Hello,
Quick version: plan on flying into Paris for a few days, then heading to Barcelona for a few days followed by a Mediterranean cruise.
I know train rides can be scenic, but I can't find anything describing the train between Paris and Barcelona and I'm wondering if it is a nice/scenic ride or if I'm better off simply flying. Thank you for any help for this first timer!
The Man in Seat 61 has a lot of pictures and even a video. With the train being almost as quick as the plane, I wouldn't hesitate. Trains are so much more comfortable and don't have all the hassle with getting to and from airports, check-ins, security, etc.
We flew Paris to Barcelona on Vueling Airlines for a good price. It gave us more time to enjoy both cities.
That is a great video - as well as being full of tips and thoughts. EXACTLY the kind of information I'd hoped to find when posting here so thank you for sharing!!
for those who prefer plane - if you have a preferred/favorite airline would love to hear it. Time wise (including time to get to airport vs train station which is near our hotel, lines to check bags, etc) the train didn't seem to be significantly longer hence the reason I was considering both.
What I like about High Speed train rides is the contrasts of different areas. Compare the Mediterranean browns of Spain (~2 mins. 45 into the video) and hot dry-climate parched trees (~3m05) with salt-lake étangs of the French Mediterranean coast (~3m55) and the green fields and bushier trees (admittedly leafless in winter) further north near Paris (~6m00).
This is one of those 'it really depends' kinda questions.
The plane is probably best if time and cost are your considerations. Easyjet from Orly is a good choice.
But if you are in the mood, and feel like a leisurely train journey, then the service is now great over this route - 6.5 hours. (I don't think the scenery is a particular selling point however).
Mary,
Although the travel times are close between rail and air, I'd still prefer using the high speed trains on that route as the trip will be so much more pleasant. There's a departure from Gare de Lyon at 10:07 arriving Barcelona Sants at 16:34, which is the one I'd use (time 6H:27M). I doubt that a flight is going to be much (if any) faster, will have more hassles and won't be as pleasant. On the train you can have a relaxing lunch in the dining car, or pack along some food and beverages and enjoy while you're watching the world pass by at 300 km/h.
A few things to keep in mind.....
"A train will take over 6 1/2 hours and will cost you more than 200%-400% than Vueling assuming you book rail tickets early."
That's not necessarily true. Depending on when you are traveling and how far in advance you buy them, the train tickets can be as low as €59 ($62). Hardly 200-400% more than €51.99 ($54.61).
I usually have a 6 hr threshold when deciding on train vs plane but for a minor cost/time difference like this I would definitely give up the whole town to airport to town hassle and take a relaxing town center to town center train ride through the countryside.
Importantly, I think, during the peak summer tourist season they run more trains. I checked a bunch of random summertime dates, and almost all of them had some €59 or €69 fares available. A few dates in late June even have fares as cheap as €39 or €49.
Mrs EB, I used a dummy date in June since the OP didn't say when they were traveling. I use the SNCF website: https://en.voyages-sncf.com/en/
I am so glad I asked this question- I'm going in just over a year from now (simply trying to narrow down plans so I know what to watch for/track/etc) and thanks to the link with train video and since the place we'd stay is near the train station (possibly walkable) vs adding travel time to get to airport as well as needing to be there hours ahead I am definitely going to keep my eye on the train! You are such a helpful bunch here. Learning a lot already and I've only just begun! Thank you!
