travel from barcelona to switzerland

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Barcelona to Zurich: Ideal Europe Trip Itinerary

Cruise along the Mediterranean Sea, and traverse through the mountainous landscapes in the Pyrenees Mountains and the Central Alps. This ~1,000-mile road trip takes you from Barcelona, Spain, up into Andorra, along the southern coast of France, into Monaco, and northward up Italy, into Liechtenstein, and ends in Zurich, Switzerland.

While there are a number of different road trip routes to take in Europe, we suggest this as an optimal and intermediate-level trip. Sun-soaked coastlines, open countryside, quaint old towns, and towering mountains amid countless waterfalls trickling down the mountains with forts and towers constructed high up into the mountains await you across this journey. Immerse yourself in history while having abundant opportunities to indulge in local cuisine and wines. Here’s how to get started.

Zurich, Switzerland

Travel tips and practicalities.

Travel at your own pace. Depending on time contraints (or lack thereof), you can spread this itinerary across two, three, or even four weeks. This road trip starts in Barcelona, Spain, and ends in Zurich, Switzerland partly due to the ease of flying into and out of Barcelona (BCN) and Zurich (ZRH) .

You can  check flight deals on flights into either city here . Renting a car or arranging private transfers will be your most convenient option. Browse rental car options that you can drop off and return at many of the stops we mention below. Browse options on Viator for flexible customizable private transfers with local drivers with the option of adding side trips.

NOTE: Before traveling, visit each country’s respective Embassy website for the most current visa and tourist information . Stay current and confirm all openings.

Starting in Barcelona: European Trip Itinerary from Spain to Switzerland

Barcelona, spain.

Barcelona, the capital city of Catalonia and the largest city on the Mediterranean coast, is located on the northeast Iberian Peninsula. Transcendent and unique architecture flourish throughout Barcelona. Antoni Gaudi is Catalan’s most famous and beloved architect. His distinctive style is portrayed with voluptuous multi-colored buildings complete with vibrant mosaic tiles. The Basilica de la Sagrada Familia is perhaps the most celebrated work of Antoni Gaudi and a must-see. The Casa Batlló , Casa Milà , and Park Güell are a few other well-known buildings designed by Antoni Gaudi. Purchase tickets to Sagrada Familia in advance to ensure a spot as tickets are often sold out.

RELATED: 5 Architectural Wonders You Must Visit in Barcelona

As described by Winetraveler’s Lori Zaino covering gorgeous city parks in Europe ,

“The whimsical structures designed by Antoni Gaudi make Park Güell a very unique place to visit. Meander past flowers, trees, giant gingerbread houses, tiled benches reflecting the sunlight, even a giant mosaic lizard as you soak in the mystical mood the park emits.”

The lively Gothic Quarter is the oldest part of Barcelona and the historical center. Don’t miss the famous Las Ramblas street, the amazing gothic cathedral, the Catedral de Barcelona , or the Plaça de Sant Jaume , which is the city’s political center. The Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar is another stunning example of gothic architecture that is worth a visit.

Ciutadella Park , Barcelona’s largest park, is a popular public space for its abundant greenery and its showcase of monuments. It’s also the home to the city’s zoos, a lake, museums, and a fountain designed by Antoni Gaudi.

Get by the waterways via a visit to the Port of Barcelona and sunbathe on the sands of one of the beaches.

The Hotel Colon and H10 Madison are located in the heart of Barcelona and boast views of the Barcelona Cathedral. The Catalonia Park Güell Hotel  features a rooftop pool and is great for those wishing to be closer to Park Guell.

RELATED: 7-Day Spain Itinerary: Drive the Mediterranean Coast – Valencia, Alicante & More

Andorra la Vella, Andorra

Andorra is a small independent principality located in the Pyrenees Mountains sandwiched between the borders of Spain and France. Andorra is known for its ski resorts and tax haven status. From nearly anywhere you venture in Andorra, towering mountains surround you. Stroll the cobbled streets, visit the Església de Sant Esteve , an old stone church designed with beautiful 13th-century murals, stained glass windows, and a bell tower, and the Casa de la Vall , a historical manor house of the General Counsel of Andorra. Make a point to go somewhere elevated for the views. There is a short trail by the aforementioned church that you can follow for panoramic views. For those traveling with kids, the Plaça del Poble Playground , located on the rooftop of a building in the heart of the capital, is sublime. Watch your kids play while soaking in the mountain views.  Visit vineyards and taste Casa Auvinyà wines ( Reservations are required ).

The Holiday Inn Andorra has all the comforts while being just a ~5-minute walk to many of the top sites. The Andorra Park Hotel  offers spectacular views, a spa, a Nordic sauna, indoor/outdoor pools, and a gym, along with a restaurant.

Montpellier, France

Montpellier is situated in southern France a short distance inland from the Mediterranean Sea. It is a place where cafés, markets, shops, art galleries, churches, dining, and wine options abound. Louis XIV made Montpellier the capital of the Languedoc region, which is notably famous for wine.

Stroll the narrow pebbled streets in the historic city center, Ècusson. Feel the bustling energy in the expansive oval-shaped plaza, Place de la Comédie . Visit the Saint-Pierre Cathedral , a Gothic cathedral with twin conical towers constructed in 1364 initially as a monastery. The elegant Triumphal Arch , built in honor of Louis XIV, is near the Palace of Justice and the Promenade du Perou . The Promenade offers a beautiful setting and includes a mounted statue of Louis XIV on horseback headed toward Spain, a water tower, and the Saint-Clement Aqueduct.

Jardin des Plantes (botanical gardens), Carré Sainte Anne (a deconsecrated church used for exhibitions), Èglise Saint-Roch de Montpellier, a church dedicated for Saint-Roch, the patron saint of Montpellier, and Montpellier’s zoo are a few other things to add to your list.

Indulge in French cuisine while in Montpellier. Winetraveler’s Kristy Wenz recommends Trinquefougasse O’Sud that centers on pairing wines of the region with local dishes, and Le Petit Jardin that offers seasonal French cuisine in a quaint spot near the Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

The Best Western Hotel le Guilhem , a renewed 16th-century house, emanates historic charm while being just a ~3-minute walk from the Saint Pierre Cathedral.

RELATED: Languedoc Itinerary: Essential Wineries, Hotels & Restaurants Near Montpellier & Pézanas

Nice, France

The sun-drenched town of Nice rests off the pebbly shores of the Baie des Anges on the French Riviera. It is an idyllic place to experience leisure blended with art and history dating back to the ancient Greeks. Start the morning with a visit to the Cours Saleya Market to energize with fresh produce and maybe get your special someone some flowers and try regional delicacies. Meander through art museums, and admire churches, such as the St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral, the Basilica of Notre-Dame, and Nice Cathedral. Stroll arm-in-arm along the Promenade des Anglais with your sweetheart and soak in the sun’s rays along the pebbled beach. Head up the steep hill at the Parc de la Colline du Château for expansive panoramic views of the Promenade des Anglais .

Hotel Suisse is situated between low mountains and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea along the French Riviera where the beach curves on the Promenade des Anglais. The balcony rooms overlooking the promenade are perhaps one of the best places in Nice to enjoy a glass of wine. The hotel is near the #ILoveNice sign and walking distance to the port, Place Massena, and old Nice.

RELATED: France’s Provence Wine Region – Examining the Sights, Flavors and Famous Rosé Wine

Monte Carlo, Monaco

Monte Carlo, marked by soaring cliffs rising out of the crystal clear turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea along the Côte D’Azur, is known as the playground for millionaires. Images of glamour and wealth often come to mind when thinking of Monaco. Monaco is a small city-state perched on the Mediterranean on the French Riviera. To put its size in perspective, Monaco is smaller than New York’s Central Park. It has been independent since 1297 with the Grimaldis as the royal family.

Megayachts, luxury shops, hotels, and nearly incomprehensible wealth surround you at every turn. Panoramic views of the Port of Monte Carlo are offered from the Prince’s Palace since it is located high on a cliff. The Prince’s Palace is the official residence of the Sovereign Prince of Monaco and has been the residence of the Grimaldi family since the end of the 13th century. The nearby Saint Nicholas Cathedral (aka Saint Nicholas Cathedral) is where Prince Rainier III married Princess Grace Kelly (a famous American actress from the 1950s).

The iconic grand and lavish Casino de Monte-Carlo is a must even for non-gamblers to appreciate the architecture and décor. The casino has been featured in several films, including a couple of James Bond movies. Discover the underwater world at the Musee Oceanographic de Monaco , home to an estimated 6,000 species of sea creatures.

Winetraveler Tip : The inaugural Formula 1 race in Monaco was in 1929. The Monaco Grand Prix is generally held around the US Memorial Day holiday. Getting around will be more difficult due to road closures since the Circuit of Monaco track wraps around the narrow city streets. Hotels book well in advance. Plan accordingly depending on whether you wish to attend.

The luxury hotel options in Monte Carlo are plentiful. If you stay near the Prince’s Palace and the Cathedral, note that there is a strictly enforced noise ordinance at night. The elegant Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo , located in the heart of Monaco, has a spa, and a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Genoa, Italy

Genoa, well-known for its once-expansive city-wall and a ferocious fleet of sailors and warriors during the Middle Ages, is a port city that rests on the Gulf of Genoa on the Ligurian Sea in northwest Italy. It is still famous for its marinas, ports, and shipyards, and hosts a wealth of piazzas, palaces, and cathedrals.

The main square in Genoa, the Piazza de Ferrari, has a beautiful large fountain as its centerpiece and is surrounded by historic buildings, such as the Palace of the Doges and the Carlo Felice Theatre. Meander through piazzas, the Galleria Giuseppe Mazzini (a classic walkway), the Porta Soprana (a towered gate in the old walls), tour cathedrals, such as the San Lorenzo Cathedral (aka Genoa Cathedral), and dine and wine by the port. Learn about Genoa’s history as a major naval power at the Maritime Museum. Enjoy a blend of history and views at the Albertis Castle and the Forte Begato.

The NH Collection Genova Marina  is located at an enviable location in the Old Harbor and within walking distance to the city streets, historic areas, and the largest aquarium in Italy, the Aquarium of Genoa. Many rooms offer balconies overlooking the marina.

Milan, Italy

Milan is a walkable city known for churches, basilicas, fine art, fashion, and design. The authentic things to do in Milan as previously covered by Winetraveler author, Lori Zaino, include: exploring the canals of Navigli, the Duomo, eat some of the best pizza in the country, see Leonardo Da Vinci’s famed painting The Last Supper at the Santa Maria delle Grazie church, and indulge in gelato. Winetraveler’s favorite cocktail bars include Rita & Cocktails and Mag Cafe , and top gelato picks include Gelateria Oasi , Frozen , and Gelateria della Musica . 

Winetraveler Tip: As previously covered by Lori Zaino, Winetraveler “recommend[s] planning to see [ The Last Supper ] sooner rather than later, which is in a rather fragile state due to years of wear and tear and a couple of botched renovation attempts.” To admire this painting, purchase tickets to the Santa Maria dell Grazie church in advance.

RELATED: 10 Essential & Authentic Things To Do in Milan, Italy

Lake Como, Italy – Cernobbio

The small town of Cernobbio is an enchanting place to discover Lake Como. The majestic lake is tucked between lush forestry and surrounding hills and mountains. It naturally exudes charm while being near the city of Como. Stroll the waterfront, hike up into the hills or mountains around the lake, explore the old town featuring Roman and medieval elements, admire the famous villas such as Villa d’Este and Villa Erba ( visits by appointment only ) and their mystical gardens, and indulge in fine dining with local wines by night. The movie Ocean’s Twelve included scenes from Villa Erba.

Stay at the quaint Asnigo Hotel  located high above Lake Como. Breathtaking views of the lake surrounded by lush mountains are offered from the common areas, as well as from private balconies. Travelers desiring to splurge on ultra-luxurious accommodations can look into staying at the opulent Villa d’Este  overlooking Lake Como that has been praised for its gardens, cuisine, celebrations, and décor.

Liechtenstein

The small landlocked country of Liechtenstein, at roughly 62 square miles, is surrounded by breathtaking Alpine scenery rising above the Rhine Valley. Liechtenstein is only one of two countries in the world that are doubly landlocked (i.e., a landlocked country surrounded by countries that are also landlocked). The Vaduz Castle is prominently displayed on a hilltop and is the residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein. Walk up to the castle for panoramic views of Vaduz and the Rhine Valley.

Learn about the country’s history at the medieval Gutenberg Castle, and visiting any of several museums, such as the National Museum, the Walser Museum, the Küefer-Martis-Huus, the Postage Stamp Museum, and the Traditional Farmhouse Museum. Outdoor adventurists can go hiking, cycling over the Rhine via the Old Bridge, or skiing (depending on the time of year). Taste local wine at the Cellars of the Prince of Liechtenstein Winery .

Be welcomed by stunning views overlooking the grand Alps and down into the valley with a stay at the Hotel Kulm  in Triesenberg, Liechtenstein.

While the cosmopolitan yet medieval city of Zurich, Switzerland is a convenient city to fly home from for purposes of this itinerary, it is also a must-stop. Winetraveler’s Greig Santos-Buch highlighted the top things to do in Zurich as a stop along the 3 Week Central Europe Itinerary for Active Travelers .

“Take a stroll by the lake, enjoy a glass of Swiss Chasselas or Blauburgunder wine and take in the crisp alpine air, or stroll through the back alleyways of Old Town with its cobblestone corridors and quaint shops and restaurants.”

Bahnhofstrasse is a world-famous shopping street. Explore the city on foot, by bicycle, or take a boat cruise. Find more ideas and tips here .

Three major churches in Zurich include the Fraumünster, the Grossmünster ( a personal favorite ), a Romanesque-styled church, and the St. Peter-Kirche, a church with the largest clock face in Europe. Head up to Uetliberg for panoramic views of Zurich.

RELATED: Switzerland Wine Guide – Discover Swiss Wine & Regions

Frequently Asked Questions about a Barcelona to Zurich Europe Trip

How long does it take to drive from barcelona to zurich.

The driving distance between Barcelona, Spain, and Zurich, Switzerland, is approximately 1,000 kilometers (620 miles). The journey typically takes around 10 to 12 hours, depending on traffic, road conditions, and the route you choose. The most common route goes through France, passing by cities like Lyon and Geneva before entering Switzerland. Keep in mind that this estimate does not account for rest stops or sightseeing detours along the way.

Is there a direct train from Barcelona to Zurich?

Yes, there is a direct train service between Barcelona and Zurich. Though in this particular itinerary, we recommend renting a car to take in the beautiful scenery when traveling between these two cities. The high-speed TGV Lyria train, operated by SNCF and SBB, connects these two cities. The journey takes approximately 8 to 9 hours, depending on the specific train you choose. The train typically runs once per day, and the route passes through beautiful landscapes and several cities in France, including Lyon and Geneva, before reaching Zurich.

How many days is enough to visit Zurich?

The ideal length of your visit to Zurich depends on your interests and how much of the city and surrounding areas you’d like to explore. Generally, spending 2-3 days in Zurich is enough to cover the main attractions and get a feel for the city’s atmosphere. With 2-3 days, you can explore Zurich’s Old Town (Altstadt), visit the Swiss National Museum, stroll along the picturesque Lake Zurich promenade, and take a scenic boat ride on the lake. You’ll also have time to experience the city’s shopping streets, such as Bahnhofstrasse, and sample local Swiss cuisine. If you have more time, you can extend your stay to 4-5 days, which would allow you to take day trips to nearby attractions. Popular options include visiting the Rhine Falls, exploring the charming city of Lucerne, or even taking a scenic train ride through the Swiss Alps. Ultimately, the duration of your visit depends on your interests and how much you’d like to see and do while in Zurich. The city offers a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, so you can easily tailor your itinerary to suit your preferences.

How many days do you really need in Barcelona?

The ideal length of your visit to Barcelona depends on your interests and how in-depth you want to explore the city and its attractions. Generally, spending 3-4 days in Barcelona is enough to cover the main sights and get a good feel for the city’s vibrant atmosphere. With 3-4 days, you can visit iconic landmarks such as La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló, all designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí. You’ll also have time to explore the Gothic Quarter, stroll along La Rambla, visit the bustling La Boqueria market, and unwind at Barceloneta Beach. If you have more time, extending your stay to 5-7 days will allow you to delve deeper into Barcelona’s art, culture, and history. You can visit more museums, such as the Picasso Museum and the National Art Museum of Catalonia, experience the city’s culinary scene through tapas bars and local restaurants, and even take a day trip to nearby attractions like Montserrat or the Dali Theatre-Museum in Figueres. Ultimately, the duration of your visit depends on your personal interests and how much you’d like to see and do while in Barcelona. The city has a wealth of history, culture, and modern attractions, so you can easily create an itinerary that suits your preferences.

How many days do you need for Switzerland?

The ideal length of your visit to Switzerland depends on your interests, travel style, and how many regions or cities you’d like to explore. Switzerland has a diverse range of attractions, from picturesque cities and charming villages to stunning Alpine landscapes and outdoor adventures. For a first-time visit, allotting 7-10 days is recommended to get a good taste of Switzerland’s highlights. During this time, you can visit popular cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Bern, as well as explore the charming towns of Lucerne and Interlaken. You’ll also have time to experience the scenic beauty of the Swiss Alps, with excursions to destinations like Jungfraujoch, Zermatt (home to the Matterhorn), or the picturesque Lauterbrunnen Valley. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast or interested in more in-depth exploration, you may want to spend 2-3 weeks in Switzerland. This will give you ample time to hike, ski, or take part in other outdoor activities, depending on the season. With more time, you can also venture to lesser-known destinations, such as the Engadin Valley or the Lake Geneva region.

How many days in Spain is enough?

The ideal length of your visit to Spain depends on your interests, travel style, and how many regions or cities you’d like to explore. Spain is a diverse country with a wide range of attractions, from vibrant cities and charming villages to stunning coastlines, mountains, and world-renowned cultural sites. For a first-time visit, allotting 10-14 days is recommended to experience Spain’s highlights. During this time, you can visit popular cities like Madrid , Barcelona, and Seville , as well as explore other notable destinations such as Granada (home to the Alhambra), Valencia, or Bilbao. You’ll also have time to take in Spain’s rich history, art, and culinary scene, as well as sample regional specialties and local traditions. If you have more time, spending 2-3 weeks in Spain allows you to delve deeper into the country’s diverse regions, such as Andalusia, Catalonia , or the Basque Country . You can also venture off the beaten path to smaller towns and villages, or explore Spain’s stunning coastlines like Costa del Sol or Costa Brava. With more time, you may even consider visiting the Balearic or Canary Islands for a unique island experience.

What are some of the best stops between Spain and Switzerland?

Embark on an unforgettable European journey that weaves through the vibrant streets of Barcelona, where you’ll marvel at Gaudí’s architectural wonders and savor delectable tapas. Then, ascend to the mountainous haven of Andorra la Vella, where you can indulge in duty-free shopping or hit the slopes in this picturesque principality. Continue to Montpellier, a city that exudes French charm and boasts stunning medieval architecture, before basking in the Mediterranean sun on the glamorous shores of Nice. Feel the pulse of opulence in Monte Carlo, Monaco, as you stroll past luxurious yachts and try your luck at the iconic casino. Venture into the rich maritime history of Genoa, Italy, and lose yourself in the maze of narrow alleys before immersing in the bustling fashion and art scene of Milan. Escape to the serene beauty of Lake Como, where the enchanting town of Cernobbio will captivate you with its lakeside villas and lush gardens. Traverse the fairytale-like landscapes of Liechtenstein, nestled between majestic mountains, and finally, unwind in Zurich, Switzerland, where the blend of modernity and history creates an awe-inspiring finale to your remarkable European adventure. Read our detailed itinerary and travel guide to make this special Europe trip happen.

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What an awesome trip that would be! Some of my favourite places there – and others I’ve longed to visit for a long time, like Andorra and Lichtenstein 🙂 Another thing to note about Genoa is that it’s the birthplace of Christopher Columbus.

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Flights from zurich to barcelona - travel insights & trends, get data-powered insights and trends into flights from zurich to barcelona to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more., what’s the cheapest day of the week to fly from zurich to barcelona, your flight ticket price will generally be cheaper if you fly to barcelona on a tuesday and more expensive on a friday. on your return trip to zurich, you should consider flying back on a thursday, and avoid mondays for better deals., what is the cheapest month to fly from zurich to barcelona-el prat airport, the cheapest month for flights from zurich to barcelona-el prat airport is january, where tickets cost $162 on average. on the other hand, the most expensive months are april and may, where the average cost of tickets is $251 and $238 respectively., how far in advance should i book a flight from zurich to barcelona-el prat airport, to get a below average price on the flight from zurich to barcelona-el prat airport, you should book around 2 weeks before departure. for the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 78 days before departure., which airlines provide the cheapest flights from zurich to barcelona, the cheapest return flight ticket from zurich to barcelona found by kayak users in the last 72 hours was for $76 on vueling, followed by swiss ($122). one-way flight deals have also been found from as low as $37 on vueling and from $107 on air europa., which airlines fly non-stop between zurich and barcelona-el prat airport, there are 2 airlines that fly nonstop from zurich to barcelona-el prat airport. they are swiss and vueling. the cheapest airline for this route is vueling, with the best one-way deal found costing $82. on average, the best prices for this route can be found at vueling., how many flights are there between zurich and barcelona-el prat airport per day, each day, there are between 6 and 7 nonstop flights that take off from zurich and land in barcelona-el prat airport, with an average flight time of 1h 47m. the most common departure time is 5:00 pm and most flights take off in the morning. each week, there are 48 flights. the most frequent day of departure is wednesday, when 15% of all weekly flights depart. the fewest flights depart on a tuesday., which cabin class options are there for flights between zurich and barcelona-el prat airport, there are 3 cabin class options for the route. these are business, economy and prem economy. perform a search on kayak to find the latest prices and availability for all cabin fares, which differ across airlines., how long does a flight from zurich to barcelona take, a direct flight to barcelona will take on average 1h 45m to travel the 532 miles flying distance from zurich., what’s the earliest departure time from zurich to barcelona, early birds can take the earliest flight from zurich at 7:10 am and will be landing in barcelona-el prat airport at 8:50 am., what’s the latest departure time from zurich to barcelona, if you prefer to fly at night, the latest flight from zurich to barcelona-el prat airport jets off at 10:05 pm and lands at 11:55 pm., good to know, when to book flights from zurich to barcelona, faqs for booking zurich to barcelona flights, can i travel with an infant on my lap on a swiss international air lines flight.

Yes, Swiss International Air Lines allows travel with an infant on your lap. Infants must be under two years old, accompanied by an adult, and have a separate infant ticket. During takeoff, landing, and when the seatbelt sign is on, the infant must be secured with an airline-provided seatbelt.

Which airline is suitable for family travel from Zurich to Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN)?

Swiss International Air Lines is an excellent choice for family travel. They offer a family-friendly experience with special provisions such as allowances for children's baggage, dedicated children's meals, and complimentary amenities to ensure the comfort and entertainment of young travelers throughout the flight.

What transportation options are available from Barcelona-El Prat Airport to the city center?

Barcelona-El Prat Airport offers various transportation options to reach the city center conveniently. The Aerobús provides a hassle-free bus service connecting the airport terminals to central locations in Barcelona. The airport also houses a train station with direct connections to major train stations within the city. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber are readily available, offering door-to-door transportation.

Are there any nearby towns or attractions easily accessible from Barcelona-El Prat Airport?

Barcelona acts as a gateway to captivating nearby towns and attractions. Sitges, 21 miles south of Barcelona, allures its beautiful beaches and vibrant cultural events. Montserrat, a stunning mountain range with a famous monastery, is also easily accessible. Additionally, Girona and Tarragona offer rich architectural heritage and cultural experiences, making them worth exploring.

What is the cheapest flight from Zurich to Barcelona-El Prat Airport?

In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight from Zurich to Barcelona-El Prat Airport was $37 for a one-way ticket and $76 for a round-trip.

Do I need a passport to fly between Zurich and Barcelona?

Yes, you'll most likely have to show a valid passport before boarding the plane in Zurich and on arrival in Barcelona.

Which airports will I be using when flying from Zurich to Barcelona?

When flying out of Zurich you will be using Zurich. You will be landing at Barcelona, also known as Barcelona-El Prat.

Which airlines offer Wi-Fi service onboard planes from Zurich to Barcelona?

SWISS, and Air Canada offer inflight Wi-Fi service on the Zurich to Barcelona flight route.

Which aircraft models fly most regularly from Zurich to Barcelona?

The Airbus A320-100/200 is the aircraft model that flies most regularly on the Zurich to Barcelona flight route.

Which airline alliances offer flights from Zurich to Barcelona?

Star Alliance, and oneworld are the airline alliances operating flights between Zurich and Barcelona, with Star Alliance being the most commonly used for this route.

On which days can I fly direct from Zurich to Barcelona?

There are nonstop flights from Zurich to Barcelona on a daily basis.

Which is the best airline for flights from Zurich to Barcelona, SWISS or Vueling?

The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from Zurich to Barcelona are SWISS and Vueling. With an average price for the route of $217 and an overall rating of 7.8, SWISS is the most popular choice. Vueling is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of $162 and an overall rating of 7.0.

How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Zurich to Barcelona?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from Zurich to Barcelona.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Zurich to Barcelona?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Barcelona from Zurich is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Zurich to Barcelona?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to Barcelona with an airline and back to Zurich with another airline. Booking your flights between Zurich and BCN can sometimes prove cheaper using this method.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Zurich to Barcelona?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Barcelona from Zurich up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding a cheap flight from ZRH to Barcelona

• Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found flights on this route for $89 or less one-way and $152 or less round-trip.
• When flying from Zurich to Barcelona on a one-stop flight, your layover depends on the airline. You'll have a stopover at Frankfurt (FRA) if you opt to travel with Lufthansa. On the other hand, if you decide to travel with Swiss International Air Lines, you may have a layover at Zurich Airport (ZRH).
• While waiting for your flight at Zurich Airport (ZRH), make the most of your time by exploring the array of amenities available. Immerse yourself in captivating art installations and exhibits showcased throughout the airport, highlighting the works of local and international artists.
• It's essential to be aware of the liquid carry-on restrictions when flying from Zurich to Barcelona. Major airlines on the route including Swiss Air Lines and Vueling follow the 3-1-1 rule, allowing 100 ml containers. Pack liquids in a quart-sized clear plastic bag and bring one bag per passenger.
• If you're concerned about the environmental impact of your flight, consider airlines committed to sustainability. Swiss International Air Lines, for example, is dedicated to reducing its environmental footprint. They employ sustainable aviation fuels, optimize flight routes for fuel efficiency, and invest in modern, eco-friendly aircraft. Choosing such airlines promotes greener and more environmentally conscious travel.
• Familiarize yourself with the baggage policy of your chosen airline for both carry-on and personal items. For instance, Swiss International Air Lines, a major airline on this route, typically permits one carry-on bag with dimensions not exceeding 21.6 x 15.7 x 7.8 inches and a maximum weight of 17.6 lbs. Additionally, you may bring one personal item such as a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack, with dimensions typically around 15.7 x 11.8 x 3.9 inches.

Prefer to fly non-stop from Zurich to Barcelona?

Find which airlines fly direct from Zurich to Barcelona-El Prat, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Nonstop departures

Zurich to Barcelona-El Prat

Air Canada, Iberia, LATAM Airlines, +4 more

Air Canada, Iberia, +5 more

Air Canada, Iberia, Qatar Airways, +3 more

Air Canada, Iberia, +4 more

Nonstop returns

Barcelona-El Prat to Zurich

Top 3 airlines serving from zurich to barcelona.

we were late to get to this connecting flight and SWISS decided to wait for us . Very nice of them

SO disappointing. I spent so much money on this ticket, for them to cancel and not be able to rebook me in time. They were very unhelpful, and condescending throughout the whole Swiss airport. Will not be flying again.

The plane was so hot upon boarding. Their boarding process was so unnecessarily long. Service was subpar.

Everything from the price to online checkin and the flight being on time to the crew and food was very good. The comfort level is fine--the seats are very close to each other in Economy. But I guess you get what you pay for.

Swiss ground crew was again at its prime and although I’m United 1K (Star Alliance Gold) they created problems with my hand luggage - while other passengers were boarding with more handbags and larger hand luggages, were critical on my 2 young kids attending the lounge with me and boarding the plane with me on the priority lane.

Horrible experience. I was apparently picked at random for a security screening - that was the most demeaning experience I have had in my life with a guy poking and prodding and having me take off my shoes, move up my pants so he could swab my legs - telling me I couldn't bring more than some quantity of cookies - I had 3 boxes of cookies in my luggage. In the end he did let me keep them but that was really uncalled for. Harrassment in the name of security.

They went out of their way. It was very clean and friendly.

I was pleasantly surprised with the whole experience. Thank you

There were multiple delays and the food was poor. Better food.

Wheelchair was the excellent service. I didn’t have any food or used entertainment. Overall for my trip experience was excellent. Thank you very much and keep up good work. Best regards

The whole flight was coughing and farting all the way. It was impossible to breathe. If people are traveling sick they should either not be allowed to fly or made wear masks

I will never fly vueling. 1h30 delayed, connexion missed with the crew closing the boarding in front of us. 40 people missed the Barcelona-Orly connexion. hours waiting for rebooking and hotel.. inadmissible

3 hr flight from Barcelona to Gran Canaria. Ŵent according to plan No issues with staff oŕ flight. Many people includiñg us could not get luggage self checķ in termìnals to work. Had to wait in check in line.

The communication about the delay could have been better before and during the flight. Also, this online form could have less bugs. It is almost impossible to type in this window.

Boarding was very poor as the flight was initially delayed. We were told the flight would be at 21:40. We were with our 10 month baby who was sleeping. I received an email from Kayak which said the flight was now due to take off at 21:04. When we checked the screens at Gatwick we were told the gate was closed. The lack of communication was extremely poor and we had to run with our baby and there were many other passengers, including elderly people, also running to the gate. When we got to the gate, the staff had no reasons for the poor communication.

They stop online checkin above a certain capacity. We had to go to the airport to check-in at the desk. Or was offered to pay 7eur extra. Rip off.

It was a short flight but the seat was very straight. I didn’t need any service, but wifi was not available. In resume, a normal service. Nice, the punctuality. Thanks

Last time bucking this company if I would know I wouldn’t do it, they made me lose my flight

I liked the regular updates and appreciated the automatic online checkin which didn’t work for our Vueling flight so I had to do this myself.

The baggage policy is pathetic. We paid for our carry-on bags online. Said if we don't remove the wheels of our carry-ons it's not considered a carry-on. We all measured our bags according to the website beforehand. We were not refunded for our bags and were obligated to buy it as checked in bags for over $70 online or $90 over the counter. First and last time I travel with this airline.

Well Is extra charge for everything and other companies include that and the price.

easyJet need to ensure that whether pre-booking seats or not children aren’t split from their parents the crew spent the majority of boarding asking passengers to move to accommodate two families. Surely the system identifies minors on a booking !!!!! It was all very frustrating to watch and caused delays which I’m sure cost easyJet more in the long run rather that automatically allocating families with minors seats together automatically.

You booked my 7 year old son to sit on his own without his mum and dad in s separate row between two unfriendly adult strangers. The plane was disgusting and dirty, aisles and everywhere sticky. The lounge waiting area was filthy carpet and had insufficient seats so we had to sit on it to wait for 35 minutes and my 7 year old sone played on this filthy lounge carpet. The outside of the plane appeared clean. The pilot was helpful with the route and what to expect weather etc.

Boarding great. Didn’t eat or drink so can not comment.

Trip was completely cancelled with no other reasonable option for that day; no reason given. I will avoid booking anything with easy jet

Book cheap flights from Zurich to Barcelona

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Zurich (ZRH) Switzerland

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Barcelona - Zurich

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Before you buy your tickets

Take a moment to read these tips for buying European train tickets .  They answer the usual questions including "Do I need to book in advance or can I just buy at the station?", "Can I stop off?", "Are there Senior fares?" and the old favourite, "Should I buy an $800 railpass or buy a €35 point-to-point ticket online?".  How far ahead can you buy train tickets?

European train travel FAQ

Barcelona to other spanish cities.

All Spanish long-distance trains and even many regional trains require seat reservation and have variable pricing, so yes, trains can sell out although although outside busy holiday periods it's easy to buy tickets at the station on the day of travel if you want. 

Renfe has airline-style fares for its long-distance trains, so tickets will be much more expensive bought on the day, much cheaper booked in advance.  So pre-book if possible.

Arguably the quickest & easiest way to buy Spanish train tickets is at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com with print-at-home tickets and Renfe's cheap prices shown.  Raileurope & Thetrainline link to Renfe's ticketing system and sell Renfe's cheap fares at the same prices as Renfe in €, £ or $ with the same print-at-home tickets, in plain English without Renfe's quirky translation or credit card acceptance problems.  Anyone can use Raileurope or Thetrainline as they accept international credit cards.  There's a small booking fee.  More about Raileurope .  More about Thetrainline .

You can also book Spanish trains online in US$ in plain English with no payment problems at www.petrabax.com .  This is a US-based agency that also links to the Renfe ticketing system, so has the same trains and cheap prices, with a small mark-up.  It issues the same print-at-home tickets as renfe.com, so anyone from any country worldwide can use it, including the United States, Canada & Australia.

Barcelona to Madrid by AVE, Ouigo, Avlo or Iryo

Barcelona to malaga , cordoba & seville by ave.

It's beats flying:  City centre to city centre with no formal check-in.  Flying is a relay-race of train, airport, flight, airport, bus, taking around 4 hours so saving very little time over the train and denying you the relaxing journey across Spain through the countryside at ground level, seeing the country you're supposed to be visiting.

These trains leave Barcelona Sants on the high-speed line towards Madrid - you get great views of Montserrat on your right (see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montserrat_(mountain) soon after departure.  Just south of Madrid, a chord line allows the train to by-pass Madrid Atocha and join the Madrid-Andalucía high-speed line heading southwards.  It's pretty scenic, especially where the train speeds through the mountains, short tunnels alternating with viaducts across rocky valleys.

Fares start at around €36 in standard (2nd) class or €64 in comfort (1st) class.

Barcelona to Granada by AVE

It's city centre to city centre with no formal check-in.  Flying is a relay-race of train, airport, flight, airport, bus, taking around 4 hours so saving very little time over the train and denying you the relaxing journey across Spain through the countryside at ground level, seeing the country you're supposed to be visiting.

Barcelona to Valencia & Alicante

Barcelona to san sebastian & bilbao.

There are other services during the day with a change of train.

The trains are fully-air-conditioned with Standard (2nd) class & Comfort (1st) class and a cafe-bar serving beer, wine, tea, coffee, snacks.

Fares start at €22.90 in standard (2nd) class or €29.90 in comfort (1st) class.

Barcelona to Santiago de Compostela, A Coruna & Vigo

Every day, an air-conditioned Alvia train links Barcelona Sants with Galicia, leaving mid-morning and arriving late evening.  It's a chill-out day across Spain, on an excellent air-conditioned train with cafe-bar, sit back and enjoy the ride.

Barcelona to Ibiza by ferry

Blue arrow = Balearia ferry terminal, white arrow = Trasmed terminal.  Above right, the Balearia terminal.  See map of Barcelona showing ferry terminals .

Balearia ferry in Ibiza harbour.  Courtesy of Discoverbyrail.com .

Barcelona to Mallorca by ferry

Overnight ferry:   There are two overnight ferries from Barcelona to Palma de Mallorca, both with restaurants, bars & cosy en suite cabins.  One is run by Trasmed (formerly Acciona Trasmediterranea) ( www.trasmed.com , UK agent Southern Ferries on 0844 815 7785), the other run by Balearia ( www.balearia.com ).

Both ships usually sail from Barcelona around around 22:00 and arrive in Palma around 07:00.  Check times & buy tickets at the Direct Ferries website .

The Trasmed & Balearia ferry terminals are located in central Barcelona, a few minutes' walk from the Columbus monument at the foot of La Rambla.  I recommend Trasmed, as they have the bigger, nicer ships which usually sail from right alongside the terminal so you can walk straight onto the ship, whereas the smaller Balearia ship requires an awkward shuttle bus transfer between the ferry check-in and the vessel in both Barcelona and Palma.

Fast ferry:  On many days in summer Balearia operate a daytime fast ferry ( SeaCat ) from Barcelona to Alcudia, on the northeast corner of Mallorca near both Alcudia and Pollensa, calling at Minorca on the way.  This leaves from directly alongside the Balearia terminal in central Barcelona around 17:00 and arrives at 23:00.  See www.balearia.com or use the Direct Ferries website to check whether it is running on your dates of travel.  There will be plenty of taxis waiting at Alcudia ferry terminal, it's a 10 minute taxi ride to Pollensa.

Train service on Mallorca :  There are two train lines on Majorca, from Palma to Inca & Soller, see www.tib.org & (for Soller) trendesoller.com .

Balearia's fast ferry from Barcelona to Alcudia.  That's the Columbus Monument at the foot of La Rambla in the background, the terminal is that central!

Balearia ferry.  Photo courtesy of Luke Sibieta.

Grimaldi Trasmed's Ciudad de Barcelona , at Barcelona port.  Photo courtesy of Luke Sibieta.

Barcelona to Tenerife, Gran Canaria & the Canary islands

There are no direct ferries from Barcelona to the Canary Islands, but 3 ferry companies sail from southern Spain to the Canaries, all with comfortable ships with a choice of reclining seats or private en suite cabins, bars & restaurants.  The voyages takes 1 night & 1½ days or 2 nights, 1 day.

Naviera Armas sail weekly from Huelva to Tenerife & Gran Canaria, see www.navieraarmas.com or book on the Direct Ferries website .

Fred Olsen/Balearia ferries sail 2 or 3 times a week all year round from Huelva to Tenerife & Gran Canaria, see www.fredolsen.es or book on the Direct Ferries website .

Trasmediterranea sail from Cadiz in mainland Spain with Arrecife (Lanzarote), Las Palmas and Tenerife once or twice a week, taking 2 nights, www.trasmediterranea.es .

After checking ferry sailing dates & times, check train times & buy tickets from Barcelona to Huelva or Cadiz at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com .  You may well need to stay overnight in Cadiz or Huelva.

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Barcelona to Gibraltar

Fares start at around €50.

Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com , both easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee, or at the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com (much more fiddly, may reject some overseas credit cards, see this advice on using it first ).  You print your own tickets.  Booking should open 60 days ahead but it varies.

Barcelona to London from €96

Barcelona to dublin & ireland.

Option 1, Barcelona to Dublin using a direct ferry from Spain to Ireland

There's a daily 08:45 train from Barcelona Sants to Bilbao Abando station, journey time 6h50.

The ferry sails twice a week for most of the year, typically either sailing at 13:01 arriving at 20:46 next day, or sailing at 18:00 and arriving at 06:00 2 nights later.  Check sailing dates and book online at www.brittany-ferries.ie .

The ferry has restaurants, bar, lounges, and cosy private cabins all with shower & toilet.

Step 3, take a train from Rosslare to Dublin, www.irishrail.ie .  In Rosslare, the ferry terminal is a few minutes walk from the railway station platform.

Option 2, Barcelona to Dublin via Paris and ferry from Cherbourg to Dublin

Barcelona to Paris from €39

Option 1, Barcelona to Paris by high-speed train in 6h30 from €39

Tip:   www.sncf-connect.com & www.thetrainline.com allow you to choose your seat from a seat map when booking 1st class tickets.

Option 2, Barcelona to Paris by sleeper train via Latour de Carol

Option 3, Barcelona to Paris by sleeper train via Cerbère/Perpignan

Barcelona to Perpignan, Narbonne, Montpellier, Nîmes

Option 1, Barcelona to southern France by high-speed train - the fastest option

Tip:   www.sncf-connect.com & www.thetrainline.com allow you to choose your seat from a seat map when booking 1st class on a TGV.

Option 2, Barcelona to southern France by classic train - slower, but cheaper, scenic and with a much wider range of departures!

Furthermore, the high-speed service is cheap when booked in advance, expensive at short notice.  This route uses local trains with fixed prices, you can pay affordable fares even on the day of travel.  And if you've an Interrail or Eurail pass, no reservation is needed.

At the time I write this, you'll find departures from Barcelona Sants as follows:

Mondays-Saturdays at 06:16, 07:16, 07:46, 08:16, 09:16, 10:16, 11:16, 11:46, 13:16, 15:16, 15:46, 17:16. 

Sundays at 07:46, 08:46, 09:46, 10:46, 11:46, 12:46, 13:46, 15:16, 17:16.

Journey time varies from 2h13 to 3h14.

All trains are air-conditioned.

The fare is €13.50 on most trains marked R (Rodalies, suburban), or €18.10 on a few fast services marked MD (Media Distancia).

These are fixed-price unlimited-availability fares, you can turn up on the day and pay this, it cannot sell out.  You can check fares using the journey planner at rodalies.gencat.cat .

Step 2, check times from Portbou to Narbonne, Perpignan, Montpellier & Nimes at www.raileurope.com , www.thetrainline.com or the official French Railways site www.sncf-connect.com .

I'd allow at least 10 minutes to change at Portbou.

Trains leave Portbou every 2 hours until early evening, taking 57 minutes to Perpignan, 1h47 to Narbonne, 3h to Montpellier, 3h41 to Nimes.

For example, you could leave Barcelona Sants at 11:16, change at Portbou, arriving Perpignan 15:01, Narbonne 15:51, Montpellier St Roche 17:04, Nimes 17:42.

These trains run along the coast via Port Vendres and Collioure, with great coastal scenery.

The fare is €9.20 from Portbou to Perpignan, €19.10 to Narbonne, €33 to Montpellier, €39.10 to Nimes. 

These are fixed price, unlimited-availability fares, cannot sell out, you can buy on the day at this price.

Barcelona to Lyon

Option 1, Barcelona to Lyon by direct AVE train - recommended

Fares start at €39 in 2nd class or €49 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Option 2, Barcelona to Lyon with a change of train

As with the direct AVE, you'll get great views of the imposing 2,784m Mt Canigou as the train rounds the southern end of the Pyrenees, you'll pass the historic Fort de Salses right by the tracks just after Perpignan, flamingos on the lakes in the South of France between Narbonne & Montpelier, and Béziers cathedral.

Barcelona to Bordeaux

Option 1, Barcelona to Bordeaux via Narbonne - this is fastest & easiest

Option 2, Barcelona to Bordeaux via San Sebastian - how about lunch in San Sebastian?

This route takes longer, but is usually cheaper.  And I'd be tempted to go this way with a stop for lunch and a wander (or an overnight stop) in the lovely city of San Sebastian!

Step 1, take an Alvia train from Barcelona Sants to San Sebastian (Renfe station), journey time around 5h46.

If you take a morning train you can reach Bordeaux the same day, and could easily fit in a stop in San Sebastian for lunch and a look round.  If you take the direct afternoon Alvia train you'll need to overnight in San Sebastian.  See the Barcelona-San Sebastian section above for photos of the excellent Alvia trains used on this route and a summary of this interesting and scenic journey. 

Fares start at €28 in Standard class or €38 in Comfort class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Buy a ticket at www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com .  Booking normally opens 60 days ahead , but this varies.  You print your ticket.

Step 2, take the little Euskotren from San Sebastian Amara station to Hendaye, trains leave every 30 minutes through the day, journey time 37 minutes, fare around €2.50, no reservation necessary or possible, it's a metro, you just turn up, buy a ticket and hop on.

Some departures are TER regional trains, some are TGV .  TER trains have a fixed price of around €38.40 which you can buy at the station on the day, it cannot sell out.  TGVs require reservation and have dynamic pricing starting from €20. 

Option 3, Barcelona to Bordeaux via Latour de Carol

Barcelona to Toulouse & Carcassone

Option 1, Barcelona to Toulouse via Narbonne -  the high-speed option, reservation required, dynamic pricing so book ahead.

There are two departures every day from Barcelona to Carcassonne & Toulouse with 1 easy change of train at Narbonne:

Leave Barcelona Sants at 09:28, change Narbonne, arrive Carcassonne 12:29 & Toulouse Matabiau at 12:17.  Arrival times may vary.

Leave Barcelona Sants at 13:25, change Narbonne, arrive Carcassonne 16:32 & Toulouse Matabiau at 17:20.  Arrival times may vary.

Option 2, Barcelona to Toulouse via Latour de Carol - through the Pyrenees, slower, cheaper, always €12 + €28.10 any day, any date.

Alternatively, there's a cheap & scenic option from Barcelona to Toulouse taking the slow but direct route through the Pyrenees via Latour de Carol, no pre-booking necessary and if you don't want to book in advance it's much cheaper than the high-speed route.  It cannot sell out and you can even buy tickets on the day at the same price.

You won't find this route listed on train booking websites because it involves two separate trains and two separate tickets, one of which is classed as a Spanish suburban train to cannot even be booked online, you just buy a ticket on the day at the station.  But it's easy to check times and use it, buying tickets on the day at the station.  Here's how...

Step 1, travel from Barcelona Sants to Latour de Carol ( Tor de Querol in Catalan) by local train, these leave every couple of hours, journey time 3h05, fare €12, buy at the station from the staffed counter or self-service ticket machines, no advance booking necessary or possible.  This is a fixed-price open ticket which cannot sell out.  Easy!

You will not find this train on normal journey planners, so read this paragraph carefully!!!!  To check times for this train. use the special Barcelona suburban train website rodalies.gencat.cat/en/inici .  Alternatively, you can use www.renfe.com but ignore the main journey planner .  Click Welcome at the top for English, then COMMUTER TRAINS AND FEVE then select Barcelona as this train is classed as a Barcelona suburban route.  Then search for Barcelona Sants to Tor de Querol .

If there's a wait between trains at Latour de Carol - as there usually is, the French and Spanish don't co-ordinate timetables - simply enjoy lunch, coffee or a beer at the station bistro, www.facebook.com/bistrotdutrainjaune .

Step 2, then take a local TER train from Latour de Carol to Toulouse for a fixed-price €28.10 bought at Latour de Carol station, journey time 2h56.  These leave every few hours, you can check times for this leg at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com .

Barcelona to Avignon , Marseille, Cannes & Nice

Option 1, Barcelona to Avignon, Aix-en-Provence & Marseille by direct AVE train - the easiest option for these 3 cities, recommended

For Cannes, Nice or Monaco, stay overnight in Marseille.  Inexpensive hotels with good reviews near Marseille St Charles station include the Ibis Marseille Centre Gare St Charles & Holiday Inn Express Marseille St Charles .

Step 2, travel from Marseille to Cannes, Nice & Monte Carlo on any suitable train next day.

For example, the 07:57 TER local train from Marseille St Charles arrives Nice Ville 10:36, or an 08:28 TGV arrives Nice 10:56, and so on.  But why not spend a morning in Marseille?  It's a wonderful city, well worth a look around, see the Marseille station page .

Book onward trains from Marseille at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both sites easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no booking fee).

Option 2, morning departure, Barcelona to Nice in a day

Barcelona to Nîmes is by TGV Duplex with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  You'll get great views of the imposing 2,784m Mt Canigou as the train rounds the southern end of the Pyrenees, you'll pass the historic Fort de Salses right by the tracks just after Perpignan, flamingos on the lakes in the South of France between Narbonne & Montpelier, and Béziers cathedral, see the photos, tips & journey information here .

Fares start at around €39 in 2nd class or €59 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Option 3, afternoon departure, Barcelona to Nice in a day

Fares start at €29 in 2nd class or €49 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Tip:   www.sncf-connect.com & www.thetrainline.com allow you to choose your seat from a seat map when booking 1st class on a TGV or Intercité .

Check times & buy tickets at either www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no booking fee) or www.raileurope.com (in €, £ or $, small booking fee, about Raileurope ) or www.thetrainline.com (in €, £ or $, small booking fee, about Trainline ).

Barcelona to Brussels & Bruges from €68

Option 1, Barcelona to Brussels in a single day, via Lyon - breakfast in Barcelona, dinner in Brussels, avoids crossing Paris

The TGV has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  The TGV by-passes Paris using the high-speed Paris avoiding line through Marne la Vallée & CDG.

If you'd like lunch in Lyon and an extra-safe connection, given that this involves two different operators, a later TGV leaves Lyon Part Dieu at 17:00 arriving Brussels Midi at 20:43.  See suggested brasserie for lunch near Lyon Part Dieu .

Fares start at €29 in 2nd class or €39 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Book this train at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both sites easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no booking fee).

Booking normally opens 4 months ahead .  You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.

Option 2, Barcelona to Brussels in a single day, via Paris - slightly faster, but involves crossing Paris

Step 1, travel from Barcelona to Paris by TGV Duplex leaving Barcelona Sants at 09:28 and arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 16:12.

This impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Book an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck.

You'll get great views of the imposing 2,784m Mt Canigou as the train rounds the southern end of the Pyrenees, you'll pass the historic Fort de Salses right by the tracks just after Perpignan, flamingos on the lakes in the South of France between Narbonne & Montpelier, and Béziers cathedral, see the photos, tips & journey information here .

Fares start at €39 in 2nd class or €59 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Cross Paris by metro or taxi from the Gare de Lyon to the Gare du Nord .  Always allow at least 60 minutes between trains.

Step 2, travel from Paris to Brussels by Eurostar (formerly Thalys) leaving Paris Gare du Nord at 17:54 arriving Brussels Midi at 19:18.

Eurostar trains have 3 classes, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see more about Eurostar (formerly Thalys) .

The easiest way to buy tickets is at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com .

You can then book Barcelona to Brussels all in one go as one easy transaction with print-your-own tickets for both trains.  Prices are in €, £ or $, you can use it wherever you live as all overseas credit cards are accepted. There's a small booking fee.  Booking for the TGV & Eurostar usually opens 4 months ahead .

Tip:   Using www.raileurope.com , you can click More options and add Paris (any station) as a via with a 1 hour duration to ensure a robust connection.  Otherwise the French Railways system has been known to offer cross-Paris connections as tight as 42 minutes.

Tip :  I recommend an upper deck seat on the TGV Duplex for the best views.  You can request an upper deck seat and you'll be shown your seat number before you pay.  Any seat number over 60 is on the upper deck, if you don't get an upper deck seat simply leave it in your basket & try again until you get an upstairs seat, then delete the tickets you don't want from your basket.  If you use www.thetrainline.com or www.sncf-connect.com you can select a seat from a seat map if booking 1st class.

Alternatively, you can book at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, with no booking fee).  Split the booking into Barcelona-Paris and Paris-Barcelona if you want longer to cross Paris, it makes no difference to the price as you get two tickets anyway.  You print your tickets or can show them on your phone.

Option 3, Barcelona to Brussels with overnight stop in Paris - as option 2, but with an overnight stop

Day 1, travel from Barcelona to Paris by TGV Duplex leaving Barcelona Sants at 13:25, arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 20:18.

You'll get great views of the imposing 2,784m Mt Canigou as the train rounds the southern end of the Pyrenees, you'll pass the historic Fort de Salses right by the tracks just after Perpignan, flamingos on the lakes in the South of France between Narbonne & Montpelier, and Béziers cathedral, see the photos, tips & information here .

Cross Paris by metro or taxi from the Gare de Lyon to the Gare du Nord .

Day 2, take any Eurostar (formerly Thalys) you like from Paris to Brussels, the 06:21 from Paris Gare du Nord arrives Brussels Midi at 07:44, but by all means have a leisurely breakfast and take a later one, they leave every hour or so.

Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com .  First book from Barcelona to Paris for day 1, add to basket, then book from Paris to Brussels for day 2, add to basket and check out.  You can pay in €, £ or $, there's a small booking fee.

You can also book at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no booking fee).

Option 4, Barcelona-Paris using a French overnight train, then high-speed train to Brussels

Step 1, travel from Barcelona to Paris overnight, taking a mid-afternoon local train from Barcelona Sants to either Latour de Carol in the Pyrenees or to Cerebère on the French border, then a French sleeper train overnight to Paris Gare d'Austerlitz .

See the Barcelona to Paris by sleeper train page for train times, prices, tips & how to buy tickets

Allow at least 60 minutes to change trains & stations in Paris by metro or taxi from the Gare d'Austerlitz to the Gare du Nord.

Step 2, travel from Paris Gare du Nord to Brussels Midi by Eurostar (formerly Thalys) , these leave every hour or so taking 1h22 with fares from €29.

Book the Eurostar at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no booking fee).

Barcelona to Amsterdam from €74

Option 1, Barcelona to Amsterdam in a single day

Allow at least 60 minutes to change trains & stations in Paris by metro or taxi from Paris Gare de Lyon to the Gare du Nord.

Step 2, travel from Paris to Amsterdam by Eurostar (formerly Thalys) , leaving Paris Nord at 18:23 & arriving Amsterdam Centraal at 21:44.

Eurostar trains have 3 classes, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see more about Eurostar (formerly Thalys) .  Times may vary.

You can book Barcelona to Amsterdam all in one go as one easy transaction with print-at-home tickets for both trains.  Prices are in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem.  There's a small booking fee.  Booking for the TGV & Eurostar usually opens 4 months ahead .

Option 2, Barcelona to Amsterdam with overnight stop in Paris - as option 1, but with an overnight stop

Day 1, travel from Barcelona to Paris by TGV Duplex , leaving Barcelona Sants at 13:25, arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 20:18.

This impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, book an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck.

Cross Paris by metro or taxi from Paris Gare de Lyon to the Gare du Nord.

Day 2, travel from Paris Gare du Nord to Amsterdam Centraal by Eurostar (formerly Thalys) on any departure you like, journey time 3h30.

The 06:21 from Paris arrives Amsterdam 09:44, but by all means have a leisurely breakfast and take a later one, they leave every hour or two.

Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com , first booking from Barcelona to Paris on day 1, add this to your basket, then book Paris to Brussels on day 2, add to basket and check out, paying for all tickets at one transaction.  Booking for the TGV & Eurostar usually opens 4 months ahead .  You can pay in €, £ or $, small booking fee.  Alternatively, you can book at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com , in €, no booking fee.

Option 3, Barcelona-Paris using a French overnight train, then high-speed train onwards to Amsterdam

Step 2, travel from Paris Nord to Amsterdam Centraal by Eurostar (formerly Thalys) , they leave every hour or two, journey time 3h20.

Fares start at €35 in 2nd class or €79 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Book the Eurostar at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no booking fee).

Barcelona to Luxembourg

Option 1, Barcelona to Luxembourg in a single day

This impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

Allow at least 60 minutes to change stations in Paris by metro or taxi from the Gare de Lyon to the Paris Gare de l'Est .

Step 2, travel from Paris to Luxembourg by TGV , leaving Paris Gare de l'Est at 19:39, arriving Luxembourg 21:52.

The TGV has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. 

Fares start at €25 in 2nd class or €45 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com , in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem.  There's a small booking fee.

Booking usually opens 4 months ahead .  Try booking from Barcelona to Luxembourg as one transaction, if you have any problems, book each train separately, adding each to your basket and checking out at the end.  You print your own tickets.

Alternatively, you can book each train at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com , in €, no booking fee.

Option 2, Barcelona to Luxembourg with overnight stop in Paris

Day 2, next morning travel from Paris to Luxembourg by TGV .

On Mondays-Fridays the 07:27 from Paris Gare de l'Est arrives Luxembourg at 09:44.  On Saturdays, the 08:14 from Paris Gare de l'Est arrives Luxembourg at 10:32.  On Sundays, the 10:40 from Paris Gare de l'Est arrives Luxembourg at 12:52.  Or there are later trains.

The TGV has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com , you can then buy all your tickets together in one place, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem.

Booking usually opens 4 months ahead .  First book from Barcelona to Paris, add to basket, then book from Paris to Luxembourg for the following day and add that to your basket, then check out.  You print your own tickets.  There's a small booking fee.

Option 3, Barcelona-Paris using a French overnight train, then high-speed TGV onwards to Luxembourg

Allow at least 60 minutes to change trains & stations in Paris by metro or taxi from the Gare d'Austerlitz to the Gare de l'Est.

Step 2, next morning travel from Paris Gare de l'Est to Luxembourg by TGV in around 2h20. 

Fares start at €25 in 2nd class or €45 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead.

Times vary, so check times & buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee) or the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no booking fee).

Barcelona to Geneva, Zurich & Switzerland

Option 1, Barcelona to Switzerland in a day, morning departure - recommended option, using the direct AVE to Lyon

Option 2, Barcelona to Switzerland in a day, late morning departure

Take an onward train from Geneva to anywhere in Switzerland, check times at www.thetrainline.com or the Swiss Railways website www.sbb.ch .

You travel from Barcelona to Valence by impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  You'll get great views of the imposing 2,784m Mt Canigou as the train rounds the southern end of the Pyrenees, you'll pass the historic Fort de Salses right by the tracks just after Perpignan, flamingos on the lakes in the South of France between Narbonne & Montpelier, and Béziers cathedral, see the photos, tips & information here .

Option 3, Barcelona to Switzerland in a day, afternoon departure

You travel from Barcelona to Valence by impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  You'll get great views of the imposing 2,784m Mt Canigou as the train rounds the southern end of the Pyrenees, you'll pass the historic Fort de Salses right by the tracks just after Perpignan, see the photos, tips & information here .

Barcelona to Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome & Italy

So many people want to travel this route, and many of them mistakenly think you have to fly.  You don't.  You can travel cheaply and time-effectively by comfortable and civilised train with lots to see on the way, from the Pyrenees to the Alps.

Option 1, Barcelona to Turin or Milan in a single day - from the Pyrenees to the Alps in a day

This comfortable Spanish high-speed train has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

This is a lovely ride at low speed snaking through the Alps, see the photos & information here .  The train has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, sit back and enjoy the ride.

In Turin I suggest the Hotel Torino Porta Susa or Hotel Diplomatic , Best Quality Hotel Dock Milano or small Al Porta Susa B&B , all right next to Turin Porta Susa station where the TGV arrives and where your onward train leaves next morning, with good or great reviews.  Alternatively, the excellent Turin Palace Hotel is in the centre right next to Porta Nuova station, a 7 minute taxi ride, 3-stop €1.50 metro ride or 20 minute walk from Porta Susa, but next morning you can board your train to Venice, Florence, Rome or Naples at Porta Nuova station where these trains start their journey.

Day 2, take a morning train to anywhere in Italy.

For Florence, Rome or Naples take a 300 km/h (186 mph) Frecciarossa train from Turin Porta Nuova , Turin Porta Susa or Milan Centrale to Florence SMN from €19.90, to Rome Termini or Naples Centrale from €29.90.  There are regular departures throughout the day, Turin-Florence takes 2h48, Milan-Florence takes 1h40, Turin-Rome 3h55, Milan-Rome 2h55.

For Verona or Venice take a 186mph  Frecciarossa high-speed train from Turin Porta Nuova , Turin Porta Susa or Milan Centrale to Verona Porta Nuova or Venice Santa Lucia .  Milan to Venice takes 2h35 from €19.90.  Turin to Venice takes 3h25 from €19.90.  It's easier to change in Turin as that's a same-station change.  In Milan, a transfer from Porta Garibaldi to Centrale is a 25 minute walk or €8 8-minute taxi ride.

How to buy tickets

The easiest way to buy tickets is to use either www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com , as you can buy all the tickets together in one place, in plain English, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee.  Booking normally opens up to 4 months ahead .  About Raileurope .  About Thetrainline .

Go to www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com , book the direct morning train from Barcelona Sants to Lyon Part Dieu for day 1 and add this to your basket.  Then book the direct afternoon train from Lyon Part Dieu to Turin or Milan and add that to your basket.  Then book a train from Turin or Milan to your final Italian destination for the following morning, add to basket and check out.

For the AVE you can print your ticket or select a mobile ticket to show on your phone.  Italian high-speed trains are ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone.

How to buy tickets, advanced

You can of course book each train separately with the relevant operator, with no booking fee.  This means more work and it won't necessarily make it any cheaper.

Step 1, book from Barcelona to Lyon at the French Railways website, www.sncf-connect.com , or if using the direct Barcelona-Lyon AVE, at the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com .  Step 2, now buy tickets from Lyon to Turin or Milan and from Turin or Milan to anywhere in Italy at either www.italiarail.com (easy to use, in plain English, they'll refund seat61 users their booking fee if you email [email protected] afterwards) or Trenitalia's site www.trenitalia.com , you'll need to use Italian-language place names and it has a few quirks so see this advice on using it .  Both sites sell the same tickets at the same prices and both usually offer ticketless travel, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone.

Option 2, Barcelona to Italy with an overnight stop in Lyon

Day 1, travel from Barcelona to Lyon, leaving Barcelona Sants at 13:25, change at Nîmes, arriving Lyon Part Dieu at 18:50.

You travel from Barcelona to Nîmes by impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, then on another TGV from Nîmes to Lyon, also with with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

Book this at either www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both sites easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no booking fee).  You print your own ticket.

Stay overnight in Lyon , The Ibis Budget Lyon Centre - Gare Part Dieu is affordable & right next to Lyon Part Dieu station with good reviews, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Lyon also gets great reviews and is just a few minutes walk away.

Book from Lyon to anywhere in Italy at either www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both sites easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the Italian Railways website www.trenitalia.com (in €, no booking fee).  You print your own ticket.

Day 2, travel from Milan to Verona, Venice, Florence, Rome or Naples by connecting high-speed train.

Fares from Milan to Venice or Florence start at €19.90 in 2nd class or €29.90 in 1st class.  Milan to Rome or Naples starts at €29.90 in 2nd class or €39.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Book this as a single transaction from Lyon to anywhere in Italy.

Option 3, Barcelona to Italy with an overnight stop in Marseille

Stay overnight in Marseille.  Inexpensive hotels with good reviews near Marseille St Charles station include the Ibis Marseille Centre Gare St Charles & Holiday Inn Express Marseille St Charles .

You take the 13:20 double-deck TER regional train from Nice to Ventimiglia on the Italian border, then the 15:10 Trenitalia Intercity train from Ventimiglia to Genoa & Milan.  Change in Milan for Verona, Venice, Florence & Rome, see the timetable on the Nice to Italy page .

Option 4, Barcelona to Italy with an overnight stop in Nice

Fares start at around €49 in 2nd class or €69 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

You take a double-deck TER regional train from Nice through Monte Carlo to Ventimiglia on the border, then an Italian Intercity train to Genoa & Milan.  Change in Milan for trains to Venice, Florence, Rome & Naples.  If you left Nice soon after 07:00 you'd reach these cities late afternoon, if you left Nice after 09:00 you'd reach them early evening.  See the timetable on the Nice to Italy page .

Option 5, Barcelona to Rome by cruise ferry

Barcelona to Lisbon from €78

Option 1, Barcelona to Lisbon by train in a single day

Day 1, travel from Barcelona to Madrid by Ouigo high-speed train , leaving Barcelona Sants at 06:15 arriving Madrid Atocha 09:15.

Ouigo is a lo-cost operator, check luggage limits carefully.  Fares start from only €9.

On Mondays-Fridays you may prefer to use a full-service Iryo high-speed train leaving Barcelona Sants at 05:45 arriving Madrid Atocha 08:28.  Or on Mondays-Saturdays, a full-service Renfe AVE leaves Barcelona Sants at 05:50 arriving Madrid Atocha 09:10.

See the Barcelona-Madrid page for more info on these trains & operators .  I'd allow at least 1 hour in Madrid between trains.

Book tickets for any of these operators at www.thetrainline.com .

Day 1, travel from Madrid Atocha to Lisbon Santa Apolonia by daytime trains as shown here using the daily 10:55 departure from Madrid Atocha via Badajoz & Entroncamento, arriving Lisbon Santa Apolonia 22:25.

Madrid to Lisbon by 3-train combo costs around €59 each way, more details here .

Buy tickets as shown here .

Option 2, Barcelona to Lisbon with overnight stop in Madrid - without the early start or late arrival!

Day 1, travel from Barcelona Sants to Madrid Atocha in as little as 2h30 on any high-speed AVE you like with fares from around €35.

Competing Iryo trains and lo-cost Avlo or Ouigo trains are also available, see the Barcelona to Madrid page for details .

Day 2, travel from Madrid Atocha to Lisbon Santa Apolonia by daytime trains as shown here .

Option 3, Barcelona to Lisbon via Vigo & Porto - longer, but great quality trains & allows stopover in Porto.

Day 1, travel from Barcelona to Vigo, stay overnight, then take the local train to Porto, as shown in the Barcelona to Porto section .

Day 2, take a comfortable Alfa Pendular or Intercity from Porto Campanhã to Lisbon Santa Apolonia as explained on the Porto to Lisbon page .

Option 4, Barcelona to Lisbon via Seville & Faro

Step 2, travel from Seville to Faro by bus.  Buses run from Seville Plaza de Armas to Faro several times daily, journey time around 3h40, fare around €16-€20.

Buses are run by Damas, Eva-Bus & Alsa amongst others, you can check times & buy tickets for various bus companies all in one place at Omio.com .  You print your own ticket.

Step 3, travel from Faro to Lisbon Oriente by air-conditioned Intercity or Alfa Pendular train in between 3h and 3h45.  Check times and buy tickets from €15 at the Portuguese Railways website www.cp.pt (in €) or at Omio.com (in €, £ or $).

Alternatively, you can travel from Barcelona to Seville on the afternoon AVE train leaving Barcelona Sants at 15:15 and stay overnight in Seville.  Then take a bus to Faro next morning, and an afternoon train to Lisbon.  Allow plenty of time (an hour or two) between bus and train in Faro, just in case of delay.

The Madrid-Lisbon sleeper train was suspended due to Covid-19 in March 2020, then permanently discontinued.

Barcelona to Porto

Barcelona to Vigo, overnight stop, then regional train to Porto.

Day 1, travel from Barcelona to Vigo by high-speed air-conditioned Alvia-S130 train with cafe-bar, leaving Barcelona Sants at 09:05 on Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays arriving Vigo Guixar at 23:35.

Alternatively on any day of the week you can leave Barcelona Sants by AVE high-speed train at 11:00 for Madrid Atocha , switch stations in Madrid by local train , then leave Madrid Chamartin by smart modern 250 km/h Alvia-S130 train at 16:00 arriving Vigo Urzaiz at 20:12.  From Vigo Urzaiz it's a 6-minute 450m walk to Vigo Guixar using the Ascensor Halo lift , see walking map .

Fares start at €25 in Standard class or €29 in Comfort class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Book this train at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or www.renfe.com (much more fiddly, only in €, may reject some overseas credit cards, see this advice on using it ).

Barcelona to Faro & the Algarve

Option 1, Barcelona to Seville by high-speed train, Seville to Faro by bus

Step 2, travel from Seville to Faro by bus, journey time 2h30 to 3h15.

Alternatively, you can travel from Barcelona to Seville on the afternoon AVE-S112 leaving  Barcelona Sants at 15:15 and stay overnight in Seville.  Then take a bus to Faro next morning.

An Alsa bus from Seville to Faro & Lagos, at its departure point right outside Seville Santa Justa station's main exit.  Courtesy of Julie Murray.

Barcelona to Andorra

There's no train to Andorra, but there are 7 or 8 buses a day from Barcelona Sants station to Andorra La Vella, capital of Andorra, journey time 3 hours, fare €30.50. 

You can buy tickets at www.andorradirectbus.es or Omio.com .

Using Omio.com , enter Barcelona Sants as your starting point to avoid seeing buses that go from the airport.  These buses appear on Omio as DirectBus .

Barcelona to Cologne, Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin & Germany from €75

Option 1, Barcelona to Frankfurt or Cologne in a single day

Step 1, travel from Barcelona to Paris by TGV Duplex , leaving Barcelona Sants at 09:28 and arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 16:12.

Buy a ticket at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com .  You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.

Allow at least 1 hour to change trains & stations from Paris Gare de Lyon to the Gare du Nord (for Cologne) or Gare de l'Est (for Frankfurt).

Step 2 for Cologne:  Leave Paris Gare du Nord at 17:54 daily except Saturdays by Eurostar (formerly Thalys) arriving Cologne Hbf at 21:15.

The Eurostar (formerly Thalys) has a cafe area, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

On Saturdays, leave Paris Gare de l'Est at 17:52 by TGV Duplex and change at Karlsruhe, arriving Cologne Hbf at 23:44.

Fares start at €39.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Step 2 for Frankfurt:  Leave Paris Gare de l'Est at 19:07 by ICE , arriving Frankfurt (Main) Hbf at 22:59.

The ICE has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

Step 3 for Hamburg, Berlin:  Stay overnight in Cologne and take any onward train you like next day.

Try booking from Barcelona to Cologne or Frankfurt as one transaction, if you have any problems, book each train separately, adding each to your basket and checking out at the end.  You print your own tickets.  Booking for the TGV usually opens 4 months ahead.

Tip:   If booking the whole trip in one go at Raileurope, I recommend clicking More options , entering Paris (any station) as a via station, with a stopover duration of 1 hour.  This gets you a more robust connection, by default the SNCF ticketing system allows cross-Paris connections as short as 40 minutes, which I consider far too tight for comfort.

Alternatively, you can book each train separately, although it's more effort and unlikely to make it materially cheaper, other than avoiding a booking fee:  Book from Barcelona to Paris at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com , then book from Paris to Frankfurt & Germany at the German Railways website int.bahn.de or Paris to Cologne by Eurostar at www.sncf-connect.com .

Option 2, Barcelona to Berlin using the Paris-Berlin sleeper - 3 times a week, starts 10 December 2023

Buy a ticket at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no booking fee). 

Booking opens up to 4 months ahead , you print your own ticket or can select a mobile ticket to show on your phone.

Change stations in Paris by taxi or metro from the Gare de Lyon to Gare de l'Est .

Have an early dinner in Paris, see suggested places near the Gare de l'Est .

It's planned to increase frequency to daily from autumn 2024.

Fares start at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Option 3, Barcelona to Cologne, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Berlin & Germany with overnight stop in Paris

Day 1, travel from Barcelona to Paris by TGV Duplex , leaving Barcelona Sants at 13:25 and arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 20:18.

Buy a ticket at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no booking fee).

Booking opens up to 4 months ahead .  You print your own ticket or can select a mobile ticket to show on your phone.

Day 2, take a high-speed train from Paris to Germany.

Leaving Paris around 07:00 you could be in Frankfurt at 10:59, Cologne 11:15, Berlin 15:29, Munich 13:13.  By all means have a leisurely breakfast and take later trains.

Check train times from Paris to anywhere in Germany and buy tickets using the German Railways website int.bahn.de .  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.

Tip:   For longer journeys such as Paris to Berlin or Munich it's a good idea to change Transfer time from normal to 30 minutes to make sure you get robust connections.

Alternatively, the whole trip can easily be booked in one place at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com , as these connect to the Renfe system and the French SNCF system and the German DB system.  Book from Barcelona to Paris looking for the direct afternoon train with 0 changes.  Add to basket.  Then book from Paris to anywhere in Germany for the following day, add to your basket and check out.  You'll get print-at-home or collect-at-station tickets for both trains.  You can pay in €, £ or $, there's a small booking fee.

Option 3, Barcelona to Cologne, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Berlin & Germany, with overnight stop in Marseille

Day 2, travel from Marseille to Frankfurt by direct TGV Duplex , leaving Marseille St Charles 08:12 and arriving Frankfurt (Main) Hbf 15:59.

Change at Karlsruhe, Mannheim or Frankfurt for onward ICE & IC trains to Cologne, Hamburg, Berlin, Munich, int.bahn.de will give you train times from Marseille to anywhere in Germany on this departure.

Book from Marseille to anywhere in Germany at the German Railways website int.bahn.de .

Booking opens up to 6 months ahead .  I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets.

You can also book at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com at the same prices, which would keep all your bookings in one place with one retailer.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.

Option 4, Barcelona-Paris using a French overnight train, then high-speed train onwards to Germany.

Allow at least 60 minutes to change trains & stations in Paris by metro or taxi from the Gare d'Austerlitz to either the Gare de l'Est (for Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Munich) or Gare du Nord (for Cologne).

Step 2, take a high-speed train from Paris to Cologne (3h30 from €35), Frankfurt (3h40 from €39.90), Hamburg or Berlin.  Check times & fares at www.raileurope.com or int.bahn.de .

Barcelona to Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck & Austria from €89

Option 1, Barcelona to Austria using the Paris-Vienna sleeper - the most comfortable & time-effective option, 3 times per week

Buy a ticket at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com . 

Booking opens up to 4 months ahead .  You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.

This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has two air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-cars each with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has a couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and an ordinary seats car.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video .

Option 2, Barcelona to Geneva by TGV, overnight stop in Geneva, onwards to Austria next day by railjet - the scenic option

You travel from Barcelona to Valence by impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  You'll get great views of the imposing 2,784m Mt Canigou as the train rounds the southern end of the Pyrenees, you'll pass the historic Fort de Salses right by the tracks just after Perpignan, flamingos on the lakes in the South of France between Narbonne & Montpelier, and Béziers cathedral, see the photos, tips & information here .  I recommend an upper deck seat for the best views.

You then travel from Valence to Lyon on another TGV also with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, and from Lyon to Geneva along the Rhône by TER regional train .

Fares from Barcelona to Lyon start at around €39 in 2nd class or €59 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Lyon to Geneva costs a fixed-price €31.90 in 2nd class, €42.40 in 1st class.

Book from Barcelona to Geneva at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee).  Then add an onward ticket from Geneva to anywhere in Switzerland also at www.thetrainline.com .

Soon after leaving Zurich, the railjet runs alongside the shore of the Zürichsee and then the Walensee.

Brooding skies over the Arlberg pass.  The pass itself is long, narrow and curvaceous with the train snaking along the valley sides, often high above the valley floor.

Running alongside the river Inn in the Tirol, somewhere between Landeck & Ötzal.  More photos & information about this route .

Barcelona to Copenhagen, Stockholm, Oslo & Scandinavia

Option 1, with overnight stop in Frankfurt

Change stations in Paris by metro or taxi from the Gare de Lyon to the Gare de l'Est .

The Eurostar (formerly Thalys) has a cafe area, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Does not run on Saturdays.

On any day of the week you can leave Paris Gare de l'Est at 19:07 by ICE , arriving Frankfurt (Main) Hbf at 22:59.

Step 3 for Stockholm.

It's just about possible to travel from Frankfurt to Stockholm in a day with changes at Hamburg, Copenhagen & Malmo, using a through ticket from only €59.90 booked at int.bahn.de .  Depending on the day and date, you can leave Frankfurt (Main) Hbf at 08:58 and arrive at 23:38, see what bahn.de gives you.  There may be some tight connections but with a through ticket you're protected and will be taken forward by later trains if there's a delay and you miss the onward train.

Alternatively, stay overnight in Copenhagen and take an onward 200 km/h X2000 train to Stockholm on day 3, from around €23 booked at www.sj.se (Swedish Railways).

Option 2, with overnight stops in Marseille & Hamburg - two overnight stops, but might suit you better

Stay overnight in Marseille.  Inexpensive hotels with good reviews just outside Marseille St Charles station :  Ibis Marseille Centre Gare St Charles , Holiday Inn Express Marseille St Charles .

Day 2, travel from Marseille to Hamburg, leaving Marseille St Charles at 08:12 by TGV Duplex , changing at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf , arriving Hamburg Hbf 20:30.  Exact times and interchange station may vary.

Book from Marseille to Hamburg at the German Railways website int.bahn.de .  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead .  You print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or phone.

Tip:   Change Transfer time from normal to 30 minutes to avoid tight connections.

Barcelona to Helsinki & Finland

Option 1, using a Finnlines ferry from Germany to Helsinki - the easiest option

Day 2, travel from Paris to Hamburg, you'll usually find a departure from Paris Gare de l'Est at 09:05, changing at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf and arriving Hamburg Hbf at 17:36.

Check times & buy a ticket at the German Railways website int.bahn.de . 

Booking opens up to 6 months ahead .  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets.

Day 2, transfer from Hamburg Hbf to the Travemünde ferry terminal by train+bus and sail from Travemünde to Helsinki with Finnlines, see the Trains from Hamburg page for full details of the transfer, check-in arrangements & ferry crossing .

Finnlines sail from Travemünde in northern Germany to Helsinki every day, boarding at 23:30, sailing at 02:45 (the exact time varies) and arriving at Helsinki's Hansa Terminal in Vuosaari at 09:15 2 nights later (Day 4 from Spain).

Check sailing dates, times & book the ferry at www.finnlines.com or using the Direct Ferries website .

Book onward trains within Finland at the Finnish Railways website www.vr.fi .

Option 2, by train to Stockholm, then ferry to Helsinki

Step 1, travel from Barcelona to Stockholm as shown above .

Barcelona to Prague & the Czech Republic

Option 1, Barcelona to Prague with overnight stop in Paris

Option 2, Barcelona to Prague using the Paris-Linz sleeper - the most comfortable & time-effective option, 3 times per week

Day 1, travel from Barcelona to Paris by TGV Duplex , leaving Barcelona Sants at 09:28 and arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 16:12.

Buy a ticket at either www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com , both easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee.

This comfortable Austrian Nightjet sleeper train has two air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-cars each with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has a couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and an ordinary seats car.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video .

The modern Czech EuroCity train has a bistro car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

Fares start at €19 in 2nd class or €29 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares so book ahead.

Barcelona to Bratislava & Slovakia

Option 1, Barcelona to Bratislava using the Paris-Vienna sleeper - the most comfortable & time-effective option, 3 times per week

Step 1, travel from Barcelona to Paris by TGV Duplex , leaving Barcelona Sants at 09:28 and arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 16:21.

Buy a ticket at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com , both easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee.

Option 2, Barcelona to Bratislava with overnight stop in Geneva - the most scenic option

Barcelona to Budapest & Hungary

Option 1, Barcelona to Budapest using the Paris-Vienna sleeper - the most comfortable & time-effective option, 3 times per week

Option 2, Barcelona to Budapest with an overnight stop in Geneva - the most scenic option

The fare from Lyon to Geneva is a fixed-price €31.90 in 2nd class, €42.40 in 1st class.

Book from Barcelona to Geneva at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no booking fee).

The railjet has landed!   Arrived on platform 9 at Budapest Keleti station .

Barcelona to Bucharest & Romania

Barcelona to ljubljana, zagreb , belgrade & sofia.

Option 1, Barcelona to Ljubljana & Zagreb using the Paris-Salzburg sleeper - the most comfortable & time-effective option, 3 times per week

Option 2, via Marseille & Venice

Stay overnight in Venice .

Day 3 early morning (Monday-Friday only), travel from Venice to Trieste then Trieste to Ljubljana by regional trains, then on to Zagreb, see the timetable & Venice-Ljubljana-Zagreb journey guide here .

Alternatively, any day of the week, spend a morning & early afternoon in Venice then take the afternoon train Venice-Trieste-Ljubljana, see the timetable & journey information here .

Barcelona to Warsaw , Krakow & Poland

Option 1, Barcelona to Poland using the Paris-Berlin sleeper - 3 times a week, starts 10 December 2023

Buy a ticket at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no booking fee).  You print your own ticket or can select a mobile ticket to show on your phone.

Change stations in Paris by taxi or metro .

Booking to Poland opens 60 days ahead .  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets.

Option 2, Barcelona to Warsaw with overnight stop in Paris - runs Sunday to Thursday only

You'll usually find a journey leaving Paris Gare de l'Est at 07:16, changing Mannheim & Berlin Hbf , arriving Warsaw Centralna 23:18.

It's a chill-out journey across Europe, using a 320 km/h double-deck TGV Duplex with cafe-bar & power sockets at all seats between Paris & Mannheim, a superb high-speed ICE train with restaurant car, free WiFi & power sockets at all seats from Mannheim to Berlin, and a EuroCity train with restaurant car from Berlin to Warsaw.  In Berlin, you have time between trains for a stroll past the Reichstag building to the Brandenburg Gate , just 17 minutes walk from Berlin Hbf .

Paris-Berlin starts at €39.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest fares.

Berlin-Warsaw starts at €27.90 in 2nd class or €37.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest fares.

Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de .

First run a Paris to Warsaw enquiry, but before you run it, change Transfer time from normal to minimum 40 minutes.  I also recommend entering Mannheim as a stopover station.

It should show a 2-change option, but at this stage you'll only see silly-money €240+ fares .  Ignore these , note down the trains you need.

Option 2, Barcelona to Warsaw & Krakow with overnight stops in Paris & Berlin - runs daily

Stay overnight in Berlin.   Top choice here is the InterCity Hotel Berlin Hbf (my favourite), only 200m from Berlin Hbf 's main entrance, relatively inexpensive with great reviews, or if you're in the money, the excellent 5-star Steigenberger Hotel just outside the station.  If you're on a budget, the cheaper 3-star Motel One Berlin-Hbf is behind the station or use www.hostelworld.com .  Of course, if you really want to push the boat out, the famous Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin is next to the Brandenburg Gate just 17 minutes walk away.

Day 3 for Warsaw:  Travel from Berlin Hbf to Warsaw Centralna in 5h25 on any EuroCity train you like, see the timetable here .

On Mondays-Saturdays the 05:51 from Berlin Hbf will get you to Warsaw Centralna at 11:14 with breakfast in the restaurant car.  Or have a leisurely breakfast and take the daily 09:52 arriving 15:14.  By all means take a later train to have a morning in Berlin.

Fares start at €27.90 in 2nd class or €39.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Book at int.bahn.de and print your own ticket or show it on your phone.

Day 3 for Krakow, Katowice, Wroclaw:  Travel from Berlin to Krakow by air-conditioned EuroCity train Wawel , leaving Berlin Hbf at 10:52 every day, arriving Wroclaw 15:05, Katowice 17:15 & Krakow Glowny 18:07.

The Wawel is comfortable & air-conditioned with restaurant car, treat yourself to lunch and a beer or two.

Book at int.bahn.de and print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or phone.

Barcelona to Vilnius , Riga, Tallinn

Barcelona to kyiv , lviv & ukraine.

Step 1, travel from Barcelona to Vienna as shown in the Spain to Vienna section above .

Step 2, travel from Vienna to Lviv & Kyiv by direct sleeping-car as shown on the Trains from Vienna page .

Barcelona to Moscow , St Petersburg & Russia

There is currently no service to Russia from anywhere.

Barcelona to Athens & Greece

Day 1, travel from Barcelona to Milan as shown in the Barcelona to Italy section above .

Stay overnight in Milan:   Affordable hotels with good or great reviews just outside Milan Centrale include the Hotel Bristol , Hotel Bernina , 43 Station Hotel , B&B Hotel Milano Central Station , Guesthouse Teodora .  Pricier more upmarket hotels include HD8 Hotel , Glam Hotel , Made to Measure Business , Starhotel Echo or Starhotel Anderson .

Day 2, travel from Milan to Athens as shown on the Italy to Athens page .

Barcelona to Istanbul & Turkey

Step 1, travel from Barcelona to Munich as shown above .  You might also try Barcelona to Budapest as shown here .

Step 2, in Munich or Budapest you can pick up the London-Paris-Munich-Budapest-Istanbul route explained in detail on the London & Paris to Istanbul page .

Railbookers custom-made tours

If you just want to buy train tickets at the cheapest price, book online as shown on this page.  However, if you want someone to sort out your whole trip for you, arranging all your trains, hotels and transfers, and to look after you if anything affects your arrangements, talk to Railbookers.  Railbookers can custom-make a train trip around Europe to your own specification.  Just tell them what you want and they'll advise you on the best trains, routes & hotels.  They get good reports and a lot of repeat business!  They now have offices in the UK, North America and Australia.

  UK call 0207 864 4600, www.railbookers.co.uk . 

  us call free 1-888-829-4775, see website .,   canada call free 1-855-882-2910, see website .,   australia call toll-free 1300 971 526, see website . ,   new zealand call toll-free 0800 000 554 or see website ., hotels in barcelona, suggested hotels near barcelona sants station.

If you're staying overnight between trains, here are some hotels near Barcelona Sants with good or great reviews :

Suggested Barcelona hotels near the old quarter

If you're staying longer, here are some recommended hotels on or near La Rambla itself .

Backpacker hostels

www.hostelworld.com :  If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in most cities at rock-bottom prices.

Travel insurance & VPN

Always take out travel insurance.

Never travel overseas without travel insurance from a reliable insurer, with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover.  It should also cover cancellation and loss of cash and belongings, up to a sensible limit.  An annual multi-trip policy is usually cheaper than several single-trip policies even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Here are some suggested insurers.  Seat61 gets a small commission if you buy through these links.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a mobile data package for the country you're visiting and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM card so you don't need to buy a physical SIM, including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list .  Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate, then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month at time of writing.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.

How it works:   1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android .  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than digging a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  W hy you need a VPN

When you're travelling you often use free WiFi in public places which may not be secure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explained .  ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using the links on this page, you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I get a small commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, vaccination records and Interrail or Eurail passes are often held digitally on your mobile phone, so it's vital to keep it charged.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over if I can't get to a power outlet.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or from Buy from Amazon.com .

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• The First MICHELIN Key Hotels: All the Keys in Spain

The MICHELIN Guide announces top honors for Spanish hotels in 2024.

Spain Barcelona MICHELIN Keys Madrid Hotels

On April 29, 2024, the MICHELIN Guide revealed the brand new One, Two, and Three Key distinctions for the most outstanding hotels in Spain. This announcement comes four years into a comprehensive refresh of our hotel selection. The MICHELIN Guide now includes over 5,000 hotels across the world, and not a single one is simply a room for the night. These are places that significantly add to your experience as a traveler, each vetted and judged excellent in five categories: architecture and interior design, quality and consistency of service, overall personality and character, value for the price, and a significant contribution to the guest experience in a particular setting. Which brings us back to the Keys. The culmination of countless hours of evaluation by our team of experts, the Key hotels below represent the highlights of our broader selection. Like the MICHELIN Stars for restaurants, the MICHELIN Keys are our most outstanding hotels. In total, the 2024 MICHELIN Guide hotel selection in Spain includes five Three Key hotels, 12 Two Key hotels, and 80 One Key hotels. Want to know more about the MICHELIN Key? Here’s everything you need to know . Or, head below to see all the Keys.

How To Look Through the List

Jump straight to the list or take a deeper dive into select key hotels..

Look inside the Sentinel Suite of Mallorca's 2-Key fortress hotel. See what makes this 1-Key hotel among the best designed in the country. Or take a look at all of Spain's 3-Key hotels, in photos. Subscribe to our newsletter for more like this.

Highlights of the Spain 2024 Key Hotel List

Remarkable Personality in the Balearic Islands

Between Mallorca, Minorca, and Ibiza, the Balearic Islands display some of greatest variety in Key hotel winners across any region in the country. Mallorca, in particular, finds a bevy of options: from the small and historic ( Son Brull Hotel & Spa , Hotel Can Ferrereta , Nobis Hotel Palma ) to the stylish hotspots ( Es Princep and La Residencia ). One jewel on the island that defies typical categorization: Cap Rocat, an ancient fortress expertly remade , where the top suites occupy former cannon dugouts. On Minorca, check out Key hotels like Torralbenc , a tasteful, intimate, high-end hotel built from the bones of an old farm; or, in the capital of Mahón, look at Cristine Bedfor — one of the most creative, high-concept design hotels in our collection. Also read: Every Three Key Hotel in Paris

Radical and Renewed Design

In Madrid, you’ll find Key hotels largely in historic 19th or 20th century facades. Places like Santo Mauro , in a former Duke’s 1895 neoclassical mansion, or the Ritz , a Belle Époque palace that dates back to King Alfonso XIII. These are remarkable, and mainstays of our Spanish collection — but we’re ecstatic too to celebrate grand departures from such a style. The pinnacle: Hotel Marques de Riscal , a state-of-the-art Frank Gehry building complete with titanium “hair” (Gehry’s words) swooping above its vineyards. See too the ultra-modern glass boxes at Vivood Landscape Hotel outside Alicante.

Key Hotels with MICHELIN Star restaurants

The Key hotel distinction and the MICHELIN Star for restaurants are decided independently of one another, but it so happens that several hotels in Spain sport both. Among them: Akelarre in San Sebastián (restaurant: Akelarre ), Atrio Restaurante Hotel in Cáceres (restaurant: Atrio ), and Pepe Vieria Restaurant Hotel in Poio (restaurant: Pepe Vieira ). Not unrelated, we see too a strong crop of winery hotels. Places like Terra Dominicata (a 12th century monastery with its own vintage) and Torre del Marques (an 18th century tower with views of the olive groves) are two of our most fascinating. Also read: The 5 Room Inn with 3 Keys and 3 Stars

Click below to jump to each distinction: 

The three key hotels.

Cáceres:  Atrio Restaurante Hotel Escaladei: Terra Dominicata - Hotel & Winery Madrid: Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid Sardoncillo:  Torre del Marqués Hotel Spa & Winery Teruel:  Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine

New York by The MICHELIN Guide – expert insights on where to dine, stay and explore

The two key hotels.

A Coruña: Casa Beatnik Hotel Barcelona: Mandarin Oriental Barcelona Cala Blava: Cap Rocat Deià-Mallorca:  La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel, Mallorca Madrid:  Four Seasons Hotel Madrid Madrid:  Rosewood Villa Magna Marbella:  Marbella Club Hotel Palma de Mallorca: Hotel Can Cera Poio:  Pepe Vieira Restaurant & Hotel San Sebastián:  Akelarre Santanyí:  Hotel Can Ferrereta Torrent:  Mas de Torrent Hotel & Spa  

The One Key Hotels

Adeje:  Bahia del Duque Adeje:  Royal Hideaway Corales Resort Alaior:  Torralbenc   Albolote:  Hotel Cortijo del Marqués Artà: Es Raco d'Artà   Barcelona: ABaC Restaurant & Hotel Barcelona:  Alma Barcelona Barcelona: Almanac Barcelona Barcelona:  Antiga Casa Buenavista Barcelona:  Hotel Arts Barcelona Barcelona:  Hotel Boutique Mirlo Barcelona:  Mercer Hotel Barcelona Barcelona:  Monument Hotel Barcelona:  Ohla Eixample Barcelona:  Serras Barcelona   Barcelona:  Seventy Barcelona Barcelona:  Soho House Barcelona Barcelona: The One Barcelona Barcelona: Wittmore Hotel Barcelona Barcelona: Yurbban Passage Hotel & Spa Benimantell:  VIVOOD Landscape Hotel & Spa - Adults Only Briones: Hotel Santa María Briones Cala Vadella:  Petunia Ibiza, A Beaumier Hotel Campos:  Sa Creu Nova Petit Palais Art & Spa Canfranc-Estación:  Canfranc Estación, a Royal Hideaway Hotel Capdepera:  Predi Son Jaumell Casares:  Finca Cortesin Cordoba: Hospes Palacio Del Bailio Donostia:  Lasala Plaza Hotel Elciego: Hotel Marques de Riscal Es Canar: Bless Hotel Ibiza Es Capdellà: Castell Son Claret Garraf: Little Beach House Barcelona Girona: Hotel Mas Lazuli Granada: Seda Club Hotel Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: Santa Catalina, a Royal Hideaway Hotel Luces: CoolRooms Palacio de Luces Madrid: CoolRooms Palacio de Atocha Madrid: Gran Hotel Inglés Madrid: Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques Madrid: Hotel Unico Madrid Madrid:  Only YOU Boutique Hotel Madrid Madrid:  Only YOU Hotel Atocha Madrid:  Santo Mauro, a Luxury Collection Hotel Madrid:  The Principal Madrid Madrid:  The Westin Palace Madrid Madrid:  URSO Hotel & Spa Madrid Mahón:  Can Alberti 1740 Hotel Boutique Mahón:  Cristine Bedfor Mallorca:  Cap Vermell Grand Hotel Marbella:  Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavís Marbella Resort Marbella:  Nobu Hotel Marbella Menorca:  Hotel Can Faustino Mijas:  La Zambra Resort Monachil:  La Almunia del Valle Montuïri:  Finca Serena Mallorca Palafrugell:  Can Mascort Eco Hotel Palma:  Can Bordoy Grand House & Garden Palma:  Es Princep Palma:  Sant Francesc Hotel Singular Palma:  Boutique Hotel Posada Terra Santa Palma:  Castillo Hotel Son Vida Palma:  El Llorenç Parc de la Mar - Adults Only Palma:  Nobis Hotel Palma Peralada:  Hotel Peralada Wine Spa & Golf Pollensa:  Son Brull Hotel & Spa Salamanca:  Hotel Rector San Sebastián:  Hotel Maria Cristina San Sebastián:  Hotel Villa Favorita - Adults Only San Sebastián:  Nobu Hotel San Sebastián Santander:  Helguera Palacio Boutique & Antique Santiago de Compostela:  Hotel Spa Relais & Chateaux A Quinta da Auga Seville:  CoolRooms Palacio Villapanés Seville:  Hotel Mercer Sevilla Seville:  Unuk Soller:  Hotel L'Avenida Valencia:  Caro Hotel Valencia:  Helen Berger Boutique Hotel Valencia:  Only YOU Hotel Valencia Villanueva de Tapia:  La Bobadilla

Hero Image: Marquès de Riscal  — Elciego

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15 of the safest countries and cities to visit in 2024

B erkshire Hathaway Travel Protection’s report on Safest Places to Travel in 2024 unveils 15 countries and 15 cities from around the world.

Safety is a paramount concern for many travellers, especially those embarking on solo journeys. With this in mind, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has released a report on the Safest Places to Travel in 2024, featuring 15 countries from around the globe.

The portal has also compiled a list of the Safest Cities To Travel To In 2024 , with Honolulu, Montreal, Reykjavik, Sydney and Amsterdam securing the top five positions.

Safe Travels 101: What makes a destination tourist-friendly?

Several factors contribute to the safety of a location, including robust infrastructure to handle natural disasters and accidents, the friendliness of citizens (especially towards the LGBTQIA+ community and people of colour), the ability to prevent violent crimes, and the absence of terrorism.

Forbes highlights that while Nordic countries and cities frequently appear on safety lists, it is not a guarantee of perpetual safety. For example, Iceland declared a ‘state of emergency’ in November due to high seismic activity, anticipating the eruption of the Fagradalsfjall volcano, leading to evacuations in Grindavík.

While Canada may top the list in 2024, there’s no assurance it will consistently remain in the top ten. Safety levels can vary across different parts of the country.

Parameters defining the safest countries and cities in the world in 2024

The portal conducts regular surveys, seeking people’s opinions on various safety parameters in places they have visited. They also incorporate data from the Global Peace Index , travel safety ratings by the US State Department, and GeoSure Global scores of major cities.

Safest countries in the world for your 2024 travels

• Switzerland
• Netherlands
• United Kingdom
• New Zealand

2024’s top 15 safest cities for your adventures

Read the full report here .

(Main and feature image: Guillaume Jaillet/Unsplash)

This story first appeared in Lifestyle Asia Singapore. 

The post 15 of the safest countries and cities to visit in 2024 appeared first on Prestige Online - Singapore .

Spanish Producers at Hot Docs Tout Opportunities in Their Country’s Booming Documentary Sector

By Jennie Punter

Jennie Punter

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Spain’s push to position itself as a premier player in the world’s film and TV industries extends to the documentary zone, as both audiences and industry delegates discovered in the impressive display of the country’s finished and work-in-progress films and co-production know-how at Toronto’s Hot Docs Festival this week.

Popular on Variety

In addition to the usual funding frameworks for minority co-production with Spain— ICAA lines of support, the varied financial backing from the autonomous regions, which can be combined, and working with broadcasters, theatrical distribution, VOD—the panelists outlined important strategies to increasing a project’s chance of getting funds, such as including women in key positions, which adds points in the assessment.

The word complicated was used to describe the “puzzles” that Spanish producers, and their co-producing partners, put together. “But complicated also means opportunities, when you combine all these things within Spain,” said Lukimedia’s Stephanie von Lukowicz , a former ARTE commissioning editor and longtime pitch moderator/trainer and independent producer, who is based in Barcelona.

Her in-production doc “Dreams of the Wild Oaks” is a co-production with Iran, which is where director Marjan Khosravi’s story of a young woman facing a forced marriage is set. It’s one of five projects in Hot Docs’ Deal Maker industry program, where Von Lukowicz has started conversations with potential North American co-producing partners.

“If you’re doing an ambitious project it needs to be a co-production and this adds value on every level, not only the economic side, which is important obviously, but also on the creative side. Co-productions have broadened horizons for Spain.”

Inés Nofuentes was based in Latin American and produced films there for several years before returning to Spain in 2018 to found Curuxa Cinema, which continues her focus on creative documentary storytelling from lesser known corners of Latin America.

Renato Borrayo Serrano’s “The Good Man of Pachalum,” which Nofuentes is producing, is about an extravagant businessman who has appointed himself the intermediary between families in the poorest region who have sent their loved ones to the U.S.

“There is a need to tell these stories in order to change the narrative of global events,” she told Variety after the panel. “These kinds of things are happening all over the world.” Nofuentes’ ability to access European and Spanish funding has allowed shooting to begin in February in Guatemala, where she has a local co-producer; she is seeking North American involvement to support the filming of final scenes in the U.S.

The other Spanish project in Del Makers are “Brücher. Unheard of Botanical Chronicle,” directed by María Camila Menéndez and Mariana Elena Guzzante; and “La Pietà” by Pepe Andreu and Rafa Molés.

On Wednesday, Spain dominated screens with the world premieres of three feature documentaries, including Marta Gómez and Paula Iglesia’s “Flying Hands” (a Pakistani mother builds a community that uplifts deaf children), Peter Porta’s “The Click Trap” (investigative journalists and online activists reveal the unsettling reach of the unregulated digital advertising industry), and Mauro Colombo’s “Wild Gleaming Space” (a chilling encounter deep in Panama’s untamed jungle trigger a personal exploration of life and death; the film is also in Deal Maker, seeking sales and broadcast partners).

The international premiere of Carlota Nelson’s “Eyes of the Soul: Cristina García Rodero” is Thursday and Patricia Franquesa’s “My Sextortion Diary” screened on the weekend.

Marieke van den Bersselaar, in town with fellow “Click Trap” producer Carles Brugueras (founder of Polar Star Films), told Variety after the film’s premiere that one of the benefits of the recent increased support for film production in Spain has been the subsidies.

“In Catalonia, we have a development fund. So if you get 20,000 euros and possibly combine with Creative Europe Media slate funding, you have maybe 50,000 euros for development,” said van den Bersselaar. “You can travel to markets, make a good trailer, shoot some material—is so important for documentaries.

Polar Star Films and Denmark’s Hansen and Perdersen are co-producing Robin Petré’s “Only Here on Earth,” which is set in one of Europe’s most vulnerable forest fire zones—southern Galicia.

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