Nadrid Atocha station

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.

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     Click here for journeys starting in other countries

     Madrid Atocha station guide

     Madrid Chamartin station guide

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

bullet pointBefore 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?

bullet pointEuropean train travel FAQ

An introduction to European train travel

 

Senior fares (over 60)

 

Guide to Eurail passes (overseas visitors)

Important tips for buying European train tickets

Youth fares (under 26)

 

Guide to Interrail passes (for Europeans)

How to check European train times

Child fares & child age limits

 

Couchettes & sleepers on night trains

Do I need to book in advance?

Luggage on European trains

 

Train seat numbering plans

How far ahead can I book?

Luggage storage at stations

 

Wheelchairs & special needs

Can I stop off on the way?

Taking a bike by train

 

Real-time service updates

Should I travel 1st or 2nd class?

Taking a car by train

 

Hotels & accommodation

How long to allow for connections?

Taking dogs & pets by train

 

Changing stations in Paris by metro or taxi

How early to arrive at the station?

Maps of the European rail network

 

What to do when things go wrong...


Buy train tickets for Spain See the train travel in Spain page
An S103 AVE at Barcelona Sants

A Barcelona-Madrid AVE (type S103) at Barcelona Sants.  See virtual tour

1st class on a Spanish S103 AVE train   Cafe-bar on a Spanish S103 AVE train

Comfort (1st) class seating on an AVE train.

 

Cafe-bar on an S103 AVE train. 

Breakfast on a Spanish S103 AVE train   2nd class on a Spanish S103 AVE train

A meal is included if you pay the Premium fare.

 

Standard (2nd class) seating on an AVE.

Madrid to  Barcelona
Ferries to Ibiza & Mallorca
Ferries to Tenerife, Gran Canaria & the Canary islands

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Madrid to Gibraltar
Madrid-Algeciras train at Madrid Atocha

An Intercity train (formerly branded Altaria), about to leave Madrid Atocha for Algeciras.

Standard class on an Intercity train   Comfort class on an Intercity train

Standard class seats.

 

Comfort class seats.

Cafe-bar on an Intercity train   Algeciras station

Cafe-bar, with bar stools.

 

Algeciras station, across the road from the bus station.

Bus M-120 for La Linea (Gibraltar's frontier) boarding at Algeciras bus station.   The Rock of Gribraltar, viewed from a taxi approaching La Linea

Bus M-120 boarding at Algeciras bus station

 

Rock of Gibraltar, seen from a taxi near La Linea.

Other Spanish cities to Gibraltar

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Spain to London

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Spain to Dublin & Ireland

Option 1, Spain to Dublin using a direct ferry from Spain to Ireland

2nd class seats on a Thalys train from Paris to Amsterdam   1st class (Comfort & Premium) seating on Thalys

Madrid to Bilbao by train. Courtesy of Pádraic Fogarty

 

Bilbao to Rosslare by ferry.  Courtesy of Pádraic Fogarty

Option 2, Spain to Dublin via Paris and ferry from Cherbourg to Dublin

Irish Ferries' WB Yeats

Sail from Cherbourg to Dublin aboard Irish Ferries' WB YeatsWB Yeats photos courtesy of Irish Ferries.

Irish Ferries' WB Yeats club cabin   Irish Ferries' WB Yeats deluxe cabin

Club cabin on the WB Yeats with shower & toilet.

 

Deluxe cabin on the WB Yeats with shower & toilet.

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Spain to Paris

Madrid to Paris by high-speed TGV

Option 1, Madrid to Paris in a day, early morning departure

Option 2, Madrid to Paris in a day, late morning departure

Option 3, Madrid to Paris with overnight stop in Barcelona

TGV Duplex at Barcelona Sants

TGV Duplex at Barcelona Sants, a 320 km/h double-decker. Courtesy of Brian's Coffee Spot Watch TGV video.

TGV Duplex cafe-bar   TGV Duplex upper deck 2nd class seats

Cafe-bar on the upper deck in car 4, serving tea, coffee, soft drinks, wine, beer, snacks & microwave-style hot dishes.

 

2nd class seats on upper deck with a mix of tables for 4 & unidirectional seating.  360º photo.

First class on board a TGV Duplex   An TGV Duplex at Barcelona Sants

1st class upper deck seats, club duo on the left, a club quatre on the right.  360º photo.

 

TGV Duplex boarding at Barcelona Sants.  The '1' indicates 1st class.  Courtesy of Brian's Coffee Spot.

Lunch from the cafe-bar on the train to Barcelona   The hilltop cathedral at Beziers

Dinner from the cafe-bar.

 

View from the train, passing Béziers.

Mt Canigou in the Pyrenees

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/CanigouMore about what to see on the Paris-Barcelona train journey.

Option 4, Madrid to Paris with overnight stop in San Sebastian - a slower but cheaper route, San Sebastian makes a great stopover

Option 5:  Madrid-Paris using a French overnight train.

Malaga, Seville, Cordoba, Granada, Alicante, Valencia to Paris

Option 1, Spanish cities to Paris in a single day - runs every day all year

Option 2, Spanish cities to Paris in a single day - runs 6 July to 1 September 2024.

Option 3, Spanish cities to Paris with overnight stop in Barcelona - breaks the trip up nicely, recommended

Option 4, Seville, Cordoba, Alicante or Valencia to Paris using a French overnight train.

Vigo, A Coruña & Santiago de Compostela to Paris

Option 1, Vigo, A Coruña, Santiago to Paris with overnight stop in San Sebastian.

Option 2, Vigo, A Coruña, Santiago to Paris with overnight stop in Barcelona

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Spain to Bordeaux

Option 1, Madrid to Bordeaux in a day.  Lunch in San Sebastian?

Option 2, Madrid to Bordeaux with overnight stop in San Sebastian.  A morning to explore San Sebastian?

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.

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Spain to Toulouse

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Spain to Lyon

Option 1, Madrid & Spain to Lyon in a day

Option 2, Madrid & Spain to Lyon with overnight stop in Barcelona

AVE from Barcelona to Lyon  2nd class seats on an AVE S100

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.

The cafe-bar on an S100 AVE   1st class seats on the Barcelona to Lyon AVE train

Cafe-bar on an S100 AVE serving tea, coffee, beer, wine, soft drinks, snacks & hot dishes.

 

1st class seats on an S100 AVE, all with power sockets.  Panorama photo of 1st class.

Mt Canigou in the Pyrenees

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.

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Spain to Avignon, Aix, Marseille, Cannes & Nice

Option 1, using the direct AVE from Madrid to Avignon, Aix & Marseille - fewest changes, recommended

2nd class seats on an AVE S100   AVE S100

Above left, 2nd class seats, all with power sockets & free WiFi. Panorama photo of 2nd class.  Above right, AVE at Madrid Atocha.

The cafe-bar on an S100 AVE   1st class seats on the Barcelona to Lyon AVE train

Cafe-bar on an S100 AVE serving tea, coffee, beer, wine, soft drinks, snacks & hot dishes.

 

1st class seats on an S100 AVE, all with power sockets.  Panorama photo of 1st class.

Mt Canigou in the Pyrenees

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

Mt Canigou in the Pyrenees

Mt Canigou & the Pyrenees.  Seen from the train and one of the highest peaks in the mighty Pyrenees, the 2,784m (9,137 feet) high Mt Canigou dominates the skyline all the way from Girona to Perpignan.

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Spain to Brussels from €68

Option 1, Madrid to Brussels in a single day

Option 2, Madrid & Spain to Brussels with overnight stop in Barcelona

Option 3, Madrid & Spain to Brussels with overnight stop in Paris

TGV Duplex at Barcelona Sants

Barcelona to Paris by TGV Duplex, a 320 km/h double-decker. Courtesy of Brian's Coffee Spot Watch TGV video.

TGV Duplex cafe-bar   TGV Duplex upper deck 2nd class seats

Cafe-bar on the upper deck in car 4, serving tea, coffee, soft drinks, wine, beer, snacks & microwave-style hot dishes.

 

2nd class seats on upper deck with a mix of tables for 4 & unidirectional seating.  360º photo.

First class on board a TGV Duplex   An TGV Duplex at Barcelona Sants

1st class upper deck seats, club duo on the left, a club quatre on the right.  360º photo.

 

TGV Duplex boarding at Barcelona Sants.  The '1' indicates 1st class. Courtesy of Brian's Coffee Spot.

Lunch from the cafe-bar on the train to Barcelona   The hilltop cathedral at Beziers

Dinner from the cafe-bar.

 

View from the train, passing Béziers.

Mt Canigou in the Pyrenees

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/CanigouMore photos of what to see on the Paris-Barcelona train journey.

A Thalys train from Amsterdam to Paris

Paris to Brussels by Eurostar, seen here in Paris.  More about Eurostar (formerly Thalys).

1st class seats on Eurostar formerly Thalys   2nd class seats on Eurostar formerly Thalys

Comfort & Premium seats, 2+1 across the car.  Larger photo.

 

Standard seats, 2+2 across.  Larger photo.

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Spain to Amsterdam from €74

Option 1, Madrid to Amsterdam in a single day

Option 2, Madrid & Spain to Amsterdam with overnight stop in Barcelona

Option 3, Madrid & Spain to Amsterdam with overnight stop in Paris

TGV Duplex at Barcelona Sants

Barcelona to Paris by TGV Duplex, a 320 km/h double-decker. Courtesy of Brian's Coffee Spot Watch TGV video.

TGV Duplex cafe-bar   TGV Duplex upper deck 2nd class seats

Cafe-bar on the upper deck in car 4, serving tea, coffee, soft drinks, wine, beer, snacks & microwave-style hot dishes..

 

2nd class seats on upper deck with a mix of tables for 4 & unidirectional seating.  360º photo.

First class on board a TGV Duplex   An TGV Duplex at Barcelona Sants

1st class upper deck seats, club duo on the left, a club quatre on the right.  360º photo.

 

A TGV Duplex boarding at Barcelona Sants.  The '1' indicates 1st class.  Courtesy of Brian's Coffee Spot.

Lunch from the cafe-bar on the train to Barcelona   The hilltop cathedral at Beziers

Dinner from the cafe-bar.

 

View from the train, passing Béziers.

Mt Canigou in the Pyrenees

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/CanigouMore about what to see on the Paris-Barcelona journey.

A Thalys train from Amsterdam to Paris

Paris to Amsterdam by Eurostar, seen here in Paris.  More about Eurostar (formerly Thalys).

1st class seats on Eurostar formerly Thalys   2nd class seats on Eurostar formerly Thalys

Comfort & Premium seats, 2+1 across the car.  Larger photo.

 

Standard seats, 2+2 across.  Larger photo.

Crossing the Moerdijk Bridge over the Hollands Diep

The train sweeps across the Moerdijk Bridge over the Hollands Diep one lazy evening, between Rotterdam & Antwerp.

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Spain to Luxembourg

Option 1, Madrid to Luxembourg in a single day

Option 2, Madrid & Spain to Luxembourg with overnight stop in Barcelona

Option 3, Madrid & Spain to Luxembourg with overnight stop in Paris

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Spain to Geneva, Zurich & Switzerland from €59

Option 1, Madrid & Spain to Switzerland in a single day - runs until 14 December 2024

Option 2, Madrid & Spain to Switzerland with overnight stop in Barcelona

Mt Canigou in the Pyrenees

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 Girona to Perpignan, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canigou.

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Spain to Milan, Venice, Rome & Italy

Option 1, Spain to Italy with an overnight stop in Lyon - from the Pyrenees to the Alps

Option 2, Madrid & Spain to Italy with overnight stops in Barcelona & Milan

Option 3, Spain to Italy with an overnight stop in Marseille

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Spain to Lisbon & Portugal

Option 1, Madrid to Lisbon in a day, the leisurely direct way

Scenery between Badajoz and Madrid

Wonderful arid scenery on the Spanish plateau between Madrid & Badajoz.  Photo courtesy of DiscoverByRail.com.

Madrid to Lisbon by train: Changing trains at Badajoz

Changing trains at Badajoz station.  The express from Madrid to Badajoz is on the left, the single-coach Allan Railcar from Badajoz to Entroncamento is on the right..  Photo courtesy of Giles Baker.

Option 2, Madrid to Lisbon with overnight stop in Porto - a roundabout route, but with high-speed trains & a great stopover

Comfort class seats on a Madrid-Vigo Alvia train   Alvia S730 train to Vigo at Madrid Chamartin

Step 1, Madrid to Vigo by Alvia train.  Above left, comfort class seats, recently refurbished in tan leather.

Cafe-bar   Iberico meal deal on an Alvia train

The cafe-bar.  Above right, an Iberico meal deal from the cafe-bar on an Alvia train.

Alvia S730 train to Vigo at Madrid Chamartin   Standard class seats on a Madrid-Vigo Alvia train

Above left, boarding at Madrid Chamartin.  Above right, standard (2nd) class seats on an Alvia S730 from Madrid to Vigo.

Scenery between Madrid & Vigo, not far from Madrid

Scenery at high-speed, north of Madrid.

Scenery between Madrid & Vigo, south of Ourense

Scenery between Madrid & Vigo, a little way south of Ourense.

Inside the Vigo to Porto train  

Step 2, Vigo to Porto by Celta regional express.

Crossing the Minho river into Portugal

Above, crossing the Minho river which forms the border between Spain and Portugal.

Alfa Pendular train from Lisbon to Porto, at Porto Campanha

Day 2, travel from Porto to Lisbon by Alfa Pendular

2nd class on a Alfa Pendular train from Lisbon to Porto   Cafe-bar on a Alfa Pendular train from Lisbon to Porto

2nd class, arranged 2+2 across the car width.

 

Cafe-bar serving sandwiches, snacks & drinks.

Luggage racks on a Alfa Pendular train from Lisbon to Porto   1st class on a Alfa Pendular train from Lisbon to Porto

Luggage racks at the end of each car.

 

1st class seats, arranged 1+2 across the car width.

Option 3, Malaga, Granada, Cordoba or Seville to Lisbon

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Spain to Porto

Madrid to Porto

Option 1, Madrid to Porto using a Madrid-Vigo high-speed train - the comfortable daytime train option

Comfort class seats on a Madrid-Vigo Alvia train   Alvia S730 train to Vigo at Madrid Chamartin

Step 1, Madrid to Vigo by Alvia train.  Above left, comfort class seats, recently refurbished in tan leather.

Cafe-bar   Iberico meal deal on an Alvia train

The cafe-bar.  Above right, an Iberico meal deal from the cafe-bar on an Alvia train.

Alvia S730 train to Vigo at Madrid Chamartin   Standard class seats on a Madrid-Vigo Alvia train

Above left, boarding at Madrid Chamartin.  Above right, standard (2nd) class seats on an Alvia S730 from Madrid to Vigo.

Scenery between Madrid & Vigo, not far from Madrid

Scenery between Madrid & Vigo, north of Madrid.

Scenery between Madrid & Vigo, south of Ourense

Scenery between Madrid & Vigo, a little way south of Ourense.

Inside the Vigo to Porto train  

Step 2, Vigo to Porto by Celta regional express.  Below, the Minho river forms the border between Spain and Portugal.

Crossing the Minho river into Portugal

Option 2, Madrid to Porto with overnight hotel in Vigo - same as option 1, with overnight stop.  Can be more time-effective

Malaga & Seville to Porto

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Spain to Faro & the Algarve

Madrid to Faro

An AVE train to Seville ready to leave Madrid Atocha

Step 1, Madrid to Seville by AVE.  This is an AVE-S100 at Madrid Atocha.

The cafe-bar on an S100 AVE   1st class seats on the Barcelona to Lyon AVE train

Cafe-bar on an S100 AVE serving tea, coffee, beer, wine, soft drinks, snacks & hot dishes.

 

1st class seats with power sockets & free WiFi. Panorama photo of 1st class.

2nd class seats on an AVE S100   AVE S100

2nd class seats on an S100 AVE with power sockets & free WiFi.  Panorama photo of 2nd class

 

AVE S100.

Also bus from Seville to Faro

Step 2, Seville to Faro by bus.  This is an Alsa bus to Faro & Lagos, at its departure point right outside Seville Santa Justa station main exit.

Also bus at Faro Eva bus station

The bus crosses the Guadiana river, which forms the border between Spain and Portugal at this point.

Also bus at Faro Eva bus station

An Alsa-Rede Express bus at Faro's Eva bus station, next to the Eva Senses Hotel & 2 minutes walk from Faro station.

Malaga, Granada, Cordoba or Seville to Faro

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Spain to Andorra

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Spain to Cologne, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, Berlin & Germany from €79

Option 1, Madrid to Cologne or Frankfurt in a single day

Option 2, Madrid to Berlin using the Paris-Berlin sleeper - 3 times a week

The Nightjet sleeper from Berlin to Zurich

A Nightjet sleeper train at Berlin HbfMore about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchette on Nightjet train   Couchette car on Nightjet sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Nightjet couchette car.

Option 3, Madrid & Spain to Germany with overnight stop in Barcelona

Option 4, Madrid & Spain to Germany with overnight stop in Paris

Option 5, Madrid & Spain to Germany with overnight stop in Marseille, avoids changing stations in Paris

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Spain to Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck & Austria from €88

Option 1, Spain to Austria using the Paris-Vienna sleeper - the most comfortable & time-effective option, 3 times per week

The Nightjet sleeper from Munich to Amsterdam

Paris to Vienna by Nightjet sleeper trainMore about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchette on Nightjet train   Couchette car on Brussels-Vienna sleeper

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Couchette car.

Option 2, Madrid & Spain to Innsbruck, Salzburg & Vienna with overnight stop in Geneva - the scenic route

A railjet train about to leave Zurich Hbf for Innsbruck, Salzburg & Vienna

A railjet to Innsbruck, Salzburg & Vienna about to leave Zurich HB.

  Premium class seats on the Munich-Vienna RailJet train   Railjet restaurant car

Railjet first class, with black leather seats.

 

Business classAbout.

 

Restaurant.

Railjet train at Vienna Hbf   Railjet train standard class

Railjet is Austrian Railways premier train. More photos & information about railjet trains

 

Economy class on railjet, in open saloons with large windows.  Some seats around tables, most unidirectional.

The lakes between Zurich and the Austrian border

Soon after leaving Zurich, the railjet runs alongside the shore of the Zürichsee and then the Walensee.

Scenery in the Arlberg Pass

Brooding skies over the Arlberg pass.  The pass itself is long, narrow and curvaceous with the train snaking along the valley sides, often high above the valley floor.

Scenery in the Arlberg Pass

Running alongside the river Inn in the Tirol, somewhere between Landeck & Ötzal.  More photos & information about this route.

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Spain to Copenhagen, Stockholm, Oslo & Scandinavia

Option 1, Madrid & Spain to Scandinavia with overnight stops in Marseille & Hamburg

Option 2, Madrid & Spain to Scandinavia with overnight stops in Barcelona & Frankfurt

Hamburg-Copenhagen train at Copenhagen

Hamburg to Copenhagen by EuroCity train.  From June 2023, these trains are temporarily being operated by former German Railways intercity cars and a Danish electric locomotive, until new trains being built by Talgo arrive in 2024.  The current trains have 1st & 2nd class, power sockets at seats, but no catering so bring your own food & drink.  More about the Hamburg-Copenhagen journey.

2nd clas seats on a DB Intercity train

2nd class seats are almost all open-plan like this.  There are a handful of 6-seat 2nd class compartments in one of the coaches, but only a few.

1st class comparment on a Berlin to Amsterdam train   1st class 6-seat compartment on a Berlin to Amsterdam train

The 1st class car has 6-seater compartments like this. Larger photo Larger photo.

An X2000 train at Stockholm Central

Copenhagen to Stockholm by tilting 200km/h X2000, seen at Stockholm CentralMore about X2000 trains.

1st class seats on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train 2nd class seats on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train

1st class on an X2000.  Larger photo.

 

2nd class on an X2000.  Larger photo.

Bistro seating area on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train   Bistro seating area on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train

Bistro seating on an X2000 train. Larger photo.

 

Bistro on an X2000 train. Larger photo.

On the Oresund link!

Crossing the impressive Öresund bridge from Denmark to Sweden.

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Spain to Helsinki & Finland

Option 1, Madrid & Spain to Helsinki using a Finnlines ferry from Germany - the easiest option

Finnlines ferry Travemunde-Helsinki

Finnlines operate the Finnstar, Finnmaid & Finnlady on the Travemünde-Helsinki route.  Photo courtesy of Hubert Bartkowiak.  Photos below courtesy of Chris Russell.

Cabin on Finnlines ferry Travemunde-Helsinki   Gym on Finnlines ferry   Sauna on Finnlines ferry

Standard cabin.  Larger photo.

 

Gym with a view.

 

Sauna.

Option 2, Madrid & Spain to Helsinki by train to Stockholm, then ferry

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Spain to Prague & the Czech Republic

Option 1, Madrid & Spain to Prague with overnight stop in Paris

Option 2, Madrid & Spain to Prague using the Paris-Linz sleeper - the most comfortable & time-effective option, 3 times per week

  • Day 2, travel from Paris to Linz by Nightjet, leaving Paris Gare de l'Est at 19:12 on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays, arriving Linz at 08:46.

    Important update 2024:  ÖBB have given up trying to run this train from 12 August to 8 November 2024, due to the amount of trackwork.

    From 15 December 2024 onwards, the days of running will change to Monday, Wednesday & Friday.

    This comfortable Austrian Nightjet sleeper train has two air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-cars each with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has a couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and an ordinary seats car.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.

    Fares start at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Buy tickets at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in plain English, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways www.oebb.at (more fiddly, in €, same fares).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket.

  • Day 3, travel from Linz to Prague by EuroCity train, leaving Linz at 11:54 and arriving Prague Hlavni at 15:36.

    The modern Czech EuroCity train has a bistro car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

    Fares start at €19 in 2nd class or €29 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Buy tickets for this train at the Czech Railways website www.cd.cz.

    Booking opens 90 days ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.

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Spain to Bratislava & Slovakia

Option 1, Madrid & Spain to Bratislava using the Paris-Vienna sleeper - the most comfortable & time-effective option, 3 times per week

  • Day 2, travel from Paris to Vienna by Nightjet, leaving Paris Est at 19:12 on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays, arriving Vienna Hbf 10:13.

    Important update 2024:  ÖBB have given up trying to run this train from 12 August to 8 November 2024, due to the amount of trackwork.

    From 15 December 2024 onwards, the days of running will change to Monday, Wednesday & Friday.

    This comfortable Austrian Nightjet sleeper train has two air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-cars each with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has a couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and an ordinary seats car.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.

    Fares start at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Buy tickets at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in plain English, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways www.oebb.at (more fiddly, in €, same fares).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket.

The Nightjet sleeper from Munich to Amsterdam

Paris to Vienna by Nightjet sleeper trainMore about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchette on Nightjet train   Couchette car on Brussels-Vienna sleeper

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Couchette car.

Option 2, Spain to Bratislava with overnight stop in Geneva - the most scenic option

  • 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.

  • Day 2, travel from Lyon to Geneva by TER regional train, leaving Lyon Part Dieu at 14:38 and arriving Geneva at 16:38.

    These TER trains use former inter-city 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.

  • Stay overnight in Geneva.  Suggested hotels with good reviews near the station include Hotel Cornavin Geneve, Hotel Les Arcades, ibis Styles Geneva Gare.  Hotels in Switzerland can be expensive, if you're on a budget you can book budget private rooms in a one-star hotel or backpacker hostel near the station using www.hostelworld.com.

  • Day 3, travel from Geneva to Bratislava, leaving Geneva at 09:15 by Swiss Intercity train and changing onto the 12:40 railjet train from Zurich HB to Bratislava Hlavna, arriving 21:51.

    This direct Zurich-Bratislava train started running in December 2018, with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  The journey takes you through the beautifully scenic Arlberg Pass, see the photos & video on the Arlberg Pass page.  Have your camera to hand!

    Book from Geneva to Bratislava at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, same fares).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.

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Spain to Budapest & Hungary

Option 1, Barcelona to Budapest using the Paris-Vienna sleeper - the most comfortable & time-effective option, 3 times per week

  • Day 2, travel from Paris to Vienna by Nightjet, leaving Paris Est at 19:12 on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays, arriving Vienna Hbf 10:13.

    Important update 2024:  ÖBB have given up trying to run this train from 12 August to 8 November 2024, due to the amount of trackwork.

    From 15 December 2024 onwards, the days of running will change to Monday, Wednesday & Friday.

    This comfortable Austrian Nightjet sleeper train has two air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-cars each with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has a couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and an ordinary seats car.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.

    Fares start at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Buy tickets at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in plain English, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways www.oebb.at (in €, same fares).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket.

  • Day 3, travel from Vienna to Budapest by railjet train, leaving Vienna Hbf at 11:40 & arriving Budapest Keleti at 14:19.

    The swish modern railjet has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  An earlier connection is possible, but I'd allow at least an hour between trains when connecting with a sleeper train just in case of delay.

    Fares start at €19.90 in 2nd class or €29.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easiest to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways' own site www.oebb.at (same prices, in €).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket.

The Nightjet sleeper from Munich to Amsterdam

Paris to Vienna by Nightjet sleeper trainMore about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchette on Nightjet train   Couchette car on Brussels-Vienna sleeper

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Couchette car.

Option 2, Barcelona to Budapest with an overnight stop in Geneva - the most scenic option

A railjet train about to leave Zurich Hbf for Innsbruck, Salzburg & Vienna

Zurich to Budapest by railjet.  A railjet about to leave Zurich HB.

Business class seats on a railjet train   Railjet restaurant car

Business class.  About.

 

Restaurant car.

Business class seats on a railjet train   Economy class seats on a railjet train

First class.

 

Economy class.

The lakes between Zurich and the Austrian border

Soon after leaving Zurich, the railjet runs alongside the shore of the Zürichsee and then the Walensee.

Scenery in the Arlberg Pass

Brooding skies over the Arlberg pass.  The pass itself is long, narrow and curvaceous with the train snaking along the valley sides, often high above the valley floor.

Scenery in the Arlberg Pass

Running alongside the river Inn in the Tirol, somewhere between Landeck & Ötzal.  More photos & information about this route.

A railjet train from Vienna to Budapest, arrived at Budapest Keleti

The railjet has landed!  Arrived on platform 9 at Budapest Keleti station.

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Spain to Brasov, Bucharest & Romania

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Spain to Ljubljana, Zagreb, Belgrade & Sofia

Option 1, Spain to Ljubljana & Zagreb using the Paris-Salzburg sleeper - the most comfortable & time-effective option, 3 times per week

  • Day 2, travel from Paris to Salzburg by Nightjet, leaving Paris Est at 19:12 on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays, arriving Salzburg Hbf 07:26.

    Important update 2024:  ÖBB have given up trying to run this train from 12 August to 8 November 2024, due to the amount of trackwork.

    From 15 December 2024 onwards, the days of running will change to Monday, Wednesday & Friday.

    This comfortable Austrian Nightjet sleeper train has two air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-cars each with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has a couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and an ordinary seats car.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.

    Fares start at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Buy tickets at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in plain English, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways www.oebb.at (in €, same fares).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket.

  • Day 3, travel from Salzburg to Ljubljana & Zagreb by EuroCity train, leaving Salzburg Hbf at 14:12, make a quick and easy change at Villach onto a connecting train arriving Lesce-Bled 17:50, Ljubljana 18:32 & Zagreb 20:45.

    This is a comfortable EuroCity train from Salzburg to Villach near the Slovenian border, with a restaurant car.  It's a spectacular journey through the mountains of Austria on the Tauern route.  The connecting train takes you into Slovenia and along the beautiful Sava river to Zagreb.

    Fares start at €29.90 in 2nd class or €49.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easiest to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways www.oebb.at (in €, same prices).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket.

  • Stay overnight in Zagreb and continue to Belgrade next day, see here for details.

Scenery between Ljubljana & Zagreb

Scenery between Ljubljana & Zagreb along the river Sava..

Scenery between Ljubljana, Zagreb & Belgrade

Option 2, Madrid & Spain to Ljubljana & Zagreb via Marseille & Venice.

2nd class seats on the train from Venice to Ljubljana   The train from Trieste to Ljubljana

Inside the ETR563.  Larger photo.

 

The train to Ljubljana about to leave Trieste.  Courtesy of Marc Williams.

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Spain to Warsaw, Krakow & Poland

Option 1, Madrid to Poland using the Paris-Berlin sleeper - 3 times a week

  • Day 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.

    Buy tickets at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com (much more fiddly, may reject some overseas credit cards, see advice on using it).

    No same-day connection is possible from Alicante, Valencia, Malaga, Cordoba or Seville, so travel the day before & stay overnight in Barcelona.

  • Day 1, travel from Barcelona to Paris by TGV Duplex, leaving Barcelona Sants at 09:28 and arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 16:12.

    This impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Book an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck.

    You'll get great views of the imposing 2,784m Mt Canigou as the train rounds the southern end of the Pyrenees, you'll pass the historic Fort de Salses right by the tracks just after Perpignan, flamingos on the lakes in the South of France between Narbonne & Montpelier, and 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.

    Buy tickets at 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.

    Change stations in Paris by taxi or metro.

  • Day 1, travel from Paris to Berlin by Nightjet sleeper, leaving Paris Est at 19:12 on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays, arriving Berlin Hbf 08:26.

    Important update 2024:  ÖBB have given up trying to run this train from 12 August to 8 November 2024, due to the amount of trackwork.

    From 15 December 2024 onwards, the days of running will change to Monday, Wednesday & Friday.

    This comfortable Austrian Nightjet sleeper train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has a couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and an ordinary seats car.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.

    Fares start at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Buy tickets at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in plain English, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways www.oebb.at (in €, same fares).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket.

  • Day 2, travel from Berlin to Poland by comfortable EuroCity train with restaurant car:

    Leave Berlin Hbf at 09:52, arriving Warsaw Centralna 15:14.

    Until 14 December 2024, leave Berlin Hbf at 10:52, arriving Wroclaw Glowny 15:05, Katowice 17:15 & Krakow Glowny 18:07.

    Until 14 December 2024, leave Berlin Hbf at 12:52 for Gdansk & Gydnia, or take the earlier 09:52 and change.

    From 15 December 2024, leave Berlin Hbf at 12:52, arriving Wroclaw 16:54, Katowice 19:13 & Krakow Glowny 20:07.

    From 15 December 2024, leave Berlin Hbf at 14:52 for Gdansk & Gydnia, or take the earlier 09:52 and change.

    Fares start at €27.99 in 2nd class or €37.99 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.

    Booking to Poland opens 60 days ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets.

The Nightjet sleeper from Berlin to Zurich

A Nightjet sleeper train at Berlin HbfMore about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchette on Nightjet train   Couchette car on Nightjet sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Nightjet couchette car.

Option 2, Madrid & Spain to Warsaw, with overnight stop in Paris - runs Sunday to Thursday only

  • 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.

  • Day 2, travel from Paris to Warsaw in a day.  Remarkably, high-speed trains make it possible to travel from Paris to Warsaw in a single day, at least on Mondays-Fridays.  It's not possible at weekends.

    You'll usually find a journey leaving Paris Gare de l'Est at 07:16, changing Mannheim & Berlin Hbf, arriving Warsaw Centralna 23:18.

    It's a chill-out journey across Europe, using a 320 km/h double-deck TGV Duplex with cafe-bar & power sockets at all seats between Paris & Mannheim, a superb high-speed ICE train with restaurant car, free WiFi & power sockets at all seats from Mannheim to Berlin, and a EuroCity train with restaurant car from Berlin to Warsaw.  In Berlin, you have time between trains to wander past the Reichstag to the Brandenburg Gate, just 15 minutes walk from Berlin Hbf.

    Paris-Berlin starts at €39.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest fares.

    Berlin-Warsaw starts at €27.90 in 2nd class or €37.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest fares.

    Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.

    First run a Paris to Warsaw enquiry, but before you run it, change Transfer time from Normal to minimum 40 minutes.  I also recommend entering Mannheim as a stopover station.

    It should show a 2-change option, although you'll only see silly-money €240+ fares.  Ignore these, note down the trains you need.

    Then split the booking like this:  First use the German Railways website int.bahn.de to book from Paris to Berlin.  Booking for this opens up to 6 months ahead, look for a journey with 1 change.  Then use int.bahn.de again to book from Berlin to Warsaw.  Booking for Berlin-Warsaw trains only opens 60 days ahead.

    You print your own tickets or can show them on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

Option 3, Spain to Warsaw & Krakow with overnight stops in Paris & Berlin - runs daily

  • Stay overnight in Berlin.  Top choice here is the InterCity Hotel Berlin Hbf (my favourite), only 200m from Berlin Hbf's main entrance, relatively inexpensive with great reviews, or if you're in the money, the excellent 5-star Steigenberger Hotel just outside the station.  If you're on a budget, the cheaper 3-star Motel One Berlin-Hbf is behind the station or use www.hostelworld.com.  Of course, if you really want to push the boat out, the famous Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin is next to the Brandenburg Gate just 17 minutes walk away.

  • Day 3 for Warsaw:

    Travel from Berlin Hbf to Warsaw Centralna in 5h30 on any EuroCity train you like, see the timetable here.

    On Mondays-Saturdays the 05:51 from Berlin Hbf will get you to Warsaw Centralna at 11:14 with breakfast in the restaurant car.  Or have a leisurely breakfast and take the daily 09:52 arriving 15:14.  By all means take a later train to have a morning in Berlin.

    Fares start at €27.90 in 2nd class or €39.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.

    Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets.

  • Day 3 for Krakow, Katowice, Wroclaw:

    Travel from Berlin to Krakow by air-conditioned EuroCity train Wawel, leaving Berlin Hbf at 10:52 every day, arriving Wroclaw 15:05, Katowice 17:15 & Krakow Glowny 18:07.  The Wawel is comfortable & air-conditioned with restaurant car, treat yourself to lunch and a beer or two.

    The timetable changes from 15 December 2024:  Travel from Berlin to Krakow by EuroCity train Galicija, leaving Berlin Hbf at 08:52, arriving Wroclaw 12:53, Katowice 15:06 & Krakow Glowny 16:07.  Later trains are available, see timetable.

    Fares start at €27.90 in 2nd class or €39.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.

    Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets.

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Spain to Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn

  • Step 3, for onward travel from Vilnius to Riga, see here.

  • Step 4, for onward travel from Riga to Tallinn, see here.

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Spain to Kyiv, Lviv & Ukraine
The Vienna-Kiev sleeping-car at Kiev Pass

The Vienna-Kyiv sleeping-car at Kyiv Pass.  Photos courtesy of Helmut Uttenthaler.

Sleeper to Kiev about to leave Vienna   Ukrainian sleeper corridor   1, 2 or 3 bed Ukrainian sleeper compartment

The Vienna-Kyiv sleeper about to leave Vienna Hbf. Courtesy of Helmut Uttenthaler.

 

The sleeper corridor.  Courtesy Helmut Uttenthaler.

 

1, 2 or 3 bed sleeper compartment.

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Spain to Moscow, St Petersburg & Russia
  • There is currently no service to Russia from anywhere.

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Spain to Athens & Greece
  • Step 2, travel from Milan to Athens as shown on the Italy to Athens page.

    You travel from Milan to Bari by train, then sail overnight from Bari to Patras in Greece.  A bus/train combo gets you to Athens early evening (day 4 from Spain).

Superfast ferry from Bari to Patras in Greece

The ferry Superfast II from Bari to Patras, boarding at Bari.  Photos courtesy of DiscoverByRail.com.

Boarding the ferry from Italy to Greece   Lounge and reception desk on the ferry to Greece

The passenger gangway, onto the ferry.

 

Reception desk & lounge on the ferry.

Lounge & bar on the ferry from Italy to Greece   Self-service restaurant on the ferry from Italy to Greece

Lounge and bar on the Superfast II.

 

Self-service restaurant.

En suite toilet & shower on ferry to Greece   Cabin on ferry from Italy to Greece

Private cabin with en suite toilet & shower.

Scenic views from the ferry from Italy to Greece

The ferry passes Cephalonia & Ithaca then approaches mainland Greece.  This is what travel to Greece should be like!

The ferry from Bari arrives at Patras

The ferry approaches the new port of Patras.

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Spain to Istanbul & Turkey

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Railbookers custom-made tours

If you just want to buy train tickets at the cheapest price, book online as shown on this page.  However, if you want someone to sort out your whole trip for you, arranging all your trains, hotels and transfers, and to look after you if anything affects your arrangements, talk to Railbookers.  Railbookers can custom-make a train trip around Europe to your own specification.  Just tell them what you want and they'll advise you on the best trains, routes & hotels.  They get good reports and a lot of repeat business!  They now have offices in the UK, North America and Australia.

UK flag  UK call 0207 864 4600, www.railbookers.co.uk.

US flag  US call free 1-888-829-4775, see website.

Canadian flag  Canada call free 1-855-882-2910, see website.

Australian flag  Australia call toll-free 1300 971 526, see website.

New Zealand flag  New Zealand call toll-free 0800 000 554 or see website.

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Find hotels in Europe

Find hotels at Booking.comMy favourite hotel search: www.booking.com

Booking.com is my favourite hotel booking site and I generally use it to book all my hotels in one place.  I've come to trust booking.com's review scores, you won't be disappointed with any hotel that scores 8.0 or more.  Crucially, booking.com usually lets you book with free cancellation, which means you can confirm accommodation risk-free before train booking opens and/or you can hold accommodation while you finalise your itinerary and alter your plans as they evolve - a feature I use all the time when planning a trip.  I never book hotels non-refundably!

Backpacker hostels

www.hostelworld.com:  If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in most cities at rock-bottom prices.

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Travel insurance & VPN

 

Staysure travel insurance

 

Columbus Direct logo

Always take out travel insurance

Never travel overseas without travel insurance from a reliable insurer, with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover.  It should also cover cancellation and loss of cash and belongings, up to a sensible limit.  An annual multi-trip policy is usually cheaper than several single-trip policies even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Here are some suggested insurers.  Seat61 gets a small commission if you buy through these links.

UK flag  www.staysure.co.uk offers enhanced Covid-19 protection & gets 4.7 out of 5 on Trustpilot.

UK flag  www.columbusdirect.com is also a well-know brand.

US flag  If you live in the USA try Travel Guard USA.

 

Maya.net logo

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a mobile data package for the country you're visiting and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM card so you don't need to buy a physical SIM, including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility listMaya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data.

 

Curve card

Curve card

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate, then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month at time of writing.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.

How it works:  1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android.  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than digging a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card, they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

 

Express VPN

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  Why you need a VPN

When you're travelling you often use free WiFi in public places which may not be secure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explainedExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using the links on this page, you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I get a small commission to help support this site.

 

Anker Powerrbank

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, vaccination records and Interrail or Eurail passes are often held digitally on your mobile phone, so it's vital to keep it charged.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over if I can't get to a power outlet.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or from buy from Amazon.com.

 


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