A new departure for me, Barcelona.

[FourSeasons]

Here's the dealeo. Instead of my usual departure city back to the US of A from Paris. I am now coming home from Barcelona. I've done my due diligence in searching how to get from Logrono to Barcelona. Here's where I need advice, experience, other options?.

I'll be leaving on a Sunday from Logrono and have found:

Trains to Barcelona, at least what I can find, arrive really late, too late for my liking because I then have to walk/metro/uber to my hostel arriving there near 23:00 (11PM). I'm not even sure of the location of the train station. It's confusing on Google Maps. Can anyone provide me with the correct name/address of the train station?

BlaBla car is really reasonably priced and has plenty of departure times getting me to Barcelona early enough. Has anyone used BlaBla car? For a long distance ride, 5 hours? Thoughts, suggestions.

The hostel is in the Gothic Quarter, near a beach and within a 15 minute walk to the Cathedral. Is it safe for a solo woman to walk around in the evening after dark? Always aware of my surroundings. Any suggestions where to eat, site see in one day.

I plan on using Jayride to get me to the airport. I've never heard of Jayride, it came up during one of my searches. The pricing seems very reasonable. Anyone with experience using them?

Any suggestions are appreciated - thanks in advance for helping me get my final ducks in a row.


EDIT: After further research I will have to push the departure date from Logrono to a Monday and take an early flight. The train schedules I am seeing are getting in too late to constitute paying for a full day at the hotel and a 9 hour train ride is less appealing than a 4.25 hour flight. At least I'll still have time to walk about for a bit in Barcelona. Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

Buen Camino!

 

[trecile]

The hostel is in the Gothic Quarter, near a beach and within a 15 minute walk to the Cathedral. Is it safe for a solo woman to walk around in the evening after dark?

Yes. I'm in Barcelona right now, and typical of most Spanish cities there are people out and about at night.

You will probably will arrive at the Sants train station. You can take the metro from there to the Gothic Quarter.

 

[FourSeasons]

Yes. I'm in Barcelona right now, and typical of most Spanish cities there are people out and about at night.

You will probably will arrive at the Sants train station. You can take the metro from there to the Gothic Quarter.

How did I know you'd be so quick to respond. Thank you. Can you tell me though. Am I right with the train from Logrono arriving so late in the evening? I really want to avoid this if possible.

Thanks for your reply and I hope you're enjoying your time. Buen Camino!

 

[Simperegrina]

The hostel is in the Gothic Quarter, near a beach and within a 15 minute walk to the Cathedral. Is it safe for a solo woman to walk around in the evening after dark? Always aware of my surroundings. Any suggestions where to eat, site see in one day.

The Barri Gotic proximity (at its southern end) to the waterfront, doesnt mean it’s near a beach in the usual sense of the word…

As for walking around after dark, believe me the Barri Gotic and the nearby Las Ramblas will be busy busy with people walking around, drinking inside and outside bars, and promenading. Barcelona has a reputation for pickpockets and scam artists. I’ve never had an issue but take the usual precautions.

I’ve always had a soft spot for El Xampanyet…

And don’t even THINK about sitting down for dinner in a restaurant before 10.30pm…

 

[CWBuff]

Sans is the name of main train station in Barcelona
Taking into consideration the usual " be vigilant " it is safe to walk streets in Barca. Life only starts there at 10pm

 

[Eckart.S]

There are more train connections, but you have to change trains at Zaragoza.

 

[CWBuff]

Re getting to El Pratt there is a very comfy bus leaving from Plaza Catalunya takes about 30 mins and in 2021 was about 6 euro
Would be very convenient as Plaza Catalunya is the beginning of La Ramblas wh8ch practically is Barri Gothic

 

[FourSeasons]

The Barri Gotic proximity (at its southern end) to the waterfront, doesnt mean it’s near a beach in the usual sense of the word…

As for walking around after dark, believe me the Barri Gotic and the nearby Las Ramblas will be busy busy with people walking around, drinking inside and outside bars, and . Barcelona has a reputation for pickpockets and scam artists. I’ve never had an issue but take the usual precautions.

I’ve always had a soft spot for El Xampanyet…

And don’t even THINK about sitting down for dinner in a restaurant before 10.30pm…

Yes, the description says it is a few minutes from the Barcelona Port and I can walk just about 20 minutes to a sandy beach. The Las Ramblas is very close leaving me excited to explore the many cafes and restaurants.

Thanks for the tip on pickpockets and scam artists. Sometimes we get caught up in the excitement but I will definitely take precautions. I will google El Xampanyet - a late dinner it will be. Thank you.

 

[FourSeasons]

There are more train connections, but you have to change trains at Zaragoza.

Do tell, where are you seeing these other trains?

 

[FourSeasons]

Re getting to El Pratt there is a very comfy bus leaving from Plaza Catalunya takes about 30 mins and in 2021 was about 6 euro
Would be very convenient as Plaza Catalunya is the beginning of La Ramblas wh8ch practically is Barri Gothic

Thanks for the option, will definitely look into it.

 

[Eckart.S]

I see the train connections in Google maps and in the app of Deutsche Bahn. They are not shown on the renfe app.

 

[FourSeasons]

I see the train connections in Google maps and in the app of Deutsche Bahn. They are not shown on the renfe app.

Still not finding any additional train schedule on my end but thanks for your input.

 

[J Willhaus]

Try looking on Trainline as it will give connections. Looks like multiple times on Sundays although you did not give a date. I put in a Sunday a couple of weeks from now. Renfe will usually not show connections.

 

[Vacajoe]

Blablacar is the best. Used multiple times without issue.

 

[Eckart.S]

Renfe says e.g for next monday, if yo make 2 different searches:

Logrono 15:05 to Zaragoza 17:11
And
Zaragoza 17:46 to Barcelona 19:15

 

[dagreen]

I know that your travel plans are set, but I have recommendations for other people traveling between Logroño and Barcelona. Blablacar is a great option and you could also take the train to Zaragoza and follow it with a Blablacar, high speed train (AVE, Ouigo, Avlo, Iryo), or bus from there. Zaragoza is a transportation hub in that part of Spain.

As someone who has lived in Barcelona for close to 20 years, I advise you to avoid all restaurants on Las Ramblas. Even the majority of restaurants on Passeig Joan de Borbó cannot be recommended.

Walk a block or two away to find a better place or ask for recommendations.

 

[davejsy]

BlaBla car is really reasonably priced and has plenty of departure times getting me to Barcelona early enough. Has anyone used BlaBla car? For a long distance ride, 5 hours? Thoughts, suggestions.

I used this from Santiago to Hendaye after my Camino - cost me 35 euro!! Reckon it was nearly a 8-9 hr drive as we went via La Coruna, and then various other drop-offs and had to stop several times because the car was over-heating!! I asked if I could have a front seat before booking as I can get a bit travel sick if not driving myself. It was a last resort for me as trains were very complicated and a bus would take even longer. However, it was absolutely fine though and quite enjoyable, and you can check the stats of the driver etc on the app.

 

[CWBuff]

As someone who has lived in Barcelona for close to 20 years, I advise you to avoid all restaurants on Las Ramblas. Even the majority of restaurants on Passeig Joan de Borbó cannot be recommended.

Walk a block or two away to find a better place or ask for recommendations.

I strongly second that (although wish as I may I have not lived in Barcelona for even 1 year)
Las Ramblas restaurants are big tourist traps.

 

[timr]

You are getting plenty of encouraging advice. I have always found Barcelona great.

Just to say the bus service to the airport is very efficient and quick and every half hour or possibly more frequent during the day. You need to get a different bus (from the same stop) depending which terminal (ie which airline) you are going to, but it is very straightforward and staff are helpful if you are unsure.

Airport Aerobus (A1 and A2): Barcelona Airport Express Shuttle Bus To City Centre

Barcelona Airport express bus service: T1 and T2 and the city centre. Prices, schedule times, route, stops, luggage space, payment and access for the traveller with a disability on the Aerobus, Barcelona Airport.

www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com

 

[Dessie2016]

Stayed at TOC Hostel recently. El Xampanyet is a must (ate there twice). Otherwise, there is also Tapeo, which is directly opposite and takes reservations. I believe the nearest metro station would be Jaume I.

 

[nycwalking]

Yes. I'm in Barcelona right now, and typical of most Spanish cities there are people out and about at night.

You will probably will arrive at the Sants train station. You can take the metro from there to the Gothic Quarter.

Oh my!

Have a splendid time.

Buen camino.

 

[JamesX]

Not at Logroño, but I used Blablacar in Sept 2023 from SDC to Madrid, it cost me €45 and it took 12 hours... we had a wonderful lunch by detoured back to CF route - Vega del Valcarce.

 

[FourSeasons]

Not at Logroño, but I used Blablacar in Sept 2023 from SDC to Madrid, it cost me €45 and it took 12 hours... we had a wonderful lunch by detoured back to CF route - Vega del Valcarce.

Wow! 12 hours! The price is definitely right, thank you for sharing your experience. Were you the only passenger?