Introduction

A good option to travel between different European cities is by train, allows you to enjoy the beautiful sceneries and spare yourself the airport stress. If you’re going to travel from Nice, France to Barcelona, Spain, this is the guide that will tell you everything you need to know to assure the smoothest and best trip.

1. Train Routes

When travelling from Nice to Barcelona, there are a number of train routes available. The most widely used route is by train from Nice to Marseille and another train from Marseille to Barcelona. The travel time in this route is good but not very convenient.

An alternative is to take a train from Nice to Lyon and change there to a train to Barcelona. Although this route will take a little longer, but it gives you opportunity to discover Lyon, a charming city of France.

Tips:

• Find out first hand the train schedules, plan you’re journey in advance with leaving time for transfers.
• To ensure availability of the best and cheapest seat, you should consider booking online.
• You can be sure to validate your tickets before boarding the train to avoid penalty or any other troubles.

2. Train Companies

There are two major train companies that run on the Nice to Barcelona route.

a) SNCF

Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Français (SNCF) is France national train company. There are frequent trains running from Nice to Marseille and Marseille to Barcelona. Among the many amenities, there are comfortable trains with free Wi-Fi and power outlets offered by SNCF.

b) Renfe-SNCF

Renfe-SNCF is a joint venture between the Spanish rail company Renfe and SNCF. High speed trains run between Barcelona and Marseille, and they are a means of quick and efficient travelling between the two cities.

Tips:

• To find the best price and schedule for your journey compare prices and schedules of the different train companies.
• If you plan on visiting either several different destinations or several different cities in a-country or on different continent within the country, it may be an idea to purchase a Eurail pass.

3. Ticket Options

To purchase train tickets from Nice to Barcelona you have a number of options to select from.

a) One-Way Tickets

Considering travel plan, one way tickets are the best options if you have a set travel plan and don’t plan on returning to Nice. You will be able to buy them either on the train company website, or at the train station.

b) Round-Trip Tickets

If you know that you’re going to return to Nice after Barcelona, it is more economical to purchase round trip tickets. This is because these tickets have a longer validity period compared to the usual ones.

c) Eurail Pass

A Eurail pass can be purchased if you plan to travel multiple European countries and cities. This gives you unlimited train travel within a given time and excellent value for money.

Tips:

• There may be some discounts, promotions or special fares that you may need to check for your travel dates.
• Truly, advance booking is something you should consider, especially during peak travel seasons as this will help you avoid a hassle and ensure that you have a seat reserved.

4. Travel Duration

Depends on what route and which type of train you take, as the travel duration from Nice to Barcelona will differ. On average:

Route                                       Travel Duration

Nice to Marseille to Barcelona Approximately 7-8 hours

Nice to Lyon to Barcelona Approximately 8-9 hours

Tips:

• Carry some entertainment such as books or podcasts to help the journey pass by more quickly.
• In order to stay hydrated and energized on the trip, pack snacks and water.

5. Border Crossing

When you go from Nice, France to Barcelona, Spain by train, you will pass through a border control process at the France-Spain border. In most cases, an authority check on a document is done. You should also have your passport or identity card readily available.

Tips:

• Arrive in time at the train station to pass through the border control.
• Make sure your passport is valid and that you have all necessary travel documents.

Conclusion

Travelling by train from Nice, France to Barcelona, Spain is a nice and practical option to visit these cities. By making some preparations, such as learning about the train routes, paying attention to ticket options as well as travel durations, you will maximize your journey. Therefore, go ahead, book your tickets and enjoy an amazing train journey across two wonderful European destinations!