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I have visited Spain a few times. It is a beautiful country with a very rich culture and traditions. Spain is easy to get to from the East Coast of the United States, particularly from cities like New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC. American Airlines has a direct flight from Philadelphia to Madrid. There are no direct flights to Barcelona from Philadelphia.
Spain is a relatively small country when compared to countries like the United States. But Spain has different types of terrain which makes it interesting particularly if you are in to nature and outdoor photography.
Are you thinking of traveling across Spain? If you’re interested in visiting Barcelona and Madrid, traveling by train is an excellent option as it allows you to see the surrounding countryside. You may also like to stop at some of the smaller towns or villages on the way.
There are many different ways that you can travel between Barcelona and Madrid, including coach, plane, or the Renfe fast train. This article will give you a brief overview of the two cities and give you travel details to help you decide which is the best option.
Overview of Madrid
Madrid is a cosmopolitan city with plenty to see and do. The city hosts many annual festivals, concerts, and events and has a fantastic nightlife, including many bars, restaurants and night clubs. With a population of about 3.3 million, Madrid is the largest and most densely populated city in Spain (In terms of population, Madrid is twice the size of Philadelphia). It’s also the country’s capital and the River Manzanares, meanders through Madrid. The city’s name translates as “rich in waters.”
Madrid can be easily navigated as it has a network of trains, buses, and metro systems. The city has many historically interesting places to visit, including art galleries, museums, and parks. If arts your things you may be interested in the life of Goya, one of Spain’s most famous artists. His work can be found in the city’s art gallery.
Overview of Barcelona
Barcelona is a unique city located on Spain’s north-east coast. It is the capital of the autonomous region of Catalonia. Here you’ll be able to admire the beautiful architecture designed by Gaudi. Visit the Cathedral; Sagrada Família wander around the sculpture park known as Park Güell and marvel at Casa Mila’s beauty.
Barcelona has become famous for its individuality; it’s an exciting city with many sites of cultural and historical interest. It has a warm climate and boasts world-class shopping, cafes, bars, and restaurants. The city is family-friendly but is also an excellent place for couples and backpackers.
Traveling from Madrid to Barcelona.
Travel by Bus: Madrid is located approximately 383 miles west of Barcelona. There are many different ways to travel between Barcelona and Madrid. You could use Flexibus or another coach service to book coach seats, take the train, or hire a car. It will cost you anywhere from $40 to $120 depending on the time of the day, where you are catching the bus in Madrid and how far in advance you are making the reservation. For example it will cost you more to travel from Madrid airport to Barcelona when compared to traveling from Madrid South. Most bus services will take you to Barcelona Nord. This bus ride can take about 8 hours (the time will depend on whether your trip involves a transfer).
Travel by Car: If you choose to hire a car, you’ll be able to travel at your own speed and explore places of interest along the way. You could drive along the coast to Tarragona, where you’ll be able to explore the seaside town or go inland and stop off at Zaragoza and then Lleida. You should be able to cover the distance within 6 to 7 hours.
Travel by Plane: Another option would be to fly from Barcelona to Madrid, which would take about three and a half hours, although you would also have to factor in getting to and from the airports. A faster and cheaper alternative may be to get the fast train.
Traveling from Madrid to Barcelona by Train.
In my experience, traveling by Renfe from Madrid to Barcelona is the easiest and the most convenient way to travel between the two cities. The price of the ticket will vary depending on the type of train that you select. The “Renfe Ave” will cover the distance in under 3 hours (Madrid-Puerta De Atocha to Barcelona-Sants). A one way ticket will cost about $35 if you book in advance.
Ave is the high speed train and Renfe is the operator. The “Renfe Ave-LD” trains are cheaper but they travel at a slower speed and many of them require a transfer in places like Zaragoza. The Renfe AVE-LD option will take about 6 hours to cover the distance between Madrid and Barcelona.
There is also the low cost Renfe Avlo trains. You may be able to get tickets for as low as $12 one way (traveling on this train is like traveling in a budget airline. You have to pay extra for seat selection, additional baggage etc. The Renfe Avlo trains will cover the distance in under three hours as well. These trains are a good option of you book your tickets ahead of time. It is difficult to get tickets on these trains at the last minute.
Have you been to Spain?
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