We’ll be traveling from Paris to Barcelona and are trying to decide if we should fly or take a train. We’d love to take in the view while on a train but didn’t know how comfortable and accommodating a train would be. Has anyone on here done this and would you recommend it? Tips, advice?
Thanks,
Damien
Info about this route, from an independent source, here: https://www.seat61.com/Paris-to-Barcelona-by-TGV-train.htm
That is a good site for info on train travel generally, lots of detail.
TGV's are very comfortable. The direct trains take 6 1/2 hours, not much longer than flying when you consider travel time to and from the airports, check-in, security, boarding, etc.
The TGV train is relatively new to that route, but it is the way to go. It's a really nice ride in between these two great cities, and it takes you center city to center city.
We did it and loved it. We bought first class tickets which gave us more room and a few perks. The difference in cost was small compared to our overall trip expenses. Second class looked OK but for this length a trip first class was worth it. Flying: between getting to the airport early, security, potential flight delays, transportation from the airport, you’ll eat up nearly all of the time you’d spend sipping a glass of wine on the train, watching Provence go by. Train is a slam dunk.
When I took this train two years ago it was 20 cars long, all of them double-decker. The top deck will certainly provide a vista of views. It's fast and efficient and the only problem is that the amount of room for storing bigger suitcases is somewhat tight.
Thank you all for your replies! Sounds like we’re taking that train!
