There is something magical about train travel. The sound of the wheels moving on the rails, the scenery slowly passing by, and the feeling of actually being on a journey, rather than simply being taken from point A to point B. One of my favorite train journeys is the one from Amsterdam to Barcelona, an adventure of about 12 hours. In this blog post I share my experiences, tips and some highlights of this journey.
Preparation: Starting the journey
I started in Amsterdam, where you will board the Thalys, now better known as the Eurostar, to Paris. But there are many other ways to come to Paris with a train. For example from Cologne, London, and other UK + German destinations. Here you will make your first major transfer: from Gare du Nord to Gare de Lyon. Although this is only a short journey through Paris, it is crucial to prepare yourself well.
The transfer: Gare du Nord to Gare de Lyon
Gare de Lyon is one of the largest and busiest train stations in Paris. The station is a maze of different platforms and tracks, and it can be overwhelming if you don't know exactly where you're going. A top tip: explore the station in advance or check the maps online. Make sure you know which platform your train is leaving from, so you don't have to rush at the last minute.
If you don't feel like stressing, consider extending your trip by spending a night in Paris. Not only will this give you the chance to explore this beautiful city, but it will also ensure you arrive relaxed and on time. your next train. Check out our sustainable guide to Paris.
The ride: Paris to Barcelona
Once at Gare de Lyon, you board the TGV to Barcelona. The ride is a real pleasure, with comfortable seats, reasonably good WiFi, and beautiful views of the French countryside. The WiFi connection on the TGV is generally better than that on your mobile, although it can occasionally experience some delays. This remains the case until you approach the border with Spain, where the connection often drops in the last hour of the journey.
The French railways are at least clear about the CO2 savings compared to flying:
Highlights along the way: Spotting flamingos
One of the surprising highlights of the journey is the section between Perpignan and Narbonne. Here, if you are lucky, you can spot flamingos in the marshes along the route. This unexpected natural phenomenon adds an extra touch of magic to your journey and makes for a beautiful memory.
Helpful tips: Avoid unexpected obstacles
Travelling on the TGV is generally smooth, but sometimes you can encounter minor inconveniences. For example, during one of my journeys I had to deal with a power outage at my seat, which meant I could not charge my phone or laptop. This can be a bit of a nuisance, especially on a long journey, so make sure you bring a power bank or look for other places on the train where you can find power.
The toilets on the TGV are generally clean, and I experienced few delays during this journey. On the way back I had a bit of a delay on the Eurostar back to Amsterdam, but overall this itinerary is very reliable.
Conclusion: A relaxing and adventurous journey
The train journey from Amsterdam to Barcelona is a great experience, especially if you want to enjoy the journey itself and take your time to enjoy the scenery. If you don't want to take any chances with connections or just want more time to explore Paris, consider an extra night. It will extend your adventure and make the journey even more enjoyable.
This journey is recommended for anyone who loves adventurous train journeys. Take your time, enjoy the views, and let the train take you to your final destination: beautiful Barcelona.
- Check out sustainable tips for Barcelona
- Book train tickets to Barcelona
