I will be taking the high speed train from Paris to Irun, Spain and then a bus to Bilbao.
I have read the descriptions on the website on the differences in the classes. Does anyone have direct experience of either comfort or second class? The monetary difference is $42.
Thanks for your help.
Hi,
For a trip of several hours on the TGV, I would suggest going 1st class. My experience is that 1st class on the TGV is well worth it. I've done a 5 hour TGV trip, one way 1st class, the other way 2nd class. Choose 1st.
I took the train from Perpignan, France to Paris and sprung for first class. A couple of weeks earlier I was on the very same train from Barcelona to Perpignan. On that train I was in second class. Frankly I preferred the second class trip, where we had 2 seats facing forward with drop down tables like on an airplane. In first class we were at a table with me and my friend on one side and a couple on the other side. The woman sat across from me and for the entire 6 hour trip had her feet stretched out and in my space. They spoke German, and I don't. Before making a decision you might want to see how the seats are configured.
I took the TGV from Paris to Nice (5-1/2 hrs) in 2nd class and I found it very comfortable, better than economy coach on an airplane. I'd have to say in general I'm not a "1st class" traveler, and so far all of the 2nd class trains I've taken in Europe were just fine, so I would not pay extra for 1st class (unless maybe it was only $5 more). You may feel differently and it may be worth it to you - it's a personal choice.
I almost always travel 2nd class and it's fine, gets there at the same time. You can walk around, go to the cafe car, just as in first. The difference in comfort is not like it is on a plane.
If you can afford $42, go for first class. But second class is fine too.
55,
whatever you do, once you settle on board that nice train, take a look see at the other class car.
themaninseat61 may have pics too.
happy trails.
With 2 people, the single seats that face each other across a table in 1st class are very comfortable. I'd spend the $42.
Thanks everyone for all your help.
I have decided to go first class.
Thanks again.
Be sure to pick the right seats then, according to your preferences. TGV trains have parallel double seats, facing seats with tables and single aligned seats.
This is a follow up to my original question. We will be arriving in Irun from Paris by train and then by the Alsa bus to Bilbao. The train arrives in Irun at 1:24 PM and the Alsa bus departs at 1:45 PM. Is that enough time to catch the bus? What if the train is late. Does anyone have any experience with the Alsa bus? Should I buy these tickets now online or at the station? I realize I can take the next bus but cannot glean enough info from their website to know exactly what to do. Thanks
