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How to Travel to Spain by Train

Barcelona train tracks.
Barcelona train tracks.
Photo Credit: Stock.xchng

Vacations provide a time to sit back, relax and take in the sites. Traveling to Spain by train allows visitors to do that very thing. The Eurail connects 20 European countries together by rail and saves visitors time, money and the hassle of navigating unfamiliar roads. Once vacationers reach Spain, they have several options for traveling around Spain by train.

From Quick Guide: Foreign Train Travel Tutorial
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Eurail pass
  1. Step 1

    Purchase a Eurail pass. The number of countries individuals plan to visit and the length of time they stay in Europe determines the type of Eurail pass they should purchase. The Global Pass allows for travel between 20 participating European countries, including Spain, and starts at $620. Individuals should consider regional passes that allow for travel between Spain and one other country--France, Italy or Portugal. The passes vary in price depending on the region selected.

  2. Step 2

    Ride the Eurostar when traveling from Britain. The Eurostar runs through the Chunnel, connecting England and France. From France, connect on several Eurail trains traveling to Spain.

  3. Step 3

    Fly to a European city. From any worldly destination, air travel to Europe is possible. Then, travel across various countries, including Spain, by train. For these visitors, it's recommended to book train tickets in advance to prevent delays in travel plans. Reservations can be made online, up to six months in advance in some cases.

  4. Step 4

    Select a train in Spain. Once travelers arrive in Spain there are several types of trains to choose for travel around the country itself. Here are a few types of trains in Spain: Talgos: These trains only stop in major cities and are extremely fast; Rapidos: daytime long-distance inter-regional trains, which travel at normal speeds; Estrellas: These trains are the same as the Rapidos, but travel at night; and there are several high-speed train lines between major Spanish cities.

  5. Step 5

    Understand Spanish train stations. Spanish train stations can be fast-paced and confusing places. The lines to purchase tickets can be long so arrive early. Customers often must first grab a number to hold their place in line. Make sure you know which ticket window will sell you a ticket to your destination. It's also handy to know a few common phrases: "de ida solo" means one way or "de ida y vuelta" means round trip.

Tips & Warnings
  • As with most travel, there is always the possibility of delays so patience is key. Try an overnight train when traveling a long distance. Train tickets may cost a little more, but you save the cost of a hotel room.
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