Spanish Sleepers (Trenhotel)

[whole diary]

[thetrout]

Note to the mods, I couldn't decide if this was more appropriate in "The Wider Picture" or in here, so feel free to move if needed

I am looking to take the Spanish Sleeper Service from Barcelona - Granada around December time... I have a connection to make in Granada for Almeria, I plan to catch 21:29 Trenhotel service off Barcelona, connecting on the 10:07 off Granada - Almeria Local Service. (Despite these places being 2 large cities, there's only 4 trains each way a day )

I was planning on booking a Berth, but I have conflicting information regarding the sleeper berths. Sharing a berth with a strange foreign person is not an option!

On the website it gives me the option to book Preferente Berth (Single/Twin) or Gran Clase (Single/Twin with ensuite). Now how do I book just a single/my own berth on the Renfe website? Is there an option where you can specify that, or do I book 2 tickets?? If it ment that I had a berth to myself, it would be worth buying 2 tickets!!

Does anyone have experience with the Spanish Sleepers??

Thanks

TT

[Bob_Blakey]

I've not used them myself but I suspect http://www.seat61.com/Spain.htm will tell you what you need to know.

[thetrout]

Thanks B_B

I have read that document, which explains most of what I wanted to know... Still can't their silly website to book my sodding ticket...!

I've attached a screenshot, If you scroll down to the bottom window of that page, you'll see a continue button... press it and it just takes you straight back to the top of the page... I'm assuming something is ment to come up in that passenger accomodation box...??! There is a dropdown box for Class, but there's nothing in that either...

I want to avoid using raileurope because they want ^200 for what I can gather is Grand Clase, but why would I pay that if Renfe is only going to charge me (as shown on the previous page) 157.10 Euros for the same bl**dy service!! I was hoping to book their Estrella fare in Preferente, which is 65.20 Euros... But it just won't let me do it...........

[Brucey]

On www.tgv-europe.com (owned by the French operator SNCF^▸ (Societe Nationale des Chemins de fer Francais - French National Railways)), it gives the option to book a Single room.

On the screen that gives the price and says "Tarif normal Adulte :   Can be exchanged before departure.Refundable subject to conditions before and after departure" you need to click "Choose my place".  The option includes "Single with Shower".

Not sure how their prices compare but they do offer free ticket delivery to UK^▸ (United Kingdom) addresses.

[basset44]

Hi The Trout,

Has Bob Blakey said try seat61 more detail on how to book

http://www.seat61.com/Europe-train-tickets.htm#How%20to%20use%20the%20Spanish%20Railways%20website to use the Spanish Railways website

Basset

edited to modify url for correct page. bignosemac

[JayMac]

Two things I've picked up from 'Seat 61'.

You can't book Spanish train tickets more than 60 days in advance, and the website works best in Internet Explorer.