Granada ---> Valencia

[AmberNicolette]

Hi there! My name is Amber, and I am anxiously planning my 55-day trip to Europe for March and April of 2009. I just bought my railpass through Rick Steve's. It is a 15-day in 2 month YouthSaver pass. It covers 5 countries: Spain, Italy, Austria, Czech Republic, and Germany.

Upon receiving my RickSteve's package with my railpass, I got a 2008 Eurail map and 2008 timetable (through Eurailpass) I ordered this pass in January of 2009...why didn't they send me the 2009 map and timetable? Where can I get the most updated one?

Also...the main point of my thread...

I've been working on my itinerary for almost 6 months now, and I'm still freaked out about how the heck I'm going to get around in Spain.

The most troublesome connection I have is trying to get from Granada on March 17th to Valencia. I have checked in my timetable booklet and there are no connections for this route. It seems as if I'd have to go all the way back up to Madrid to make this happen. Can anybody help me?

Thank you!

[madamtrashheap]

I'm sure you can travel by train or bus on this route. Try the Spanish train site: horarios.renfe.es/hir/ingles.html . Hopefully herrbert will see this Post and offer further advice.

[AmberNicolette]

According to the Spanish train site that you referred me to, I would have to take the Granada-Barcelona train, either "Garcia Lorca" or the "Trenhotel" The "Garcia Lorca" goes from 8:45 am - 16:50 pm...but the "Trenhotel" goes from 21:55 to 9:29 am

But the catch is, the "Trenhotel" stops in Valencia-nord at 5:05 am...

So, basically....we could definitely take that night train, but we'd need to MAKE SURE to wake up at about 4:30 and not miss our stop. Because at 5:11....in 6 minutes....it takes off again.

Here's my question...how do I find out what the fees are for this train (with my already purchased railpass)?

Furthermore, would the train attendant have Kevin and I's passports because it is a "night train" for bookkeeping? Or is that only when crossing borders?

And...do you think the train attendant would wake us if we asked he/she to? Or how hated would we be with an alarm going off at 4-something am....

haha...I'm obviously freaking out.

[madamtrashheap]

The TrenHotel was the one I was referring to and I didn't realise that the change in Valencia-Nord would be an issue. It's been a while since I've been to Valencia, but from memory, Valencia-Nord (Valencia Estación del Norte) station is next to the Plaza de Toros which is pretty much central and the main station. Of course it will depend on your accommodation location. Is there another station you required?

As for your other questions:

how do I find out what the fees are for this train (with my already purchased railpass)? Tthe Reservation fees usually run at around Euro10-15 on the nighttrains within the country (as opposed to InterCity trains), but that's just a guide. We've Posted this info just recently in another area that's eluding me at the moment - anyone?!?

Furthermore, would the train attendant have Kevin and I's passports because it is a "night train" for bookkeeping? Or is that only when crossing borders? They shouldn't need to keep your passports for an intra-country journey, however they may due to security. They will give them back so don't stress if they insist on taking them.

And...do you think the train attendant would wake us if we asked he/she to? Or how hated would we be with an alarm going off at 4-something am.... The train attendant usually wakes anyone with connecting trains about 10mins before stopping, however as always never rely on anyone for your journey and set an alarm to wake you with as much time as you'd like before you have to change trains, if this is still an issue.

It's an ugly thing about night trains (the waking up and changing stations bit) but unfortunately can be unavoidable on some routes. Let's see what anyone else can suggest...

[Eagle]

AmberNicolette, the "issues" with night trains are one reason why I prefer to plan travel days in order to utilize day trains (where possible). If you're going to use night trains, it's important to choose routes with as few changes as possible (preferably direct trains with no changes).

how do I find out what the fees are for this train (with my already purchased railpass)?

If you're just speaking about reservation fees, the numbers quoted by MTH are in the "ballpark" from what I recall. However, if you're referring to Couchette fees, they will be much higher. I'd have to do some checking for more definite amounts.

If you're planning on using Couchettes, it would be a good idea if one of you stayed in the compartment at all times. I've heard of a few cases of solo travellers making a quick trip to the WC during the night, and when they return some items are "missing" from their packs. Of course, the others in the compartment "played dumb" and had no knowledge of this.

Happy travels!

[herrbert]

As far as trains are concerned I don't think my help is required, as you have all the data I would be able to gather. And I have no experience on nighttrains, as I am 100% sure, that I will not be able to sleep. Therefor I prefer traveling in the day. (the view is a lot nicer as well during the day.)

Your initial question, also was about, busses. on www.alsa.es you can find the times of the buses running between Granada and Valencia, with the option of a night bus. I takes 9 hours to get to Valencia by buss. But I think the prices will not be cheaper, than the combined price of a reservation on the train, and the couchette.

In Spain never worry about connections, there are flights, trains and busses going almost everywhere. you just need to find them (and with busses that can be difficult, as there are a lot of companies, and sometimes multiple busstation in one city.)