I have three 30 day Eurail Passe's, going Paris-Madrid for me and my two grown kids, tried to book the overnight train, nothing available. Next choice is to take advantage of our global pass and book for long day trip vs. paying 225 euro taking Easyjet and get there quick. Any advice on what to do?
Posted by
Glendale, Ca, USA
20 posts
Take the train. Easy jet are a cheap airline with heavy restrictions on baggage the train is a very pretty route
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
The Paris-Madrid overnight train only runs certain days of the week. Be sure to check a different day if your schedule is a little flexible. You're other overnight train option is to go to Barcelona and then take the AVE to Madrid.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
According to the timetables on the German Rail site, the direct Paris-Madrid night train runs every day. You may be trying to book too far in advance. What is your travel date?
Posted by
Halifax
110 posts
Cliff...all things being equal, personally I'd take the plane. I've flown EJ lots of times. Good airline..as long as you are aware of the restrictions on baggage, check-in etc. After a "certain" age those loooong train trips dont hold quite the same charm as they did back in the day..
Posted by
Texan in CA
4415 posts
Someone else today on this Helpline is in a bind because she can't get the sleeping arrangement she wants, and you really need to reserve from the USA from (probably) Rail Europe, PLUS add in the fees/S&H, so that you don't get there and have no place to sleep...as you've already discovered. UNLESS you think you'll enjoy the 'day off' by taking the day-long train ride...eek! Those airline tickets don't look so badly now...Can you break up your trip into 2 or even 3 days? There's certainly lots in between Paris and Madrid...
Posted by
OP
Tampa, Fl, Usa
7 posts
Thanks all for the helpful comments. I decided to do the overnight train and reserved a 4 person cabin for me and my two sons. Really looking forward to the experience...never done this before. Now the only question is will I actually be able to sleep...thanks again the the comments.
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
Interesting info Tim about the Paris-Madrid running daily now. Didn't use to be that way even less than a couple years ago. So perhaps they have upgraded their service.