Hola,
What is the best/most efficient way to travel from barcelona to madrid, sleeper train or a flight? Any suggestions or experiences?
gracias,
roberto

flight definitely. it's much, much faster!

i got mine from spanair for 28 euros. check www.spanair.com and click on 'green days' banner.

Thanks for the great suggestion!
R

if you cant get a cheap flight, consider the bus, its cheap, pretty comfortable, and maybe slightly faster than the train.

It was faster than the train. Since last October, the Madrid-Lleida leg in the high-speed line Madrid-Barcelona-French Border was opened and now Madrid-Barcelona takes between 4:45 and 5:15, depending on the number of stops. There's no bus that takes less than 6:30.

Right now, the line is only opened at its two thirds, more or less, and there are still speed restrictions due to a delay in the implementation of the signal system. Now, the highest speed is about 150 mph. Once everything is installed and the line completed (hopefully by 2007), the highest speed will be 220 mph, and the duration of the Madrid-Barcelona trip will be about 2:30.

I'd suggest flying. I flew this route on Spanair and found it very pleasant. There is special booths for flights between these two cities so you speed less time waiting in the check-in line. I suggest you book early though for a better deal.

Given that the SpanAir flights are a lot cheaper and quicker than train, is there any real reason to go by train? I need to make the trip in May with my grandmother. If the train ride is scenic, it might be worth it, but we are pressed for time. Also, any thoughts on safety concerns with either option? Thanks!

Fly!!!! Your time is better spent elsewhere!!

Maybe experiencing a high-speed train, but the ride is not particularly scenic and there are not safety issues in either mean of transport. If you are on a tight schedule, fly.