HELP! Train-hotel Granada to Barcelona

Call me crazy, but I would much rather spend 7.5 to 8 hours in the daylight on the train from Granada to Barcelona than 11+ hours at night. I checked the DB Bahn website and also discovered that although there is a hotel train that doesn't require changing trains, there still are multiple stops in towns along the way during the middle of the night. Having done something similar before, sleeping was practically impossible. Check the DB Bahn website at http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en for routes and times. Be sure to click on the arrows so that you can see the Intermediate Stops and Show Map so you can see the routes offered. If it was me, I'd go in the daylight and take the route that goes straight from Cordoba to Zaragoza thereby avoiding going through Madrid. It takes a little less time, there is different scenery and there are different little towns along the way.

That leg is much better served by air. Check out Vueling or some of the other cheap airlines.

I know about the stops, the problem is because of our itinerary we have no choice... =-)

Another vote to fly. It just makes more sense all around.

But if you do choose to take the train, there is no fear or worry about safety. I've taken many overnight trains all over Europe and though the quality varies, safety and security was never an issue. People in your cabin tend to be either friendly or at least polite. The cabin doors lock and each person is given a key. There will be a diner or club car where you can hang out together or just stand in the aisle until bedtime.

The issue with multiple stops is that they can interrupt your sleep - at least what little sleep you do get. I actually find that I sleep best when the train is stopped, but there can be quite a bit of noise from station stops and the stop-and-go motions will startle most people awake.

Also for pricing, be sure to check the RENFE site - NOT RailEurope, which typically charges far more and doesn't provide the steep early purchase discounts.

i took that train 10 yrs ago and there wasn't any common area for jus sitting together. it's pretty safe travel so I wouldn't worry about it, you can lock the compartment. theft is more a real problem on night trains than anything else.

Veronica,

A long overnight train journey with somewhat "mixed" sleeping arrangements is probably going to be a bit of an ordeal. Even the direct hotel train is ~11 hours and stops at least eight times during the night. One of the day trains has a travel time of 7H:40M on that route, and that's probably the method I'd use, but you indicated that you wouldn't be able to travel during the day.

Even with the usual airport hassles, a budget flight would be an easier solution, and may also be cheaper. For example, Vueling appears to have three flights a day on that route, with a flight time of 1H:25M and prices currently as low as €44.99 PP. That would be an efficient use of your holiday time.

Happy travels!