Thank you in advance for your help. We're trying to finalize an itinerary for our two-week, first-ever trip to Europe, starting in Madrid, going to Granada, then to Barcelona, and finally onto Paris. I've been leaning heavily in favor of the Eurail France-Spain Pass, and I think I understand correctly that we'll need to make/pay for seat reservations. Can the rail pass be purchased now, and the seat reservations booked at a future date? We're planning to arrive at our first stop (Madrid) at the end of March. I am also interested in an overnight train trip for the leg from Granada to Barcelona. Does anyone see any major issues or flaws with this overall plan? Is all of this even possible? Thank you!
Posted by
Whittington
984 posts
With only three journeys and a fixed itinerary are you quite sure you need a rail pass? Have you done the monetary comparison (if your money matters) against advance purchase discounted print at home tickets? And whatever rail pass you refer to the answers to your queries are in the terms and conditions of use.
Four cities in twelve days (arrival and departure days dismissed) is perfectly possible if you are happy with the pace and the amount of time spent in these cities for what you want, which I would not be.
Posted by
897 posts
I would consider a flight between Granada and Barcelona, 1.5 hours by air vs 7.5 hours by train, cost typically about 70 euro train, 80 euro air. You can check prices and schedules at renfe.com and vueling.com.
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
I agree with the others. Keep in mind a few things. In Spain, you can get very steep discounts by purchasing advance tickets. You do so directly from RENFE about 3 months in advance. The sooner you buy, the more likely discounted tickets are still available but for a trip in March, before the heavy tourist season, you should still be able to get them. (when using the RENFE website to buy tickets, use the Paypal option to purchase)
I also highly recommend flying from Granada to Barcelona. Few people actually sleep much on overnight trains and I find I often lose much of the next day to grogginess. Cheap flights can be readily had for that flight.
The French rail service SCNF limits seat reservations to EuroRail pass holders. So there is a real danger that you won't get a reservation for the train to Paris that you want, especially if you wait.
Seat reservations can be made at any rail station.
Add up the math between the two and decide. Passes used to be a great deal, but rarely are anymore.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
If your only trip within France is the direct Barcelona-Paris TGV, then you can do that with just a Spain rail pass and a $34 TGV seat reservation. I would add both in the same online shopping cart now before checking out, in order to be sure you get what you need. The Spanish trains also require paid reservations, and can sell out, though not as quickly as the TGV spots will sell.
Posted by
OP
Michigan
5 posts
This is extremely helpful. Gives me another way to look at things. I really appreciate your help. I look forward to coming back and paying it forward! Thanks!
Posted by
Whittington
984 posts
Thanks for the thanks.