WAVEJourney Takes the Overnight Train from Granada to Barcelona

WAVEJourney Takes the Overnight Train from Granada to Barcelona

WAVEJourney spent a full day in Granada visiting the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain, and devouring as much local tapas as possible in the area near the Granada train station. So, by the 10 PM train departure time that evening we were good and tired and looking forward to the overnight train to Barcelona – which would arrive at 7 AM.

As we didn’t want to waste an entire day sitting on a train (when we’d rather be out exploring), the overnight train from Granada to Barcelona was the perfect solution. And so we made a reservation for a double cabin that had lower and upper bunks and a sink.

Fresh sheets and pillowcases were found on the beds and a light blanket was clean and relatively new. A few coat hangers were available for use at the foot of the bunks, but there was no other storage.

The upper bunk was a challenge to reach. We’re not sure if we missed finding a ladder, but it took some strength and maneuvering to get up and down.

The lower bunk was easy to access and where we both sat until we were ready to call it a night and get into bed.

Each bunk had a cubbyhole for storing small items (watch, book, water bottle) and a reading light.

We only travel with carry-on luggage and a small daypack, and finding enough storage in the cabin was a challenge for that. If you travel with larger luggage, you will find it difficult to move in the cabin.

Above the sink was a medicine cabinet containing the following: 2 bottles of water; 2 amenity kits; two hand towels; 2 plastic cups. The amenity kit had ear plugs, comb, tooth brush & paste, bar soap, hand wipe, sewing kit.

We would have enjoyed the trip much more except for two problems:
1. A conductor and other travellers were having a party in the hallway until very late – even after we asked them to refrain.
2: The air-conditioning wasn’t working and there aren’t any windows in the cabin that open. So, after a couple of hours, when the temperature was unbearably hot and we thought we would suffocate, we opened the door to the hallway to get fresh air.

Bottom Line:
We endured a very disturbed night with little sleep due to the above mentioned issues. Will we take another overnight train in Spain. Heck yes! We can’t wait to try it again. Was the RailEurope pass useful in booking this train trip? Yes! Even though we did have to pay extra for the overnight cabin, it still saved us a lot of money.

If You Go:

- RailEurope Website.

- For Spanish train schedules visit RENFE.