Eurostar to Paris and change for Figueres

[Jennykenny]

Anybody taken the train to Figueres? There seems to be two train stations in the town, one a few kilos outside? Is it best to travel by day and arrive late at night, (decent hotel?) or take the sleeper and arrive at the crack of dawn, when nothing will be open for ages?

[Nibble]

Personally, I'd not consider arriving @ 19:40 in Figures as late at night, but here's some timings for the trip, but pricey though!!

http://www.raileurope...efault.aspx?tabid=101

[mushroom25]

if you travel by day you'll get to Vilafant TAV at 19h40, and a shuttle bus will get you to figueres centre just after 8pm, well in time for dinner.
(shuttle bus timetable here http://www.teisa-bus.com/default.asp?c=1 and enter vilafant TAV in the top box andfigueres in the bottom - but it leaves at 19h50)

if you want to travel overnight but don't fancy arriving at dark o' clock, then take the "Intercites" train Paris to Port-Bou leaving Paris at 21h53, arr Port-Bou 08h20, with time for breakfast before your connection to figueres, arr 10h12.

[Nibble]

Overnight train arrives in Figures @ 06:40, not exactly middle of the night, but.... Probably not the best time of day to arrive...

[Jennykenny]

Thanks to you both for input, still undecided.

[coccinelle]

You might not be able to check in until 2pm so no shower etc until then, so maybe arriving in the evening would be a nicer option.

[Mosaic]

Just a thought - are you clear on which Paris station you're departing from?

Also, some of these routes in Europe are preyed on by gangs of illegals, so if you decide to travel overnight go for a patrolled sleeper carriage rather than a seat - or, take a bike lock and attach your luggage to something immoveable. You have to sleep some time or other.....

Sounds a brilliant trip - let us know how you go on! Don't miss the Dali Theater-Museum.

[craft1948]

I used to catch the Port Bou sleeper train but got on at Calais, so no hassle in Paris.

[mushroom25]

london - lille, 08h04 arr 10h36
lille - perpignan 11h02 arr 17h43
perpignan - vilafant 19h16 arr 19h40.
paris can be avoided by leaving london an hour earlier......

[Jennykenny]

Coming into Gard du Nord, out of Gard du Lyon, and have to travel from South coast up to St Pancras, or cross country to Ashford. Beginning to wonder if it's worth it, maybe just fly into Barcelona.
Lived in Spain for 13 years but never got to the Dali Museum.
Lille sounds good, but difficult to get to London so early.
Thanks for all your help.

[Mosaic]

This is one of the few cases whetre Ryanair 'Barcelona Girona' comes in handy as Girona is just down the line from Figueres.