So I had this new idea. Instead of flying from Barcelona to London like every normal traveler. I wanted to see what the train ride was like. Maybe it was curiosity maybe it was just me trying to avoid airports for once. Either way i hopped on a train and took the long way up north. Spoiler: it was way longer than I expected but also way more interesting than a quick flight. Let me tell you about it.
First things first, how long is the train journey?
When you look at the map Barcelona and London do not seem that far apart. But the train journey is not just a straight line. There are transfers stops and all that. Normally the fastest option is about 10 to 11 hours if everything runs smooth. You go from Barcelona Sants to Paris Gare de Lyon on a high speed train and then switch to the Eurostar from Paris to London.
Now 11 hours sounds like a lot compared to a 2 hour flight. But you have to remember airports eat up time too. Security lines, waiting around and baggage claim. By the time you add all that the difference is not as unbelievable as it looks at first.
What the ride actually feels like
The Barcelona to Paris part is super comfortable. Spanish and French trains are way better than I expected. Big seats, quiet coaches, fast speeds. You look out the window and watch the scenery change from sunny Mediterranean vibes to French countryside. There were even moments where I just sat there thinking, “wow, this is actually really relaxing.”
But then comes Paris. Changing stations in Paris can be a bit of a headache. You arrive at Gare de Lyon but the Eurostar leaves from Gare du Nord. That means hopping on the metro or grabbing a taxi. If you have too much luggage this part can feel like a mission.
Once you get to Gare du Nord and board the Eurostar though, things get exciting again. The idea of shooting under the English Channel in a train is kind of wild. It takes just over 2 hours to get from Paris to London. Honestly that part flew by.
Why would someone choose the train over flying?
Alright let us be honest. Most people fly because it is cheaper and faster. But the train has its own perks:
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Comfort – you can stretch, walk around, sit by the window, no cramped cabin pressure.
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Scenery – flying gives you clouds, trains give you actual landscapes.
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No long airport stress – no endless security lines, no waiting to board, no random delays on the runway.
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Eco-friendly – if you care about reducing your footprint, trains are definitely greener.
For me, the biggest plus was just the overall vibe. It felt like part of the journey not just a boring connection between two places.
But is it worth it?
That is the real question. Personally I think it depends on the type of traveler you are.
If you just want to get from Barcelona to London as fast as possible the train will probably feel too long. Flying is quicker often cheaper and less hassle when it comes to transfers.
But if you like the journey itself as much as the destination then yes it is worth it. I liked seeing France roll by my window i liked that I could bring more luggage without stress i even liked the break in Paris to stretch my legs and grab a coffee. It made me feel like I was really traveling instead of just teleporting from one city to another.
Would I do it again? Maybe not every time but at least once for the experience, absolutely.
Some tips if you decide to try it
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Book early, especially the Eurostar part. Those tickets go fast.
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Give yourself enough time in Paris to switch stations. It can take 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic.
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Bring snacks. Trains have food but it is not always the best.
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Pack light if you can it makes the Paris transfer so much easier.
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Try to get a window seat. Trust me the views are worth it.
Final thoughts
So, train from Barcelona to London worth it? For me, yes but only because I wanted the experience. If you value time and money above all else, stick to flying. If you like slow travel, stories to tell and a journey that feels like an adventure then go for the train at least once.
Travel is not always about efficiency. Sometimes it is about the memories you make along the way. And honestly that long train ride gave me more stories than any short flight ever could.
FAQs
How much does the train cost from Barcelona to London?
Prices vary but expect around 150 to 250 euros if booked early. Last minute tickets can be way higher.
How many train changes are there?
At least one usually in Paris. Sometimes Lyon is another option, but the common route is Barcelona to Paris then Paris to London.
Is the train comfortable for such a long journey?
Yes the high speed trains are very comfortable with big seats and plenty of space.
Can you bring luggage easily?
Yes trains are way more relaxed about luggage compared to airlines. No strict weight limits and no checking bags in advance.
Is it faster than flying?
Not really, flying is faster. But when you count all the waiting around at airports the gap gets smaller.
Would you recommend it for families?
If your kids like trains and you want to avoid airport chaos, yes. But keep in mind it is a long day of travel.
