Algeciras by Intercity train, leaving Madrid Atocha at 07:38, arriving San Roque-La Linea 13:35 & Algeciras 13:54.
The air-conditioned Intercity train is an articulated Talgo train 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.
An afternoon departure is possible with a change of train, usually at Antequera-Santa Ana.
Fares start at €25 in Standard class or €38 in Comfort classes. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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 advice on using it).
Spanish trains normally open for booking 60 days ahead, but this varies enormously. You print your own tickets.
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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 of you 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.A
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Alternative via San Roque-La Linea
The closest station to Gibraltar is San Roque-La Linea, all trains to Algeciras call here about 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.
Other Spanish cities to Gibraltar
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Step 1, take a train to Algeciras: There are direct trains from Granada, Cordoba & Ronda to Algeciras. From Malaga you can go by train with a change at Bobadilla or Antequera-Santa Ana, although it means a journey inland then a journey back to the coast. There are also Malaga-Algeciras buses that use the coast road.
Check times & 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 cards, see advice on using it). You print your own tickets.
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Step 2, follow the bus & taxi instructions above to reach Gibraltar.
Spain to London
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See the London to Spain page. for train travel travel between London & Spain in either direction.
Spain to Dublin & Ireland
Option 1, Spain to Dublin using a direct ferry from Spain to Ireland
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Step 1, travel to Bilbao by train.
There are two direct trains per day from Madrid Chamartin to Bilbao Abando station, journey time around 4h50.
Check ferry sailing times and dates first, then check train times & buy tickets from anywhere in Spain to Bilbao 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.
There are also hourly narrow gauge trains from San Sebastian (Donostia-Amara) to Bilbao's Matiko station every hour or half-hour, taking 2h35, see www.euskotren.eus.
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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. Rosslare ferry terminal is a few minutes walk from the railway platform.
Option 2, Spain to Dublin via Paris and ferry from Cherbourg to Dublin
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Day 1, travel to Paris as shown below.
You can book this at www.thetrainline.com.
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Stay overnight in Paris, see suggested hotels near Paris stations.
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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 details.
Spain to Paris
Madrid to Paris by high-speed TGV
Option 1, Madrid to Paris in a day, early morning departure
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Step 1, travel from Madrid to Barcelona by Avlo lo-cost train leaving Madrid Atocha at 06:15, arriving Barcelona Sants at 08:45.
The lo-cost Avlo train is one-class, no catering, free WiFi.
Fares start from just €7 on Avlo. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Step 2, travel from Barcelona to Paris by TGV Duplex, leaving Barcelona Sants at 09:28 and arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 16:12.
The 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 Béziers cathedral, see photos, tips & journey information.
Fares start at €39 in 2nd class or €59 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Book from Madrid to Paris at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.
Both are easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee. Spanish trains normally open for booking 60 days ahead, but this varies. Booking for the Barcelona-Paris TGVs opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own tickets or can show them on your phone.
Alternatively, you can book from Madrid to Barcelona at the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com (much more fiddly, may reject some overseas credit cards, see this advice on using it first) then book the Barcelona-Paris TGV at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no booking fee).
Option 2, Madrid to Paris in a day, late morning departure
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Step 1, travel from Madrid to Barcelona by AVE-S103 high-speed train, leaving Madrid Atocha at 09:30 and arriving Barcelona Sants 12:37.
From 15 December 2024 onwards, leave Madrid Atocha at 11:30 and arriving Barcelona Sants 14:42. On Mondays-Saturdays there's also an Iryo train leaving Madrid Atocha at 12:25 and arriving Barcelona Sants 15:10
By all means book an earlier train and have lunch in Barcelona.
Fares start from €17.05 in standard class (2nd) or €68.05 in comfort class (1st). Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Step 2, travel from Barcelona to Paris by TGV Duplex leaving Barcelona Sants at 13:25 and arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 20:18.
From 15 December 2024 the timetable changes, leave Barcelona Sants at 16:25, arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 23:18.
The 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 Béziers 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.
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Book from Madrid to Paris at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com
Both are easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee. Spanish trains normally open for booking 60 days ahead, but this varies enormously. Booking for the Barcelona-Paris TGVs opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own tickets or can show them on your phone.
Alternatively, you can book from Madrid to Barcelona at the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com (much more fiddly, may reject some overseas credit cards, see advice on using it) then book the Barcelona-Paris TGV at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no booking fee).
Option 3, Madrid to Paris with overnight stop in Barcelona
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Day 1, travel from Madrid Atocha to Barcelona Sants on any evening AVE-S103 high-speed train you like.
There are departures almost every hour taking as little as 2h30.
Fares start at €17.05 in standard class or €68.05 in comfort class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Check times & fares at www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com.
Competing Iryo trains and lo-cost Avlo & Ouigo trains are also available from only €7, see the Madrid to Barcelona page.
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Stay overnight in Barcelona. The Hotel Barcelo Sants is top choice here, it's part of Barcelona Sants station so easy to use when arriving & departing by train, with great reviews & good feedback from Seat61 users. Other suggested hotels near the station.
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Day 2, travel from Barcelona to Paris by TGV Duplex, leaving Barcelona Sants at 09:28 and arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 16:12.
The 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 Béziers cathedral, see photos, tips & journey information.
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 www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com
Book from Madrid to Barcelona, add to basket, book Barcelona to Paris for the following day and add to basket, then check out.
Both sites are easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee. Spanish trains normally open for booking 60 days ahead, but this varies enormously. Booking for the Barcelona-Paris TGVs opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own tickets.
Alternatively, you can book Madrid-Barcelona at the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com (much more fiddly, may reject some overseas cards, see advice on using it) then book Barcelona-Paris at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no booking fee).
Option 4, Madrid to Paris with overnight stop in San Sebastian - a slower but cheaper route, San Sebastian makes a great stopover
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Day 1, travel from Madrid to San Sebastian by Alvia train, leaving Madrid Chamartin at 17:38, arriving San Sebastian Renfe station 22:40.
Alternatively, an earlier Intercity train leaves Madrid Chamartin at 14:50 daily except Saturdays, arriving San Sebastian Renfe station 19:42.
If you'd like an afternoon in San Sebastian, an Alvia train leaves Madrid Chamartin at 08:43 and arriving San Sebastian Renfe station 13:37.
These smart air-conditioned S120 Alvia & Intercity trains have a cafe-bar and power sockets at all seats, a pleasure to travel on. They have an interesting party trick: After travelling at up to 250km/h on the standard gauge high-speed line from Madrid, they slow right down and pass through a shed where axles adjust from standard gauge (4'8½") to Iberian gauge (5'6"). They then complete the second half of the journey over classic lines, with great scenery winding up into the Pyrenees approaching San Sebastian.
Fares start from €17 in standard class (2nd class) or €22 in comfort class (1st class). Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.
Spanish trains normally open for booking 60 days ahead, but this varies enormously. You print your own ticket.
In San Sebastian it's a 10 minute walk from San Sebastian Renfe station to San Sebastian Amara station, see walking route.
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Stay overnight in San Sebastian - a lovely city, well worth a longer stop. The Pension San Ignacio Centro is just 10 minutes walk from San Sebastian Renfe station and gets great reviews. If you want somewhere in the old town try the Pension Garibai or Pension Alameda.
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Day 2, travel from San Sebastian Amara to Hendaye on the French border by Euskotren (www.euskotren.eus).
These metro trains leave San Sebastian Amara every 30 minutes all day, journey time 37 minutes, fare €2.75, buy at the station with cash or card and hop on the next train. In Hendaye the Euskotren station is in the station forecourt of the mainline SNCF French Railways station, but obviously make sure you get to Hendaye in good time for your train to Paris. See the Euskotren information on the Paris to San Sebastian page.
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Day 2, travel from Hendaye to Paris by TGV Duplex Océane, for example leaving Hendaye at 09:34 and arriving Paris Montparnasse 14:16.
By all means spend some time in San Sebastian and book a later one, they leave every few hours through the day. The TGV Duplex is usually of the latest Océane type with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
Book this train 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).
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
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Or travel from Madrid to Paris in a single day using this route
You'd take the 08:43 Alvia train from Madrid Chamartin to San Sebastian Renfe station, then transfer from San Sebastian Amara to Hendaye by Euskotren and take the 16:11 TGV to Paris Montparnasse. Or, daily except Saturdays, spend some time in San Sebastian and take the later 18:08 TGV to Paris.
Option 5: Madrid-Paris using a French overnight train.
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Step 1, travel from Madrid to Barcelona by AVE-S103 high-speed train leaving Madrid Atocha at 09:30 arriving Barcelona Sants at 12:37.
More about trains from Madrid to Barcelona, including lo-cost trains. Have lunch in Barcelona.
Fares start at €17.05 in standard (2nd) class or €68.05 in comfort (1st) class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee) or the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com (in €, much more fiddly, see advice on using it).
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Step 2, travel from Barcelona to Paris overnight, see the Barcelona to Paris by sleeper train page for times, prices & how to buy tickets.
You take a mid-afternoon local train from Barcelona Sants to either Latour de Carol in the Pyrenees or to Cerebère on the French border, then a French sleeper train overnight to Paris Gare d'Austerlitz.
Malaga, Seville, Cordoba, Granada, Alicante, Valencia to Paris
Option 1, Spanish cities to Paris in a single day - runs every day all year
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Step 1, travel from Madrid or other Spanish city to Barcelona:
Until 14 December 2024:
Leave Madrid Atocha at 09:30 by AVE S103 high-speed train, arriving Barcelona Sants at 12:37. Fares from €17.
Leave Alicante at 06:55 or Valencia Joaquin Sorolla 09:05 by Euromed train arriving Barcelona Sants at 12:16.
Leave Seville Santa Justa at 06:54 or Cordoba at 09:35 by Iryo train arriving Barcelona Sants at 12:45.
From 15 December 2024:
Leave Madrid Atocha at 11:30 by AVE S103 high-speed train, arriving Barcelona Sants at 14:42. Fares from €17.
Leave Alicante at 09:15 or Valencia Joaquin Sorolla 11:25 by Euromed train arriving Barcelona Sants at 14:33.
Leave Seville Santa Justa at 08:40 or Cordoba at 09:37 by AVE S103 arriving Barcelona Sants at 14:21.
Leave Malaga Maria Zambrano at 08:25 by AVE S103 arriving Barcelona Sants at 14:21.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee). When does booking open?
This sells Iryo, Renfe & SNCF tickets so you can buy all your tickets in one place. Or you can book Iryo trains at the Iryo website iryo.eu (in €), or Renfe trains at the Renfe website www.renfe.com (much more fiddly, may reject some overseas cards, see advice on using it).
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Step 2, travel from Barcelona to Paris by TGV Duplex leaving Barcelona Sants at 13:25 and arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 20:18.
From 15 December 2024 the timetable changes, leave Barcelona Sants at 16:25, arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 23:18.
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 Béziers cathedral, see photos, tips & information.
Fares start at €39 in 2nd class or €59 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee) or at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no booking fee). Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own tickets or can show them on your phone.
Option 2, Spanish cities to Paris in a single day - runs 6 July to 1 September 2024.
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Step 1, take a train to Barcelona:
Leave Alicante at 09:15 or Valencia Joaquin Sorolla 11:25 by Euromed train arriving Barcelona Sants at 14:33.
Leave Seville Santa Justa at 08:40 or Cordoba at 09:37 by Iryo train arriving Barcelona Sants at 12:45.
Leave Malaga Maria Zambrano at 08:25 or Cordoba at 09:35 by AVE S103 high-speed train arriving Barcelona Sants at 14:21.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee).
This sells Iryo, Renfe & SNCF tickets so you can buy all your tickets in one place. Or you can book Iryo trains at the Iryo website iryo.eu (in €), or Renfe trains at the Renfe website www.renfe.com (much more fiddly, may reject some overseas cards, see advice on using it).
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Step 2, travel from Barcelona to Paris by TGV Duplex leaving Barcelona Sants at 16:04 and arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 23:18.
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. This is a summer-only train, runs from 6 July to 1 September 2024.
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 Béziers cathedral, see photos, tips & information.
Fares start at €39 in 2nd class or €59 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee) or at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no booking fee). Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own tickets or can show them on your phone.
Option 3, Spanish cities to Paris with overnight stop in Barcelona - breaks the trip up nicely, recommended
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Day 1, travel to Barcelona in the afternoon or early evening:
Leave Malaga Maria Zambrano at 16:23 by AVE S103 high-speed train arriving Barcelona Sants at 22:35. Fares start at around €46.
Leave Seville Santa Justa at 16:29 or Cordoba 17:27 by AVE S103 high-speed train, arriving Barcelona Sants 22:35. Fares start at around €46.
Leave Granada at 15:30 by AVE S112 high-speed train, and arriving Barcelona Sants at 21:52.
Leave Alicante at 16:50 or Valencia Joaquin Sorolla at 18:55 by Euromed train, arriving Barcelona Sants at 22:04. Fares start at around €30.
There's also a morning train from Malaga, Seville or Cordoba and earlier trains from Alicante or Valencia, if you'd like more time in Barcelona.
Buy tickets at www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com (both easy to use, in €, £ or $ allows you to buy all your tickets in one place, small booking fee) or at the Renfe website www.renfe.com (much more fiddly, may reject some overseas cards, see advice on using it).
Spanish trains normally open for booking 60 days ahead, but this varies enormously.
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Stay overnight in Barcelona. The Hotel Barcelo Sants is the top choice here, it's part of Barcelona Sants station so easy to use when arriving & departing by train, with great reviews & good feedback from Seat61 users. See other suggested hotels near the station.
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Day 2, 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 Béziers cathedral, see photos, tips & information.
Fares start at €39 in 2nd class or €59 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy tickets at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee) or at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no booking fee). Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own tickets or can show them on your phone.
Option 4, Seville, Cordoba, Alicante or Valencia to Paris using a French overnight train.
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Step 1 from Seville or Cordoba: Travel from Seville or Cordoba to Barcelona by Iryo, leaving Seville Santa Justa at 06:54 or Cordoba at 09:35 arriving Barcelona Sants at 12:45.
Fares start at around €35. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee) or the Iryo website iryo.eu.
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Step 1 from Alicante or Valencia: Travel from Alicante or Valencia to Barcelona by Euromed train, leaving Alicante at 06:55 or Valencia Joaquin Sorolla at 09:05 and arriving Barcelona Sants at 12:16.
Fares start at around €30. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee) or the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com (in €, much more fiddly, see my advice on using it).
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Step 2, travel from Barcelona to Paris overnight, see the Barcelona to Paris by sleeper train page for times, prices & how to buy tickets.
You take a mid-afternoon local train from Barcelona Sants to either Latour de Carol in the Pyrenees or to Cerebère on the French border, then a French sleeper train overnight to Paris Gare d'Austerlitz.
Vigo, A Coruña & Santiago de Compostela to Paris
Option 1, Vigo, A Coruña, Santiago to Paris with overnight stop in San Sebastian.
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Day 1, travel from Vigo, A Coruña or Santiago de Compostela to Vitoria by Alvia train.
On Mondays, Thursdays & Saturdays it leaves Vigo Guixar at 07:20 arriving Vitoria/Gasteiz 16:31.
On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays it leaves A Coruña at 07:45 & Santiago de Compostela at 08:14, arriving Vitoria/Gasteiz 16:31.
An Intercity train provides a guaranteed connection to San Sebastian every day, leaving Vitoria/Gasteiz at 16:40 and arriving San Sebastian Renfe station at 18:31.
Buy tickets at www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com (both easy to use, in €, £ or $ allows you to buy all your tickets in one place, small booking fee) or at the Renfe website www.renfe.com (much more fiddly, may reject some overseas cards, see advice on using it).
Spanish trains normally open for booking 60 days ahead, but this varies enormously.
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Stay overnight in San Sebastian. The Pension Regil is close to the old town with great reviews, 10 minutes walk from the Renfe station, 7 minutes walk from the Amara Euskotren station. If you want something in the old town itself, try the Pension Garibai or Pension Alameda. If you want to push the boat out, San Sebastian's most venerable hotel (which I can recommend personally, having stayed there) is the Hotel de Londres y Inglaterra, on the sea front.
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Day 2, travel from San Sebastian to Hendaye by Euskotren, leaving San Sebastian Amara at 08:15.
These metro trains run every 30 minutes, journey time 37 minutes, buy a ticket at the station with cash or card and hop on the next train. Check times at www.euskotren.eus.
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Day 2, travel from Hendaye to Paris by TGV Duplex Océane, leaving Hendaye daily at 09:34 and arriving Paris Gare Montparnasse at 14:16.
The TGV Duplex Océane has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. I recommend an upper deck seat for the best views. By all means take a later TGV, check times from Hendaye to Paris for your date of travel at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.
Fares start at €25 in 2nd class or €45 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy tickets at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee) or at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no booking fee). Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own tickets or can show them on your phone.
Option 2, Vigo, A Coruña, Santiago to Paris with overnight stop in Barcelona
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Day 1, travel from Galicia to Barcelona by high-speed air-conditioned Alvia train.
On Mondays, Thursdays & Saturdays it leaves Vigo Guixar at 07:20 and arrives Barcelona Sants at 21:35.
On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays it leaves A Coruña at 07:45 & Santiago de Compostela at 08:14, arriving Barcelona Sants at 21:35.
The Alvia train is comfortable & air-conditioned with cafe-bar and power sockets at all seats.
Buy tickets at www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com (both easy to use, in €, £ or $ allows you to buy all your tickets in one place, small booking fee) or at the Renfe website www.renfe.com (much more fiddly, may reject some overseas cards, see advice on using it).
Spanish trains normally open for booking 60 days ahead, but this varies enormously.
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Stay overnight in Barcelona. The Hotel Barcelo Sants is top choice here, it's located above Barcelona Sants station itself and gets great reviews, with nice rooms, a great breakfast buffet and a delightfully kitsch space theme. Alternatively, the Nobu Hotel and AC Sants Hotel by Marriot are both just across the road from the station. Other suggested hotels near the station.
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Day 2, travel from Barcelona to Paris by TGV Duplex, leaving Barcelona Sants at 09:28 and arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 16:12.
The 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. It's a scenic ride, see more about the Barcelona-Paris journey.
Fares start at €39 in 2nd class or €59 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy tickets at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee) or at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no booking fee). Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own tickets or can show them on your phone.
Spain to Bordeaux
Option 1, Madrid to Bordeaux in a day. Lunch in San Sebastian?
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Step 1, travel from Madrid to San Sebastian by Alvia train, leaving Madrid Chamartin at 08:43 & arriving San Sebastian Renfe station 12:37.
It's an interesting journey - the train has adjustable axles, it runs over the standard-gauge high-speed line to Burgos at up to 250 km/h (155 mph), then passes slowly through a changeover shed which switches axles to Iberian broad gauge for the rest of the journey over classic lines. There's then great scenery as the train snakes its way up into the foothills of the Pyrenees to San Sebastian.
Fares start at €16.25 in standard class (2nd) or €30.25 in comfort class (1st). Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee) or www.renfe.com (in €, much more fiddly to use, may reject some overseas credit cards, see advice on using it). Spanish trains normally open for booking 60 days ahead, but this varies. You print your own ticket.
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Step 2, it's a 10 minute walk from San Sebastian Renfe station to San Sebastian Amara, see walking route. Then take the little local Euskotren from San Sebastian Amara to Hendaye, this runs every 30 minutes, journey time 37 minutes. Fare €2.75, buy from the ticket machines or staffed counters with cash or card. See www.euskotren.eus. At Hendaye, the Euskotren station is adjacent to the mainline SNCF station.
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Step 3, travel from Hendaye to Bordeaux St Jean by mainline train. These leave every hour or two, some TGVs that require pre-booking and have dynamic pricing, some TER regional trains with no pre-booking and fixed prices that can be paid on the day. Allow about 2h from arrival at San Sebastian to departure from Hendaye. But by all means have lunch in San Sebastian and take a later train!
For example, there's usually a TER at 15:00 arriving Bordeaux St Jean 17:41, or a TGV around 16:11 arriving Bordeaux St Jean at 18:40.
The fare is around €40 by TER or €32 for TGV paid on the day, or from €21.50 by TGV if booked in advance.
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). Booking opens up to 4 months ahead.
Option 2, Madrid to Bordeaux with overnight stop in San Sebastian. A morning to explore San Sebastian?
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Day 1, travel from Madrid to San Sebastian by Alvia train, leaving Madrid Chamartin at 17:38 arriving San Sebastian Renfe station 22:40.
There are earlier trains if you want more of an evening in San Sebastian.
It's an interesting journey - the train has adjustable axles, it runs over the standard-gauge high-speed line to Burgos at up to 250 km/h (155 mph), then passes slowly through a changeover shed which switches axles to Iberian broad gauge for the rest of the journey over classic lines. There's great scenery as the train snakes its way up into the foothills of the Pyrenees to San Sebastian.
Fares start at €16.25 in standard class (2nd) or €30.25 in comfort class (1st). Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee) or www.renfe.com (in €, much more fiddly to use, may reject some overseas credit cards, see advice on using it).
Spanish trains normally open for booking 60 days ahead, but this varies. You print your own ticket.
In San Sebastian it's a 10 minute walk from San Sebastian Renfe station to San Sebastian Amara, see walking route
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Stay overnight in San Sebastian. If your budget will stretch, the Hotel de Londres y Inglaterra is a classic, with great character perfectly located right on the sea front, a few minutes walk from the old town and 10 minutes walk from Amara station. For something cheaper but still with great reviews in the old town, try the Pension Garibai or Pension Alameda.
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Day 2, spend as little or as long as you like in San Sebastian, then go to San Sebastian Amara and take the little local Euskotren to Hendaye. This runs every 30 minutes, journey time 37 minutes, fare €2.75, buy at the station from the ticket machines or staffed counters with cash or card. See www.euskotren.eus. At Hendaye, the Euskotren station is adjacent to the mainline SNCF station.
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Day 2, travel from Hendaye to Bordeaux St Jean by train in around 2h30.
Trains leave every hour or two, some are TGVs which require pre-booking and have dynamic pricing, others are TER regional trains with no pre-booking and fixed prices that can be paid on the day.
The fare is around €40 by TER or €32 for TGV paid on the day, or from €21.50 by TGV if booked in advance.
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). Booking opens up to 4 months ahead.
From Valencia. Alicante, Seville, Cordoba, Granada, Malaga you'd take a fast train to Madrid Atocha, transfer to Madrid Chamartin by suburban train, then travel Madrid to Bordeaux as above. Check times at either www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com or renfe.com.
Spain to Toulouse
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Step 1, travel from Madrid Atocha, Alicante, Valencia, Seville, Cordoba, Malaga to Barcelona Sants.
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Step 2, travel from Barcelona Sants to Narbonne & change for a train to Carcassonne & Toulouse.
Until 14 December 2024 there are two daily departures from Barcelona Sants at 09:28 & 13:25 all year with one easy change at Narbonne.
from 15 December 2024 there are two daily departures from Barcelona Sants at 09:28 & 16:25 all year with one easy change at Narbonne.
Fares start at €29 in 2nd class or €49 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Check times and buy tickets from Madrid to Toulouse 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). Booking opens up to 4 months ahead.
Tip: If using www.raileurope.com, you can click More options, enter Barcelona Sants as a via station, and specify a duration. I'd specify 45 minutes for a relaxed connection, or you can specify several hours if you'd like a stopover for lunch.
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Alternatively, consider catching an afternoon train to Barcelona and staying there overnight. Next morning, either take the 09:28 high-speed train to Toulouse with a simple change at Narbonne or use the cheap and scenic local train route from Barcelona to Toulouse through the Pyrenees via Latour de Carol explained here.
Spain to Lyon
Option 1, Madrid & Spain to Lyon in a day
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Step 1, travel from Madrid or other Spanish city to Barcelona:
Until 14 December 2024:
Leave Madrid Atocha at 09:30 by AVE S103 high-speed train, arriving Barcelona Sants at 12:37. Fares from €17.
Leave Alicante at 06:55 or Valencia Joaquin Sorolla 09:05 by Euromed train arriving Barcelona Sants at 12:16.
Leave Seville Santa Justa at 06:54 or Cordoba at 09:35 by Iryo train arriving Barcelona Sants at 12:45.
From 15 December 2024:
Leave Madrid Atocha at 11:30 by AVE S103 high-speed train, arriving Barcelona Sants at 14:42. Fares from €17.
Leave Alicante at 09:15 or Valencia Joaquin Sorolla 11:25 by Euromed train arriving Barcelona Sants at 14:33.
Leave Seville Santa Justa at 08:40 or Cordoba at 09:37 by AVE S103 arriving Barcelona Sants at 14:21.
Leave Malaga Maria Zambrano at 08:25 by AVE S103 arriving Barcelona Sants at 14:21.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee). When does booking open?
This sells Iryo, Renfe & SNCF tickets so you can buy all your tickets in one place. Or you can book Iryo trains at the Iryo website iryo.eu (in €), or Renfe trains at the Renfe website www.renfe.com (much more fiddly, may reject some overseas cards, see advice on using it).
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Step 2, travel from Barcelona to Lyon
Until 14 December 2024, leave Barcelona Sants at 13:25, change at Valence, arrive Lyon Part Dieu at 18:50.
From 15 December 2024, leave Barcelona Sants at 16:25, change at Valence, arrive Lyon Part Dieu at 21:36 (time may vary).
You travel from Barcelona to Valence by 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex with 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 Béziers cathedral, see photos, tips & information about the journey.
You then travel from Valence to Lyon on another TGV, also with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
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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Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee).
Try booking the whole journey in one go, if this doesn't work try booking the Spanish train to Barcelona, add to basket, then Barcelona to Lyon, add to basket & check out.
Spanish trains normally open for booking 60 days ahead, but it varies. French trains open up to 4 months ahead. You print your own tickets.
Alternatively, more work and usually the same price, book the Spanish train at the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com (in €, much more fiddly to use, may reject some overseas cards) and Barcelona-Lyon at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no booking fee).
Option 2, Madrid & Spain to Lyon with overnight stop in Barcelona
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Day 1, travel from Spanish cities to Barcelona in the afternoon or early evening:
Leave Malaga Maria Zambrano at 16:23 by AVE S103 high-speed train arriving Barcelona Sants at 22:35. Fares start at around €46.
Leave Seville Santa Justa at 16:29 or Cordoba 17:27 by AVE S103 high-speed train, arriving Barcelona Sants 22:35. Fares start at around €46.
Leave Granada at 15:30 by AVE S112 high-speed train, and arriving Barcelona Sants at 21:52.
Leave Alicante at 16:50 or Valencia Joaquin Sorolla at 18:55 by Euromed train, arriving Barcelona Sants at 22:04. Fares start at around €30.
Leave Madrid Atocha by AVE S103 high-speed train for Barcelona Sants on any departure you like taking around 2h30, or take a competing Iryo, lo-cost Avlo or lo-cost Ouigo train, see the Madrid to Barcelona by train page. You can leave early evening, but trains leave almost every hour so by all means travel earlier for a pleasant evening in Barcelona. Fares start at around €35 by AVE or from just €7 by Avlo. AVE trains have a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Lo-cost Avlo & Ouigo trains are one-class, no catering, free WiFi.
There's also a morning train from Malaga, Seville, Cordoba and earlier trains from Alicante & Valencia if you'd like some time in Barcelona.
Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee, overseas cards no problem) or at the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com (in €, significantly more fiddly, may reject some overseas cards, see advice on using it). Spanish trains normally open for booking 60 days ahead, but this varies. You print your own tickets.
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Stay overnight in Barcelona. The Hotel Barcelo Sants is the top choice here, it's part of Barcelona Sants station so easy to use when arriving & departing by train, with great reviews & good feedback from Seat61 users. See other suggested hotels near the station.
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Day 2, 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 Béziers cathedral on the left, see photos, tips & journey information.
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.
Above left, the AVE to Lyon at Barcelona Sants. Above, right, 2nd class seats, all with power sockets & free WiFi. Panorama photo of 2nd class.
Mt Canigou & the Pyrenees. One of the highest peaks in the mighty Pyrenees, the 2,784m (9,137 feet) high Mt Canigou dominates the skyline on the right all the way from Perpignan to Girona, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canigou.
Spain to Avignon, Aix, Marseille, Cannes & Nice
Option 1, using the direct AVE from Madrid to Avignon, Aix & Marseille - fewest changes, recommended
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Step 1, take a morning train to Madrid or Barcelona:
Travel from Malaga to Madrid by AVE high-speed train, leaving Malaga Maria Zambrano at 08:58 Mondays-Saturdays, arriving Madrid Atocha at 12:03. On Sundays, leave Malaga Maria Zambrano at 08:05 arriving Madrid Atocha at 10:43. Fares start at around €30.
Travel from Seville to Barcelona by AVE S103 high-speed train, leaving Seville Santa Justa at 09:36 arriving Barcelona Sants 12:12. Fares start at around €45.
Travel from Granada to Madrid by AVE high-speed train leaving Granada at 06:58 arriving Madrid Atocha at 10:38. Fares start at around €30.
Travel from Alicante or Valencia to Barcelona by Euromed train, leaving Alicante at 09:15 or Valencia Joaquin Sorolla at 11:25 arriving Barcelona Sants at 14:33. Fares start at around €35.
Book at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee) or at the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com (in €, much more fiddly, see advice on using it). Booking for Spanish trains normally opens 60 days ahead, but this varies.
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Step 2, travel from Madrid or Barcelona to Avignon, Aix & Marseille by direct AVE high-speed train, leaving Madrid Atocha at 13:25 or Barcelona Sants at 16:34 and arriving Avignon TGV 20:52, Aix-en-Provence TGV 21:15 & Marseille St Charles 21:32.
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 Béziers cathedral on the left, see photos, tips & journey information.
Fares start at €39 in 2nd class or €49 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book 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 (in €, much 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 3, 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 08:27 TGV arrives Nice Ville 11:06, 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).
Above left, 2nd class seats, all with power sockets & free WiFi. Panorama photo of 2nd class. Above right, AVE at Madrid Atocha.
Mt Canigou & the Pyrenees. One of the highest peaks in the mighty Pyrenees, the 2,784m (9,137 feet) high Mt Canigou dominates the skyline on the right all the way from Perpignan to Girona, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canigou.
Option 2, alternative departure - Madrid to Nice in one day
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Step 1, travel from Madrid or any other Spanish city to Barcelona.
Travel from Madrid to Barcelona by Avlo lo-cost train leaving Madrid Atocha at 06:15, arriving Barcelona Sants at 08:45.
The lo-cost Avlo train is one-class, no catering, free WiFi.
Fares start from just €7 on Avlo. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
From Alicante & Valencia, travel the previous day and stay overnight in Barcelona, I recommend the Hotel Barcelo Sants in the station itself. There are various afternoon or early evening trains to choose from, check times & buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.renfe.com.
From Seville or Cordoba, travel the previous day and stay overnight in Barcelona, I recommend the Hotel Barcelo Sants in the station itself. There's an afternoon AVE S103 high-speed train leaving Seville Santa Justa at 16:29 or Cordoba at 17:27, arriving Barcelona Sants at 22:35, with fares from around €46.
From Malaga, travel the previous day and stay overnight in Barcelona, I recommend the Hotel Barcelo Sants in the station itself. There's a direct AVE S103 high-speed train leaving Malaga Maria Zambrano at 16:23 arriving Barcelona Sants at 22:35, with fares from around €46.
Buy tickets for this at www.thetrainline.com or www.renfe.com.
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Step 2, travel from Barcelona to Avignon, Marseille Cannes or Nice, leaving Barcelona Sants at 09:28 every day, change at Nimes, arriving Marseille St Charles 14:36. Change at Marseille St Charles for Cannes & Nice, arriving Nice Ville at 17:36.
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 Béziers cathedral, see photos, tips & journey information.
Nimes to Marseilles is by Intercité with refreshment trolley & free WiFi.
Marseille to Cannes & Nice is by TER regional train, bring your own food & drink.
Fares start at around €39 in 2nd class or €59 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book 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 or can show it on your phone.
Spain to Brussels from €68
Option 1, Madrid to Brussels in a single day
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Step 1, travel from Madrid to Barcelona by Avlo lo-cost train leaving Madrid Atocha at 06:15, arriving Barcelona Sants at 08:45.
The lo-cost Avlo train is one-class, no catering, free WiFi.
Fares start at around €35 for the AVE, or from just €7 for Avlo. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee).
This can book Renfe & SNCF trains so you can buy all your tickets in one place. Or you can book Renfe trains at the Renfe website www.renfe.com (much more fiddly, may reject some overseas cards, see advice on using it). You print your own ticket.
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Step 2, 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 Béziers cathedral, see photos, tips & journey information.
Fares start at €39 in 2nd class or €59 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com (which keeps all your bookings in one place) or at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no fee). Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
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 3, 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. 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.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com (keeping all your bookings in one place) or at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no fee). Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Option 2, Madrid & Spain to Brussels with overnight stop in Barcelona
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Day 1, travel from Spanish cities to Barcelona in the afternoon or early evening:
Leave Malaga Maria Zambrano at 16:23 by AVE S103 high-speed train arriving Barcelona Sants at 22:35. Fares start at around €46.
Leave Seville Santa Justa at 16:29 or Cordoba 17:27 by AVE S103 high-speed train, arriving Barcelona Sants 22:35. Fares start at around €46.
Leave Granada at 15:30 by AVE S112 high-speed train, and arriving Barcelona Sants at 21:52.
Leave Alicante at 16:50 or Valencia Joaquin Sorolla at 18:55 by Euromed train, arriving Barcelona Sants at 22:04. Fares start at around €30.
Leave Madrid Atocha by AVE S103 high-speed train for Barcelona Sants on any departure you like taking around 2h30.
From Madrid to Barcelona you can also take a competing Iryo, lo-cost Avlo or lo-cost Ouigo train, see the Madrid to Barcelona page. You can leave early evening, but trains leave almost every hour so by all means travel earlier for a pleasant evening in Barcelona. Fares start at around €35 by AVE or from just €7 by Avlo.
AVE trains have a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Lo-cost Avlo & Ouigo trains are one-class, no catering, free WiFi.
There's also a morning train from Malaga, Seville, Cordoba and earlier trains from Alicante & Valencia if you'd like some time in Barcelona.
Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee, overseas cards no problem) or at the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com (in €, much more fiddly, may reject some overseas cards, see advice on using it). Spanish trains normally open for booking 60 days ahead, but this varies. You print your own tickets.
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Stay overnight in Barcelona. The Hotel Barcelo Sants is the top choice here, it's part of Barcelona Sants station so easy to use when arriving & departing by train, with great reviews & good feedback from Seat61 users. See other suggested hotels near the station.
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Day 2, 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 Béziers cathedral, see photos, tips & journey information.
Fares start at €39 in 2nd class or €59 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this 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 fee). Booking opens 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Allow at least 60 minutes to change trains & stations in Paris from the Gare de Lyon to the Gare du Nord.
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Day 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. 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.
Book this 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 fee). Booking opens 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Option 3, Madrid & Spain to Brussels with overnight stop in Paris
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Day 1, travel from Madrid or other Spanish city to Barcelona:
Until 14 December 2024:
Leave Madrid Atocha at 09:30 by AVE S103 high-speed train, arriving Barcelona Sants at 12:37. Fares from €17.
Leave Alicante at 06:55 or Valencia Joaquin Sorolla 09:05 by Euromed train arriving Barcelona Sants at 12:16.
Leave Seville Santa Justa at 06:54 or Cordoba at 09:35 by Iryo train arriving Barcelona Sants at 12:45.
From 15 December 2024:
Leave Madrid Atocha at 11:30 by AVE S103 high-speed train, arriving Barcelona Sants at 14:42. Fares from €17.
Leave Alicante at 09:15 or Valencia Joaquin Sorolla 11:25 by Euromed train arriving Barcelona Sants at 14:33.
Leave Seville Santa Justa at 08:40 or Cordoba at 09:37 by AVE S103 arriving Barcelona Sants at 14:21.
Leave Malaga Maria Zambrano at 08:25 by AVE S103 arriving Barcelona Sants at 14:21.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee). When does booking open?
This sells Iryo, Renfe & SNCF tickets so you can buy all your tickets in one place. Or you can book Iryo trains at the Iryo website iryo.eu (in €), or Renfe trains at the Renfe website www.renfe.com (much more fiddly, may reject some overseas cards, see advice on using it).
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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 15 December 2024 the timetable changes, leave Barcelona Sants at 16:25, arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 23:18.
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 Béziers 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.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com (which keeps all your bookings in one place) or at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no fee). Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
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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, next morning 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. 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.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com (keeping all your bookings in one place) or at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no fee). Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Spain to Amsterdam from €74
Option 1, Madrid to Amsterdam in a single day
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Step 1, travel from Madrid to Barcelona by Avlo lo-cost train leaving Madrid Atocha at 06:15, arriving Barcelona Sants at 08:45.
The lo-cost Avlo train is one-class, no catering, free WiFi.
Fares start at around €35 for the AVE, or from just €7 for Avlo. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee).
This can book Renfe & SNCF trains so you can buy all your tickets in one place. Or you can book Renfe trains at the Renfe website www.renfe.com (much more fiddly, may reject some overseas cards, see advice on using it). You print your own ticket.
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Step 2, 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 Béziers 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.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com (which keeps all your bookings in one place) or at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no fee). Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Allow at least 60 minutes to change trains & stations in Paris from the Gare de Lyon to the Gare du Nord.
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Step 3, travel from Paris to Amsterdam by Eurostar (formerly Thalys), leaving Paris Nord at 18:25, arriving Amsterdam Centraal 21:44.
Eurostar trains have 3 classes, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. 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 this at www.thetrainline.com (keeping all your bookings in one place) or at 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 it on your phone.
Option 2, Madrid & Spain to Amsterdam with overnight stop in Barcelona
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Day 1, travel from Spanish cities to Barcelona in the afternoon or early evening:
Leave Malaga Maria Zambrano at 16:23 by AVE S103 high-speed train arriving Barcelona Sants at 22:35. Fares start at around €46.
Leave Seville Santa Justa at 16:29 or Cordoba 17:27 by AVE S103 high-speed train, arriving Barcelona Sants 22:35. Fares start at around €46.
Leave Granada at 15:30 by AVE S112 high-speed train, and arriving Barcelona Sants at 21:52.
Leave Alicante at 16:50 or Valencia Joaquin Sorolla at 18:55 by Euromed train, arriving Barcelona Sants at 22:04. Fares start at around €30.
Leave Madrid Atocha by AVE S103 high-speed train for Barcelona Sants on any departure you like taking around 2h30.
From Madrid to Barcelona you can also take a competing Iryo, lo-cost Avlo or lo-cost Ouigo train, see the Madrid to Barcelona page. You can leave early evening, but trains leave almost every hour so by all means travel earlier for a pleasant evening in Barcelona. Fares start at around €35 by AVE or from just €7 by Avlo.
AVE trains have a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Lo-cost Avlo & Ouigo trains are one-class, no catering, free WiFi.
There's also a morning train from Malaga, Seville, Cordoba and earlier trains from Alicante & Valencia if you'd like some time in Barcelona.
Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee, overseas cards no problem) or at the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com (in €, significantly more fiddly, may reject some overseas credit cards, see advice on using it). Spanish trains normally open for booking 60 days ahead, but this varies. You print your own tickets.
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Stay overnight in Barcelona. The Hotel Barcelo Sants is the top choice here, it's part of Barcelona Sants station so easy to use when arriving & departing by train, with great reviews & good feedback from Seat61 users. See other suggested hotels near the station.
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Day 2, 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 Béziers cathedral, see photos, tips & journey information.
Fares start at €39 in 2nd class or €59 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this 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 fee). Booking opens 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Allow at least 60 minutes to change trains & stations in Paris from the Gare de Lyon to the Gare du Nord.
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Day 2, travel from Paris to Amsterdam by Eurostar (formerly Thalys), leaving Paris Nord at 18:25 & arriving Amsterdam Centraal at 21:44.
Eurostar trains have 3 classes, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. 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 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.
Option 3, Madrid & Spain to Amsterdam with overnight stop in Paris
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Day 1, travel from Madrid or other Spanish city to Barcelona:
Until 14 December 2024:
Leave Madrid Atocha at 09:30 by AVE S103 high-speed train, arriving Barcelona Sants at 12:37. Fares from €17.
Leave Alicante at 06:55 or Valencia Joaquin Sorolla 09:05 by Euromed train arriving Barcelona Sants at 12:16.
Leave Seville Santa Justa at 06:54 or Cordoba at 09:35 by Iryo train arriving Barcelona Sants at 12:45.
From 15 December 2024:
Leave Madrid Atocha at 11:30 by AVE S103 high-speed train, arriving Barcelona Sants at 14:42. Fares from €17.
Leave Alicante at 09:15 or Valencia Joaquin Sorolla 11:25 by Euromed train arriving Barcelona Sants at 14:33.
Leave Seville Santa Justa at 08:40 or Cordoba at 09:37 by AVE S103 arriving Barcelona Sants at 14:21.
Leave Malaga Maria Zambrano at 08:25 by AVE S103 arriving Barcelona Sants at 14:21.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee). When does booking open?
This sells Iryo, Renfe & SNCF tickets so you can buy all your tickets in one place. Or you can book Iryo trains at the Iryo website iryo.eu (in €), or Renfe trains at the Renfe website www.renfe.com (much more fiddly, may reject some overseas cards, see advice on using it).
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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 15 December 2024 the timetable changes, leave Barcelona Sants at 16:25, arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 23:18.
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 Béziers cathedral, see photos, tips & journey information.
Fares start at €39 in 2nd class or €59 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com (which keeps all your bookings in one place) or at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no fee). Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
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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, next morning travel from Paris to Amsterdam on any Eurostar (formerly Thalys) you like.
The 06:21 from Paris Gare du Nord arrives Amsterdam Centraal at 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. 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 this at www.thetrainline.com (keeping all your bookings in one place) or at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no fee). Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Spain to Luxembourg
Option 1, Madrid to Luxembourg in a single day
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Step 1, travel from Madrid to Barcelona by Avlo lo-cost train leaving Madrid Atocha at 06:15, arriving Barcelona Sants at 08:45.
The lo-cost Avlo train is one-class, no catering, free WiFi.
Fares start at around €35 for the AVE, or from just €7 for Avlo. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee).
This can book Renfe & SNCF trains so you can buy all your tickets in one place. Or you can book Renfe trains at the Renfe website www.renfe.com (much more fiddly, may reject some overseas cards, see advice on using it). You print your own ticket.
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Step 2, 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 Béziers 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.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com (which keeps all your bookings in one place) or at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no fee). Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Allow at least 60 minutes to change trains & stations in Paris from the Gare de Lyon to the Gare du Nord.
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Step 3, travel from Paris to Luxembourg by TGV, leaving Paris Gare de l'Est at 17:40 and arriving Luxembourg 19:52.
The TGV has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Times may vary.
Fares start at €25 in 2nd class or €45 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com (keeping all your bookings in one place) or at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no fee). Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Option 2, Madrid & Spain to Luxembourg with overnight stop in Barcelona
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Day 1, travel from Spanish cities to Barcelona in the afternoon or early evening:
Leave Malaga Maria Zambrano at 16:23 by AVE S103 high-speed train arriving Barcelona Sants at 22:35. Fares start at around €46.
Leave Seville Santa Justa at 16:29 or Cordoba 17:27 by AVE S103 high-speed train, arriving Barcelona Sants 22:35. Fares start at around €46.
Leave Granada at 15:30 by AVE S112 high-speed train, and arriving Barcelona Sants at 21:52.
Leave Alicante at 16:50 or Valencia Joaquin Sorolla at 18:55 by Euromed train, arriving Barcelona Sants at 22:04. Fares start at around €30.
Leave Madrid Atocha by AVE S103 high-speed train for Barcelona Sants on any departure you like taking around 2h30.
From Madrid to Barcelona you can also take a competing Iryo, lo-cost Avlo or lo-cost Ouigo train, see the Madrid to Barcelona page. You can leave early evening, but trains leave almost every hour so by all means travel earlier for a pleasant evening in Barcelona. Fares start at around €35 by AVE or from just €7 by Avlo.
AVE trains have a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Lo-cost Avlo & Ouigo trains are one-class, no catering, free WiFi.
There's also a morning train from Malaga, Seville, Cordoba and earlier trains from Alicante & Valencia if you'd like some time in Barcelona.
Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee, overseas cards no problem) or at the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com (in €, significantly more fiddly, may reject some overseas credit cards, see advice on using it). Spanish trains normally open for booking 60 days ahead, but this varies. You print your own tickets.
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Stay overnight in Barcelona. The Hotel Barcelo Sants is the top choice here, it's part of Barcelona Sants station so easy to use when arriving & departing by train, with great reviews & good feedback from Seat61 users. See other suggested hotels near the station.
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Day 2, 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 Béziers cathedral, see photos, tips & journey information.
Fares start at €39 in 2nd class or €59 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this 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 fee). Booking opens 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Allow at least 60 minutes to change trains & stations in Paris from the Gare de Lyon to the Gare de l'Est.
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Day 2, travel from Paris to Luxembourg by TGV, leaving Paris Gare de l'Est at 17:40 and arriving Luxembourg 19:52.
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.
Book this 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 fee). Booking opens 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Option 3, Madrid & Spain to Luxembourg with overnight stop in Paris
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Day 1, travel from Madrid or other Spanish city to Barcelona:
Until 14 December 2024:
Leave Madrid Atocha at 09:30 by AVE S103 high-speed train, arriving Barcelona Sants at 12:37. Fares from €17.
Leave Alicante at 06:55 or Valencia Joaquin Sorolla 09:05 by Euromed train arriving Barcelona Sants at 12:16.
Leave Seville Santa Justa at 06:54 or Cordoba at 09:35 by Iryo train arriving Barcelona Sants at 12:45.
From 15 December 2024:
Leave Madrid Atocha at 11:30 by AVE S103 high-speed train, arriving Barcelona Sants at 14:42. Fares from €17.
Leave Alicante at 09:15 or Valencia Joaquin Sorolla 11:25 by Euromed train arriving Barcelona Sants at 14:33.
Leave Seville Santa Justa at 08:40 or Cordoba at 09:37 by AVE S103 arriving Barcelona Sants at 14:21.
Leave Malaga Maria Zambrano at 08:25 by AVE S103 arriving Barcelona Sants at 14:21.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee). When does booking open?
This sells Iryo, Renfe & SNCF tickets so you can buy all your tickets in one place. Or you can book Iryo trains at the Iryo website iryo.eu (in €), or Renfe trains at the Renfe website www.renfe.com (much more fiddly, may reject some overseas cards, see advice on using it).
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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 15 December 2024 the timetable changes, leave Barcelona Sants at 16:25, arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 23:18.
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 Béziers cathedral, see photos, tips & journey information.
Fares start at €39 in 2nd class or €59 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com (which keeps all your bookings in one place) or at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no fee). Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
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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 Français 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, travel from Paris to Luxembourg by TGV.
On Mondays-Fridays the 07:27 from Paris Gare du Nord arrives Luxembourg at 09:44.
On Saturdays, the 08:14 from Paris Gare du Nord arrives Luxembourg at 10:32.
On Sundays, the 10:40 from Paris Gare du Nord 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.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com (keeping all your bookings in one place) or at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no fee). Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Spain to Geneva, Zurich & Switzerland from €59
Option 1, Madrid & Spain to Switzerland in a single day - runs until 14 December 2024
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Step 1, travel from Madrid or other Spanish city to Barcelona:
Leave Madrid Atocha at 09:30 by AVE S103 high-speed train, arriving Barcelona Sants at 12:37. Fares from €17.
Leave Alicante at 06:55 or Valencia Joaquin Sorolla 09:05 by Euromed train arriving Barcelona Sants at 12:16.
Leave Seville Santa Justa at 06:54 or Cordoba at 09:35 by Iryo train arriving Barcelona Sants at 12:45.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee).
This sells Iryo, Renfe & SNCF tickets so you can buy all your tickets in one place. Or you can book Iryo trains at the Iryo website iryo.eu (in €), or Renfe trains at the Renfe website www.renfe.com (much more fiddly, may reject some overseas cards, see advice on using it).
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Step 2, travel from Barcelona to Geneva, leaving Barcelona Sants at 13:25, change at Nîmes & Lyon Part Dieu arriving Geneva 22:35.
You travel from Barcelona to Nîmes 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 Nîmes to Lyon on another TGV also with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, and from Lyon to Geneva along the Rhône by TER regional train.
For other destinations in Switzerland, stay overnight in Geneva and continue next day.
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 €33.40 in 2nd class, €50.80 in 1st class.
Book from Barcelona to Geneva at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee).
Then use www.thetrainline.com again to buy an onward ticket from Geneva to anywhere in Switzerland next day. If you buy the Swiss ticket in advance you may find a Supersaver fare or a Saver Day Pass available, saving up to 70% off regular Swiss rail fares.
Alternatively, book from Barcelona to 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 2, Madrid & Spain to Switzerland with overnight stop in Barcelona
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Day 1, travel from Spanish cities to Barcelona in the afternoon or early evening:
Leave Malaga Maria Zambrano at 16:23 by AVE S103 high-speed train arriving Barcelona Sants at 22:35. Fares start at around €46.
Leave Seville Santa Justa at 16:29 or Cordoba 17:27 by AVE S103 high-speed train, arriving Barcelona Sants 22:35. Fares start at around €46.
Leave Granada at 15:30 by AVE S112 high-speed train, and arriving Barcelona Sants at 21:52.
Leave Alicante at 16:50 or Valencia Joaquin Sorolla at 18:55 by Euromed train, arriving Barcelona Sants at 22:04. Fares start at around €30.
Leave Madrid Atocha by AVE S103 high-speed train for Barcelona Sants on any departure you like taking around 2h30, or take a competing Iryo, lo-cost Avlo or lo-cost Ouigo train, see the Madrid to Barcelona by train page. You can leave early evening, but trains leave almost every hour so by all means travel earlier for a pleasant evening in Barcelona. Fares start at around €35 by AVE or from just €7 by Avlo. AVE trains have a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Lo-cost Avlo & Ouigo trains are one-class, no catering, free WiFi.
There's also a morning train from Malaga, Seville, Cordoba and earlier trains from Alicante & Valencia if you'd like some time in Barcelona.
Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee, overseas cards no problem) or at the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com (in €, significantly more fiddly, may reject some overseas credit cards, see advice on using it). Spanish trains normally open for booking 60 days ahead, but this varies. You print your own tickets.
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Stay overnight in Barcelona. The Hotel Barcelo Sants is the top choice here, it's part of Barcelona Sants station so easy to use when arriving & departing by train, with great reviews & good feedback from Seat61 users. See other suggested hotels near the station.
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Day 2, 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 Béziers 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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Day 2, travel from Lyon to Geneva by TER regional train, leaving Lyon Part Dieu at 14:38 and arriving Geneva at 16:35.
The TER regional train uses former inter-city Corail carriages, old but comfortable. There's no catering so bring your own food & drink. It's a lovely journey along the river Rhône and through the Jura.
Lyon to Geneva costs a fixed-price €33.40 in 2nd class, €50.80 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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Day 2, 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. If you buy the Swiss ticket in advance you may find a Supersaver fare or a Saver Day Pass available, saving up to 70% off regular Swiss rail fares.
Spain to Milan, Venice, Rome & Italy
Option 1, Spain to Italy with an overnight stop in Lyon - from the Pyrenees to the Alps
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Day 1, travel from Madrid or other Spanish city to Barcelona:
Until 14 December 2024:
Leave Madrid Atocha at 09:30 by AVE S103 high-speed train, arriving Barcelona Sants at 12:37. Fares from €17.
Leave Alicante at 06:55 or Valencia Joaquin Sorolla 09:05 by Euromed train arriving Barcelona Sants at 12:16.
Leave Seville Santa Justa at 06:54 or Cordoba at 09:35 by Iryo train arriving Barcelona Sants at 12:45.
From 15 December 2024:
Leave Madrid Atocha at 11:30 by AVE S103 high-speed train, arriving Barcelona Sants at 14:42. Fares from €17.
Leave Alicante at 09:15 or Valencia Joaquin Sorolla 11:25 by Euromed train arriving Barcelona Sants at 14:33.
Leave Seville Santa Justa at 08:40 or Cordoba at 09:37 by AVE S103 arriving Barcelona Sants at 14:21.
Leave Malaga Maria Zambrano at 08:25 by AVE S103 arriving Barcelona Sants at 14:21.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee). When does booking open?
This sells Iryo, Renfe & SNCF tickets so you can buy all your tickets in one place. Or you can book Iryo trains at the Iryo website iryo.eu (in €), or Renfe trains at the Renfe website www.renfe.com (much more fiddly, may reject some overseas cards, see advice on using it).
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Day 1, travel from Barcelona to Lyon, leaving Barcelona Sants at 13:25, change at Valence, arriving Lyon Part Dieu at 18:50.
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, then on another TGV from Valence 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 Béziers cathedral, see photos, tips & journey information.
Fares start at €39 in 2nd class or €59 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this 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). You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
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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.
Update: The direct Paris-Lyon-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 one of the other options. More information.
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.
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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 2, Madrid & Spain to Italy with overnight stops in Barcelona & Milan
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Day 1, travel to Barcelona in the afternoon or early evening:
Leave Malaga Maria Zambrano at 16:23 by AVE S103 high-speed train arriving Barcelona Sants at 22:35. Fares start at around €46.
Leave Seville Santa Justa at 16:29 or Cordoba 17:27 by AVE S103 high-speed train, arriving Barcelona Sants 22:35. Fares start at around €46.
Leave Granada at 15:30 by AVE S112 high-speed train, and arriving Barcelona Sants at 21:52.
Leave Alicante at 16:50 or Valencia Joaquin Sorolla at 18:55 by Euromed train, arriving Barcelona Sants at 22:04. Fares start at around €30.
Leave Madrid Atocha by AVE S103 high-speed train for Barcelona Sants on any departure you like taking around 2h30, or take a competing Iryo, lo-cost Avlo or lo-cost Ouigo train, see the Madrid to Barcelona by train page. You can leave early evening, but trains leave almost every hour so by all means travel earlier for a pleasant evening in Barcelona. Fares start at around €35 by AVE or from just €7 by Avlo.
AVE trains have a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Lo-cost Avlo & Ouigo trains are one-class, no catering, free WiFi.
There's also a morning train from Malaga, Seville, Cordoba and earlier trains from Alicante & Valencia if you'd like some time in Barcelona.
Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee, overseas cards no problem) or at the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com (in €, significantly more fiddly, may reject some overseas credit cards, see advice on using it). Spanish trains normally open for booking 60 days ahead, but this varies. You print your own tickets.
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Stay overnight in Barcelona. The Hotel Barcelo Sants is the top choice here, it's part of Barcelona Sants station so easy to use when arriving & departing by train, with great reviews & good feedback from Seat61 users. See other suggested hotels near the station.
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Day 2, 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 Béziers cathedral on the left, see photos, tips & journey information.
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 €, much more fiddly, see advice on using it). Booking normally opens 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
You've time for lunch in Lyon, see suggested brasserie near the station.
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Day 2, travel from Lyon to Turin & Milan by Frecciarossa, leaving Lyon Part Dieu 17:20 & arriving Turin Porta Susa 21:18 & Milan Centrale 22:07.
Update: The direct Paris-Lyon-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 another option. More information.
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 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 Italian Railways website www.trenitalia.com (in €, requires Italian language place names). 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 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 3, 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).
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). Booking normally opens 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Option 3, Spain to Italy with an overnight stop in Marseille
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Day 1, take a morning train to Madrid or Barcelona:
Travel from Malaga to Madrid by AVE high-speed train, leaving Malaga Maria Zambrano at 08:58 Mondays-Saturdays, arriving Madrid Atocha at 12:03. On Sundays, leave Malaga Maria Zambrano at 08:05 arriving Madrid Atocha at 10:43. Fares start at around €30.
Travel from Seville to Barcelona by AVE S103 high-speed train, leaving Seville Santa Justa at 09:36 arriving Barcelona Sants 12:12. Fares start at around €45.
Travel from Granada to Madrid by AVE high-speed train leaving Granada at 06:58 arriving Madrid Atocha at 10:38. Fares start at around €30.
Travel from Alicante or Valencia to Barcelona by Euromed train, leaving Alicante at 09:15 or Valencia Joaquin Sorolla at 11:25 arriving Barcelona Sants at 14:33. Fares start at around €35.
Book at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee) or at the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com (in €, much more fiddly, see advice on using it). Booking for Spanish trains normally opens 60 days ahead, but this varies.
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Day 1, travel from Madrid or Barcelona to Marseille by AVE high-speed train, leaving Madrid Atocha at 13:25 or Barcelona Sants at 16:34, arriving Marseille St Charles 21:32.
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 Béziers cathedral on the left, see photos, tips & journey information.
Fares start at €39 in 2nd class or €49 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book 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 (in €, much more fiddly). 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 scenic 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.
Spain to Lisbon & Portugal
Option 1, Madrid to Lisbon in a day, the leisurely direct way
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You can travel from Madrid to Lisbon by daytime trains with 2 changes, see the Madrid to Lisbon page.
It's cheap, comfortable, scenic, although not fast. A leisurely ride across Extremadura, look out for the beautiful tiling on some of the rural Portuguese stations.
Consider the more round-about journey via Vigo & Porto shown in option 2 below. As each new section of the Madrid-Galicia high-speed line opens the Madrid-Vigo part of the journey gets faster & faster. With the attractions of Porto as an overnight stop then Portugal's premier rail route from Porto to Lisbon next day, you may prefer that option.
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Sleeper train discontinued: The Lusitania Trenhotel was suspended in March 2020 due to Covid-19. Renfe did not want to reinstate it, so it's been permanently discontinued. A direct fast daytime train may start in 2027 when new lines are completed in both Spain & Portugal, but until the only link between Madrid & Lisbon is a 3-train combo by day, see the Madrid to Lisbon page for details.
Option 2, Madrid to Lisbon with overnight stop in Porto - a roundabout route, but with high-speed trains & a great stopover
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Day 1, travel from Madrid to Vigo by high-speed Alvia train, leaving Madrid Chamartin at 11:20, arriving Vigo Urzaiz 15:38.
Alvia trains are comfortable and air-conditioned with a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats.
Fares start at €33 in standard class (2nd) or €40 in comfort class (1st). Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy tickets at www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.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, in €, see advice on using it). Spanish trains normally open for booking 60 days ahead, but this varies. You print your own ticket.
From Vigo Urzaiz it's an easy 10 minute 500m walk to Vigo Guixar, see how to walk between stations using the halo lift. Have a wander around Vigo & an early dinner.
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Day 1, travel from Vigo to Porto by Celta regional express, leaving Vigo Guixar at 19:56 and arriving Porto Campanhã 21:18.
The fare is €15.90. fixed price.
Buy a ticket at the station or at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.
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Stay overnight in Porto. The Poviera Hotel is a small and very inexpensive hotel with good reviews directly opposite Campanhã station. The Oca Oriental Porto Hotel is also inexpensive, gets great reviews, a stone's throw from Campanhã station. If you'd rather stay in the old town, top choice is the InterContinental Hotel, a 5-star converted monastery-cum-palace a stone's throw from the beautiful Sao Bento railway station. Or try the cheaper PortoBay Teatro Hotel.
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Day 2, travel from Porto Campanhã to Lisbon Santa Apolonia on any train you like, the first train gets to Lisbon around 09:30.
The journey takes as little as 2h58, by 200 km/h tilting Alfa Pendular or comfortable 160 km/h Intercity trains. There are regular departures through the day, spend some time in Porto before taking a train south! More about Porto to Lisbon trains.
Fares start at just €9.90 if you book ahead.
Step 1, Madrid to Vigo by Alvia train. Above left, comfort class seats, recently refurbished in tan leather.
The cafe-bar. Above right, an Iberico meal deal from the cafe-bar on an Alvia train.
Above left, boarding at Madrid Chamartin. Above right, standard (2nd) class seats on an Alvia S730 from Madrid to Vigo.
Scenery at high-speed, north of Madrid.
Scenery between Madrid & Vigo, a little way south of Ourense.
Step 2, Vigo to Porto by Celta regional express.
Above, crossing the Minho river which forms the border between Spain and Portugal.
Day 2, travel from Porto to Lisbon by Alfa Pendular
Option 3, Malaga, Granada, Cordoba or Seville to Lisbon
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Step 1, travel from Malaga Maria Zambrano, Granada or Cordoba to Seville Santa Justa by train.
Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com, www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee) or at www.renfe.com (in €, much more fiddly, see advice on using it).
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Step 2, travel from Seville to Faro by bus, journey time 2h30 to 3h15, with a departure roughly every 2-3 hours.
Several bus companies run on this route including Also, Damas, EuroLines and Iberobus. Buses typically leave Seville at 08:30, 09:30, 11:30 & 16:00, but it varies so check online at Omio.com. If you're starting in Malaga, look for Alsa buses that start from Seville Santa Justa station, so it's an easy same-station train-bus interchange.
The fare is around €17-€21 each way.
Buy tickets for all these companies at Omio.com and print your own ticket.
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Step 3, travel from Faro to Lisbon Oriente by train, various departures through the day, journey time 3h05-3h41.
Fares start at €15 if you book ahead.
Check times and buy a ticket at the Portuguese Railways website www.cp.pt (in €) or at Omio.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $). You print your own ticket. More about Faro-Lisbon trains.
I'd allow at least 1 hour between bus and train in Faro.
Spain to Porto
Madrid to Porto
Option 1, Madrid to Porto using a Madrid-Vigo high-speed train - the comfortable daytime train option
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Step 1, travel from Madrid to Vigo by high-speed Alvia train, leaving Madrid Chamartin at 11:20, arriving Vigo Urzaiz 15:38.
Alvia trains are comfortable and air-conditioned with a cafe-bar and power sockets at all seats.
Fares start at €33 in standard class (2nd) or €40 in comfort class (1st). Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy a ticket at www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.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 cards, in €, see advice on using it). Spanish trains normally open for booking 60 days ahead, but this varies. You print your own ticket.
From Vigo Urzaiz it's an easy 10 minute 500m walk to Vigo Guixar, see how to walk between stations using the halo lift. Have a wander around Vigo & an early dinner.
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Step 2, travel from Vigo to Porto by Celta regional express, leaving Vigo Guixar at 19:56 and arriving Porto Campanhã 21:18.
The fare is €15.90, fixed price, 2nd class only.
Buy a ticket at www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com (both easy to use) or the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com (more fiddly).