← Itineraries
Paris · Gare de Lyon / Montparnasse · 14 days
The Great Iberian Traverse
Wine tourism, Atlantic coast, gastronomy and Spanish high-speed rail.
14 daysDuration
4cities
−90%CO₂ vs flying
From €145Ticket budget
TrainTransport
Paris → Barcelona
Day · Leg
| Day | Leg | Transport / Operator | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | Paris → Bordeaux | TGV INOUI | 2h 05 |
| 4–6 | Bordeaux → Hendaye → San Sebastián | TER + Euskotren | 3h 00 |
| 7–9 | San Sebastián → Madrid | Alvia (Renfe) | 4h 50 |
| 10–12 | Madrid → Barcelona | AVE / Iryo / Ouigo | 2h 30 |
| 13–14 | Barcelona → Paris | TGV INOUI | 6h 45 |
Ticket budget
Ticket budget
Point-to-point (booked ahead)
- TGV INOUI Paris → Bordeaux: €29
- TER + Euskotren Bordeaux → San Sebastián: €24
- Alvia San Sebastián → Madrid: €25
- AVE / Iryo Madrid → Barcelona: €18
- TGV INOUI Barcelona → Paris: €49
Total: €145
Interrail option
- Interrail Global Pass (5 days): €338
- Renfe reservations €20 · cross-border TGV €25
Total: €383
Economy
€1,640
per person, transport + stay + meals
Comfort / mid
€2,840
per person, 3–4★ hotels, preferred seats
Ticket verdictPoint-to-point wins. Fierce operator competition (AVE, Iryo, Ouigo) keeps Spanish fares from €18.
FAQ
FAQ
Is Interrail worth it for this route?
Point-to-point wins. Fierce operator competition (AVE, Iryo, Ouigo) keeps Spanish fares from €18.
How far in advance should I book?
Book 6–8 weeks ahead for the cheapest fares. European high-speed and night trains use dynamic pricing: the same seat can cost 2–3× more on the day of travel. All budgets on this page assume advance purchase.
What does the trip cost in total?
Transport costs €145 point-to-point (or €383 with Interrail). All-in, plan for €1,640 travelling light, or €2,840 with 3–4★ hotels — per person, including stays and meals.