I booked a first-class seat on a train from Paris to Barcelona for $177, and I didn't even care that it was 5 hours longer than the flight

Laura NinehamJan 15, 2024, 02:32 IST

I booked a first-class train ticket from Paris to Barcelona.Laura Nineham

I paid $177 for a first-class seat on a train from Paris, France, to Barcelona, Spain.
Loading my luggage, boarding the train, and arriving was an easy and mostly seamless experience.

As a frequent traveler, I'm often plagued by flight shame.

France's government-run railway system, SNCF, tends to be a greener option since trains produce lower carbon emissions than planes. But tickets can be expensive, and the journey is nearly five hours longer than the flight.

But I was determined to find a sustainable alternative, so I booked a first-class seat on a TGV InOui train (run by SNCF) from Paris to Barcelona.

I originally found standard tickets that started at $75, but by the time I booked my trip, that price had doubled.

Since upgrading to a first-class only cost an extra $21, the switch felt like an easy decision. I ended up paying $177 for my seat.

Here's how my ride went.

The train station in Paris was centrally located and well-equipped.

Storing my luggage before the train ride was easy and cost less than $6.Laura Nineham

I was told where to wait long in advance.

I enjoyed being able to see departure boards all over the train station.Laura Nineham

There was always a way to keep an eye on the information boards.

I spent time in a Starbucks before my departure and felt at ease because I could see a departure board. Laura Nineham

There was a surge of passengers, but the staff managed it well.

Although there were a lot of passengers, getting through the gates was effortless. Laura Nineham

The carriages were clearly labeled, and choosing a seat was a painless process.

I sat by the racks to make sure I could see my backpack at all times. Laura Nineham

Wi-Fi was included in my car, and it actually worked.

The Wi-Fi was impressive and worked well during the train ride. Laura Nineham

The bar carriage offered refreshments, but I couldn't eat most of them.

I couldn't eat most of the food that was offered, but it would've been nice to have a hearty meal. Laura Nineham

The journey was smooth and passed without incident.

The journey was relaxing and offered great views, but they would've been better in the daytime. Laura Nineham

Despite a slightly late departure, I arrived at the Barcelona Sants train station on time.

I arrived in Barcelona on time. Laura Nineham

I found the Barcelona train station a bit overwhelming.

The train station in Barcelona was hectic at first, but I eventually made it through. Laura Nineham

My train trip was certainly more environmentally friendly.

According to the railroad company, the train ride had a smaller carbon footprint than a plane. Laura Nineham

Overall, I was very satisfied with my train ride.

I'd take this first-class train again. Laura Nineham

I stayed at Dolly Parton's new resort in a $500 mountain-view room. Being close to her theme park wasn't even the best part.

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