We are going to Madrid, Spain for our vacation initially then meeting up with family in Lisbon, Portugal. We are thinking of going the overnight train from Madrid-Lisboa. Any suggestions regarding this? We noticed a lot of the airlines have restrictions for bags and flying has become fairly time consuming and stressful. Any suggestions for train vs. plane to Lisbon?
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16397 posts
My sister and her husband are in Portugal now and we looked into this a few months before the went. The price for the Trenhotel, in a first class compartment for two, is 104,80 euro each. They found a Lufthansa flight that was much less and does not have the baggage restrictions and add-on fees like the budget airlines, so they just did that. But if you would like the night train idea, and consider that it offsets the price of one hotel night, it is a pretty attractive option. You go from city center to city center, so do not have to hassle with transport to and from the airport, and security, etc. I always prefer train over plane once we arrive at our destination in Europe.
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
There is very limited train service between Spain and Portugal. Apart from the overnight train there's one daytime route that takes all day and needs two changes, one with a very long wait. There was a direct high speed route under construction, but construction in Portugal has now ended due to financial problems. I'd fly.
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
I've taken the train and it is standard fare for overnight trains. Yes you save the hotel but you rarely sleep well and I find myself very sluggish, gurbby and tired the next day. There are typically lots of cheap airfare options, even if you pay extra for luggage. If I did it again, I'd fly.