In August, we are hoping to take the night train from Granada to Barcelona, staying in a private (2 bed) compartment. From my research online, I've been unable to tell whether this night train is still operating. Generally, it appears that Spain is phasing out night trains. Does anyone have information on this route?
Thank you.
This month, it is operating 6 days per week to May 29. Many summer schedules are not yet published past June 13, but the fact that this one is not published for early June, either, feels like a bad sign. I also see a news item that the overnight Estrella service between Madrid and Barcelona has been withdrawn already. Daytime summer trains to/from Granada are also affected by construction on the line, with a bus replacing part of the train ride.
We took this train when we visited Spain two years ago. A word of advice. Check the time on your tickets. We pre-purchased the tickets and somewhere along the way (timezone change? I'm not sure) we got the departure time wrong. We missed the train and had to pay a taxi to speed us to the next station. One hour and 100 euro later but we made it to the station with 5 minutes to spare. Thank goodness it's a slow train. It's a trip my kids will never forget.
As for the train itself, we paid for the private cabins. It comes with a dinner served in a dining car right after you leave Granada. The cabins are small. If you are a light sleeper this is not for you. This is not a high speed train but a local. It stops a dozen times along the way. The multiple stops, noise and slow speed make for a jerky ride.
If you have never taken a night train (we never had) it's a fun experience. I'm not sure I'd do it again. You arrive in the morning in Barcelona ready to go and the extra cost of the sleeper car is offset (somewhat) by the savings in one nights hotel room.
Enjoy!
I now find the Trenhotel available to purchase from Renfe for travel dates through June 29. If they are thinking of cancelling, they may just release smaller groups of dates, e.g. about a month at a time.
I know this post was from a few months ago, but were you able to book a night train for this month? I am going to Spain at the beginning of October and can't figure out how to travel from Granada to Barcelona and was hoping the night train was still an option (trying to see 4 cities in 8 days - Madrid --> Seville --> Granada --> Barcelona)
Thanks!
^^ FLY! Honestly, it is a short flight and with such limited time - that is what is more valuable to you. You certainly don't want to spend an entire day fighting fatigue because you didn't sleep overnight on a train.
Definitely considered that. I'm just nervous about the local airlines - are they reliable? I definitely need to check the luggage limitations (though I would have had to do that with the train, as well). I agree that flight would probably be the most convenient!
After much research, I have been informed that this train is not running now due to construction. It may be up again in October.
Fly Vueling - very nice option to fly from GRX
News notes published by the folks at European Rail Timetable have finally (now, in the September edition) noted that this night train is suspended due to construction, along with Valencia-Barcelona daytime Talgo services. They indicate that construction is likely to continue until December 2015, and as usual, there are also rumors that the night train may not return.
Yes, the same happened with other night trains (ie Barcelona-Madrid), these slow night trains were substituted by fast speed day trains, so I'm also inclined to think the night train won't come back.
