Madrid to Fatima and Lourdes

My group is travelling from Madrid to Fatima to Lourdes in March 2009. What are the chances of getting train tickets, and is there an advantage to getting a Eurail Pass? How are hotel prices in Fatima and Lourdes at this time March 2009?

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A few comments on the proposed journeys if I may:

Fatima%26#39;s train station is 15 miles from town and there is no sensible means of getting between the two.

There are buses every hour from Lisbon to Fatima taking 90 minutes. www.rede-expressos.pt

From Madrid to Lisbon there is only one train a day, an overnight run taking 10 hours. Details at www.cp.pt and look for Lusitânia Comboio Hotel

There are several bus lines operating Madrid - Lisbon taking about the same time or less and with several journeys a day. Or you can fly.

You have a similar problem Fatima to Lourdes, as you will possibly have to make your way back to Lisbon for the one and only daily train between Lisbon and France which leaves at around 4pm - this is the Sud-Expresso which can also be checked at www.cp.pt however reservations cannot be made over the web.

I have ridden that train - reservations open 90 days before travel and the better class accommodation is sold out very rapidly. Coach seats on that journey are not comfortable at all!

That train will take you across Spain during the night and deposit you at Hendaye on the French border at around 730am, from where a connecting French train will get you to Lourdes around 1110am.

I think I am correct that a Eurail pass does not include the cost of reserved sleeping car accommodation but you can check that. Fares in Spain and Portugal are pretty inexpensive in any event.

You could consider flying from Lisbon to Toulouse (a 2 hour train ride from Lourdes) but that would be very expensive.

I can%26#39;t really help with hotels as I have never stayed in either city.

I hope that helps and the best of luck with your planning.

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