How to Book Train Travel From Madrid to Barcelona

Combining a modern city with ancient and medieval architecture and mixing in a lively nightlife, history and Spanish culture, the cheer of Barcelona greets travelers. Read on to learn how to book train travel from Madrid to Barcelona.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Passport

Book Your Train Tickets

1. Book your tickets online via the RailEurope Web site. See the Resources section below for a link. You can also call (888) 382-RAIL to reserve seats.
2. Survey all rail package deals to determine which package will fit your itinerary best and offer you the most cost-effective deals.
3. Seek out group discounts if you are traveling with friends.
4. Look for any youth discounts offered to those under the age of 26 when you book your train travel from Madrid to Barcelona.
5. Consider a sleeper car instead of a hotel. This will give you more time to explore in the daytime.
6. Outline for yourself all the cities, areas and countries you want to visit prior to researching rail packages and booking train travel from Madrid to Barcelona.

Tips for the Train Station

7. Research which of the two main train stations (estacios) you will need to depart Madrid from before you book your train travel from Madrid to Barcelona.
8. Find the information booth by looking for the big small case letter 'I.'
9. Look to see if you must take a number for service before you stand in line for information or tickets.
10. Determine from the electronic information boards which platform (Via) your train will be departing from.

Discover Barcelona

11. Select which of the two main train stations (estacios) in Barcelona, the Estacio Sants or the Estacio Franca, you wish to arrive in when you book your trip to Barcelona.
12. Understand that Barcelona is a bilingual city speaking both Castillian Spanish and the more local dialect of Catalan.
13. Time your travel to enjoy the many festivals. The Festes de la Merce in September is the largest and takes place over a period of four days.

Tips & Warnings

• Book travel arrangements online to take advantage of loyalty programs that offer bonuses and discounts.
• Barcelona is a crowded city and tourists are warned to be aware of their surroundings and to be particularly on guard against pickpockets.

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