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Elipsos overnight train from Barcelona to France

Posted by (Chicago, IL, USA) on

I've been trying to figure out how to best get from Barcelona to France--originally I was going to take the overnight train, but I can't seem to book a reservation through raileurope.com. Looking at other forums and sites seem to suggest I should book through the Spanish rail site, but I seem to be unable to book a reservation as a passholder. I'm unclear about whether the overnight Elipsos ride from Barcelona to France requires a reservation as a passholder, or whether it requires a regular point to point ticket. If the former, what's the best way to book this? If the latter, do you all think it's worth just flying?

Thanks! Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Posted by
4555 posts

Yes, you will need a reservation, even as a passholder (most fast and overnight trains require reservations now) plus you will have to pay a supplement for sleeping accommodations. On the main RailEurope site, there is a link on the right side labelled "Reservations for passholders." Click on that and you'll be able to see the various extra fees and accommodations available on the overnight train. IF you get an error, you may be booking too far out.A second-class bunk in a four-bunk compartment will cost you an extra $140...a reclining seat will be $70. And passholder reservations are limited, and may be sold out on popular trains, depending on when you're travelling.
Frankly, if you haven't purchased your pass, consider point to point tickets. From the Spanish rail website, the same bunk is just under $200, all in.
Or, if you already have your pass, and want to save a day of it, fly. Check whichbudget.com and skyscanner.net for the best fares....but watch the baggage limits and check-in regulations, and try to avoid Ryanair, which doesn't fly from Barcelona proper to Paris proper.

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