Fancy an injection of quintessentially European culture but don’t have much time? No worries, our London to Barcelona route is perfect for getting your fill of 3 of the continent’s biggest cosmopolitan cities in the space of a week! In just 8 days, we’ll take you by rail from London to Barcelona via the City of Lights, Paris. With at least 2 nights in each destination, you’ll get a great idea of what each city is about, whilst having time to spare for a few day trips. Feel free to choose this trip as it is, or get in touch with us to customise your route!
Route: London Paris Barcelona
Nights: 7
Countries Visited: 3
Transport: Train
Sustainability: This trip only creates 26.6 kg of carbon emissions. Flying the same route would create 259kg ♻️
Reviews: All independent reviews
First up – London! The UK’s capital may be huge, but Central London can be walked all over, from the quirky pop-up stalls of the south bank to the glitz of the West End and out to Hyde Park. If you’ve already visited the city, or live there and know it inside-out, just let us know and we can move the two nights here elsewhere!
Your next stop is Paris; you’ll get to wake up to phenomenal views of The City of Lights! Stroll around Parisian Montmartre with its Bohemian artist community and pretty red-canopied cafes. Go classic with the iconic sights of the Louvre, the Arce de Triomphe and, of course, the Eiffel Tower! If you’ve seen it all before, head to the Pompidou Centre for your modern art fix, or sip on cocktails around Quai de Jemmapes.
You’ll end your interrail adventure with 3 nights in Barcelona, the Catalan city that has it all! Famous for its dreamlike architecture inspired by the artist Gaudi, the centre of Barcelona’s architectural wonders is the breathtaking Sagrada Familia, whose towering spires can be seen all over the city. Nearby Figueres also offers plenty of artistic inspiration, with the world famous Salvador Dali museum at its centre only a short journey from Barcelona. After a hard day’s sightseeing in the dazzling sunshine, you’ll be needing to unwind, and what better way than sampling some local paella and beer in one of Barcelona’s many bars and restaurants. Las Ramblas is Barcelona’s famous nightlife quarter, with pavement cafes transforming into buzzing bars after dark. It’s easy to forget, but Barcelona is on the Mediterranean coast as well, so if you fancy taking a break from the city, why not take a day trip to one of the many glorious beaches? Not a bad way to finish your trip off, if you ask us!
– Train tickets from the first to the last city on the route, as shown in the map.
– All possible seat reservations – not just the compulsory ones!
– Accommodation in top-rated, centrally located hostels or hotels – tested by us
– Walking or public transport directions between the stations and your booked accommodation.
– Travel Disruption Protection – alternative travel included if there is a strike or similar disruption.
– 24hr emergency phone number to use while you’re away.
– Personalised travel pack with your travel times, accommodation information, directions, language guides and things to see and do in each location.
– Exclusive discounts on attractions across Europe.
Route: London Paris Barcelona
Nights: 7
Countries Visited: 3
Transport: Train
Sustainability: This trip only creates 26.6 kg of carbon emissions. Flying the same route would create 259kg ♻️
Reviews: All independent reviews
First up – London! The UK’s capital may be huge, but Central London can be walked all over, from the quirky pop-up stalls of the south bank to the glitz of the West End and out to Hyde Park. If you’ve already visited the city, or live there and know it inside-out, just let us know and we can move the two nights here elsewhere!
Your next stop is Paris; you’ll get to wake up to phenomenal views of The City of Lights! Stroll around Parisian Montmartre with its Bohemian artist community and pretty red-canopied cafes. Go classic with the iconic sights of the Louvre, the Arce de Triomphe and, of course, the Eiffel Tower! If you’ve seen it all before, head to the Pompidou Centre for your modern art fix, or sip on cocktails around Quai de Jemmapes.
You’ll end your interrail adventure with 3 nights in Barcelona, the Catalan city that has it all! Famous for its dreamlike architecture inspired by the artist Gaudi, the centre of Barcelona’s architectural wonders is the breathtaking Sagrada Familia, whose towering spires can be seen all over the city. Nearby Figueres also offers plenty of artistic inspiration, with the world famous Salvador Dali museum at its centre only a short journey from Barcelona. After a hard day’s sightseeing in the dazzling sunshine, you’ll be needing to unwind, and what better way than sampling some local paella and beer in one of Barcelona’s many bars and restaurants. Las Ramblas is Barcelona’s famous nightlife quarter, with pavement cafes transforming into buzzing bars after dark. It’s easy to forget, but Barcelona is on the Mediterranean coast as well, so if you fancy taking a break from the city, why not take a day trip to one of the many glorious beaches? Not a bad way to finish your trip off, if you ask us!
London is home to the UK’s biggest and best known museums, sights and attractions – you’ll never run out of things to do!
If you’re travelling on an Interrail pass for the trip, you can use this to get from your hometown to London for free, as long as it’s on the same day as your departure! This does not apply if you have individual tickets in PDF form.
Highlights
Check out the country’s top museums, all of which are free!
Explore the alternative markets at Portobello road and Camden
Try all the international foodie delights in Brixton Village or Brick Lane
Train to Paris – 4 hours
Paris is a byword for romance, a synonym for style, and the epitome of elegance. The pride of France and one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Paris needs little introduction, from the Eiffel Tower to the Pont Neuf, it bedazzles visitors and oozes charisma at every turn.
Highlights
See the Mona Lisa at the Louvre
Watch a cabaret act at the famous Moulin Rouge
Experience the colourful nightlife of the Marais
Train to Barcelona – 7 hours
It may not be the capital city, but Barcelona sure is one of Spain’s main cultural hubs and is not to be missed! Home to amazing art, surreal architecture and vibrant Catalan culture, you won’t be disappointed to know that the nightlife scene and food are just as incredible here.
Highlights
See the Picasso Museum in the Gothic Quarter
Spot Gaudi’s distinctive architecture in Parc Guell
Crawl the bars around Las Ramblas
If you live in the UK then you just need to make your way to London to start your adventure. If you’re coming from elsewhere then you can fly into any of the London airports as they’re all super accessible using the Tube.
To get home, either customise your trip to loop back to London by rail, or alternatively, book a flight home from Barcelona El Prat Airport, and we’ll take care of the rest!