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What do I need to travel to Spain? Latest documents and entry requirements explained for your holiday

Everything you need to know to make sure your trip goes smoothly, article bookmarked.

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Whether discovering the capital in Madrid or relaxing on a sun lounger in the Balearics, Spain has long been a favourite holiday destination for Brits.

Before the pandemic, over 18 million Britons visited Spain each year. In 2017, the number of UK tourists flocking to the Iberian country hit a 10-year high of 18.81 million.

Spain was hit particularly hard by the pandemic, with the seventh-highest number of confirmed cases on the Continent.

Since Covid, the number of British holidaymakers has steadily climbed, from 4.3 million in 2021 to 15.1 million last year. With arrivals in 2023 likely to climb closer to – if not above – pre-Covid levels, potential visitors to Spain should be aware of any entry restrictions that the Spanish government has in place.

We’ve rounded up all the necessary information for anyone travelling to the country, so that you can make sure your next trip goes as smoothly as possible.

Can you travel to Spain unvaccinated?

Despite stringent rules in 2021 and throughout much of last year, Spain has lifted all Covid-related travel restrictions, according to the UK government website. This means you can enter the country even if you haven’t received a single dose of the vaccine. Spain does not require a negative PCR test result or proof of recovery.

The rules are the same for those transiting through Spain and entering through a land border.

Read more on Spain travel :

• The ultimate Spain travel guide: Everything you need to know
• Why Spain makes for the perfect flight-free destination
• Spain’s best holiday destinations to visit in 2023

Do you need a booster to travel to Spain?

While boosters were originally needed towards the end of the pandemic, the lifting of restrictions means that you do not require proof of a vaccine or a booster when entering Spain. There are also no specific requirements for children and young people.

What documents do I need to travel to Spain?

While Covid restrictions may have been removed, Brexit-related issues means there are several other important things to know before your trip abroad.

As alwasy, you need a passport to visit Spain, but the validity rules have changed post-Brexit. Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before the date on which you are entering Spain, so check the ‘date of issue’ before travel.

In addition, your passport must be valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave the EU. Check the expiry date before travel.

You can stay in Spain – and any other country within the Schengen Zone – without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. To stay longer, for example for work or study reasons, you need to meet the Spanish government’s entry requirements. Check with the Spanish Consulate in London .

When entering and exiting the Schengen Zone through Spain, make sure that your passport is stamped by border guards, as these stamps are used to keep track of the time you’ve spent in the country. Relevant evidence for proving when you entered and exited the country includes boarding passes or flight tickets.

Additional documents you may need for travel to Spain

Sometimes, visitors to Spain will need to provide other documents at the border. Most commonly, guards may ask you for your reasons for entering the country and how long you plan on staying (and if relevant, what your plans are for an onward journey). You may need to show a valid onward ticket or a return ticket.

You may also be asked to prove that you have enough money for your stay. The required amount is roughly €108 per person per day with a minimum of €900 in total. Anyone asked can use cash, cheques, traveller’s cheques or bank account statements as proof of funds.

The Spanish border force might also ask to see proof of the accommodation for your stay. This could be a confirmation of your hotel booking, or proof of address if visiting a property that belongs to you or a friend or relative.

Read more of our reviews of the  best Spanish hotels

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Spain's official tourism website

• UPDATED ENTRY REQUIREMENTS TO SPAIN FOR UK RESIDENTS
• Entry requirements to include negative COVID-19 test or complete vaccination programme
• Updated 14 July 2021, the diagnostic test illustrating a negative result for the presence of an active COVID-19 infection (NAAT type, e.g TMA, PCR, LAMP & NEAR) must be completed within 72 hours prior to arrival in Spain.

14 July 2021:  From 00.00 on 14 July 2021, the diagnostic test illustrating a negative result for the presence of an active COVID-19 infection (NAAT type, e.g TMA, PCR, LAMP & NEAR) must be completed within 72 hours prior to arrival in Spain.  

This has been updated from the previous entry requirement stating that the diagnostic certificate must illustrate a negative COVID-19 test result (NAAT type, e.g TMA, PCR, LAMP & NEAR)  and have been  issued within 48 hours prior to arrival in Spain. Antigen tests are still not accepted.

30 June 2021: From 00.00h on 2 July 2021, Spain will require arrivals from the United Kingdom to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test or proof of the complete vaccination programme.

Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, announced this measure yesterday in order to protect both residents and visitors, given the rising infection rates in the United Kingdom.

Those who have had the full vaccination programme will need to show a vaccination certificate issued by the competent authorities in the UK (either electronically or in print) at least 14 days from the last vaccination dose (e.g.NHS Covid pass). Accepted vaccines include: Pfizer-Biontech; Moderna; Astra-Zeneca; Jansen/Johnson&Johnson; Sinovac & Sinopharm.

The vaccination certificate must include the following information as a minimum:

• Name and surname of the holder
• Vaccination date, indicating the date of the last dose administered
• Type of vaccine administered
• Number of doses administered / full programme
• Issuing country
• Identification of the issuing body of the vaccination certificate

The diagnostic certificate must illustrate a negative COVID-19 test result (NAAT type, e.g TMA, PCR, LAMP & NEAR) issued within 48 hours of arrival into Spain. Antigen tests will not be accepted.

Children under 12 years old are exempt from the requirement to present a negative COVID test or vaccination certificate when travelling with an adult.

Prior to travelling to Spain, all passengers must also present a QR code which is obtained from filling in the Health Control Form (FCS in Spanish) available via  Spain Travel Health (SpTH).

This new legislation is for UK residents prior to their arrival to the whole of Spain, including the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands, but it´s also important to remember that whilst most of Spain remains on the UK’s amber list for international travel, the Balearic Islands have been added to the green list meaning that visitors arriving to the UK from the Balearic Islands from 04:00 on 30 June will not need to quarantine.

Despite this change in entry requirements, Spain has reinforced the value of its UK visitors and stressed that British guests remain welcome.  

For more information on the travel requirements in Spain, please visit https://travelsafe.spain.info/en/ .

For more information on the travel requirements in Spain, please visit  https://travelsafe.spain.info/en/

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• Consular services

Conditions for entry into Spain

​Please read our FAQs  here​

Nationals of third States who travel to Spain for stays of up to 90 days (during any period of 180 days) for tourism, business, family visits, medical treatment, study, non-work internships or volunteer activities with a duration not exceeding 3 months, or for other non-gainful activities, must meet the entry conditions established in the Schengen Borders Code.

Entry requirements​​ 

• Enter via an authorised border-crossing point.
• Present proof of identity and a valid travel document.
• Present the corresponding visa if required, according to nationality.
• Provide evidence of meeting the conditions for the proposed stay and of possessing sufficient financial resources.
• Not be subject to a ban on entering Spain.  

Documents to present at the border​​  

1. Valid passport or travel document : The document must be valid until three months after the planned date of departure from the Schengen territory, and must have been issued during the ten years immediately before the date of entry. 

2. Visa : For certain nationalities, a valid visa is required. This visa will not be necessary if the interested party has a valid residence permit or a valid long-term visa issued by a Schengen State. 

3. Documents accrediting the purpose and conditions of the planned stay : At the request of the competent authorities, the reasons and conditions of the planned stay must be accredited by documentary proof or other means. To this end, the presentation, among others, of the following documents may be required: 

• Return or tourist circuit ticket, in all cases. 
• For professional trips, the invitation from a company or authority to participate in a meeting, or documents that prove the existence of a relationship associated with professional activity, or access cards to a trade fair or congress. 
• For tourist or private visits, the confirmed reservation of an organized trip, or proof of accommodation, or letter of invitation from a private individual (such a letter only proves the availability of accommodation and does not release the traveller from the obligation to meet the other requirements for entry). The proof of accommodation may indicate whether it includes all or part of the traveller's living expenses. 
• For study trips, training programmes, non-work internships or volunteer work with a duration of less than three months, enrolment documentation or proof of admission to an educational establishment or internship contract or proof of admission to a volunteer programme.  
• For travel for other reasons, an invitation, reservation, programme or certificate of participation in related activities, entrance card/ticket, or receipt. 

Accreditation of financial means​​​  

At the request of the competent authorities, the traveller must present proof of having sufficient financial means for the proposed stay or of the ability to legally obtain such means. 

In 2020, the minimum amount required is 90 euros per person per day. In any case, and regardless of the length of stay, the traveller must have at least 810 euros or its equivalent in foreign currency. 

Economic means may be accredited by presenting cash, traveller's cheques, a credit card accompanied by a bank account statement, an up-to-date bank book, or any other resource that accredits the amount available, such as a credit statement regarding the card or bank account. Bank letters or online bank statements will not be accepted.

Entry authorization​​​  

Authorization to enter Spain may be granted to nationals of third States who have the necessary documentation, including, where appropriate, a visa, and sufficient financial means, and who are not subject to an entry ban and do not pose a danger to public order, the internal or external security of the State, or public health.

Denial of entry​ 

The competent authorities will deny entry to nationals of third States who do not meet the entry requirements or who are subject to an entry ban. Entry may also be denied if, in the previous 180 days, the traveller has exhausted the 90-day period for authorized stay in the Schengen area. 

The denial of entry will be notified by means of a reasoned decision, together with information on the procedure for appealing against this decision, in accordance with Spanish regulations. However, filing an appeal does not suspend the effects of the denial of entry.

Citizens of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, and their family members​​ 

Citizens of the Member States of the European Union, and citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, may enter Spain with their national identity card or with a valid passport. Minors who travel with an identity document and are not accompanied by a parent will need the authorization of one of their parents. 

Family members who are not nationals of a Member State of the European Union or of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland may enter with a valid passport. Depending on their nationality, they may need an entry visa, unless they have a valid residence card as the relative of a European Union citizen.

Relevant legislation 

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Ultimate Guide To Spain Tourist Visa For UK Citizens

Spain has been a melting pot of tourism for many years, a popular country in southern Europe. Spain is one of the most popular destinations in the world. The country is known for its excellent beaches, rich culture, diverse cuisine and famous festivals such as the adrenaline-pumping Running of the Bulls event and the fun La Tomatina. If you plan to visit Spain as a tourist, you may need a Spanish visa. Whether you plan to visit Spain for a short time or stay in Spain for a longer time, in any case, you have to take a very important step, which is to understand what kind of visa you need. “Do I need a visa to enter Spain?” and “Do I need to apply for a Spanish tourist visa?” are the most frequent questions when travelling to Spain. In this blog, you will find all the relevant information about the Spain Schengen Visa UK . Get ready to visit this wonderful country in the European Union! If your trip to Spain does not include tourism-related activities, you must apply for a different type of visa. Let’s understand everything about Spain’s Tourist Visa in more detail.

What is a Spain Tourist Visa?

A Spanish permits you to travel to Spain for tourist activities such as holidays, sightseeing and learning about living in Spain. This short-term travel document allows you to travel to Spain and other Schengen countries for tourist purposes.

What documents do I need to apply for a Spain Schengen Tourist Visa in the UK?

You must submit several documents to process your Spain Visa Application. The following are the required Spanish Tourist Visa documents when applying for the  Schengen Tourist Visa in the UK.

Here is the list of Spain Tourist Visa documents that you must submit while applying for a Visa Application :

• A Valid Passport or a Travel document
• A Valid UK residency permit or another valid ID proof
• A digital Photograph & Biometric fingerprints
• A Passport-Sized Photograph
• Schengen Travel & Medical Insurance
• Proof of Accommodation
• Proof of a Financial Substance
• Proof of Travel arrangements

When Should I Apply For a Spainish Tourist Visa?

According to the Spanish Short Stay visa rules, the application can be submitted no earlier than six months before the planned trip to Spain.

How to apply for a Spanish tourist visa?

Applying for a Spain Schengen Visa from the UK can be quite confusing. However, to make things clear & easier, here are the steps to get your Spanish Tourist Visa in the UK:

Step 1: Fill in the Online BLS Spain visa application form

Step 2: We will book your Spain visa appointment with Visa Centre after filing the form

Step 3: Further, you need to visit he Visa Centre for Biometrics and Documentations

Step 4: Get your Tourist Visa & Passport via post

How Long Does It Take To Get a Tourist Visa For Spain?

It usually takes 10-15 working days to process a Spanish tourist visa in the UK so that you can stay there for 90 days, with a maximum of 180 days. However, if all the documents for the Spanish tourist visa are correctly presented, it can be reduced to less than ten days. Depending on the situation, the processing time can take longer if there is an extraordinary case.

Can I Travel to Other Schengen Countries with My Spain Tourist Visa?

You can travel to any other Schengen country with your Spain Tourist Visa during that time. In your application, you must clearly state your plan to travel to other Schengen countries.

You can Visit the following Schengen Member States with your Tourist Visa: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Sweden and Switzerland.

What is the difference between a Single-Entry and a Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa?

A single-entry visa allows holders to enter a Schengen Area only once for a certain period. Once you leave the Schengen Area you entered, the visa validity expires, even if the period allowed to stay there is not over yet. In contrast, a Multiple-entry visa allows its holder to enter and exit the Schengen Area. If you’re still wondering whether Spain is a must-see destination, visit once, and you’ll want to stay here for a lifetime. To visit this beautiful country, apply for Spain Schengen Visa UK today.

To apply for a Spain Tourist Visa from the UK, you need to follow these simple steps: Complete the BLS Spain online visa application We will book your Spanish visa appointment at the Visa Application Centre after completing the form Additionally, you will need to visit a visa centre to obtain your biometrics and documents Get your Spanish tourist visa and passport via post

The essential requirements for a tourist visa to Spain for UK citizens are stated below: – A Valid Passport or a Travel document – A Valid UK residency permit or another valid ID proof – A digital Photograph & Biometric fingerprints – A Passport-Sized Photograph – Schengen Travel & Medical Insurance – Proof of Accommodation – Proof of a Financial Substance – Proof of Travel arrangements

The usual processing time of a Spain tourist visa processing time for a UK citizen takes around 10-15 calendar days. However, submission of all the documents correctly can reduce the time to less than 10 days.

A Spain Tourist Visa allows an individual to stay in Spain for a maximum of 90 days over 180 days. This visa will also allow you to visit other Schengen countries during that time.

You can extend your Spain Tourist Visa only in exceptional cases or emergencies.

Although you can always re-apply for a Spain Visa after a few days of rejection, it may be better to appeal the initial decision within the given time from the date of rejection. You must arrange for the missing information that caused rejection and write an Appeal Letter.

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Spain entry requirements: The travel rules explained and what you need to enter the country

Uk holidaymakers travelling to spain fall under the same rules as other non-eu or non-schengen visitors and could be asked to show proof of accommodation and a return ticket.

British holidaymakers travelling to Spain may be required to prove they have sufficient funds of at least £85 a day per person to enter the country.

Border control could ask arrivals to prove they can cover the cost of their break under new rules introduced by the Spanish ministry.

UK tourists should also have proof of a return or onward travel ticket and evidence of accommodation for the duration of their stay, such as a booking confirmation, proof of address if visiting their own property (such as a second home) or proof of address if staying with friends, family or another third party. These rules apply to all tourists from outside the EU or the Schengen area and came into force on 1 January 2022.

These post-Brexit requirements add to the conditions UK tourists must already meet for travel to Spain , including proof of full vaccination, a negative test or previous infection for all visitors aged 12 or over.

How much must I have available to spend per day and what proof is required?

You may be asked to prove that you have sufficient funds to spend at least £85 (€100) per person, per day, with a minimum of €900 or £762.62, or other equivalent foreign currency.

Tourists may use one of the following as proof of sufficient funds:

• Certified checks
• Traveller’s checks
• Payment letters
• Credit cards, which must be accompanied by bank account statements or an updated bank book (letters from banks or internet bank statements will not be accepted)

Is any other documentation required?

Yes, non-EU tourists may also be asked to show proof of a ticket for return travel or travel to another country after Spain .

Proof of accommodation may also be requested for tourists or for private trips. This could be a booking confirmation, proof of address if visiting your own property (such as a second home), an invitation from your host or proof of their address if staying with family, friends or a third party.

The Spanish Government has confirmed that the “carta de invitation”, which is an official document that must be requested by someone living in Spain who is hosting a non-EU national.

A host can then send this “invitation letter” to their guest who can present the document to border officials as proof of a place to stay while in Spain.

Border force officials are permitted to request the letter if you are staying with family and friends and can deny you entry if you cannot provide it.

All visitors are advised to carry proof of accommodation when visiting.

If you have dual nationality with another EU country or have Spanish citizenship or residency then you will not need to provide a “carta de invitation”

Those travelling to Spain for work may be required to show proof of an invitation from a company or authority or similar.

Are Covid-related entry rules still in place?

Yes, Spain still requires visitors aged 12 or over to present one of the following:

Proof of fully vaccination: travellers aged 18 or over must have received the final dose of a two jab or single jab vaccine at least 14 days and no more than 270 days before travel to Spain; if more than 270 days have past, you will need to have received a booster to be considered fully vaccinated. Travellers aged 12–17 who have received a full course of a vaccine must have had the final dose at least 14 days before travel, but if more than 270 days have passed since the final dose, they do not need to have had a booster to qualify as fully vaccinated.

A negative Covid-19 test result from a PCR taken within 72 hours of departure or an antigen test taken within 24 hours prior to departure.

Proof of having recovered from Covid in the previous six months, such as a medical certificate

Children under 12

Travellers aged 11 or under do not need to show proof of vaccination, a negative test or prior infection for entry.

Do I need to complete any forms?

If you are fully vaccinated and have the NHS Covid pass, then you do not need to complete Spain’s health control form. However, the Spain Travel Health website advises that you check that your certificate is valid at least 72 hours before travel. You can do so by uploading a copy of your form (which you can download from the NHS app) to the website.

If you are not fully vaccinated and therefore do not have an NHS Covid Pass, then you will need to complete Spain’s Health control form .

Under-12s do not need to complete the form.

More from Travel

Do any other rules apply?

Passport stamps

You must have your passport stamps on your entry to and exit from Spain. Border guards use these to check you are complying with the 90-days in any 180-day period visa-free limit for short stays in the Schengen area, which has applied to UK passport holders since the end of the Brexit transition period.

Passport validity

UK passport holders must meet these two requirements, which are independent of one another:

• issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’) 
• valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’) 

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Travel Safe

Information on Brexit for British tourists

How is tourism affected by the end of the transition period?

The following information answers the main questions that may arise on the topic.

Do I need a visa to travel to Spain from the United Kingdom?

No. As of 1 January 2021, UK nationals remain exempt from the requirement to have a visa when crossing the European Union's external borders for short-term stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period). This visa exemption does not provide for the right to work in the Union and is subject to the reciprocity mechanism applicable to third countries.

Will there be any border controls?

As of 1 January 2021, UK nationals travelling to the European Union and the Schengen area are treated as third-country nationals, and therefore subject to thorough checks at the Schengen area border. This means that intended stays in the territory of EU Member States cannot have a duration of more than 90 days in any 180-day period, and UK nationals will have to meet the entry conditions for third-country nationals.

What about travelling with pets?

You may continue to travel with your pets from 1 January 2021, though you will need the British health authorities to issue the corresponding animal health certificate, and you must also enter Spain at one of the airports or ports authorised to this effect. For dogs, cats and ferrets, a valid rabies vaccination certificate must be presented along with the animal health certificate. When returning to the United Kingdom, you will need to carry out the deworming treatment one to five days ahead of the trip. For more information, please see the page of the website of the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Will my British driving licence be recognised in Spain?

From 1 March 2022, driving licences issued by the UK authorities will be valid for driving in Spain for a period of six months. In the case of short trips or tourism, it will be six months running from the date you enter the country. For British citizens resident in Spain, this period runs from the date on which legal residence in the country was obtained. Once this six-month period has transpired, you will need to obtain a Spanish driving licence. British residents who did not apply for the exchange, renewal or extraordinary replacement of their driving licence before 31 December 2020 will have to apply for a new Spanish driving licence. For more information, please consult the on the website of the General Directorate of Traffic.

Will I have access to the Spanish healthcare system?

Yes, the social security coordination protocol of the Trade and Cooperation agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community, for one part, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, for the other, envisages this health cover with the UK European Health Insurance Card (UK EHIC) or the UK Global Health Insurance Card (UK GHIC). Contact the British institution to find out which document supporting your rights you are going to be issued with.

Travel plans for inspiring you

Practical information

Accessible destinations

How to get to Spain by ferry or cruise ship

Air connections for exploring Spain

Be prepared to visit Spain with these 16 things to know before you go

Jun 21, 2023 • 6 min read

Here's what you need to know to get ready for a trip to Spain © Flashpop / Getty Images

Spain has been home for the past 16 years, ever since I moved to its capital Madrid in my early thirties.

From day one, it was easy to be charmed by this warm and inviting country . It ticks a lot of  boxes in terms of what you’re looking for in a European destination – great cuisine and wine , spectacular landscapes , architectural gems, green spaces and a thriving art scene. 

Getting around the country is also very convenient, thanks to Spain's efficient and reliable multi-modal public transport system . And the Spanish people are some of the friendliest locals, who will happily go out of their way to point you in the right direction if you’re lost.

Of course there were still some cultural quirks I had to adjust to – for one, eating times in Spain are very late in comparison with the rest of the world's dining schedules. I still remember my early days in Madrid when my belly would be in outright rebellion while waiting for “early” dinner reservations at 9pm. And forget about making a speedy exit from social gatherings; in Spain saying farewell could take up another hour of your time.

Cultural idiosyncrasies aside, your trip to this incredible country can be your most memorable one yet if you plan well ahead, and follow these useful travel tips.

1. Pack warm clothes. Really.

There is a humorous Spanish expression that goes, “Hasta cuarenta de mayo, no te quites el sayo” , which translates to “Until the 40th of May, don’t remove your coat” – sage advice to keep a jacket handy until mid-June. While Spain may be famous for its blue skies and sun-drenched beaches, it actually has more colder seasons in the year than warm ones, during early spring (March to May), autumn (September to November) and winter (December to February). Regions in northern Spain, such as the Basque Country, Asturias and Galicia, have cooler temperatures compared to the rest of the country. 

2. Being cashless is common

Card is king in Spain. The main tourist hubs such as Madrid, Barcelona , San Sebastián and Ibiza are generally credit card-friendly destinations. In fact, you could go cashless for days and pay for your meals, drinks, taxis and bus fares without a problem using a credit or debit card.

If you do bring cash, make sure you have loose change. Several establishments, bus and taxi drivers, especially on morning shifts, usually do not have change for bigger bills. So if you prefer paying cash, it’s a good idea to be stocked up on smaller bills (€5 and €10) and coins.

3. Choose your time to visit Madrid wisely

Think twice about visiting Madrid in August . Most establishments in the Spanish capital close, and Madrileños usually head for the beaches to escape the brutal August heat . 

4. Expect to eat late

Prepare for late Spanish dining times. Many tourists who come to Spain for the first time end up hungry while waiting for restaurants to open. Most restaurants open for lunch from 1pm to 4pm, and dinner from 8pm to 1am. A lot of establishments also close on Mondays. You can stave off hunger pangs before mealtimes by snacking on tapas – small savory plates that are usually free with a drink order in many Spanish cities. In San Sebastián or Bilbao in the Basque Country , you can savor pintxos , or bite-sized portions typically served on a slice of bread and skewered with a toothpick.

5. Ordering certain drinks will immediately mark you as a tourist

A popular drink among tourists, sangría is usually served in pitchers meant for sharing, and not by the glass. Instead, try ordering a local favorite that’s similar to sangría, tinto de verano , a concoction of red wine and lemon soda. 

Ask for a caña  like a local instead of a cerveza . A caña  is a small glass of beer on tap (about 250ml).

6. Tipping is not expected

European countries in general don’t have a tipping culture. But of course, it is very much appreciated – especially if you enjoyed good service. 

7. Don't eat food while you’re on the move

Eating is an age-old pleasure that must be savored unhurriedly, so it’s uncommon to see Spaniards biting sandwiches or munching on fries while walking down the street or riding public transportation. 

8. Look for fixed-price lunches

Order the menú del día (daily menu) for lunch on weekdays. Take your cue from the locals and ask for the fixed-price menu (ranging from €8 to €17) that includes a three-course meal with dessert, drinks, bread and coffee.

9. Eat late, stay late

Make time for sobremesa  – lingering long after a meal for a post-dining conversation. This is a hallmark of sociable Spanish culture, to extend conversations well beyond mealtimes to be able to enjoy each other’s company for as long as possible, usually over drinks.

10. Keep an eye on your belongings

Be vigilant of pickpockets and keep your belongings close. Pickpockets are unfortunately rampant in high tourist traffic areas. If you’re sitting at an outdoor table, watch out for vendors that get suspiciously close and distract you with their items for sale, such as flowers or lottery tickets, while they surreptitiously steal your wallet or mobile phone on the table (this is a modus operandi I’ve witnessed more than once!). 

11. You can drink tap water in Spain

Go ahead and drink the tap water. Spanish tap water or “agua de grifo” is safe to drink, though the taste varies across regions. 

12. There's one number for an emergency

Call 112 for any emergency. You can contact this number for any kind of emergency in Spain, even without a Spanish SIM card on your mobile phone. You’ll be connected to the right emergency service through multilingual operators. To contact the Spanish National Police, dial 091. 

 13. Dress appropriately when away from the beach

Opt for smart casual attire and avoid overly casual outfits like athleisure wear, beachwear, or excessively revealing clothing in the city. If you’re visiting religious sites such as churches, cathedrals or mosques, cover your shoulders and knees to show respect for these places.

14. Brush up on basic Spanish

Like any destination, it helps a lot if you know basic local phrases. While you can get by speaking English in the bigger, more touristy cities, it is a different story when visiting smaller, lesser-known towns outside the tourist radar. 

Don't say “no problemo”, which is incorrect. The correct phrase is “no hay problema” or more colloquially, say “no pasa nada” . 

15. Know what is considered polite

Greet people, even strangers. It’s commonplace to greet people in elevators, shops and along hallways. Compliment good service by saying “muy amable” . Meaning “very kind”, this is a commonly used polite phrase to express gratitude for someone’s helpfulness. It can be said in different situations – if a person has gone out of their way to assist you, like giving you directions, holding a door or giving up their seat for you. You can also say this to show your appreciation for customer service that goes above and beyond.

16. Don’t leave a social gathering without saying goodbye

It is generally frowned upon to leave an occasion without letting your host know. However, be prepared for a long, drawn out goodbye – the Spanish are highly sociable people who like extending conversations, leading to lengthy, and often multiple stages of farewells. 

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The Man in Seat 61

Train times, fares & tickets from

London to spain by train.

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Train travel UK & Ireland...

Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia, breakfast in london, lunch in paris, dinner in barcelona.

It's easy to travel from the UK to Spain by train.  Take a morning Eurostar to Paris in 2h20 from £52 one-way or £78 return, have lunch at the remarkable Train Bleu restaurant at the Gare de Lyon, then take the afternoon double-deck TGV Duplex from Paris to Figueres (for the Salvador Dali museum ), Girona & Barcelona with cafe-bar & free WiFi from €39 each way.  Relax with a glass of wine and watch the pretty French villages of the Rhône Valley pass by, catch up on your reading or watch a movie on your phone.  Compared to the stress of airports & flights, it's a revelation and far more environmentally-friendly .  This page explains the best routes & trains between the UK & Spain and how to buy tickets.

Select your destination:     London to... A Coruna Alcudia Algeciras Alicante Almeria Antequera Barcelona Benidorm Bilbao (by ferry) Bilbao (by train) Cadiz Canary Islands Cartagena Cordoba Costa del Sol Estepona Figueres Fuengirola Girona Gran Canaria Granada Ibiza Jerez Las Palmas Madrid Malaga Mallorca (Majorca) Marbella Minorca Murcia Palma de Majorca Pamplona Ronda Salamanca Salou San Sebastian Santander (by sea) Santiago de Compostella Segovia Seville Tarragona Tenerife Toledo Torremolinos Valencia Vigo Zaragoza

Uk to spain by train.

Train travel in Spain

    Barcelona Sants    Madrid Atocha    Madrid Chamartin

    Seville   Malaga   Vigo   Valencia   Alicante & Benidorm

International trains to & from Spain

Other useful information, interactive map:   click on a destination for train times & fares, country information, london to barcelona.

Breakfast in London, lunch in Paris, dinner in Spain.  You can travel from London to Figueres, Girona or Barcelona by train in a single day with great scenery, a glass of wine to hand and not an airport security queue in sight.

Impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex trains link Paris with Barcelona in around 6h30, 667 miles centre to centre with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, past some great scenery.  There are two Paris-Barcelona TGV trains every day in each direction, with a third in summer.

Stay overnight in Barcelona ( I suggest some good hotels near the station ) and continue next day to Madrid in 2h30 by AVE , Alicante in 4h45 by Euromed or to Seville or Malaga by AVE in around 5h30.

Avoiding Paris:   If you have lots of luggage, small kids or mobility problems and want to avoid crossing Paris, you can go London-Lille-Nîmes, overnight stop, then Nîmes-Barcelona by AVE or TGV see option 2 .

Spain by sleeper:  The Elipsos sleeper trains from Paris to Barcelona & Madrid were sadly discontinued in 2013, but it's still possible to travel by sleeper train between Paris & the Spanish border, see option 3 using the sleeper from Paris to Latour de Carol or option 4 using the sleeper from Paris to Perpignan or Cerbère .

Which route to choose?

    Train times London to Barcelona

    Train times Barcelona to London

    How much does it cost ?

    How to buy tickets

    What's the journey like?

Option 1, London-Barcelona by high-speed train

This is the fastest & easiest option, by Eurostar from London to Paris and 320 km/h (199 mph) TGV Duplex from Paris to Barcelona.  You can do the trip in a day or break it up with an overnight stop in Paris.

London ► Barcelona (morning departure)

London ► barcelona (evening departure, overnight in paris).

The last Eurostar usually leaves London St Pancras at 20.01 arriving Paris Gare du Nord 23:18, by all means book an earlier one and spend a pleasant evening in Paris.

Eurostar has two cafe-bars, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Standard Premier & Business Premier fares include a meal with wine, served at your seat.

Barcelona ► London (morning departure)

Barcelona ► london (afternoon departure, overnight in paris).

Eurostar has two cafe-bars, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Standard Premier & Business Premier fares include breakfast.

How much does it cost ?

London to Paris by Eurostar starts at £52 one-way or £78 return in standard class, £97 one-way, £168 return standard premier (1st class).

Paris to Barcelona by TGV Duplex starts at €39 each way in 2nd class or €59 in 1st class.

How to buy tickets

Book at www.raileurope.com

Raileurope.com connects to the British, French & Spanish ticketing systems so you can buy all your tickets from the UK to Spain in one place, in plain English, in €, £ or $.  There's a small booking fee.  You print your own tickets or can show them on your phone.  Who are Raileurope.com?

When does booking open?

Eurostar opens up to 11 months ahead, Paris-Barcelona TGVs up to 6 months ahead.

However, it's often less than this and data may be incomplete more than 3-6 months ahead.  I recommend waiting until both trains are open for sale so you can confirm times & prices before buying a non-refundable Eurostar ticket.  On Paris-Barcelona, dates after the mid-December timetable change (including Christmas & New Year) usually open in mid-October.

Spanish trains open anything from 15 days to 6 months ahead, Renfe loads trains when they feel like it, only weeks ahead on some routes, months ahead on routes where they have competition.  Feel free to book Eurostar & TGV first, onward Spanish trains later.

More about when train bookings open .  You can book hotels before booking your trains risk-free if you use www.booking.com with free cancellation.

Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead

Fares are dynamic like air fares, so book early and search for the cheapest departures.  The cheapest tickets mean no refunds, no changes.

Out one way, back another?

You can go out one way & back another.  Almost all European trains are priced one-way, where a return is simply two one-ways.  I find it easier to book one way at a time.

How to book

First, a reality check.  You can't just put London to Malaga into a journey planner and expect it to book you from London to Barcelona, arrange a hotel and 8am wake-up call, then book you from Barcelona to Malaga after breakfast.  Systems aren't that clever! 

You can book from London to Barcelona as one transaction, but if you're going further into Spain, or want to stop overnight in Paris, you need to split the booking.

Method 1 is easiest.  Use this if you are travelling from London to Barcelona in a single day, one-way or return, with or without an onward train further into Spain the following day.

Method 2 can cope with more complex journeys, including ones involving an overnight stop in Paris on the way out or the way back, or using different routes out & back.

Incidentally, there are no through tickets from London to Spain, however you book you get a Eurostar ticket to Paris, a French ticket from Paris to Barcelona and separate onward Renfe tickets.  But connections across Paris are protected by the Railteam/HOTNAT and AJC .

1.  Go to www.raileurope.com

2.  Enter London to Barcelona , number of passengers, date of travel, set departure time 07:00.

3.  If you're coming back and will also be going Barcelona to London in a single day, enter your return date with departure time set to 10:00.

On French & Spanish trains a return is two one ways, but on Eurostar, return fares are significantly cheaper than two one ways so a round trip involving Eurostar should always be booked as a return.

4.  Now the science bit.  Click More options and enter Paris Nord as a via station with stopover duration set to 1 hour (to guarantee a minimum acceptable 1 hour between trains in Paris) or 2 hours (a more robust connection, recommended) or 3 hours (for lunch in Paris).  Otherwise the system may offer risky cross-Paris connections as tight as 42 minutes.  Advice on crossing Paris .

5.  Run the enquiry.  Look in the search results for journeys with 1 change.  Add to basket.

6.  If you are staying overnight in Barcelona and travelling on to Madrid, Seville, Malaga, Alicante or wherever next day, book a suitable onward train as a second separate booking and add to basket.

7.  If you're making a round trip, book from Seville, Malaga, Alicante (or wherever) to Barcelona for the day before your return journey from Barcelona to London, as a third separate booking, and add to your basket.

First, read the relevant destination section on this page and find a train service that suits you, out & back.  By all means go out one way and back another, or go outward with an overnight stop in Paris, back with an overnight stop in Barcelona, whatever.  Note down each individual train you want to book, on what specific date.  Then go to www.raileurope.com .

Step 1, book your chosen train from Paris to Barcelona, one-way, add to basket.  This is the crucial train so do this first & confirm times.

Step 2, book your chosen train from Barcelona to Paris, one-way, and add to basket.  Confirm times.

Step 3, book the Eurostar from London to Paris & back as a round trip and add to basket.

Eurostar return fares are cheaper than two one ways, so a round trip on Eurostar should always be booked as a return.

Use the suggested Eurostar times on this page as a guide, but by all means book an earlier Eurostar than the one I suggest going out, or a later one coming back, if you'd prefer a more robust connection (as I do), if the fare is cheaper, or if you want to have lunch in Paris (also me!).

Just remember that with this method, it's up to you to make sure there's at least 60 minutes between trains in Paris southbound, 90 minutes northbound (to include the Eurostar check-in), ideally 2 hours.  So engage brain!  Advice on crossing Paris .

Step 4, if you are travelling beyond Barcelona, book a suitable train from Barcelona to Seville, Malaga, Alicante (or wherever), add to basket.  If you're making a same-day connection in Barcelona, look for a train leaving Barcelona at least 1 hour after the TGV from Paris arrives.

Step 5, if you're coming back, book your train from Seville, Malaga, Alicante (or wherever) to Barcelona & add to basket.  If you're making a same-day connection in Barcelona, book a train which arrives in Barcelona at least 1 hour before the TGV to Paris leaves.

Travelling from the UK regions

Raileurope can book journeys starting from any British station, not just London.  It allows about an hour for Eurostar check-in.

However, consider booking from London to Spain first, then buying a separate ticket from your local station to London.  There are 2 reasons to do this:  First, you might want a more robust connection between trains in London, say 2 hours.  Second, Raileurope doesn't sell the special tickets to London International CIV which can sometimes save you money in the weekday morning peak, learn about these here .

Children & infants

Children under 12 qualify for the child rate on Eurostar, the TGV and trains in Spain.

On Eurostar & TGV, infants under 4 travel free, no need to buy them a ticket, just bring them along.  But they don't get their own seat.

Tip:   You can give an infant their own seat on the Paris-Barcelona TGV for €9 with a Billet Bambin .  Add the infant to your booking with their age.

Important:   On Spanish long-distance trains, infants under 4 travel free, but need a ticket.  When booking Spanish domestic trains you should add your infant to the booking to get a €0 infant ticket.  If you forget, ask for one at a Renfe ticket office before boarding, see advice here .

Choose an upper deck seat on a TGV Duplex

An upstairs seat gives the best views on the double-deck TGV Duplex .  www.raileurope.com allows you to choose upper or lower deck when you book.  Seats 11-58 are lower deck, 61-128 are upper deck, see TGV Duplex seating plan, Euroduplex type .

TGV fare expensive?

After booking, you can change your Eurostar seats

After you've booked using www.raileurope.com , you can go to www.eurostar.com and use the Manage booking feature to change your Eurostar seats, see instructions & tips for choosing seats here .

Train seat maps :  See Eurostar, TGV & Spanish train seat maps .

When two TGV units run coupled, the first unit is numbered 1-8, the second as 11-18, so if you're in car 12, look at car 2 on the seat map.

Or book at Thetrainline.com

You can also book trains from London to Spain at www.thetrainline.com .

Like Raileurope, it connects to the Eurostar, SNCF (French Railways) and Renfe (Spanish Railways) ticketing systems so you can easily book all your tickets in one place, in plain English, in €, £ or $ with overseas credit cards no problem.  Who are Thetrainline.com?

Most of the Raileurope booking tips above also apply to booking on www.thetrainline.com .

However, Raileurope.com has a killer advantage, you can specify a via station with a stopover duration.  This is really useful for a London-Barcelona journey where you want to allow sufficient time in Paris.

When using Thetrainline.com you can specify a via , but not the duration, so I recommend using method 2.

Or book at eurostar.com + sncf-connect.com + renfe.com

Most of the Raileurope booking tips also apply to booking this way.

Use the Eurostar times on this page as a guide, but by all means choose an earlier Eurostar from London or a later Eurostar back from Paris if these are cheaper or if you'd like to stop off in Paris

Or use an Interrail pass

Pass or point to point?

Let's be clear, a pass will usually not save money over the cheapest point-to-point advance-purchase fares you might see if you book a few months ahead.  But when point-to-point fares for Eurostar & TGV are expensive (for example, at short notice) OR you want flexibility, for example the ability to change your mind, re-route or reschedule, you can travel from the UK to Spain & back using an Interrail pass.

If flexibility is what you want, buy the pass.  If it's about saving money, you'll have to check point-to-point prices and do the maths.

It's worth doing the maths if you are under 28, if you have kids (kids get a free pass when accompanying an adult but still need to pay reservation fees) or if you live a long way from London (as a pass covers you from your home station to London). Passes are available in 1st & 2nd class.

Be aware that Spain is not a pass-friendly country because every long-distance train and even some regional ones requires a reservation in addition to the pass, and some reservations can be difficult (or even impossible) to make outside Spain.  Within Spain, point-to-point tickets can be easier!  More about passholder reservations in Spain .

How to use a pass for a trip to Spain

Step 1, buy a 4-days in 1-month Interrail pass from www.raileurope.com (click Rail passes and select Europe ) or www.interrail.eu , see pass prices on the Interrail page .  You load the pass into the Railplanner app on your phone.

A 4-day pass is sufficient to get from almost anywhere in mainland Britain to Barcelona, Valencia or Alicante & back, or from London to almost anywhere in Spain & back, but you might need a longer pass to get from Inverness to Santiago de Compostela!

A 4-day pass gives you unlimited train travel on any 4 dates you choose in an overall 1 month period.  The first travel day can be any date you select in the 11 months after buying it, the 1 month period starts from that date.  More about how Interrail passes work .

Step 2, you need a Eurostar passholder ticket from London to Paris & back, see cost of Eurostar reservations & how to make them .  Tip:  Eurostar passholder availability is limited, check availability before buying a pass .

Step 3, if you're using a Paris-Barcelona TGV you need a passholder reservation, see cost of reservations & how to make them .

By all means go out one way, back another, with Interrail you can use almost any of the trains & routes to/from Spain shown on this page including the overnight trains to Latour de Carol or Cerbère, find out how to reserve each train using the Interrail reservations guide .

Step 4, you need a passholder reservation for each high-speed train you take in Spain, see cost of reservations & how to make them .

Or have your trip arranged as a package

Byway ( Byway.travel ) is a new UK-based eco-holiday firm with a 5-star TrustPilot rating .  If you're nervous about booking train travel yourself, they'll book a London-Spain journey for you as a package, including overnight hotels, starting from any British station you like.  Byway includes package protection, Covid refund guarantee, free disruption & re-planning & on-demand WhatsApp support while you're away.

To see pre-configured packages UK to Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Granada or San Sebastian, use the journey planner on their website .

Tip:   First book a one-way outward journey to your destination city on your outward date.  Then change the direction of the arrow and book an inward journey on your return date.  The journey back to the UK can be from a different location if you like.

Railbookers are a train travel specialist who can put together a holiday or short break to Spain by train as a package, with trains, hotels & transfers.  Their website offers a range of tours, holidays & breaks which can be customised to your requirements.  As you're booking a package, they'll take care of you if anything happens to one part of the itinerary such as a strike or delay.

Tailor Made Rail also offers packages from the UK to Spain by train which can be customised your requirements, one-way or round trip, with stopovers.  Or they can organise a trip entirely based on your requirements, they welcome complex itineraries!  As it's a package, they'll take care of you if anything happens, for example, a national strike.  They're TTA-protected - like ATOL, but not only for agencies that sell air travel.

Call their dedicated seat61 phone line 020 3778 1461 and quote seat 61 when booking.  From outside the UK call +44 20 3778 1461.  Lines open 09:00-17:30 Monday-Friday.  Their website is www.tailormaderail.com/destinations/spain .

How to buy tickets by phone

What's the journey like .

1. London to Paris by Eurostar

Eurostar trains link London & Paris in 2h20, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in as all border formalities are carried out before you board.  More about Eurostar & check-in procedure .  St Pancras station guide .  Paris Nord station guide .  How to change trains & stations in Paris .

Lunch in Paris?

Why not allow time for lunch at the famous Train Bleu restaurant at the Gare de Lyon before catching the Barcelona Express?  Or at least have a coffee or beer in the bar, which makes an excellent VIP waiting lounge.  More about the Train Bleu restaurant .

The train to Barcelona leaves from the magnificent Gare de Lyon in central Paris, see station guide .

2. Paris to Barcelona by TGV  See video guide

TGV Duplex at Paris Gare de Lyon . These 320 km/h double-deckers link Paris with Barcelona.  Watch TGV Duplex video .

2.  Speeding down the Rhone Valley.  The train joins the Sud-Est high-speed line and accelerates smoothly to 186mph through the Paris suburbs, soon emerging into open country.  The train now speeds along the scenic Rhone Valley, passing pretty French villages with picturesque churches.  The dark line of the Massif Central mountains are on the far side of the valley to your right, and on a clear day you can see the snow-capped French Alps in the far distance to your left.  The TGV leaves the high-speed line towards Nîmes, continuing on the classic line.

Between Valence and Nîmes the train crosses a broad stretch of the River Rhone with a view of the wine-producing Chateau de Montfaucon on the right, www.chateaumontfaucon.com .

Time for dinner?   Above left, food from the cafe-bar, a magret de canard avec pommes de terre and some wine.  Or feel free to bring your own picnic and bottle of red!

4.  The Mediterranean coast (above left).  Between Montpellier & Perpignan the train skirts the glistening Mediterranean coastline with deserted beaches & marshland.

5.  Vineyards (above right).  The train passes countless vineyards.  Glass o' red from the bar car, anyone?

6.  Étangs & flamingos.  The train passes numerous étangs (lakes), where flocks of flamingos stand one-legged in the shallows.

7. Fort de Salses.  Just before Perpignan, the train passes by the impressive Fort de Salses on the right, a 15th-century Catalan fortress captured in 1642 and French-held ever since, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_de_Salses .

8.  Mt Canigou & the Pyrenees.   One of the highest peaks in the mighty Pyrenees, the 2,784m (9,137 feet) high Mt Canigou dominates the skyline on the right all the way from Perpignan to Girona, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canigou .

9.  Barcelona Sants is in central Barcelona with plenty of taxis and a modern metro to all parts of Barcelona.  There are left luggage lockers ( consigna ), bars & restaurants .  More about Barcelona Sants station .

Video guide:  Barcelona-Paris by TGV

The video takes you on a journey by TGV Duplex from Barcelona to Paris, showing the train & scenery.

Back to top

Option 2, London to Barcelona with overnight stop in N î mes

If you want to avoid having to cross Paris, this is the option for you.  London to Barcelona with one easy same-station change in Lille and another in Nimes.  I think Nîmes makes the best stopover given the timings, but the direct AVE from Nimes to Madrid also calls at Avignon TGV, Montpelier and Perpignan, so you could stop overnight at any of those places instead.

London ► Barcelona

Day 1, travel from London to Lille by Eurostar , leaving London St Pancras at 13:01 & arriving Lille Europe at 15:27.

The Eurostar has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

At Lille Europe it's an easy same-station change, with time for a coffee or beer between trains.

Day 1, travel from Lille to Nimes by TGV , leaving Lille Europe at 17:01 and arriving Nîmes Centre 21:39.

The TGV has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Exact times may vary.

Stay overnight in Nîmes .  The very inexpensive Ibis Budget Nimes Gare is just 50m from the station and gets good reviews.  The Ibis Styles Nimes Gare next door is a more upmarket option, but also inexpensive with good reviews.

Day 2, travel from Nîmes to Barcelona by AVE S100 high-speed train , leaving Nîmes Centre at 09:01, arriving Figueres Vilafant 11:39, Girona 11:56 & Barcelona Sants 12:38.

Barcelona ► London

Day 2, travel from Nîmes to Lille Europe by high-speed TGV with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

On Mondays-Fridays you leave Nimes Pont du Gard at 09:33 and arrive Lille Europe at 14:24.

On Saturdays & Sundays you leave Nimes Centre at 09:27 and arrive Lille Europe at 14:18.

Nimes Centre is the original station in the city centre.  Nimes Pont du Gard is a new out-of-town station several kilometres outside the city, so you'll need a taxi or bus to reach it, or there's a regional train leaving Nîmes' city centre station at 08:50 which connects with the TGV, check times when you book.

At Lille Europe it's an easy same-station change onto Eurostar.

Day 2, travel from Lille to London by Eurostar , leaving Lille Europe at 15:30 arriving London St Pancras at 15:57.

Alternatively, spend a morning in Nimes and leave Nîmes' city centre station at 15:19, change at Lille and arrive London St Pancras 21:57 (21:27 Saturdays).  See the UK to France page for details of Nimes-London train service .

How much does it cost?

London to Lille by Eurostar starts at £52 one-way, £78 return standard class or £97 one-way, £168 return in standard premier (1st class).

Step 1, book London to Nîmes at www.raileurope.com and add it to your basket.

If you're returning, you should book Eurostar as a round trip because with Eurostar a return fare is cheaper than two one-way fares.  With the onward French & Spanish trains it doesn't matter, a return is simply two one-ways.

If you have any problems getting it to offer a journey via Lille, book London to Lille & back, add to basket, book Lille to Nîmes, add to basket, book Nîmes to Lille, add to basket & check out.  It makes no difference to the price and it's separate tickets either side of Lille in any case.

Step 2, still on www.raileurope.com , now book from Nimes to Barcelona, add to basket and check out.

Booking for Eurostar opens 6 months ahead , for TGVs up to 4 months ahead .  You print your own tickets or can show them on your phone.

Alternatively, you can book Eurostar & TGV with no booking fee at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com and book the Spanish AVE at Renfe's website www.renfe.com ( see my advice on using it )

See the advice here .

What's the journey like?

1. London to Lille by Eurostar

Eurostar trains link London & Lille in 1h22, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More about Eurostar & check-in procedure .  St Pancras station guide .  Lille station guide & tips on changing trains .

2. Lille to Nimes by TGV

TGV or Train á Grande Vitesse is French Railways high-speed train, with 1st & 2nd class and a cafe-bar.  They come in various types, some single-deck, some double-deck TGV Duplex, you could get either on cross-France routes from Lille.  Most have power sockets at seats, most now have free WiFi.  The photos below show a single-deck TGV with the Christian Lacroix designer interior.  The direct TGVs from Lille to Lyon by-pass Paris on a high-speed avoiding line via Charles de Gaulle Airport station.  More about TGV .

3. Nimes to Barcelona by AVE

These AVE type S100 have a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  They are now run entirely by Renfe (Spanish Railways) with no SNCF (French Railways) involvement.  More about AVE S100 trains .  Barcelona Sants station guide .

2nd class seats (above left), all with power sockets & free WiFi. Panorama photo of 2nd class .

Mt Canigou & the Pyrenees.  One of the highest peaks in the mighty Pyrenees, the 2,784m (9,137 feet) high Mt Canigou dominates the skyline on the right all the way from Perpignan to Girona, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canigou .

Option 3, London to Barcelona overnight via Latour de Carol & the Pyrenees

The scenic route!  The Elipsos sleeper trains from Paris to Barcelona & Madrid were sadly discontinued in December 2013, but it's still possible to leave London in the late afternoon by Eurostar, sleep in a couchette on an overnight train from Paris to the Pyrenees, then take a scenic local train into Barcelona.  It's an interesting alternative to the high-speed option with great scenery through the Pyrenees, watch the video here .  See route map .

The last hour into the Pyrenees is wonderfully scenic, past the castle at Foix (on the right hand side just after the station) and up into the mountains - at Porté-Puymorens (the last station just before Latour) the train reaches the highest point on any normal standard-gauge railway in Europe , 1,562m (5,125 feet) above sea level.  The railway from Toulouse to Foix opened in 1862, but the difficult line beyond Foix through the Pyrenees to Latour de Carol only opened in 1929.

You can also check times at www.renfe.com , but it will not be shown in the main Renfe journey planner, you have to do it like this :  Click the globe symbol top right & select Ingles for English.  Ignore the main journey planner , hover over Cercanias (Commuter) top left and click on Rodalies Catalunya.  Search from La Tor de Querol-Enveig to Barcelona Sants.  Easy when you know.

You can easily check times for the Barcelona Sants to La Tor de Querol train for your date of travel at the special Barcelona suburban trains website rodalies.gencat.cat/en , as this route is classed as a Barcelona suburban train in spite of being very rural.

You can also check times at www.renfe.com , but it will not be shown in the main Renfe journey planner, you have to do it like this :  Click the globe symbol top right & select Ingles for English.  Ignore the main journey planner , hover over Cercanias (Commuter) top left and click on Rodalies Catalunya.  Search from Barcelona Sants to La Tor de Querol-Enveig.  Easy when you know how.

You can book from London to Latour all in one go, but it's better to split the booking like this:  First book from London (or any station in Britain) to Paris and back, add to basket, then book the overnight train from Paris to Latour de Carol one-way and add to basket, then book Latour de Carol to Paris one-way and add to basket, then check out.

This way you can mix & match a 2nd class seat on Eurostar with a 1st class 4-berth couchette on the overnight train, and you can book an earlier Eurostar if it has cheaper seats available or if you'd like more time in Paris.  Southbound when catching a sleeper, I'd allow at least 2h between trains across Paris.  Northbound, I'd allow at least 2h between trains to include the Eurostar check-in.

Southbound, simply get on the train and pay the conductor on board in cash, no reservation is necessary or possible, it cannot sell out. This ticket can't even be bought from the French SNCF-run ticket office at Latour de Carol.  I repeat, simply get on the train and pay on board!  It's a good idea to have cash on you in case their card machine doesn't work, but conductors on this route can now take credit cards.

Eurostar trains link London & Paris in 2h20, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More about Eurostar & check-in procedure .  St Pancras station guide .  Paris Gare du Nord station guide .  How to change trains & stations in Paris by metro or taxi .

2. Paris to Latour de Carol by French overnight train

The intercité de nuit overnight train from Paris to Latour de Carol has 1st class couchettes in 4-berth compartments & 2nd class couchettes in 6-berth compartments, each bunk supplied with lightweight sleeping-bag & mineral water.  More about intercités de nuit .  Watch the video guide .  Paris Austerlitz station guide .

The sleeper train heads into the Pyrenees beyond Foix.

More mountain scenery in the Pyrenees.

Latour de Carol , where two nations, two trains and three track gauges meet.  This is the huge international station building.  The station bistro is on the forecourt, just out of shot to the left.

The inexpensive Bistro de la Gare (above right) on the forecourt at Latour de Carol is ideal for breakfast or a coffee between trains, check opening hours at www.facebook.com/bistrotdutrainjaune .  Courtesy of Adrian Fuentes .

This is a simple local train, technically classified suburban ( Cercanias in Spanish, Rodalies in Catalan) even though this is a very rural route.  2nd class only, no catering so have some supplies with you.

Latour de Carol , where two nations, two trains and two track gauges meet.  On the right, the French standard-gauge overnight couchette train arrived from Paris.  On the left, the Spanish broad-gauge suburban train about to leave for Barcelona.  In Fact, there's also a third train & gauge at Latour, the narrow-gauge Petit Train Jaune to Perpignan, its platform is behind the couchette cars shown here.

The air-conditioned local train from Latour to Barcelona.  2nd class only.  Bring your own food & drink.  The 'R' stands for Rodalies , Catalan for suburban network.

The snow gives way to autumnal browns & golds as the train to Barcelona wends its way south.

Watch the video here - By slow train across the Pyrenees

Option 4, london to barcelona overnight via perpignan/cerbère.

This runs daily in summer, Fridays & Sundays the rest of the year.  It's similar to option 3, but instead of going straight through the Pyrenees using the overnight train from Paris to Latour de Carol, you use the Paris-Perpignan-Cerbère night train and go around the southern end of the Pyrenees.  The sleeper runs along the scenic Côte Vermeille coastline through Collioure & Port-Vendres to Cerbère, you then take a local train from Cerbère to Figueres, Girona & Barcelona.  Or you can get off the sleeper at Perpignan and take a high-speed train to Barcelona, which is faster but more expensive.  The Paris-Cerbère sleeper is a useful alternative to the Paris-Latour de Carol train, as sometimes the Paris-Cerbère train runs when the one to Latour de Carol is affected by engineering work.  However, the Paris-Cerbère sleeper isn't daily all year, it's daily in summer, only on Fridays & Sundays at other times.  See route map .

The cheapest option is to stay on the sleeper to Cerbère and use the slower classic route along the coast.  A local train leaves Cerbère 12:04 on weekdays, arriving Barcelona Sants 15:10.  On Saturdays & Sundays, leave Cerbère 11:46, arriving Barcelona Sants 15:10.

It's best to split the booking like this:  First book from London to Paris & back and add to basket.  Then book the overnight train from Paris to Perpignan or Cerbère & back and add to basket, then check out.

Alternatively, you can book from London to Paris at www.eurostar.com , then book the sleeper train at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com , more work but no booking fee.

2. Paris to Perpignan or Cerbère by French overnight train

The intercité de nuit overnight train from Paris to Perpignan & Cerbère has 1st class couchettes in 4-berth compartments & 2nd class couchettes in 6-berth compartments, each bunk supplied with lightweight sleeping-bag & mineral water.  More about intercités de nuit .  Watch the video guide .  Paris Austerlitz station guide .

This is a simple local train, technically classified suburban ( Cercanias in Spanish, Rodalies in Catalan).  2nd class only, no catering so have some supplies with you.

London to Madrid & Zaragoza

The Elipsos sleeper train from Paris to Madrid was discontinued in 2013 and is sadly missed, but it's still easy to travel from London or Paris to Madrid by train, with an overnight stop in Paris or Barcelona.  If you want to avoid crossing Paris, option 2 takes you London-Lille-Nîmes on day 1, overnight stop, then Nîmes to Madrid by direct high-speed AVE on day 2.  Also worth considering is the northern route in option 3 with an overnight stop in San Sebastian, this can often be cheaper.

For Zaragoza, use either option 1 or 2, simply book from Barcelona or Nîmes to Zaragoza instead of Madrid.

Option 1, London to Madrid via Barcelona

London ► madrid (morning departure, overnight in barcelona), london ► madrid (evening departure, overnight in paris).

The last Eurostar leaves London St Pancras at 20.01 arriving Paris Gare du Nord 23:18, but by all means book an earlier one.

Madrid ► London (in a single day)

Madrid ► london (with overnight stop in paris).

Eurostar trains link London & Paris in 2h20, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in at London St Pancras as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More about Eurostar & check-in procedure .  St Pancras station guide .  Paris Gare du Nord station guide .  How to change trains & stations in Paris by metro or taxi .

2. Paris to Barcelona by TGV Duplex

Sit back with a glass of red and enjoy the ride - book an upper deck seat for the best views.  The train has power sockets at all seats & free WiFi in both classes, a cafe-bar serves drinks, snacks & microwaved hot dishes.  More about Paris-Barcelona TGVs .  Paris Gare de Lyon station guide .  Barcelona Sants station guide .

3. Barcelona to Madrid by AVE

AVEs have a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Madrid Atocha station guide .

A Barcelona-Madrid AVE (type S103) at Barcelona Sants.  See virtual tour

View shortly after leaving Barcelona, the jagged mountain in the distance is Montserrat, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montserrat_(mountain) .  Courtesy of www.youtube.com/c/nonstopeurotrip .

Scenery from an AVE train from Barcelona to Madrid.

Mountain ridge.

Central Spain.

Poppies colour the fields red.

Madrid Atocha station:  One of my favourite stations, the old trainshed has been preserved and turned into a tropical garden, see Madrid Atocha station guide .

Option 2, London to Madrid with overnight stop in Nîmes

If you want to avoid having to cross Paris, this is the option for you.  London to Madrid with just one easy same-station change in Lille and another in Nimes.  I reckon Nîmes makes the best stopover given the timings, but the direct AVE from Nimes to Madrid also calls at Avignon TGV, Montpelier and Perpignan, so you could stop overnight at any of those places instead.

London ► Madrid

The Eurostar has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. 

Day 1, travel from Lille to Nimes by TGV , leaving Lille Europe at 17:01 & arriving Nîmes Centre at 21:39.

The TGV has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  This train by-passes Paris to the east.

Stay overnight in Nîmes .  The inexpensive Ibis Budget Nimes Gare is just 50m from the station and gets good reviews.  The Ibis Styles Nimes Gare next door is a more upmarket option, but also inexpensive with good reviews.

Madrid ► London

Nimes Centre is the original station in the city centre.  Nimes Pont du Gard is a new out-of-town station several kilometres outside the city, so you'll need a taxi or bus to reach it, or there's a regional train leaving Nîmes' city centre station at 08:45 which connects with the TGV, check times when you book.

Step 2, still on www.raileurope.com , book from Nimes to Madrid one-way and add to basket.  If returning, now book Madrid to Nimes one-way, add to basket and check out.

Alternatively, you can book Eurostar & TGV with no booking fee at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com and book the Spanish AVE between Nîmes & Madrid using Renfe's website www.renfe.com ( see my advice on using it ).

2. Lille to Nîmes by TGV

3. Nîmes to Madrid by AVE

These AVE type S100 have a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  They are now run entirely by Renfe (Spanish Railways) with no SNCF (French Railways) involvement.  More about AVE S100 trains .  Madrid Atocha station guide .

Scenery from the high-speed AVE between Barcelona & Madrid.  Courtesy of DiscoverByRail.com .

Madrid Atocha station:  One of my favourite stations, the grand old trainshed has been preserved and turned into a tropical garden.  See the Madrid Atocha station guide .

Option 3, London to Madrid with overnight stop in San Sebastian

This is slower than options 1 or 2, but often cheaper.  And what's not to like about a stopover in San Sebastian?

In San Sebastian it's a 10 minute walk from Euskotren's Amara station to the Renfe station , see walking route .  The Renfe station is currently being reconstructed, access to the platforms is on the far side of the tracks so allow a little extra time.

Stay overnight in San Sebastian, a lovely city, well worth a longer stop.  The Pension San Ignacio Centro is just 10 minutes walk from San Sebastian Renfe station and gets great reviews.  If you want somewhere in the old town try the Pension Garibai or Pension Alameda .    If you want to push the boat out, San Sebastian's most venerable hotel (which I can recommend personally, having stayed there) is the Hotel de Londres y Inglaterra , on the sea front.

Day 2, travel from San Sebastian to Madrid by Alvia S120 train , leaving San Sebastian Renfe station at 09:02 arriving Madrid Chamartin at 13:56.

If you need to be in Madrid earlier, on Mondays-Fridays an Intercity train leaves San Sebastian at 05:02 arriving Madrid Chamartin at 09:57.

If you'd like a day in San Sebastian, there are afternoon trains too, check at www.thetrainline.com , www.raileurope.com or www.renfe.com .

These smart Alvia & Intercity trains have a cafe-bar and power sockets at all seats, a pleasure to travel in.  There's great scenery winding down out of the Pyrenees after leaving San Sebastian.  These trains have an interesting party trick:  Half way through the journey they pass slowly through a shed, wheels adjust from Iberian gauge (5'6") to standard gauge (4'8½") before joining the modern high-speed line the rest of the way to Madrid.

Day 1, travel from Madrid to San Sebastian by Alvia S120 train , leaving Madrid Chamartin at 17:38 & arriving San Sebastian Renfe station at 22:40.

Alternatively, an earlier Intercity train leaves Madrid Chamartin at 14:46 daily except Saturdays, arriving San Sebastian Renfe station at 19:33.

If you'd like an afternoon in San Sebastian, an Intercity train leaves Madrid Chamartin at 08:43 and arriving San Sebastian at 13:37.

These smart Alvia & Intercity trains have a cafe-bar.  They have an interesting party trick:  After travelling at up to 250 km/h on the standard gauge high-speed line from Madrid, they slow down and pass through a shed at 20 km/h where wheels adjust from standard gauge (4'8½") to Iberian gauge (5'6").  They then complete the second half of the journey over classic lines, with great scenery winding up into the Pyrenees approaching San Sebastian.

In San Sebastian it's a 10 minute walk from the Renfe station to Euskotren's Amara station , see walking route .

Stay overnight in San Sebastian, a lovely city, well worth a longer stop.  The Pension San Ignacio Centro is just 10 minutes walk from San Sebastian Renfe station and gets great reviews.  If you want somewhere in the old town try the Pension Garibai or Pension Alameda .

At Hendaye the Euskotren station is just 50m from the mainline SNCF French Railways station, but allow plenty of time between trains.  The friendly Cafe Olé directly across the road from Hendaye SNCF station does excellent coffee and the best pain au chocolat you'll ever taste.

Book from London to Paris at www.eurostar.com with print-at-home tickets and no booking fee.

Book from Paris to Hendaye and (and back, if returning) at www.sncf-connect.com , with print-your-own, show-on-phone or collect-at-station tickets and no booking fee.  Make sure you allow at least 60 minutes to change trains & stations in Paris southbound, 90 minutes northbound as this needs to include the 30-minute Eurostar check-in.

1. London to Paris by Eurostar:   More about Eurostar

2. Paris to Hendaye by TGV Duplex Océane:   More about TGV Duplex Océane

3. Hendaye to San Sebastian by Euskotren:   See the San Sebastian section below

4. San Sebastian to Madrid by Alvia train

These smart S120 Alvia trains have a cafe-bar, some but not all have power sockets at seats.  There's great scenery winding down out of the Pyrenees after leaving San Sebastian.  Alvia trains have adjustable axles so they can leave San Sebastian on the classic Iberian-gauge line, at some point during the journey they pass through a gauge-changing shed at 20 km/h, then they run on the standard-gauge high-speed line at up to 250km/h the rest of the way to Madrid Chamartin .

London to Malaga, Cordoba, Seville

Here are three good options for travel from the UK to Andalusia & the Costa del Sol, with a fourth in summer.  Option 1 is fastest, simplest and usually cheapest, if you don't mind changing trains & stations in Paris.  It's too far to do in a day, so an overnight stop is necessary in Barcelona.  Option 2 takes a little longer, but involves a same-station connection in Lille so avoids having to cross Paris, with an overnight stop in Nimes in the south of France.  Option 3 uses a French couchette train so avoids having to stop overnight in a hotel and involves some nice scenery.  You can of course go out one way and back another.

For Torremolinos, Fuengirola, Marbella & Estepona , travel to Malaga then take a frequent local train as explained here .

Option 1, London to Seville & Malaga with overnight stop in Barcelona

London ► malaga, cordoba, seville, malaga, seville, cordoba ► london, or let byway arrange it.

Byway ( Byway.travel ) is a new UK-based eco-holiday firm, with a 5-star TrustPilot rating .  If you're nervous about booking train travel yourself, they'll book a trip from the UK to Spain for you as a package, including hotels and starting from any British station you like.  Byway also includes package protection, a 100% Covid refund guarantee, free disruption and re-planning and on-demand WhatsApp support while you're away.

Or let Railbookers arrange it

If you need hotels as well, the easy option is to get specialist agency Railbookers to arrange your whole trip as a package, with trains, hotels & transfers sorted in one phone call.  As they are selling you a package they'll look after you if anything happens such as a strike or major delay.  Tell them when and where you want to go and they'll advise you on the best trains, routes & hotels and sort it out for you.  They get positive reviews.

Mt Canigou & the Pyrenees:  One of the highest peaks in the mighty Pyrenees, the 2,784m (9,137 feet) high Mt Canigou dominates the skyline on the right all the way from Perpignan to Girona, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canigou .

3. Barcelona to Malaga, Cordoba or Seville by AVE

Superb AVE S103 trains are now used on this route, with Standard (2nd) class & Comfort (1st) class seats.  The trains have a cafe-bar serving beer, wine, tea, coffee, snacks and some hot dishes.  The train has power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  If you pay the Premium fare you get access to the Sala Club lounge in Barcelona , and a meal with wine served at your seat.  More about Renfe's fares & classes .

A type S103 AVE at Barcelona Sants .  See virtual tour

View shortly after leaving Barcelona.  The jagged mountain in the distance is Montserrat, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montserrat_(mountain) .  Courtesy of www.youtube.com/c/nonstopeurotrip .

Scenery between Barcelona and Seville, on the section between Barcelona and Madrid.

Mountain ridge, also between Barcelona & Madrid.

Arid Andalusian scenery on the section from Madrid to Seville.

The high-speed line to Seville passes through the mountains on an impressive succession of bridge and tunnels.

Option 2, London to Seville & Malaga with overnight stop in Nîmes

If you want to avoid having to cross Paris, this is the option for you.  London to Spain with one easy same-station change in Lille and another in Nimes.  I think Nîmes makes the best stopover given the timings, but the direct AVE from Nimes to Madrid also calls at Avignon TGV, Montpelier and Perpignan, so you could stop overnight at any of those places instead.

London ► Cordoba, Seville, Malaga

At Lille Europe it's an easy same-station change, with time for a coffee or a beer between trains.

The TGV has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

Or travel from Malaga or Cordoba to Madrid by AVE high-speed train , leaving Malaga Maria Zambrano 08:58 or Cordoba 10:02 daily except Saturdays arriving Madrid Atocha 12:03.  On Saturdays, leave Malaga Maria Zambrano at 08:05 arriving Madrid Atocha 10:43 or leave Cordoba 09:21 arriving Madrid Atocha 11:16.

Alternatively, you could spend a morning in Nimes and leave Nîmes' city centre station at 15:19 arriving London St Pancras 21:57 (21:27 Saturdays).  See the UK to France page for full details of Nîmes-London train service .

Step 2, still on www.raileurope.com , book from Nimes to Cordoba, Malaga or Seville one-way and add to basket.  If returning, now book Seville, Malaga or Cordoba to Nimes one-way, add to basket and check out.

If you have any problems, book Nimes to Madrid, add to basket, then book Madrid onwards, add to basket, and check out.

3. Nîmes to Madrid by direct AVE

Option 3, London to Cordoba & Seville via sleeper train

The Paris-Barcelona trainhotel was sadly discontinued in 2013, but you can still use a French sleeper train between Paris and the Spanish border, then onward trains.  This can be a useful alternative to using daytime TGV service, which requires an overnight stop along the way.  You can of course go one way by TGV, the other way using a sleeper train, just remember to book the Eurostar as a round trip, because Eurostar return fares are significantly less than two one-ways.

Step 2, travel overnight from Paris to Latour de Carol in the Pyrenees or from Paris to Cerbère on the Spanish border by French sleeper train, leaving Paris Gare d'Austerlitz around 21:40.  Then take a local train from Latour or Cerbère to Barcelona Sants arriving at 13:45.

See the Paris to Barcelona by sleeper train page for full details, train times, tips & photos .

Step 3, travel from Barcelona to Cordoba, Seville or Malaga by AVE S103 train leaving Barcelona Sants at 15:15 arriving Cordoba 20:32, Seville Santa Justa 21:25 and Malaga Maria Zambrano 21:42.

The AVE S103 has Standard & Comfort class seats, a cafe-bar, power sockets & free WiFi, see the photos & information here .

Seville, Cordoba ► London

Barcelona to Cordoba or Seville starts at around €45.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

Although you can book from London to Latour all in one go, it's better to split the booking like this:  First book from London (or any station in Britain) to Paris and back, add to basket, then book the overnight train from Paris to Latour de Carol one-way and add to basket, then book Latour de Carol to Paris one-way and add to basket.

This way you can mix & match a 2nd class seat on Eurostar with a 1st class 4-berth couchette on the overnight train, and you can book an earlier Eurostar if it has cheaper seats available or if you'd like more time in Paris.  Always allow at least 60 minutes between trains in Paris, when catching a sleeper I'd allow more than this, say 2 hours.

Option 4, London to Seville & Malaga with overnight stop in Paris

This option runs in summer from 6 July to 1 September 2024 , when an additional early-morning Paris-Barcelona TGV allows a same-day connection with the onward afternoon train from Barcelona to Malaga, Cordoba & Seville.  This is a useful option:  An evening departure means you have all day to travel from anywhere in Britain up to London, and/or you have the freedom to book whichever Eurostar departure offers the cheapest tickets.

London ► Seville & Malaga

The AVE has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

Malaga & Seville ► London

London to granada, london ► granada, granada ► london, or ask railbookers to arrange it as a package.

If you need hotels booked for you as well, the easy option is to get specialist agency Railbookers to arrange your whole trip as a package, with train bookings, hotels & transfers all sorted in one phone call.  Tell them when and where you want to go and they'll advise you on the best trains, routes & hotels and sort it all out.  They get very positive reviews.

Other routes & options

You can of course use any of the routes & options between London & Barcelona suggested in the London to Barcelona section above , including options using the overnight couchette train between Paris & Latour de Carol or Paris & Perpignan/Cerbère .  Then use onward trains between Barcelona and Granada, booked at www.raileurope.com .

3. Barcelona to Granada by AVE

These AVE high speed trains are amongst the classiest in Europe.  They have standard & comfort class, cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  The trains used on the Barcelona-Granada route are the AVE S112 type shown below, built by the Talgo company.  Two duck-billed power cars sandwich a rake of small articulated carriages with just one pair of wheels beneath each articulation, a system unique to Talgo.  Renfe staff call these trains pato , Spanish for duck, no prizes for guessing why.

A distinctive AVE type S112 at Valencia.  Known by Renfe staff as Pato (duck), for obvious reasons.

London to Valencia & Alicante

Here are three good options for travel from the UK to Valencia, Alicante, Benidorm and the Costa Blanca.  Option 1 is fastest and simplest, if you don't mind changing trains & stations in Paris.  It's too far to do in a day, so you need to stay overnight in either in Paris or Barcelona.  Option 2 takes only a little longer, but involves a same-station connection in Lille so avoids having to cross Paris, with an overnight stop in Nîmes.  Option 3 uses a French couchette train so avoids having to stop overnight in a hotel and involves some nice scenery.  You can of course go out one way and back another.

Option 1, London to the Costa Blanca by high-speed train

This is the fastest and most comfortable option, by high-speed train with an overnight stop in either Paris or Barcelona.

London ► Valencia, Alicante (morning departure)

London ► valencia, alicante (evening departure), alicante, valencia ► london (morning departure), alicante, valencia ► london (afternoon departure), the benidorm connection.

To reach Benidorm, travel to Alicante then use the Alicante-Benidorm tram as shown here .

See the London to Spain by high-speed train section for fares between London & Barcelona.

Barcelona to Alicante by Euromed train starts at around €23 in Standard class or €47 in Comfort class.

Barcelona to Valencia by Euromed starts at around €18 in Standard class or €37 in Comfort class.

Fares vary like air fares, rising as the cheaper tickets are sold, so book early for the best prices.  Children under 4 free.

If you need hotels as well, the easy option is to get specialist agency Railbookers to arrange your whole trip, with trains, hotels & transfers sorted in one phone call.  As they are selling you a package they'll look after you if anything happens such as a strike or major delay.  Tell them when and where you want to go and they'll advise you on the best trains, routes & hotels and sort it all out for you.

Byway ( Byway.travel ) is a new UK-based eco-holiday firm, with a 5-star TrustPilot rating .  If you're nervous about booking train travel yourself, they'll book a trip from the UK to Spain for you as a package, including hotels and starting from any British station you like.  Byway includes package protection, a 100% Covid refund guarantee, free disruption and re-planning and on-demand WhatsApp support while you're away.

3. Barcelona to Valencia & Alicante by Euromed train

Euromed trains operate the fastest services on the Barcelona-Valencia-Alicante corridor.  Slower services are operated by Intercity trains .  Valencia stations guide. Alicante station guide .

Euromed train at Barcelona Sants.  These S130 trains are known as Patito (little duck) by staff, no prizes for guessing why.

Scenery between Valencia and Alicante.  You'll glimpse the Med in places, with mountains inland.

Option 2, London to Valencia & Alicante with overnight stop in Nîmes

This is well worth considering as it runs daily all year and avoids having to cross Paris.  I think Nîmes makes the best stopover point, but you could equally well stop for the night at Montpellier.

London ► Valencia, Alicante

The Eurostar has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  At Lille Europe it's an easy same-station change.

Day 1, travel from Lille to Nimes by TGV , leaving Lille Europe at 17:01 & arriving Nimes at 21:39.

Day 2, travel from Nîmes to Barcelona by AVE S100 high-speed train , leaving Nîmes Centre at 09:01 and arriving Barcelona Sants at 12:38.

Day 2, travel from Barcelona to Valencia or Alicante by Euromed train , leaving Barcelona Sants at 16:10 & arriving Valencia Joaquin Sorolla 18:57 & Alicante 21:05.  The Euromed train has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

Alicante, Valencia ► London

Day 2, on any day or date:  Travel from Nîmes to Lille Europe by high-speed TGV with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

Step 2, still on www.raileurope.com , now book from Nimes to Valencia or Alicante, add to basket and check out.

If you have any problems, book Nîmes to Barcelona, add to basket, book Barcelona to Valencia or Alicante, add to basket & check out.

Booking for Eurostar opens 6 months ahead , booking for TGVs opens up to 4 months ahead .  Booking for Spanish trains typically opens 60 days ahead , but this varies.  You print your own tickets, Eurostar & TGV tickets can also be shown on your phone.

Alternatively, you can book Eurostar & TGV with no booking fee at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com and book the Spanish trains between Nimes & Barcelona, Barcelona & Alicante using Renfe's website www.renfe.com ( see my advice on using it ).

Eurostar trains link London & Lille in 1h22, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in at London St Pancras as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More about Eurostar & check-in procedure .  St Pancras station guide .  Lille station guide & tips on changing trains .

Option 3, London to Valencia & Alicante via sleeper train

Step 2, travel overnight from Paris to Latour de Carol in the Pyrenees or to Cerbère on the Spanish border by French sleeper train, leaving Paris Gare d'Austerlitz in the evening.  Then take a local train from Latour or Cerbère to Barcelona Sants arriving 13:46.

Step 3, travel from Barcelona to Valencia or Alicante by Euromed train , leaving Barcelona Sants at 16:10, arriving Valencia Joaquin Sorolla 19:02 & Alicante 21:34.

Step 1, travel from Alicante or Valencia to Barcelona by Euromed train , leaving Alicante at 06:55 or Valencia Joaquin Sorolla at 09:05 and arriving Barcelona Sants at 12:16.  Have lunch in Barcelona.

Step 2, travel from Barcelona to Paris overnight, taking a local train at around 14:30 from Barcelona Sants to either Latour de Carol in the Pyrenees or to Cerbère on the French border, then a French sleeper train overnight to Paris Gare d'Austerlitz .

Barcelona to Valencia or Alicante starts at around €23.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

Although you can book from London to Latour or Cerbère all in one go, it's better to split the booking like this:  First book from London (or any station in Britain) to Paris and back, add to basket, then book the overnight train from Paris to Latour de Carol or Cerbère one-way and add to basket, then book Latour de Carol or Cerbère to Paris one-way and add to basket.

London to Cadiz , Algeciras etc.

London ► cadiz, jerez, almeria, murcia, cartagena, ronda, algeciras.

For Algeciras & Ronda :  Travel from Barcelona to Madrid by AVE S103 high-speed train leaving Barcelona Sants at 11:00 and arriving Madrid Atocha at 13:45, then travel from  Madrid to Algeciras by Intercity train, leaving Madrid Atocha at 15:16 and arriving Ronda at 19:42 & Algeciras at 21:13.

For Murcia :  Travel by direct Intercity train leaving Barcelona Sants at 12:00 arriving at Murcia at 19:42.

For Cartagena :  Travel by direct Intercity train leaving Barcelona Sants at 15:00 arriving Cartagena at 23:49.  Earlier departures are available with a change of train.

For Almeria :  Travel from Barcelona to Almeria leaving Barcelona Sants by AVE S112 high-speed train at 06:45, change at Granada, arriving Almeria at 17:52.

Algeciras, Ronda, Almeria, Cartagena, Murcia, Cadiz, Jerez ► London

From Algeciras or Ronda :  Travel from Algeciras to Antequera-Santa Ana, leaving Algeciras at 10:30 & Ronda at 12:24 by Media Distancia train, change at Antequera Santa Ana (arrive 13:25, depart 16:44) arriving Barcelona Sants at 22:35.

From Cartagena or Murcia :  Take the direct Intercity train leaving Cartagena at 12:00 or Murcia at 13:07 arriving Barcelona Sants at 21:07.

From Almeria :  Leave Almeria at 07:32 by Intercity train, change at Madrid Atocha onto a high-speed AVE , arriving Barcelona Sants at 17:20.

If you need hotels as well, the easy option is to get specialist agency Railbookers to arrange your whole trip as a package, with trains, hotels & transfers sorted in one phone call.  As they are selling you a package they'll look after you if anything happens such as a strike or major delay.  Tell them when and where you want to go and they'll advise you on the best trains, routes & hotels.  They get very positive reviews.

You can of course use any of the routes & options between London & Barcelona listed in the London to Barcelona section above , including options using the overnight couchette train between Paris & Latour de Carol or Paris & Perpignan/Cerbère .  Then use any suitable train between Barcelona and your final Spanish destination, booked at www.raileurope.com .

London to San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a popular destination, rightly so as it's a wonderful place.  It can help to know that it's Basque name is Donostia , you'll often see it shown as Donostia not San Sebastian.  If your budget allows, look no further than the wonderful Hotel de Londres y Inglaterra , located right on the seafront.  Paris to Hendaye on the Spanish border takes as little as 4h36 by high-speed TGV , the half-hourly metro train from Hendaye to San Sebastian then takes just 37 minutes.  You can also take a ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao then a local train to San Sebastian, see the ferry to Spain page .

London ► San Sebastian in a day, 07:01 departure

London ► san sebastian in a day, 08:01 departure on saturdays, london ► san sebastian in a day, 10:24 departure, daily except saturdays, london ► san sebastian evening departure, overnight stop in paris, san sebastian ► london in a day by 09:34 tgv.

The impressive double-deck TGV Duplex Océane has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see the TGV photos below .  I recommend an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck.  Times may vary so check for your date at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com .  Hendaye is on the French side of the Spanish border.

San Sebastian ► London in a day by 13:06 TGV

The impressive double-deck TGV Duplex Océane has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see the TGV photos below .  I recommend an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck.  Times vary so check for your date at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com .  Hendaye is on the French side of the Spanish border.

San Sebastian ► London by 18:07 TGV with overnight in Paris

Tip:   I recommend clicking More options , entering Paris and at least 1h15 stopover duration.  This ensures a robust connection in  Paris.

Tip:   After booking you can use the Manage booking facility at www.eurostar.com to choose an exact seat from a seating plan, see tips on choosing a seat on Eurostar .

You can also book using the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com , only in €, more fiddly then www.raileurope.com , but no booking fee.

Eurostar trains link London & Paris in 2h20, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in at London St Pancras as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More about Eurostar & check-in procedure .  St Pancras station guide .  Paris Gare du Nord station guide .  How to cross Paris by metro or taxi .

2. Paris to Hendaye by TGV

Paris-Hendaye trains are double-deck TGV Duplex with the Océane interior shown below, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Paris Montparnasse station guide .

A TGV Duplex at Paris Gare Montparnasse . 

Boarding at Paris Montparnasse.  Note the automatic ticket gates at the entrance to the platforms, just scan the QR code on your ticket.

TGV Océane cafe-bar on the upper deck in car 4 or 14 (above left) and 2nd class seats (above right).

TGV Océane 1st class seats.  All 1st class seats (except the end ones) rotate to face direction of travel.  There are USB & 2-pin outlets above each drop-down table.

TGV Océane stairs, just 9 easy shallow steps.  There are toilets & luggage racks upstairs & downstairs.  Above right, luggage racks upstairs.

Scenery under cloudy skies as the train crosses France at up to 320 km/h (199 mph).

Get off the TGV at Hendaye, walk off the platform and through the SNCF station ticket hall.  Incidentally, Hendaye station is where Hitler met Franco on 23 October 1940 , you'll be treading the same platforms!  If you need a coffee, I recommend the Cafe Olé just across the road.

3. Hendaye to San Sebastian by Euskotren

Walk out of Hendaye mainline station & turn right.  The Euskotren station is just 50m away.

Hendaye Euskotren station has a staffed ticket counter & ticket machines, cash & cards accepted.  Buy a ticket and go through the ticket gates onto the platforms.

The Euskotren station has just two platforms, it's the terminus from which trains start, all trains go to San Sebastian Amara !  These air-conditioned metro trains leave every 30 minutes .   There's plenty of space for luggage and they even have a wheelchair-accessible toilet.

San Sebastian Amara station is a terminus with 7 platforms, see station guide .  Map of San Sebastian showing stations

San Sebastian .  The sea front is 10 min walk from San Sebastian Amara station where Euskotren arrives.

London to Pamplona & Bilbao

This is a fast and comfortable option, with all-daytime travel by Eurostar & TGV high-speed train and an overnight stop in wonderful San Sebastian on the Basque coast.  The times below show the new faster TGV service from Paris to the Spanish border starting on 2 July 2017, made possible by the new Tour-Bordeaux high-speed line.

London ► Pamplona, Bilbao

Stay overnight in San Sebastian, a lovely city, worth a longer stop.  The Pension San Ignacio Centro is just 10 minutes walk from San Sebastian Renfe station and gets great reviews.  If you want somewhere in the old town try the Pension Garibai or Pension Alameda .

Alternatively, there are buses from San Sebastian to Bilbao run by www.alsa.es .  The buses run every hour or two, journey time 1h30, fare €8 one way, €16 return.

Pamplona, Bilbao ► London

Travel from Pamplona to San Sebastian by smart modern air-conditioned Alvia train , leaving Pamplona at 19:30 and arriving San Sebastian Renfe station at 21:16.

Hop on one of the hourly narrow gauge trains run by Euskotren from Bilbao Matiko station to San Sebastian Amara station , journey time 2h35, fare €6.50, buy a ticket at the station and hop on the next train.

Stay overnight in San Sebastian - a lovely city, worth a longer stop.  The Pension San Ignacio Centro is just 10 minutes walk from San Sebastian Renfe station and gets great reviews.  If you want somewhere in the old town try the Pension Garibai or Pension Alameda .

The impressive double-deck TGV Duplex Océane has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see the TGV photos above .  I recommend an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck.  Times vary so check for your date at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com .  Hendaye is on the French side of the Spanish border.

Anyone can use www.raileurope.com , in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, you usually print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.  It'll sell tickets to Hendaye from any station in Britain, not just London.  There's a small booking fee.

Booking for Eurostar opens 6 months ahead , booking for TGVs opens up to 4 months ahead .  Booking for Spanish trains typically opens 60 days ahead , but this varies.

Book from London to Paris at www.eurostar.com with print-at-home or show-on-phone tickets.

Book from Paris to Hendaye at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com .  Make sure you allow at least 60 minutes to change trains & stations in Paris southbound, 90 minutes northbound (as northbound you have to include the 30 minute Eurostar check-in)

London to Segovia, Toledo, Avila & Salamanca

London to santiago de compostela, vigo & a coruña.

Option 1 is to go via San Sebastian, a lovely city for a stopover and it's the quickest and usually cheapest route.  However, if you'd like a simpler journey with fewer changes, option 2 is to go via Barcelona.  Why not go out one way and back another?  Apart from the London-Paris Eurostar (which should always be booked as a round trip as return fares are significantly cheaper than two one-ways), all these trains are one-way ticketed, so there is no cost penalty in going out one way and back the other.

Option 1, London to Galicia via San Sebastian

This is a comfortable all-daytime journey through interesting scenery with an overnight stop in a hotel in lovely San Sebastian. 

London ► Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Vigo

Day 2, travel from San Sebastian to Madrid by Alvia train , leaving San Sebastian Renfe station at 09:02 arriving Madrid Chamartin 13:56.

The high-speed Alvia train has a cafe-bar and standard & comfort class seats.  It's a lovely run down out of the Pyrenees onto the plains.  For the first part of the journey the train uses classic lines, then it passes slowly through a shed and automatically changes track gauge from Spanish 5'6" broad gauge to standard gauge 4' 8½".  It then joins the high-speed line for a final dash at up to 250 km/h (155 mph) to Madrid.

Day 2, travel from Madrid to Galicia by air-conditioned Alvia train .

A train leaves Madrid Chamartin at 16:00 and arrives Vigo Urzaiz at 20:12.

Another leaves Madrid Chamartin at 17:45 & arrives Santiago de Compostela at 21:28 & A Coruña at 21:59.

These high-speed Alvia trains have standard & comfort class and cafe-bar.

Vigo, A Coruña, Santiago de Compostela ► London

The impressive double-deck TGV Duplex Océane has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see the TGV photos below .  Times vary so check for your date at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com .  I recommend an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck.  Hendaye is on the French side of the Spanish border.

How to buy tickets, advanced

Step 1, book from London to Paris at www.eurostar.com .

Step 2, book from Paris to Hendaye and (and back, if returning) at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com .  Make sure you allow at least 60 minutes to change trains & stations in Paris southbound, 90 minutes northbound as this needs to include the 30-minute Eurostar check-in.  Ideally more.

2. Paris to Hendaye by TGV Duplex Océane

Most Paris-Hendaye trains are double-deck TGV Duplex, usually with the Océane interior as shown below.  There are power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

TGV Océane 1st class seats .  All 1st class seats (except the end ones) rotate to face direction of travel.  There are USB & 2-pin outlets above each drop-down table.

The Euskotren station has just two platforms, it's the terminus from which trains start, all trains go to San Sebastian-Donostia Amara !  These air-conditioned metro trains leave every 30 minutes .   There's plenty of space for luggage and they even have a wheelchair-accessible toilet.

These comfortable Alvia S120 trains have standard & comfort class, a cafe-bar.  They may or may not have power outlets.  The train leaves from San Sebastian's Renfe station, 10 minutes walk from the city centre.  The journey starts slowly with the train wending its way through the Pyrenean foothills as the morning mist clears, then it emerges from the hills and gather speed across the plains.  During the journey the train passes slowly through a shed and changes from Iberian gauge (5' 6") used on the main Spanish network to standard gauge (4' 8½") used for most Spanish high-speed lines.  Once on the high-speed line it reaches 250 km/h (155 mph).

In Madrid it's an easy same-station change at Madrid Chamartin .  I suggest a beer or a meal between trains at the bar or restaurant on the 2nd floor of the Hotel Chamartin The One , away from the bustle of the station.

5. Madrid to Santiago de Compostela, Coruña or Vigo .

These Alvia S730 trains have standard & comfort class, a cafe-bar and power sockets at all seats.  They travel at up to 250 km/h (155 mph) on high-speed lines and can change gauge when necessary, from standard gauge (4' 8½") used for most Spanish high-speed lines to Iberian gauge (5' 6") used on the main Spanish network.

Above left, comfort (1st) class seats on an Alvia S730 train, recently refurbished in tan leather.

The cafe-bar.  Above right, an Iberico meal deal from the cafe-bar on an Alvia train.

Above left, boarding at Madrid Chamartin.  Above right, standard (2nd) class seats on an Alvia S730 from Madrid to Vigo.

Scenery at high-speed, north of Madrid.

Scenery between Madrid & Vigo, a little way south of Ourense.

Option 2, London to Galicia via Barcelona

This takes a couple of hours longer overall compared to option 1 and usually costs a few euros more, but it's a simpler journey using a direct train from Paris to Barcelona and a direct train from Barcelona to Galicia, with no need to walk across San Sebastian!

Day 1, travel from Galicia to Barcelona by high-speed air-conditioned Alvia train .

Step 2, book from Paris to Barcelona at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com .  Make sure you allow at least 60 minutes to change trains & stations in Paris southbound, 90 minutes northbound as this needs to include the 30-minute Eurostar check-in.  Ideally more.

London to Ibiza

It's easy to travel from London to Ibiza by train & ferry, no airports, no flights.  You take a Eurostar to Paris, a high-speed double-deck TGV to Barcelona, then sail overnight on a comfortable ferry from Barcelona to Ibiza.  Here, I explain how.

London ► Ibiza

The last Eurostar usually leaves London St Pancras at 20.01 arriving Paris Gare du Nord 23:18, but by all means book an earlier one.

Day 2, sail from Barcelona to Ibiza by overnight ferry.

There are two ferry companies, both with lounges, bar, restaurant, reclining seats & cosy private cabins with shower & toilet:

Trasmed operate an overnight ferry to Ibiza on most nights of the week, times vary but it typically sails at 22:00, arriving in Ibiza town (Ibiza Ciudad) at 07:00.  Check sailing dates & times at the Direct Ferries website (in English) or www.trasmed.com (only in Spanish or Catalan).

Balearia also operate an overnight ferry to Ibiza on most nights of the week, sailing times vary but it typically sails at 22:00, arriving in Ibiza town (Ibiza Ciudad) at 06:00.  Check sailing dates & times at the Direct Ferries website or www.balearia.com .

Ibiza ► London

Day 1, sail from Ibiza to Barcelona by ferry.

In this direction sailings are usually daytime ones.  There are two ferry companies, both with lounges, bar, restaurant, reclining seats & cosy private cabins with shower & toilet:

Trasmed operate a ferry from Ibiza to Barcelona on most days of the week, sailing times vary but it typically sails from Ibiza town (Ibiza Ciudad) around 11:00, arriving in Barcelona at 19:30.  It occasionally sails overnight.  Check sailing dates and times at the Direct Ferries website or www.trasmed.com .

Barcelona to Ibiza by ferry starts at €32.20 in a seat with Trasmed or €26.50 with Balearia. 

Step 1, book the ferry from Barcelona to Ibiza using the Direct Ferries website .  This can book tickets for both ferry operators.

Byway ( Byway.travel ) is a UK-based eco-holiday firm with a 5-star TrustPilot rating .  If you're nervous about booking yourself, they'll book a trip from the UK to Ibiza for you as a package, including hotels and starting from any British station you like.  Byway also includes package protection, a 100% Covid refund guarantee, free disruption and re-planning and on-demand WhatsApp support while you're away.

The ferry to Ibiza...

Balearia ferry in Ibiza harbour.  Courtesy of Discoverbyrail.com .

Useful alternatives

London to mallorca & minorca.

It's easy to travel from London to Mallorca or Menorca without flying.  You take a Eurostar to Paris & TGV to Barcelona, then take the daily overnight ferry from Barcelona to Palma de Mallorca.  Alternatively, there's an even easier route from the UK to Menorca & Alcudia on Mallorca using an overnight ferry from Toulon in the south of France which runs several times a week in summer.

The larger island is Mallorca in Spanish, but often written Majorca in English.  Similarly the smaller island is Menorca in Spanish, often written Minorca in English.

Option 1, via Barcelona

London ► palma de mallorca.

Day 2, sail from Barcelona to Palma de Mallorca by overnight ferry.

Trasmed operate an overnight ferry to Palma on most nights of the week, times vary but it typically sails at 22:45, arriving in Palma at 06:00.  Check sailing dates & times at the Direct Ferries website (in English) or www.trasmed.com (only in Spanish or Catalan).

Balearia also operate an overnight ferry to Palma on most nights of the week, sailing times vary but it typically sails at 22:15, arriving in Palma at 05:30.  Check sailing dates & times at the Direct Ferries website or www.balearia.com .

Or stay overnight in Barcelona & take a daytime fast ferry to Alcudia.

On many days in summer Balearia operate a daytime fast ferry (SeaCat) from Barcelona to Alcudia on the northeast corner of Mallorca near Pollensa, calling at Menorca on the way.  This leaves from directly alongside the Balearia terminal in central Barcelona around 16:30, arriving Menorca at 20:00 & Alcudia on Mallorca at 22:00.

See www.balearia.com or use the Direct Ferries website to check whether it is running on your dates of travel.  There will be plenty of taxis waiting at Alcudia ferry terminal, it's a 10 minute taxi ride to Pollensa.

Palma de Mallorca ► London

Day 1, sail from Palma de Mallorca to Barcelona by ferry.

In this direction sailings are usually daytime.  There are two ferry companies, both with lounges, bar, restaurant, reclining seats & cosy private cabins with shower & toilet.

Trasmed operate a ferry from Palma de Mallorca to Barcelona on most days of the week, sailing times vary but it typically sails from Palma around 11:30, arriving in Barcelona at 19:00.  It occasionally sails overnight.  Check sailing dates and times at the Direct Ferries website or www.trasmed.com .

Or take a daytime fast ferry from Alcudia to Barcelona.

Alternatively, on many days in summer Balearia operate a fast ferry (SeaCat) from Alcudia to Barcelona, calling at Menorca on the way.  It typically leaves Alcudia at 08:30 and Menorca at 10:30, arriving Barcelona at 14:30, but times vary.  See www.balearia.com or use the Direct Ferries website to check sailing dates & times.  Alcudia is just 10 minutes by taxi from Pollensa.

Barcelona to Palma de Mallorca by ferry starts at €40 in a seat with Trasmed or €24.50 with Balearia. 

Step 1, book the ferry from Barcelona to Palma de Mallorca using the Direct Ferries website .  This can book tickets for both ferry operators.

Trains on Mallorca:   There are two train lines on Majorca, from Palma to Inca & Soller, see www.tib.org & (for Soller) trendesoller.com .

Hotels on Mallorca:   There are of course many hotels and resorts on Mallorca, but I can recommend the Pollentia Club Resort near Pollensa.

Byway ( Byway.travel ) is a UK-based eco-holiday firm with a 5-star TrustPilot rating .  If you're nervous about booking yourself, they'll book a trip from the UK to Palma de Mallorca for you as a package, including hotels and starting from any British station you like.  Byway also includes package protection, a 100% Covid refund guarantee, free disruption and re-planning and on-demand WhatsApp support while you're away.

Barcelona ferry terminal

This shows the summer fast ferry from Barcelona to Alcudia, near Pollensa on Mallorca

Blue arrow = Balearia ferry terminal, white arrow = Trasmed terminal.  Above right, the Balearia terminal.  See map of Barcelona showing ferry terminals

Ferry to Palma

Grimaldi Trasmed's ferry Ciudad de Barcelona , at Barcelona port.  Photo courtesy of Luke Sibieta.

Balearia ferry.  Photo courtesy of Luke Sibieta.

Fast ferry to Alcudia

Balearia's fast ferry from Barcelona to Alcudia.  That's the Columbus Monument at the foot of La Rambla in the background - it's that central!

Sailing out of Barcelona

No easyJet, no Ryanair.   We left London in the morning and spent the following day exploring Barcelona.  Now on board the late afternoon fast ferry to Alcudia on Mallorca, the sun sets as we speed across the Med.  We spotted some dolphins earlier.

Option 2, via Toulon

This is in many ways the most convenient option if you're travelling between April & October, using a comfortable overnight ferry which sails several times a week from Toulon in the south of France.  Some sailings go to both Menorca and Alcudia (on Mallorca, near Pollensa), some just go to Alcudia.

London ► Menorca, Mallorca

The TGV Duplex has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

This comfortable overnight ferry has a lounge, bar, restaurant and private cabins with en suite toilet & shower.

Mallorca, Menorca ► London

Do not risk any tight connections with the ferry, in case of delay.  I have deliberately allowed plenty of time here.

Day 3, travel from Paris to London to Paris by any morning Eurostar you like.

The first Eurostar usually leaves Paris Gare du Nord at 07.12 arriving London St Pancras 08:30, but by all means book a later one.

Step 2, book the Eurostar and the Paris-Toulon TGV at either www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com .

The ferry from Toulon to Mallorca

The Mega Express Two (on the right) is one of the ferries used from Toulon to Mallorca & Menorca.  Photographed in Nice.

London to the Canary islands

From the UK to Lanzarote, Las Palmas & Tenerife without flying?  It's perfectly possible!  Two ferry companies now link Spain with the Canary islands, Trasmediterranea and Naviera Armas.  Here's how to travel from the UK to the Canary Islands without flying:

Option 1, via Huelva with Naviera Armas

www.navieraarmas.com started a weekly ferry from Huelva in Spain to Tenerife and Gran Canaria in 2011. It's reportedly higher quality than the Trasmediterranea ferry, but feedback is welcome!

London  ► Canaries

Day 1, Thursday:  Travel from London to Seville with an overnight stop in Barcelona. as shown in the London to Seville section .

Day 2, Friday:  You arrive in Seville in the afternoon.  Take any suitable local train from Seville Santa Justa to Huelva.  Stay overnight in Huelva.

Day 3, Saturday:  Huelva ferry terminal is some 17km from Huelva town, so take a taxi and allow time for check-in.

 The Naviera Armas ferry sails from Huelva weekly, usually at 13:00 every Saturday, arriving at Gran Canaria at 17:00 and 22:00 at Tenerife on the Sunday.  Check times, sailing dates & fares at www.navieraarmas.com .

In 2024, Naviera Armas plan to switch ports and will sail from Cadiz instead of Huelva, check their website.

Canaries  ► London

Day 1, Thursday:  The ferry sails every Thursday from Gran Canaria at 08:00 or Tenerife at 12:00 arriving Huelva at 18:00 on Friday (day 2). 

In 2024, Naviera Armas plan to switch ports and will arrive in Cadiz instead of Huelva, check their website.

Day 2, after arriving early evening, take a taxi from Huelva port into town and spend the night in Huelva.

Day 3, Saturday:  Take any suitable morning local train from Huelva to Seville Santa Justa .  Then take the afternoon AVE from Seville to Barcelona, stay overnight in Barcelona and catch a TGV & Eurostar back to London on Sunday, as shown above in the Seville to London section .

Fares & how to buy tickets

Buy tickets from London to Seville as shown above .  Add a Seville to Huelva ticket at www.raileurope.com .

Check ferry fares, sailing dates and book the ferry tickets online at www.navieraarmas.com .  Fares start at €80 each way with a reclining seat, or €200 each way per person for two passengers travelling together sharing a 2-bed cabin.

Option 2, via Cadiz with Trasmediterranea

A weekly Trasmediterranea Line cruise ferry links Cadiz in mainland Spain with Arrecife (Lanzarote), Las Palmas and Tenerife in the Canary Islands, a 2-night voyage.  The whole journey from London to Tenerife will take 3 or 4 nights.

Day 1, travel from London to Cadiz with an overnight stop in Barcelona, as shown in the London to Cadiz section above .  You arrive in Cadiz on day 2.  You need to leave London on Sunday morning if your ferry sails from Cadiz on Tuesday, or on Thursday morning if it sails on Saturday.

Day 3, the ferry to the Canaries sails from Cadiz weekly, usually on a Tuesday or Saturday evening, taking 2 days 1 night or 2 nights 1 day, depending on the sailing.  Check times, sailing dates & fares at either the Direct Ferries website or www.trasmediterranea.es .

Option 3, via Huelva with Fred Olsen

Fred Olsen Ferries sails twice a week all year round from Huelva in southern Spain to Tenerife & Gran Canaria.  It's a joint service with Balearia Ferries, which started in 2018.  The service uses a comfortable modern ship.

Day 1, travel from London to Barcelona as shown above , possible in a day when the afternoon TGV operates.  Stay overnight in Barcelona.

Day 2, travel from Barcelona to Huelva with a change in Madrid, check times and buy a ticket at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com .  Stay overnight in Huelva.

Day 3, Huelva ferry terminal is some 17 km from Huelva town, so take a taxi and allow time for check-in.

Sail from Huelva in the afternoon for Tenerife or Gran Canaria, arriving the following evening (day 4).  Check ferry sailing dates and times at the Direct Ferries website or www.fredolsen.es .  One-way fares range from €110 in a seat to €330 with private cabin, meals included.

Buy your London to Cadiz train tickets online or by phone as explained above .  Using www.raileurope.com you'd book London to Barcelona on day 1, add to basket, then Barcelona to Cadiz on day 2, and check out.

Book the ferry tickets using the Direct Ferries website or at www.trasmediterranea.es , or by phone with Trasmediterranea's UK agent, Southern Ferries on 0844 815 7785.  It's not cheap!  £550 return for two people travelling in a 2-berth cabin, £720 in a single-berth cabin.  Check fares with Southern Ferries on  0844 815 7785

UK to Spain by ferry

Cruise to spain with www.brittany-ferries.co.uk, holidays to spain by train, railbookers, railbookers.co.uk.

Railbookers can custom-make a flight-free holiday or city break to Spain for you, with train travel, transfers & hotels, leaving on any date you like.  For example, they can do a 2-night short break to Barcelona or an 8-night trip to Madrid, Valencia & Barcelona with standard class Eurostar and first class on the TGV to Barcelona.  If you tell them what you want, they'll advise you on the best trains, routes & hotels and sort it all out for you.  They get a lot of repeat business!

Byway, byway.travel

Byway ( Byway.travel ) is a UK-based eco-holiday firm with a 5-star TrustPilot rating .  If you're nervous about booking train travel yourself, they'll book a holiday to Spain for you as a package, including train travel from the UK and hotels, starting from any British station you like.

They can build a trip to your requirements if you phone 0300 131 7173 (open 09:00-17:00 Monday-Friday, from outside the UK call +44 300 131 7173) or email them or use this contact form .  Please say you heard about them from Seat 61.

Byway includes package protection, a 100% Covid refund guarantee, free disruption & re-planning and on-demand WhatsApp support while you're away.

Tailor Made Rail, tailormaderail.com

Tailor Made Rail offers packages from the UK to Spain by train which can be customised your requirements, with any stopovers you want.  As it's a package, they'll take care of you if anything happens on one part of the trip, for example, a national strike.  They're TTA-protected, which is like ATOL, but not just for agencies that sell air travel.  Website www.tailormaderail.com/destinations/france .

Call their dedicated seat61 phone line 020 3778 1461 and quote seat 61 when booking.  From outside the UK call +44 20 3778 1461.  Lines open 09:00-17:30 Monday-Friday.

European Rail Timetable & maps

Rail Map Europe is the map I recommend, covering all of Europe from Portugal in the west to Moscow & Istanbul in the east, Finland in the north to Sicily & Athens in the south.  Scenic routes & high-speed lines are highlighted.  See an extract from the map .  Buy online at www.europeanrailtimetable.eu (shipping worldwide) or at www.amazon.co.uk (UK addresses).

Click the images to buy online at Amazon.co.uk

Alternatively, download just the chapters or areas you need in .PDF format from the Lonely Planet Website , from around £2.99 or US$4.95 a chapter.

Hotels & accommodation

Hotels close to barcelona sants station.

If you're just staying overnight between trains, here are some good hotels near Barcelona Sants with good or great reviews:

Hotel Barcelo Sants , 4-star, situated directly above Barcelona Sants station itself, great reviews, recommended.

AC Hotel Sants by Marriott , 4-star, just 50m from the station.

Hotel Catalonia Roma , 3-star.

Hostal Baler , 2-star.

Hotel Transit , 1-star.

On a tight budget, a bed in a dorm at the highly-rated Ten-To-Go Hostel or Meeting Point Hostel both a stone's throw from Barcelona Sants starts at just €20 or so.

Hotels in Barcelona for a longer stay

If you're staying longer, find a hotel in the old quarter, perhaps on La Rambla itself.  Here are some hotels with good or great reviews:

Hotel DO Plaça Reial (5-star, fabulous, around £200+).

Hotel Espana (4-star, around £190, one of Barcelona's most historic & well-known hotels in a quiet location just off La Rambla).

Hotel MonteCarlo (4-star), Hotel Jazz (3-star with roof-top pool, from around £160 per night).

Hotel Catalonia Portal de l'Angel (3-star with outdoor swimming pool, Gothic quarter, around £130 for a double).

Hotel Curious (2-star, 50m from Las Ramblas, from around £90 for a double).

Hotels close to Paris Gare de Lyon

If you need to stop overnight in Paris on your way to or from Spain, these hotels near the Gare de Lyon get good reviews: 

Mercure Paris Gare de Lyon (on the station forecourt itself next to the station's famous clock tower, 4-star);

Citizen M Hotel (just along the road from the station, 4-star, great reviews);

Hotel Terminus Lyon (right in front of the station, 3-star);

Novotel Paris Gare de Lyon (opposite the station, 4-star);

Mistral Hotel (800m from Gare de Lyon, 1-star);

Hotel 26 Faubourg (5 min walk from Gare de Lyon, 2-star);  More Paris hotels .

Entrance to the Mercure Hotel at the Gare De Lyon , right next to the station's famous clock tower.  Handy for early trains!

AirBnB:  www.airbnb.com

www.airbnb.com began in 2008 when two designers who had space to share hosted three travellers looking for a place to stay.  AirBnB is a platform which connects hosts with guests, so you can now book a room in people's homes, or an apartment, flat or house which people want to rent out.  It can be nicer than a hostel, cheaper than many hotels.

Backpacker hostels: www.hostelworld.com

www.hostelworld.com :  If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in Paris and most other European cities at rock-bottom prices.

Environmentally aware, actively ethical adventures in Spain:  www.wildsideholidays.com .

For environmentally-aware guesthouses offering walking, hiking, riding or nature-watching in the Spanish countryside and national parks, try www.wildsideholidays.com , a new site listing independent, environmentally-aware properties across Spain.  It was started by British ex-pats Clive Muir and Sue Eatock, when they found nowhere to advertise their own wonderful property deep in the heart of the Sierra de Grazelema near Ronda in Southern Spain.

Car hire comparison:  www.carrentals.co.uk

The award-winning website www.carrentals.co.uk compares many different car hire companies including Holiday Autos, meaning not only a cheapest price comparison but a wider choice of hire and drop off location.

Travel insurance & other tips

Always take out travel insurance.

You should take out travel insurance with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover from a reliable insurer.  It should cover trip cancellation and loss of cash & belongings up to a reasonable limit.  These days, check you're covered for covid-19-related issues, and use an insurer whose cover isn't invalidated by well-meant but excessive Foreign Office travel advice against non-essential travel. An annual policy is usually cheapest even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Don't expect travel insurance to bail you out of every missed connection, see the advice on missed connections here .  Here are some suggested insurers, I get a little commission if you buy through these links, feedback always welcome.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a European mobile data package and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list .  There's no need to buy a physical SIM card!  Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month as I write this.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.  And you can get a Curve card for free.

How it works:   1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android .  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than getting a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  Why you need a VPN

When travelling you may use free public WiFi which is often insecure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explained .  ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using this link you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I also get some commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, hotel bookings and Interrail or Eurail passes are often now held on your mobile phone.  You daren't let it run out of power, and you can't always rely on the phone's internal battery or on being near a power outlet.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or buy from Amazon.com .

Touring cities?  Use hill walking shoes!

One of the best things I've done is swap my normal shoes for hill-walking shoes, in my case from Scarpa.  They're intended for hiking across the Pennines not wandering around Florence, but the support and cushioning for hiking works equally well when you're on your feet all day exploring foreign cities.  My feet used to give out first and limit my day, now the rest of me gives up before they do!

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Real reason Brits in Benidorm choose UK pubs and pints over Spanish tapas bars

New research from Greene King has found that UK tourists can't resist a British-style pub abroad and Benidorm's King believes that he knows the real reason why

• 10:46, 2 Sep 2024

The unofficial King of Benidorm has revealed the reason he thinks Brits flock to pubs in Benidorm over bars.

No matter where you travel in the world , you're likely to stumble upon a British-style pub, complete with dim lighting, sticky carpets and Stella on tap. It's no secret that Brits have a reputation for enjoying a pint (or 10), earning us a notorious title as merry-makers abroad hence why many countries strategically place a British pub amongst local bars, hoping to attract us.

But what is it about these British-style pubs abroad that UK tourists find so appealing? The unofficial King of Benidorm believes he has the answers. Barman and TikTok sensation Nigel Pope, 63, who has resided in the Costa Blanca hotspot for seven years, knows all there is to know about the destination, hence his Royal moniker.

He suggests that UK tourists feel comfortable in a pub because they crave home comforts when faced with unfamiliar surroundings like the sun. In an exclusive chat with the Daily Star, Nigel shared: "I think the main reason why people prefer the British pubs in Benidorm is because they play the music or have karaoke all day and night.

"And let's not forget the price of the drinks. The cheapest is Uncle Ron's pub at €1 for a pint of Estrella. The night and day Spanish clubs charge more because you have some of the best tribute artists in Europe."

Nigel has lifted the lid on a curious British travel habit, as revealed by new research from brewing company Greene King, it seems a good number of Brits aren't quite ready to let go of home comforts while soaking up the sun abroad.

In lieu of exploring exotic locales and their culinary offerings, many Brits are apparently seeking solace in the familiar surroundings of a British-style pub, complete with pints and spirited renditions of cheesy karaoke classics.

According to this eye-opening survey, a whopping 70 percent of UK holidaymakers have sought out a British-style pub while jaunting overseas, patronising them an average of three times during their stay. What's more, nearly half of those surveyed admitted to suffering from a serious case of FOMO concerning Blighty — that's the fear of missing out with over half pining for the classic battered fish and chips amongst other homely delights.

Nigel, however, isn't surprised. He argues that British pubs offer a warmer welcome than local tapas bars, despite a perceived general coolness towards tourists in Spain right now.

Giving the inside scoop, Nigel disclosed: "But, another reason why British people prefer the pubs is because it's a much friendlier and sometimes quieter venue along with the cheapest drinks with all the special offers going on."

He went on to highlight Benidorm's Old Town home to the original settlement and its eclectic mix of British establishments nestled among Spanish eateries.

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Nigel noted: "Of course there are a lot of British pubs amongst the Spanish tapas bars and restaurants in the Old Town, where the original Village or Pueblo Benidorm started its life many years ago. It's a must-visit part of Benidorm when you are here. There's many lovely British pubs including where I work in Colliers Bar and restaurants dotted about in many of the quaint narrow streets."

Signing off with a tip for travellers, he affirmed: "It's a must for everyone."

In the last year, popular vacation spots across Spain have experienced a surge of anti-tourist sentiment, with residents urging the government to step in. Hotspots like the Canary Islands, Barcelona, and Majorca have all witnessed frustrated locals who argue their towns are swamped by tourists.

A key source of their frustration is how the influx of tourists is exacerbating the Spanish housing situation, as holiday rentals and summer homes drive up prices beyond the reach of local inhabitants.

Fancy earning money when you book a holiday? Thanks to Quidco, you can. After signing up for free, Quidco gives you a chunk of money back every time you spend. If your first purchase is within 30 days of signing up and is £5 or more, you'll receive cashback on that purchase and a £15 bonus.

Yet, according to Nigel, who's familiar with the tourism industry in Benidorm, there's no need to worry about such issues there. He previously shared with us: "Obviously Brits have a bad reputation in some areas because of the amount of drink they consume. I work in a bar and they just forget how much stronger and bigger amounts are given here. Also, I do think that because of the bad weather in the UK and the cost of living crisis, some people are just out and over enjoying themselves and de-stressing.

"I always say to people, that you only hear about the few problems, but 99.9 percent of the good times, you never hear about that." His parting words were an assurance to any prospective visitors: "When you come to Benidorm, you will find it one of the friendliest places ever."

MORE ON Benidorm Spain Benidorm (Spain) European Destinations Pubs

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I caught a hotel worker sniffing and stealing my underwear — i feel so violated.

A UK mom traveling with her 11-year-old son was petrified to discover a hotel worker sneaking into their room and sniffing and stealing her underwear.

The horror began for Rara Armstrong, a self-employed model and content creator from Gloucester, Gloucestershire, when she was on a family vacation in May at Hotel Ambassador Playa II in Benidorm, Spain.

That’s when a staff member looked her up on OnlyFans using her booking information, according to Kennedy News and Media.

The 39-year-old — who booked the visit through the travel site LoveHolidays — claimed she felt “violated” when the “really overly friendly” man “inappropriately” asked for her number and to take her out for coffee.

When she declined, saying she was accompanied by her son, he even said the boy could come along.

She said no, but he persisted, asking for her number.

“I was, like, ‘No,’ and I felt really uncomfortable,” Armstrong recalled to Kennedy News. “He just wouldn’t drop it. I said, ‘I’ve got a boyfriend,’ just so he’d leave me alone.

Hours later, she discovered that the worker — who proclaimed she was too “sexy” to resist — had subscribed to her OnlyFans, which left her “a little bit creeped out.”

“He was messaging me [on OnlyFans] and saying, ‘Oh, I can’t believe you’re in Spain.’ At first, I didn’t click that it was him,” she explained. “I was, like, ‘Oh, have you seen me at the airport or somewhere?’ and he said, ‘Yeah, you’re in the hotel where I work,’ and I thought, ‘Oh, my God.’

“He was [looking me up] online.”

He also told her she was too “sexy” to resist after she reprimanded him for being unprofessional.

Though Armstrong didn’t make a formal complaint to avoid ruining the first day of vacation, she did explicitly ask him to leave her alone, which he did — until the last day of the trip.

On the final day of their five-day stay, the hotel employee went into their room while they were out, she said, and left a bottle of Prosecco as an apology, a gesture that left Armstrong feeling uneasy.

She decided to set up her son’s iPad to face the door and record before they went out again for the evening.

Just 15 minutes later, a “surreal” moment was caught on camera.

The employee could be seen entering the room and rummaging through what Armstrong said was her dirty laundry bag, pulling out her G-string thong, sniffing it and stuffing it in his back pocket.

“He sniffed them a few times. He carries on snooping; I don’t know what he was looking for. As he leaves, he sniffs them again and puts them in his back pocket,” she recalled.

“It was crazy. I wasn’t expecting something like that.”

Armstrong said the experience left her feeling “horrible,” “really violated” and “scared,” she shared.

“I thought, ‘If I’d been on my own, would he have come in when I was asleep?'”

LoveHolidays apologized to Armstrong and said the employee was fired the next morning after she reported the incident.

“We are very sorry to hear of Ms. Armstrong’s experience while on holiday,” a LoveHolidays spokesperson said in a statement to Kennedy News. “Unfortunately, we were not made aware of the incident while she was on holiday, so we were unable to provide her with support or advice on making a police report during her stay.

“We have fully investigated the issue with the hotel and are confident the appropriate action has been taken to ensure this does not happen again.”

But Armstrong felt like she was between a rock and a hard place.

“It just really annoyed me because I thought I should have just reported him straight away when he was inappropriate on day one,” she said. “I just didn’t want to ruin the holiday as we’d just arrived, and I was hoping if I told him to leave me alone he would, but obviously it escalated,” she admitted.

However, the hotel reportedly refused any compensation because she didn’t report it until after she had left. Armstrong claimed she didn’t have time to contact the police since it happened on the last day and she had a flight to catch to get home.

“The hotel are saying they told me to call the police and I refused, which is a complete lie. They basically told me not to show the video to anyone,” Armstrong claimed.

The Ambassador Hotel Playa II declined to comment to Kennedy News.

Now, she’s hoping to warn other women to avoid “a real nightmare” by tipping off a hotel about “creeps” immediately and even setting up cameras, like she did, if they have any suspicions of wrongdoing.

“Maybe carry a door lock [for] protection or something. And maybe record your room — that seems to be a good thing to do so then you have evidence, and the hotel can’t deny that it’s happened.

“My advice to others would just be to be really vigilant,” Armstrong continued. “If someone is being creepy towards you, report them straight away.”

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The EU's New Carry-On Luggage Rules Start This Weekend—Here's What You Need to Know

Despite the promise of smoother security procedures at major airports in 2024, the plan to roll out advanced scanners that would eradicate the need to separate liquids and electronics and adhere to the strict 100ml rule has hit more than a few road bumps.

Since the technology update was first announced by the UK government in 2018, many airports stated they would miss the June 2024 deadline—and those that did manage to meet it have now been forced to revert back to previous carry-on rules.

But it isn’t just the UK that is impacted by these delays and changes. Come September 1, 2024, airports in all 27 EU countries will likewise have to make a U-turn, as the European Commission will be enforcing temporary regulations until a “tech issue” with the equipment is rectified.

While there have been other reports that the EU will also be simultaneously standardizing the size of carry-on luggage for all member state airports, a spokesperson for the European Commission has confirmed to Condé Nast Traveller UK that this is not true.

“Unfortunately, there has been some misinformation spreading as no upcoming EU regulation foresees changes to hand luggage rules," the spokesperson said. “What is correct is that in July 2024, the Commission services organized a workshop with all interested stakeholders to discuss possible common industry standards on the weight and dimensions of hand luggage. This initiative responds to a call from former Transport Commissioner Vălean in December 2023 to the industry to develop such standards in collaboration with other stakeholders. The Commission expects to hear further details from industry on the progress towards common standards soon and plans to organize a follow-up workshop in autumn.”

Here, we take a look at what is set to change around carry-on luggage rules in the EU—and what the restrictions will mean for tourists.

What are the EU’s carry-on luggage rules?

The EU's rules for liquids are not new , but they are being reinstated in some airports on September 1, 2024.

As has been the case since 2006, passengers traveling to an EU airport will be restricted in the amount of liquids, gels, and creams they can take in their carry-on luggage. Such substances should be in containers of 100ml or less and passed through airport security in a clear plastic bag of around 20cm x 20cm.

Your liquids must then be placed into a tray, separate from your luggage and other items.

Liquids include (but are not limited to):

• Semi-liquid foods, such as soup, preserves, and honey
• Cosmetics and toiletries, such as foundation, sun lotion, and lip gloss
• Sprays, including hairspray, deodorant, and shaving foam
• Shower gel, hair gel
• Solutions, such as saline or contact lens solution

Exceptions are sometimes made for those with small babies, dietary and/or health requirements, though this should be checked with the airport in advance. Those carrying medication may need a note from a doctor, as well.

Which airports will be affected by the rules?

The changes will mostly impact airports that have already installed the new scanners . This is because other airports with older scanners would have always adhered to the 100ml liquid rule.

Although these specific rule changes only apply to airports in EU countries , there will be a knock-on effect for those traveling from other destinations to countries within the EU. Passengers should factor in their return journey, even if their airport of origin has the more advanced scanners in place.

Those traveling to and from airports in the UK that previously scrapped the liquid rules should also be mindful, as these locations have also reverted back to the 100ml rule.

What is causing the airport scanner delay?

Once rolled out, the new airport CT scanners will enable security to detect explosives in toiletries and electronics with higher accuracy, displaying high-resolution, three-dimensional images of the contents of passengers’ carry-on luggage .

This advanced EDSCB technology will allow airports to scrap the 100ml rule, which, in theory, will reduce wait times and queues while still ensuring safety. Passengers will also be able to keep their liquids, toiletries, and electronics inside their luggage instead of separating them and placing them into the tray beside their other belongings. However, several setbacks have prevented the rollout.

Firstly, the installation process has proven expensive. Not only is the equipment pricey, but most airports have to reinforce their terminal floors to withstand the weight of the machines. Speaking to The Times , Birmingham airport’s chief executive Nick Barton explained: “The existing scanner is like a large domestic washing machine. The new machines are the size of a Ford Transit.” Moreover, there are also supply chain issues, and many airports are struggling to get hold of the equipment in the first place.

Major airports such as Gatwick, Stansted, and Manchester all missed the government-imposed deadline of June 2024 but have stated the rollout should be complete within the first three months of 2025.

Several other UK airports, including Aberdeen, Leeds/Bradford, London City, Newcastle, London Southend, Teesside, and Birmingham, all have the new scanners in place but have since reverted back to the 100ml rule. A report by the European Commission, which was sent to the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) last May, outlined there was a “technical issue” with the scanners that prevented the software from reliably detecting harmful substances with content over more than 330ml.

How long will these rules apply for?

A spokesperson for the European Commission told Condé Nast Traveller UK that while the reinforcement of the liquid restrictions is a temporary measure, they do not have a specific end date. They stated: “The machines themselves, which are of high quality, are not in question. Also, the Commission is not acting on any new threat but responding to a temporary technical issue, in alignment with our international partners.”

How will the new carry-on liquid rules impact tourists?

In theory, seeing as most travelers are well-accustomed to these rules already, there should be little impact from the U-turn. However, some travelers would have booked their flights in advance, believing that the new scanners would be in place by the time of their trip—and, therefore, might not have anticipated being required to check their luggage with larger liquids.

Tim Hentschel, the CEO and co-founder of HotelPlanner.com , tells Condé Nast Traveller UK : “Many passengers could now face the dilemma of paying extra to upgrade their luggage to accommodate their toiletries and other liquids.” The price of checking luggage at the airport varies depending on the airline, but it can sometimes cost you more than £95 ($125).

Even beyond the last-minute costs and general confusion around the rule changes, airports have experienced severe queues while transitioning to the new scanners. According to a 2024 report by Which , Birmingham airport had the worst security wait times of any other UK airport, with an average of 29 minutes. It attributed some of the delays to the work going on to install the machines.

How can travelers best prepare for these new rules?

Hentschel recommends staying informed on the latest rule changes and allowing for plenty of time when traveling through EU airports. “With yet another U-turn, there is a risk of severe delays due to abnormally lengthy queues to get through security, and this is creating a sense of chaos for those who may risk missing their flights," he says. "So it’s now more important than ever to stay informed."

“It’s advised that travelers stay aware of the additional time spent queuing at security and allow extra time at the airport before departure," Hentschel adds. "The ‘three-hour rule’ has previously been considered enough time. Still, with queues expected to take an hour plus, travelers are heavily advised to reconsider how early they arrive at the airport.”

This article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK.

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• Cast & crew

Sonic the Hedgehog 3

Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails reunite against a powerful new adversary, Shadow, a mysterious villain with powers unlike anything they have faced before. With their abilities outmatched, Team So... Read all Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails reunite against a powerful new adversary, Shadow, a mysterious villain with powers unlike anything they have faced before. With their abilities outmatched, Team Sonic must seek out an unlikely alliance. Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails reunite against a powerful new adversary, Shadow, a mysterious villain with powers unlike anything they have faced before. With their abilities outmatched, Team Sonic must seek out an unlikely alliance.

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Top cast 28

• Maddie Wachowski

• Commander Walters

• Tom Wachowski

• Dr. Robotnik …

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Did you know

• Trivia The film makers of the prior movies have mentioned playing both Sonic Adventure 2 (2001) and the Shadow the Hedgehog (2005) solo game for inspiration. The film is also inspired by narrative elements from the Saturday morning animated television series Sonic the Hedgehog (1993) .
• Goofs In the Knuckles TV series, Sonic said, "Robotnik's gone, and there's no new battle to fight." But in this movie, he told Tails and Knuckles that they have to ask Dr. Robotnik to help them defeat Shadow The Hedgehog. Because of this, it's unknown how they found out that he was still alive.

Commander Walters : [about Shadow] Shadow's story began a lot like yours, Sonic. But where you found family and friends, Shadow found only pain. and loss.

• Connections Follows Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)
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• December 20, 2024 (United States)
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2025 Northern Europe Cruises: Discover Iceland, Norway & Belgium

There's no better way to travel the world than aboard a Norwegian Cruise Line ship. If you're interested in seeing the sights of northern Europe, you won't want to miss the opportunity to cruise with Norwegian - which consistently wins the award for Europe's top cruise line from World Travel Awards year after year. With multiple departure ports of call, you can start your cruise from your city of choice before traveling on a voyage you won't forget.

Here, we'll take a closer look at Norwegian's 2025 Northern Europe cruises , highlighting some of the most notable ports of call and helping you plan your cruise.

Ready to start planning? Explore all Northern European cruises .

2025 Northern Europe Departure Ports

If you'd like to explore Northern Europe from the sea, you'll have 10 potential ports of departure from which you can start your journey. You can begin your cruise in northern Europe or from locations further south or west if that's more convenient for you. When cruising to the north of Europe in 2025, these are the cities from which you can depart:

• Copenhagen, Denmark.
• Lisbon, Portugal.
• London (Southampton), United Kingdom.
• New York City, United States.
• Oslo, Norway.
• Paris (Le Havre), France.
• Reykjavik, Iceland.
• San Juan, Puerto Rico.
• Stockholm, Sweden.
• Tromsø, Norway.

So, get ready to pack your bags and head to the departure port that best suits your travel plans in 2025.

2025 Northern Europe Cruise Ports

With a staggering list of port cities in 2025, the most challenging part of planning your trip will be deciding which cities to visit during your northern European cruise vacation. Perhaps you want to take a northern lights tour in Reykjavik, or maybe you can't wait to visit the Tower of London. Whatever your dreams are for your 2025 cruise, Norwegian has a port city that will leave you breathless. Here are some highlights of what could be on your agenda in 2025.

Reykjavik, Iceland

With its rugged natural beauty and vibrant towns filled with rich cultural experiences, a visit to Iceland won't disappoint. There are few places with the diverse topography and landscape found in Reykjavik , where you can see flowing lava, hot springs, impressive waterfalls, and rocky mountains waiting for you to snag the perfect photo to document your cruise. While the natural setting is enough to fill your senses, don't miss out on the top-tier dining experiences that you'll find in the quaint villages.

London (Southampton), England

London (Southampton) serves as a starting point for several of our cruises around northern Europe, which comes as no surprise given the vast number of activities you can participate in before starting your cruise vacation. Visit with royalty at Buckingham Palace, see London from a bird's eye view aboard the London Eye, or even take in a Broadway-style show in the West End. Sip some tea and munch some scones as you dream about the adventures awaiting you along your voyage.

RELATED CRUISES: 12-Day Baltic from Stockholm to Paris: England, Germany & Belgium 12-Day British Isles Round-Trip London: Ireland & Scotland 14-Day Northern Europe from New York to Reykjavik: Iceland, Greenland & Canada

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam is a city built upon a series of canals that make for the perfect morning or afternoon stroll. Take in the city's scenic beauty and marvel at the stunning architectural design of the buildings that border the canals. Consider renting a bike and traveling around the city like many of the locals. If you prefer to relax, a canal cruise might be more your speed. Don't miss the opportunity to see some of the most astounding museums in the world, including the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum.

Galway, Ireland

This port city on Ireland's picturesque west coast has a rich history that dates back to the thirteenth century. Explore a traditional Irish farm, search abandoned castles, or tour remarkable cathedrals during your stop in Galway. If you're up for an adventure, explore Aillwee Cave, an underground sanctuary carved from melting water during the Ice Age, where you can see interestingly shaped stalactite and stalagmite formations and catch a glimpse of the bones of an extinct species of bear. Before you leave, no trip to an Irish village would be complete without some music and ale at the local pub.

Helsinki, Finland

Known as Scandinavia's "White City of the North," Helsinki has a fascinating architectural style featuring buildings erected using local light-colored granite. Tour the National Museum of Finland to learn more about the cultural history of the Finnish people and view artifacts dating back to the Stone Age. Visit one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites, the Suomenlinna fortress, a fort located on a quiet island where you can find a bit of solitude. Or take a walk through the central Market Square, where you can sample local produce, taste local food, and shop for souvenirs in the comfort of heated tents.

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Middle East latest: Netanyahu to hold rare news conference after hostage killings, mass protests and Biden criticism

The Israeli PM will hold a rare news conference later after a general strike called in protest against his failure to secure a ceasefire deal brought the country to a standstill. Earlier, Joe Biden said a deal is "very close" - but censored Mr Netanyahu for "not doing enough".

Monday 2 September 2024 17:49, UK

• Israel-Hamas war

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• Biden says hostage deal 'very close' - but criticises Netanyahu for 'not doing enough'
• It adds to intense pressure on the Israeli PM, who faced a general strike today over failure to secure a hostage deal and mass protests over the weekend after the killing of six hostages in Gaza
• He will give a news conference at 6.15pm
• UK bans some arms exports to Israel
• Live reporting by Katie Williams

Expert view

• Dominic Waghorn: If it weren't for Netanyahu, hostages would be coming home
• UK arms move is undoubtedly a blow to Israeli prestige
• Alistair Bunkall: Why hostage deaths mark pivotal moment

The UK's decision to suspend some arms exports to Israel sends a problematic message to Hamas and its Iranian backers, Israel's foreign minister has said.

Israel Katz said in a statement that Israel was "disappointed by a series of decisions" by the UK government, including its move to halt some exports which it believes are intended for use in the Gaza war.

Earlier, foreign secretary David Lammy said the government was suspending around 30 arms export licences to Israel amid concerns a "clear risk" exists that they could be used to breach international humanitarian law (see 16.28 post).

Anger has returned to the streets of Israel as a "few thousand" people rally outside the Israeli defence ministry demanding a ceasefire, says our Middle East correspondent Alistair Bunkall , in Tel Aviv.

"Organisers think that there's around a half million between here and in Jerusalem out on the streets," he says.

"I don't know whether we'll get similar numbers tonight [as last night] - but that speaks to how hour-by-hour this is."

Protesters feel like they have momentum for the first time "in many months", Bunkall says.

"They've been out in the streets every week in very large numbers but they think they've been ignored by the government.

"Well now they think that momentum is on their side, both domestically, but also internationally, buoyed by what President Biden had to say in Washington earlier."

Bunkall says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to take questions from the media when he addresses the nation in less than an hour - something he has done very rarely during the war.

"I've spoken with senior aides of his to try and get a sense of what he might say, and they said he will repeat the facts and he will put forward the message he always has done.

"That doesn't sound to me like the Israeli prime minister has any mood, to change course or that the pressure is starting to build to such an extent, that he will make different decisions," Bunkall adds.

Joe Biden has "expressed his devastation and outrage" at the murder of Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin and five other hostages in Gaza, the White House has said.

The US president and vice president Kamala Harris met in the White House situation room with Washington's hostage deal negotiation team after the six hostages' bodies were found by the Israeli military in Gaza.

"President Biden expressed his devastation and outrage at the murder, and reaffirmed the importance of holding Hamas’s leaders accountable," a readout of the meeting said.

It said that during the meeting, Mr Biden and Ms Harris "received an update from the US negotiation team on the status of the bridging proposal outlined by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt". 

"They discussed next steps in the ongoing effort to secure the release of hostages, including continuing consultations with co-mediators Qatar and Egypt."

A partial ban on arms exports from the UK to Israel is "powerful symbolism" and sends a "clear message", says our international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn .

The statement by UK foreign secretary David Lammy in the last few moments is a "big deal" despite being "caveated with various other reassurances", he says.

"It is powerful symbolism and it sends a clear message to Israel and it is undoubtedly a blow to Israeli prestige and to Israeli diplomacy," Waghorn adds.

He says it's clear there is "a lot of concern in the government" about the way things are going in Israel.

"The feeling is that Israel is not doing enough to to reassure other people, the countries it's buying its weapons from, that they are meeting the requirements for licensing those sales," says Waghorn.

He notes that it comes at a time where there is a "great unease" and "growing disquiet on both sides of the Atlantic".

Foreign secretary David Lammy has announced the UK will halt some arms sales to Israel.

Making a statement to the House of Commons, Mr Lammy said around 30 of roughly 350 exports to Israel would be suspended.

The exports include equipment intended for use in the war in Gaza, such as components for military jets, helicopters and drones and items which "facilitate ground targeting", he said.

Mr Lammy said following independent legal advice, there exists a "clear risk" some UK exports to Israel could be used to commit a "serious violation of international humanitarian law" in Gaza.

He said Israel's actions in Gaza "continue to lead to immense loss of civilian life, widespread destruction to civilian infrastructure and immense suffering".

The Hamas-run health ministry says at least 40,786 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza since 7 October - figures disputed by Israel.

Mr Lammy said the government had assessed that Israel "could reasonably do more to ensure life-saving food and medical supplies reach civilians in Gaza in light of the appalling humanitarian situation".

He said the suspension of some exports was not "a blanket ban" or an "arms embargo".

"A number" of exports which the government has assessed will not be used in the Israel-Hamas war will continue, added Mr Lammy.

He also said there was "no doubt" that UK "continues to support Israel's right to self-defence", and that the arms sales suspension was "not a determination of innocence or guilt".

A senior Hamas official says Joe Biden's comments about Benjamin Netanyahu point to acknowledgement by the US that the Israeli prime minister was undermining efforts to secure a ceasefire.

Sami Abu Zuhri said any proposal for a permanent ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal would be received positively.

But senior Israeli sources have told the Reuters news agency that it is "remarkable" Mr Biden is putting pressure on Mr Netanyahu - who they say has agreed to US proposals - and not Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.

They said the US president's statement that the Israeli leader is not doing enough to secure the release of hostages is dangerous as it came days after six hostages, including an Israeli-American, were killed in Gaza.

Benjamin Netanyahu will hold a rare news conference at 6.15pm UK time.

It comes after mass criticism over the Israeli prime minister's handling of the remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza and his US counterpart Joe Biden telling reporters he is not doing "enough" to secure their release.

Earlier we reported a merchant ship had been hit by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea (7.21am post).

But we've now had an update that two tankers - one Saudi-owned and the other Panama-flagged - were struck off the coast of Yemen on Monday.

According to the UK Maritime Trade Organisation, there were no injuries in either incident. 

For context: Ships are facing regular harassment and attacks by the Houthi rebel group in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. 

The Yemen-based, Iran-backed Houthis say they are targeting any and all ships they believe are linked, operated, owned, flagged or travelling to or from Israel.  

US and British destroyers are among an international naval taskforce set up to combat the attacks in the area.  

Joe Biden's remarks that Benjamin Netanyahu is "not doing enough" to broker a hostage deal with Hamas are "significant", our US correspondent James Matthews says.

Mr Biden told reporters as he was travelling back to the White House this morning that "we are very close to a hostage deal" - but that the Israeli prime minster is not "doing enough" (see 2.30pm post).

"We've heard American criticism of Israel in the past - that is a consistent line," Matthews says.

"But the change will come in Netanyahu. That's where the pressure will come from the Americans from now on."

He says this morning's "snatched remarks" to the press were a sign of a "clear change in dynamic" around the Israeli hostages who remain in Gaza.

Before this weekend - and the news of six hostages found murdered - the deal was being offered as "take it or leave it" one.

But Matthews adds: "Clearly that has been hardened by what we have seen.

"But that's the challenge for Biden right now. How does he progress a situation towards a deal that can work - where he has failed to do so far - how does he use the change in dynamic to change the nature of that deal?"

For context: Negotiations on a ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas have been mediated by the US, Egypt and Qatar since war broke out last October. 

Today Joe Biden and his vice president, Kamala Harris, are meeting the hostage deal negotiation team in the White House situation room.

The funeral of Hersh Goldberg-Polin - an American-Israeli hostage found murdered alongside five others in a tunnel in Gaza on Saturday - is taking place in Jerusalem.

Addressing mourners, his mother Rachel described him as "my sweet boy Hersh".

She asked: "What must I have done in a past life to deserve such a gift?" adding: "I am so grateful to God for giving me this magnificent present of my Hersh. I just wish it had been for longer."

Mrs Goldberg-Polin described the "torment" she and the rest of his family experienced for the 332 days after he was taken from the Nova music festival by Hamas militants.

"I spent 332 days terrified, worried and frightened," she said.

His father described his "23 years of life" as a "blessing" to all he knew, adding: "You always sought ways to make the world around you better."

He finished: "You were a really great guy I love you."

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