Rail Travel. London>Paris>Barcelona

[adydb]

Hopefully the array of people here someone will have made this trip.

As I hate flying and love Spain twice a year I either drive (asked originally about this here 2 years ago and there's some GOOD replies that are spot on) and also via Eurolines.

Looking at the rail cost it's similar to driving but alone is quicker as I don't have to stop, London>Paris 2.5 hours Paris>Barcelona (night sleeper) 11.5 hours.

Theres several options, sleeper seat, share with One stranger in a room or share with 4......I'm not asking about security as it appears A1., and as cost goes i'll choose the share with 3 others I think.

The question is though, any opinions of the service in general if you have used it...considering it's 4 times as expensive as Eurolines but 12 hours faster....

Thanks

Ady

[Bev2007]

Hi

Not quite the answer you were looking for but I did the London-Paris Eurostar then the Paris-Madrid Elipsos sleeper this Summer, just me and my 8 yo daughter.

It was great. Nice ambiance with fellow passengers and the staff were very helpful and efficient. Restaurant car was lovely (I wish I had booked it) and the cafe was nice although busy at peak periods. Im a real scaredy cat but my experience was so positive that yes, I would consider the 4-bunk option if I were on my own.

There is absolutely no way I would do Eurolines - nothing against the service but I love trains. Someone wise once said - there is travel, and there is air transport, but there is no such thing as air travel!! I would extend this to coaches - I had fabulous views that I wouldnt get in 12hrs of motorway....

If you havent seen it, try www.seat61.com for non-flyers. Its my bible now and I am looking at Chicago this year. No planes involved!!

Good luck - have a fab time.

[adydb]

Thank -you very much Bev....totally reassured.

Also thanks for that link, never realised that existed....really appriciate your reply.