From Cleethorpes to the Costa Blanca

[Boothby97]

I am intending to go from Cleethorpes to Alicante in the Summer Holidays 2012 to see my Grandparents, I would normally use train to Manchester a/p and then fly to Alicante, but if I did want to go by train (if I would be allowed), how would I do this and would it be okay for me, a 14 year old to do this journey on my own.

Thanks, Sam

 

[Jordeh]

Seat61.com is all you need when it comes to international rail travel.

http://seat61.com/Spain.htm#Alicante

It can be done relatively easily, get yourself to London in the morning of Day 1. Afternoon of Day 1, catch Eurostar to Paris. Then catch the overnight sleeper ~(referred to as a train hotel) to Barcelona. Arrive morning of Day 2, catch a train across Barcelona and then on to another to Alicante and you should be there mid-afternoon.

Seat61 is very good for costs and departure times. As for travelling at 14, I've no idea, the only potential issue there would be the TrainHotel (Paris to Barcelona) but I honestly don't know what their rules on it.

 

[Harlesden]

If I may ask the OP a question, is there still a foot crossing over the railway lines at Suggits Lane? I used it regularly in the late 1960's after a visit to Wonderland (a covered amusement park at the very end of the North Promenade). As a lad of 13/14, I loved the dodgems and the waltzers with the Four Tops "Standing In The Shadows Of Love" blaring over the speakers.

 

[Boothby97]

If I may ask the OP a question, is there still a foot crossing over the railway lines at Suggits Lane? I used it regularly in the late 1960's after a visit to Wonderland (a covered amusement park at the very end of the North Promenade). As a lad of 13/14, I loved the dodgems and the waltzers with the Four Tops "Standing In The Shadows Of Love" blaring over the speakers.

Yes it still exists, I sometimes walk the dog down there. Wonderland is now up for sale :cry:

--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Seat61.com is all you need when it comes to international rail travel.

http://seat61.com/Spain.htm#Alicante

It can be done relatively easily, get yourself to London in the morning of Day 1. Afternoon of Day 1, catch Eurostar to Paris. Then catch the overnight sleeper ~(referred to as a train hotel) to Barcelona. Arrive morning of Day 2, catch a train across Barcelona and then on to another to Alicante and you should be there mid-afternoon.

Seat61 is very good for costs and departure times. As for travelling at 14, I've no idea, the only potential issue there would be the TrainHotel (Paris to Barcelona) but I honestly don't know what their rules on it.

Thanks for the website
Sam

 

[185]

Seat61 is very good for costs and departure times. As for travelling at 14, I've no idea, the only potential issue there would be the TrainHotel (Paris to Barcelona) but I honestly don't know what their rules on it.

Ater getting to Paris on Eurostar, Paris - Barcelona is operated by Elipsos and they are sillily expensive.

PLAN B....
Best public fares are on SNCF.FR - select ticket on departure - collect in France, it's about £25 ADV purchase from Paris to Perpignon on the slow TEOZ day train, comfortable, 9 hours, then get a hotel, continue the next day to Port Bou at the Spanish border, and change for Renfe to Valencia or Alicante - they ain't expensive & you can buy on the day at the booking office.

(I seem to remember for Alicante it's quicker to travel by train to Valencia and get a coach (1 hr) than travel round changing trains twice.)

 

[coupwotcoup]

Or alternatively, get a late E* to Lille and stop in a cheap hotel - Premier Inn or its ilk, must be one near the station
and far cheaper than the Hotel and Talgo trains.
Then up with the lark and get the 6.30am to Narbonne and if all goes well,
you can train hop and pick up the 18.00 at Barca Sants which gets into Alicante at 22.40.
A long schlep though in one day, especially with a 14-year-old but next year could see some alterations so book early for the best deals.