travel4
Traveller
9 comments
Posted 12 years ago
Hi,
I need to reach Porto from Geneve, which leaves me a lot of possibilities. Unfortunately, due to reservations I should take, I'm not sure if I can do anything in advance, since I'm leaving in 5 days. I checked the topics here and it seems that RENFE doesn't issue reservations through its website, but you should pick them up a few days before in Spain. Considering that I won't stay that long in Spain, can I count that there will be some spots left if I arrive in Irun let's say for a night train HOT 310/313?
Please advise, I'm also willing to travel from Lyon or even Paris if it's necessary for night trains. I am also aware that I should spend a night in a hotel somewhere along the way, so it's also ok.
Thank you in advance!
travel4
Traveller
9 comments
This is the combination I've found, it seems as the best one:
1. Geneve - Belfort
2. Belfort - Port Bou (night train Strasbourg-Port Bou)
3. Port Bou - Barcelona
4. Barcelona - Madrid
5. Spend a night in Madrid
6. Night combination to Porto or even a bus
What bothers me is the 2nd leg of the journey - is it possible to reserve a place on the website? It seems that it isn't. However, would it be ok if I try to book it at the ticket machine or the counter at the train station 2-3 days in advance. I only need a sleeperette. Also, is it possible to buy the reservations in Geneve? Considering that it's almost on the border with France, I hope it is :)
Peter
Traveller
9333 comments
Hi.
You will get all reservations you need in Geneva main station! Also for the HOT starting from Irun - if you like.
Train station are always the best to get reservations! :)
If you want to book the French night train from Belfort online, do it like mentioned bellow the map ( [u]https://rail.cc/en/interrail-night-train/strasbourg-cerbere-icn-4783/170[/u] ) at the SNCF website with the option Abo Forfait 2e. It is an e-ticket to print out.
Peter :)
travel4
Traveller
9 comments
Thanks a lot! If only SNCF's website would work, I get this error for days already:
L'accès au service de réservation de billets de train est actuellement indisponible.
Cette version du site vous permet de consulter les horaires, réserver un autre produit de l'agence de voyage ou imprimer vos billets de train.
Not working and you can only check schedules etc. And on TGV's site there is no Abo forfait option (Rail-Europe). TGV-Europe also not working properly for me, redirecting to agencies' site all the time. This is so frustrating, but I hope I'll settle everything in Geneva.
Thank you once more for your help, you're doing a great job here guys!
travel4
Traveller
9 comments
Btw. is this night train usually on time? Because I have 38 minutes to catch a train to Barcelona, otherwise I'll loose the whole day :)
Peter
Traveller
9333 comments
Hi.
I just tried at [ux]https://rail.shop/sncf[/ux] . And it worked properly for pick up at a titcket machine in Belfort.
Otherwise try it in Geneva! :) Don't use Raileuxxx! :|
From Portbou you can use these free connections to Barcelona (on weekend times may change a little bit):
Portbou dep: 1033 - Free Regional train
Barcelona arr: 1309
Portbou dep: 1127 - MD train, but free on this route
Barcelona arr: 1339
Dont use the TALGO train leaving Portbou at 0952 - it is not free!
Talgo: [u]https://rail.cc/en/interrail-train-reservation/talgo/renfe-talgo/26[/u]
Peter :)
travel4
Traveller
9 comments
I really don't know what's the problem.
Wow, thanks! I checked [ux]https://rail.shop/bahn[/ux] and the one I mentioned was the only daily connection listed, but RENFE shows all of these! I thought that DB has all of the connections in Europe.
Peter
Traveller
9333 comments
Most local/regional trains of Spain are not in the international schedule databases like the one you mentioned (by the way you can also use the railcc version: [ux]https://rail.shop/bahn[/ux] ) :)
Why? RENFE simply doesn't give this information to the international database. :|
travel4
Traveller
9 comments
Ok, now I'm using that one :)
That's really silly. Does it mean that there are some daily connections/combinations between Madrid and Porto? To avoid the bus.
Peter
Traveller
9333 comments
Have a look at these connections.
Use the one leaving at 2230h in Madrid, arriving at 0945h in Porto. Sleeperette seats are inexpensive! :)
Peter :)
travel4
Traveller
9 comments
Hm, I don't see that one.
Peter
Traveller
9333 comments
:arr: [u]https://rail.cc/en/interrail/madrid-to-porto[/u]
:)
travel4
Traveller
9 comments
Looks good, thank you!