Barcelona to Salou

aabarnes1

Going to Salou in June, flying into Barcelona airport and was wandering if anyone has done similar journey and would you recommend driving (hiring a car) or going by train.
If the train is the best or much cheaper option, is there any benefit in purchasing the tickets online beforehand or just getting them on arrival.
Thanks.

grimm2005

aabarnes1 wrote: »

Going to Salou in June, flying into Barcelona airport and was wandering if anyone has done similar journey and would you recommend driving (hiring a car) or going by train.
If the train is the best or much cheaper option, is there any benefit in purchasing the tickets online beforehand or just getting them on arrival.
Thanks.

I've done the journey by train. It's a grand trip, only cost about €7 each way and it wasn't much more than an hour. I booked online in advance but I'd say you'd have no problem purchasing on the day either.

If you've yet to book flights though, I'd recommend flying into Reus as it is a lot closer to Salou.

goochy

might be travelling to Salou but visiting Barcelona a few days , will it cost about €7 each way from Barcelona city centre and take a similar journey time ?

aabarnes1

Thanks grimm, that's helpful enough.
Already booked the flights to BCN as Reus was €180 dearer for the 2 of us at the times/dates we preferred.
Only downside to getting the train though is 3 suitcases from airport to Barcelona Sants, then on to Salou then from station to hotel.
I don't mind too much but the Mrs......

Water John

If she wasn't travelling, sure all you would have is one small piece of hand luggage!!

abarkie

There are buses to / from Salou to both Barcelona and Barcelona Airport

Might be easier than the train?

aabarnes1

abarkie wrote: »

There are buses to / from Salou to both Barcelona and Barcelona Airport

Might be easier than the train?

True, but they take over 2 hours I believe, compared to an hour by train.

abarkie

aabarnes1 wrote: »

True, but they take over 2 hours I believe, compared to an hour by train.

I think if you actually compare the full journey from Barcelona airport to Salou, there is little difference and you are not taking your luggage through Barcelona then this makes a better comparison

I have done it both ways (train and bus) to / from Salou to / from Barcelona and Barcelona airport

For example Salou train / rail station is not as close to the main centre as the bus station and the number of pick ups the bus does makes it much easier

Where is your hotel as this would help to decide

The Bishop Basher

aabarnes1 wrote: »

Only downside to getting the train though is 3 suitcases from airport to Barcelona Sants, then on to Salou then from station to hotel.
I don't mind too much but the Mrs......

We've done it and it's a pain in the ass when you have luggage and / or kids.

If you can afford the direct transfer I would go for it..

As abarkie mentioned there is a direct bus. We've only ever got it back to the airport when leaving and it's a fantastic service.

Good luck and enjoy the trip :-)

aabarnes1

abarkie wrote: »

I think if you actually compare the full journey from Barcelona airport to Salou, there is little difference and you are not taking your luggage through Barcelona then this makes a better comparison

I have done it both ways (train and bus) to / from Salou to / from Barcelona and Barcelona airport

For example Salou train / rail station is not as close to the main centre as the bus station and the number of pick ups the bus does makes it much easier

Where is your hotel as this would help to decide

I was just looking at the map, I see what you mean about the train station not being central, and you are probably correct about the time factor.
We're staying at the H10 Delfin.
I'm ok with the bus, however the wife needs convincing !!

fdevine

Public transport will take between 2 & 2.5 hours depending on time of day.

Train would appear to leave you a c.20 minute walk in Salou. Bus more like a 5 minute walk.

Private taxi (suntransfers) is just shy of €300 return but is door to door with no wait & no hassle and about halves the transfer time.

https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Barcelona-Airport-BCN/H10-Delf%C3%ADn-Adults-Only-Salou gives all options.

goochy

I assume if you were staying in Salou , they do day trips to Barcelona and give you a tour of city ?

goochy

IS Salou only suited to familes or are there bars and clubs suited to people in 30s?
thinking of using Salou as base and doing a few trips to Barcelona . Imagine it would be pricey and not very relaxing spending a whole week in Barcelona but want a week long break.

abarkie

Salou is fine for chilling out with some good bars

finbarrk

aabarnes1 wrote: »

Thanks grimm, that's helpful enough.
Already booked the flights to BCN as Reus was ?180 dearer for the 2 of us at the times/dates we preferred.
Only downside to getting the train though is 3 suitcases from airport to Barcelona Sants, then on to Salou then from station to hotel.
I don't mind too much but the Mrs......

Reus would have been worth the extra €90 each. Just a handy taxi ride to your hotel.

aabarnes1

Decided on a car for the 9 days, it';s only €72 with a €330 deposit. I don't mind the driving, it's the Mrs that hates it!

goochy

interesting - what kind of car and who with ?

aabarnes1

goochy wrote: »

interesting - what kind of car and who with ?

Auto Euope (ZE INTERRENT) €72.02 for 10 days. Opel corsa- or similar

I called them before I paid on line to ask about the extras, hidden stuff. The usual crap they hit you with. But they assured me the deposit of €330 was only thing I would pay locally, to cover the cost of petrol, as it's a full to full rental- the best option I believe.
Anyway, auto-europe did warn me and say that they may attempt to sell me additional stuff like sat-nav, CDW, lost key insurance etc., but just to refuse, as I have personal CDW with carehirexcess.com