Low-Flying Bird
I am just back from Madrid where I visited the UK's visa division to sort out my visa. I now get to enjoy a week or two without traveling. Yesterday was my first ride on the Spanish 'Ave' (ah'-vay, Spanish for 'bird') high-speed train and I loved it. From Barcelona to Madrid it was faster than a plane and a far more pleasant travel experience.
The train takes between 2.5 and 2.75 hours to make the trip at between 200 and 300 km/hr (125-190 mi/hr) with a nice smooth ride. The Ave was faster than a plane because the train station was easier to get to (two Renfe stops from my apartment to the station at Barcelona Sants) and I didn't waste all that time at the airport getting through checkin and security. On top of that, the British Consulate was just a few blocks from the Madrid station. How many 'conveniently located' airports have you been to?
I arrived 20 minutes before departure and walked right onto the train. There's a lot to be said for not having restrictions on what electronics you can use nor when you can use them. The whole experience is far more comfortable, sensible and relaxed than any airport experience I've ever had. Since I'm a big fellow (198cm/6'6") I really appreciated the fact that I fit very comfortably into even the Tourist class seats. Having a real cafeteria, office space, and big bathrooms counts for a lot too. The trains run every hour to hour and a half from BCN to Madrid and back. A same-day purchase cost me €177 out and €70 for the return.
Overall, this is definitely the way to (not) fly for short- and medium-haul trips. Sensible urban and inter-city transportation continues to be one of the great joys of living in Europe.
