Zero emission tourism

Aside from history and architecture, I have a passion for nature and for protecting the environment. In these times of climate change, with all its consequences that we are already experiencing firsthand, such as floods and wildfires, we cannot remain idle. That’s why I would like to promote low-emission tourism.

I know, zero-emission tourism is difficult, but we have to try, right? That’s why all my tours are done on foot, by bike, or by train. The only tour that, for now, would have to be done by car (preferably electric) is the Modernist tour outside the city. The train is a very comfortable means of transport that also offers zero emissions. Obviously, everyone is free to choose their mode of transport to get to Valencia. My only intention here is to make a plea to everyone coming to the city: take the train. Spain has the most developed and efficient high-speed rail network in Europe. Traveling from Madrid to Valencia by train takes only two hours, and thanks to the new train companies operating on our lines, ticket prices are now cheaper than ever.

If you travel from abroad, there are also several options to go by train. As a frequent user, I have some recommendations for you with regards to travelling by train to Spain. Honestly, it is a very relaxed and adventurous way of travelling, reading a book and drinking a cup of coffee while looking at the slowly changing landscapes. Of course, it takes you longer to get at your destination, but what does it matter? Depending on your schedule and journey, you can have breakfast in Paris, lunch in Barcelona and dinner in Valencia. Horrible, isn’t it? If you book in advance and via the national train companies, in many cases it can be even cheaper than going by plane. Below I give you a couple of options, beginning in The Netherlands or Belgium. If you are from the UK or Germany or further north you can travel to Paris and continue your journey from there.
Plan A
• Amsterdam CS-Paris Gare du Nord by Eurostar. You can book on their website or application, the earlier you book, the cheaper it will be. The cheapest tickets are €35, one way.
• Paris Gare de Lyon-Barcelona Sants. You can book on the website or application of SNCF, sale is per holiday season. There are two trains a day, one in the morning, one in the afternoon. If you take the Eurostar in the morning, you can take the train to Barcelona in the afternoon. But you won’t get to Valencia on the same day. Please be aware that Eurostar arrives at another train station than the station where you leave to Barcelona. Take at least two hours for this transfer, three if you want to enjoy a good meal in Paris.
• Barcelona Sants-Valencia Estación del Nord or Joaquín Sorolla. You can book on the website or application of RENFE, Euromed or Intercity are the best options.
With this option you need to sleep over in Paris or Barcelona, or if you prefer in a city in Southern France like Montpellier, Béziers or Perpignan. Plan B
This is the most adventurous and cheapest option. Neither you need to book a night in a hotel, because you sleep in the train. You can do the same journey instead of via Latour-de-Carol, via Cerbère (FR) and Portbou (ES).
• Amsterdam CS-Paris Gare du Nord by Eurostar. You can book on their website or application, the earlier you book, the cheaper it will be. The cheapest tickets are €35, one way.
• Paris Gare d’Austerlitz-Latour-de-Carol (just at the Spanish border). You can book this train via SNCF. It is a night train, so the departure is in the evening and the arrival in the mountains the morning of the next day.
• Latour-de-Carol – Barcelona Sants: you cannot and do not have book this train in advance. It is the line R3, a regional train (‘rodalia’), which only leaves 4 or 5 times a day, so be aware of the schedule. You can buy a ticket on board or at the station.
• Barcelona Sants-Valencia Estación del Nord or Joaquín Sorolla. You can book on the website or application of RENFE, Euromed or Intercity are the best options.