Two questions:
1. I can buy a rail ticket (with couchette) over the internet for an overnight train in November from Madrid to Lisbon for $250 from EuroRail. Does EuroRail attach a big markup or will the price be the same if I buy it in Spain?
Thanks.
I'd suggest you carefully reconsider whether this "hotel train" is a wise choice. I haven't taken it myself, but everything I've ever read about it says it's an overpriced and very inefficient way to get between Madrid and Lisbon, and everyone (including Rick Steves) says not to waste your time and money on it.
It's true that there are no good, direct, timely trains between Madrid and Lisbon. But there are discount airlines that fly this route every day for shockingly low fares. You could fly and spend the savings on a nice hotel (a REALLY nice hotel) and have more time to actually enjoy in either city.
Do what makes sense for you, but if all the experts are saying this "hotel train" is a bad option, I'd listen to what they were saying.
