Travel from Paris to Spain

Because France and Spain border each other, many travelers choose to take a detour from Paris and visit various sites in Spain, their southwestern neighbour. Paris is a major European hub with a variety of transportation options, and given the multitude of destinations in Spain there are many ways to make the trip. This guide will provide steps for getting from Paris to Spain via plane, rail, bus, or car. Details about the main modes of transportation are provided, as well as tips for lowering the cost of your trip.

Steps

Plane travel

  1. Search online for flights from all three of Paris' major airports: Charles de Gaulle, Paris-Orly, and Le Bourget.
  2. Seek flights that go to the major airports of Spain.
    • The following three go to some of Spain's major cities and will allow you to see the main regions of the country: Barajas (Madrid), El Prat (Barcelona), San Pablo (Seville).
  3. Book your flight months in advance and look for special holiday or vacation rates. Budget flights, especially from Le Bourget, can cost 50€ (USD $60) or less.
  4. Prepare for a short flight. All plane travel from Paris to Spain lasts between one and two hours.

Rail travel

  1. Consult train schedules and fares on the websites of the following companies: Eurostar, Inter Rail, Rail Europe, Eurail (for non-European citizens) and Renfe (the Spanish rail system).
  2. Decide between classes of rail travel.
    • The T.G.V is the French fast-rail system, which will result in a fast, more expensive trip. The Trenhotel is a luxury line from Paris to Madrid (the Francisco de Goya line) or Barcelona (the Joan Mir line). Slower, cheaper lines abound. Rates cost around 100–500€ (USD $110–550).
  3. Design a system of connections to get to different destinations in Spain.
    • You can either transfer in the primary destinations from Paris, Madrid and Barcelona, or seek out transfers in southern French cities like Montpelier.
  4. Purchase a combined France and Spain rail pass that allows extended rail travel in the two countries if you wish to do more than a one-way journey.

Bus travel

  1. Consult bus schedules and fares on the sites of Eurolines or Alsa.
  2. Decide whether you want to take a direct bus or transfer in southern France or northern Spain.
    • For reference, a bus between Paris and Madrid takes about 16 hours. For smaller cities, it is advisable to take one long bus ride to Madrid or Barcelona and then transfer.
  3. Purchase tickets online in advance or at the bus station before your departure.
  4. Bus rates will generally not increase as departure approaches, and should be less than 100€ (USD $110). Many buses sell out days in advance.

Car travel

  1. Follow the E6 to the E50 to the A10 for destinations in the west of Spain and for Madrid. Follow the A10 to Bordeaux, then take the A63 to the border.
    • For destinations in the east of Spain and for Barcelona, follow the E6 to the E50 to the A10 to the E9. Follow the E9 to Toulouse, then take the A61 to the A9. Follow the A9 to the border.
  2. Expect at least 9–10 hours of driving time to get to the border.

Tips

  • When deciding how to travel from Paris to Spain, understand that plane travel is the most efficient, and often the cheapest, way to travel. Rail travel is often more comfortable (and picturesque) but considerably more expensive. Bus travel takes longest, may be cheapest, and often allows for greater flexibility in destination. Car travel allows the most control, but costs may increase with gas prices.

Things You'll Need

  • Travel itinerary
  • Ticket for plane travel, rain travel, or bus travel
  • Car (optional)

Related Articles

  • Travel in the South of France
  • Prepare for a Trip to Paris

Sources and Citations

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