Traveling from Madrid to Paris

Virginia Also consider a discount airline which are often cheaper than the train. Try skyscanner.com for discount airlines. Very cheap if you can get them early. But read the FINE PRINT. Many restrictions for luggage, including, number of pieces, weight and size. Penalties extreme. Initial prices are teasers as you must go all the way to the end to find the price. Still good deals and perfectly adequate airlines. An AVE train if available would require a reservation and have limited seats if you are using a Eurail Pass. Also read previous threads on pros and cons of night trains. Good luck! Bobbie

I thought I remember reading that the high-speed rail connection work was only just beginning. So I doubt it'll be up and running this year. Your options are an overnight train or a short flight. I'd pick the latter.