My research is showing that train travel between Barcelona and Paris is going to be about 9 hours with at least a couple of changes. I'm surprised by this, thought it would be quicker and direct. Am I missing something?
Posted by
Florida (previously California)
3992 posts
The trip can take around 6 1/2 hours. But there are only 2 trains per day most of the year and 4 trains per day in the summer. Look at http://www.seat61.com/Paris-to-Barcelona-by-TGV-train.htm#.VsqVEZMrKT8 for more details.
Posted by
Paris
10213 posts
and this service that JHK mentions only started last year! (or maybe in 2014)
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15791 posts
Use the German train website - it's good for schedules for most of Europe - bahn.de
Posted by
Chicago
8560 posts
This is a trip that is cheaper and faster by budget airline.
Posted by
Bethesda, Maryland
14 posts
My wife and I traveled from Barcelona to Paris by train October 2014. The trip was approximately 6 1/2 hours and did not involve any changes of train. It was a very nice trip and I would recommend it as a way of traveling from center city to center city. Flying would be faster, but personally I find this train trip more relaxing. My recollection is that we made the reservations via Capitan Train and it was a smooth process - I'd check their web site for current information.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Perhaps you were looking too far in advance, or maybe using Rome2rio, which can be less precise. How to Look Up Train Schedules and Routes Online gives you tips for using the afore-mentioned DB train schedule link. All schedules are published through June 11 and this particular route is published through August, at the moment. To buy a ticket, you could compare prices at Capitaine Train and Rail Europe; voyages-sncf gives some people credit card trouble; tickets are cheaper with advance purchase.