Have you taken the night train from Hendaye to Paris? How did you like it? Do you recommend the "Freedom" (Couchette) over the "Economy" (Reclining Seats)? In mid-June the times are shown as a 10pm departure, arriving 7am at Austerlitz.
Posted by
OP
Honolulu, HI, USA
408 posts
The concern is that, with only two traveling, we would be sharing the compartment/area with two others ... unknown entities. We've heard bad experiences -- disruptions from coming & going, etc. For the extra price (which is quite a big difference, looking at the price/schedule on RailEurope) it almost seems like the reclining seats (airline like) might not be that bad. We are also looking at the 8a.m.-ish departure from Hendaye, but aren't sure about making the connection that early, given a start from San Sebastian.
Posted by
CA, USA
333 posts
We considered taking this train from San Sebastian to Paris in May but we've found out over the years that long journey train travel is a bit overrated. (That could be because we have had some rotten luck with them).
We decided to fly instead from Biarritz to Orly via Air France for 50 euro pp. It was significantly cheaper than the train even considering the cost of a room for the night.
Posted by
OP
Honolulu, HI, USA
408 posts
Thanks for the pointer to Air France. They have several flights a day. Do you recall how long it took you to get from San Sebastian to Biarritz?
Posted by
CA, USA
333 posts
We haven't done it yet, I'll tell you on June 1st how it went :)
From what I have heard it is a fairly easy trip taking about 1.5 hours but requires a train switch.
San Seabstian Amara station take Euskotren ("Topo") train to Hendaye (40 minutes)
Take SNCF train from Hendaye Biarritz La Negresse to Biarritz LN(about 35 minutes). Station supplies timetables.
Take no. 9 bus to airport from Biarritz La Négresse rail station (6 minutes).
Total cost of legs 1, 2 & 3 is EUR 7,80 (September 2009 prices).
Seems fairly straight forward (knock on wood). We are taking the 14:00 flight out so it should give us plenty of time.
If anyone else has made this journey let us know if the info sounds correct.