🚄🇹🇷 Is it really possible to travel from Barcelona to Ankara just by train? I’ve wanted to do this trip for such a long time, and last month I finally had the chance. This will be a thread about the incredible journey I took! 🚆 11 trains 🛤️ 5,776 km 🕓 4 days 🌍 9 countries

🚆🆕 The first Coradia Stream for #FGC is ready! These new trains, built by @alstom.bsky.social, will be used on the R-Aeroport line, a fast service linking Barcelona-El Prat Airport ✈️ with the city. They have capacity for 656 passengers, featuring wider aisles and dedicated luggage spaces.

🚄🇩🇪 The new ICE L sets will enter service with the next timetable change in December, initially on the Berlin-Cologne route. The L stands for low-floor entry, the main feature of the trains built by @talgo.com. This week, I saw one of them next to Warschauer Straße station.

🚆🇪🇸 The station of Alcázar de San Juan served as an important connection point for radial lines coming from the centre and south of Spain. It’s less used today but still has some Media Distancia services such as this #MD34009 to Madrid-Chamartín, with a journey time of 1h 43min.

🚆🇪🇸 Taking the #MD18331 from Badajoz to Alcázar de San Juan, worked by a diesel S-559. This train doesn’t have many passengers, mainly local people from the small towns along the route. After stopping in Puertollano and Ciudad Real is when it starts to get busy.

🚄🇪🇸 Travelling from Madrid-Chamartín to Badajoz with the #ALVIA192 in Elige Confort. The journey takes 4h 39min and is worked by a hybrid S-730, built by #Talgo. This train is dual-voltage and features a variable gauge system. There’s also a cafeteria selling drinks and snacks.

🚄🇪🇸 Again with #Iryo from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha to Barcelona-Sants in Infinita Bistró, the most flexible option. The #IRY6201 connects the two cities in just 2h 52min, stopping only at Zaragoza-Delicias. For dinner, I chose the chicken thigh stuffed with foie and raisins.

🚆🇪🇸 Even with the opening of the “Variante de Pajares” in 2023, there’s still a regional train that takes the old route. The #R12101 departs Valladolid-Campo Grande early in the morning and arrives in Gijón at midday. It has few passengers, but the views are worth the journey.

🚆🇪🇸 From Zaragoza-Delicias to Miranda de Ebro on the #REX18021, worked by an S-470. This service begins at Zaragoza-Miraflores station, just outside the city. It’s almost impossible to find a seat until Pamplona, as there are many travellers. After that, it becomes less crowded.

🚆🇪🇸 The regional services between Lleida-Pirineus and Zaragoza-Delicias don’t have many passengers, as they have been replaced by trains that use the high-speed line. There are two daily services in each direction connecting the two cities. I travelled with the early #R15507.

🚆💨 I always like to depart from Barcelona-Estació de França, a station full of history and exceptional architecture, with its glass roof and marble halls. It is the terminus for several regional lines of @rodalies.info, such as the R14, which I took to Lleida-Pirineus via Tarragona.

🚆💨 I always like to depart from Barcelona-Estació de França, a station full of history and exceptional architecture, with its glass roof and marble halls. It is the terminus for several regional lines of @rodalies.info, such as the R14, which I took to Lleida-Pirineus via Tarragona.

🚄🇪🇸 It’s been more than a year since my last trip with #Iryo. This time, I’m travelling from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha to Barcelona-Sants on the #IRY6181 in Infinita Bistró, which is the equivalent of first class and includes a meal that you can select when buying your ticket.

🚆🇪🇸 Taking the #MD13902 from Sevilla-Santa Justa to Málaga-María Zambrano, which runs on the conventional line and has a travel time of 3h 25min. This is my first time travelling with an S-598. These diesel trains were built in 2004 by CAF and serve medium-distance routes.

🚆🇪🇸 I think this is one of the longest train journeys in Spain. I went from Madrid-Atocha Cercanías to Sevilla-Santa Justa with the #MD17902, which covers 653 km and takes about 8h 3min. This route serves many small towns and cities. I was surprised by the number of passengers!

🚄💨 Due to the withdrawal of Talgo #Avril sets from the Barcelona-Madrid high-speed line, #AVLO services are currently being worked by S-103 trains. I travelled on the #AVL6302 between the two cities, and as I had bought my ticket before this change, I was assigned a new seat.

🚄🇪🇸 From València-Estació del Nord, I continue to Barcelona-Sants with the #IC460. I’m travelling again in Elige Confort but this time on board an S-120. This train is dual-voltage as well as dual-gauge, with a top speed of 250 km/h. I also went to the cafeteria for some snacks.

🚆🇪🇸 Taking the #IC1460 from Cartagena to València-Estació del Nord in Elige Confort. This train consists of a #Talgo6 set hauled by a Class 334 diesel locomotive until Alacant-Terminal, where it’s changed to an electric Class 252. I got something from the cafeteria for lunch.

🚆🇪🇸 Back to Murcia del Carmen on the last #Proximidad service of the day from Cartagena. The journey takes 1h 10min and is worked by a double S-599. These modern trains, built by #CAF in 2008, are the diesel variant of the S-449 and have very similar features and interiors.

🚆🇪🇸 In Cartagena, there’s a metre-gauge railway line that connects the city with the town of Los Nietos. It’s 19.6 km long and was originally built for mining and freight transport. Today, it’s used for passenger services as a local commuter line, with trains every 40 min.

🚆🇪🇸 From Murcia del Carmen, I continue to Cartagena with this #Proximidad service, which is something between a commuter and a regional train. This time I’m also travelling on an S-592, but it’s a refurbished subseries for longer journeys, with a raised top speed of 140 km/h.

🚆🇪🇸 I change at Alacant-Terminal to a commuter train bound for Murcia del Carmen. The line is not electrified, which requires the use of an S-592 DMU. This train is known as ‘camello’ 🐫 because of its twin-hump roofline. It was built in 1982 and has a maximum speed of 120 km/h.

🚄💨 Travelling from Barcelona-Sants to Alacant-Terminal 🇪🇸 on board #EM1071 in Prémium. This journey along the Mediterranean 🌊☀️ takes 5h 24min and is operated by a refurbished S-130 high-speed train. As this was an early-morning service, I was served breakfast at my seat 🥐☕.

🚄🇪🇸 Leaving Madrid-Puerta de Atocha on the #AVE3201 towards Barcelona-Sants, worked by an S-103, part of the “Siemens Velaro” family. This direct service connects the two cities in just 2h 37min. As I had a ticket in Prémium class, I enjoyed a complimentary dinner at my seat.

🚄💨 From Santander to Madrid-Chamartín 🇪🇸 on board the #ALVIA4142 in Elige Confort, the highest travel class. This service uses S-130 trains, built by @talgo.com and equipped with a variable gauge system. I also went to the cafeteria to grab a sandwich and a drink for lunch.

🚆🇪🇸 In the north of Spain, it’s very common to find narrow-gauge railways, such as line C-3 of the #CercaníasCantabria network. It connects Santander with Liérganes, passing through several small towns, with trains running every hour. The journey is about 40 km and takes 53 min.

🚆🇪🇸 Exploring more regional lines in Spain. The journey from Valladolid-Campo Grande to Santander on the #REX18105 takes 3h 59min. This S-470 is in charge of the service, a train that despite its age remains reliable and comfortable. No sockets or Wi-Fi, just enjoy the scenery.

🚆🇫🇷 With the #IntercitésdeNuit from Paris-Austerlitz to Cerbère 🛏️🌙. Although I had a ticket for 1st class, I asked the chef de bord if there was a place I could travel alone, and he moved me to an empty compartment. I also bought a coffee ☕ and a brioche 🥐 in the morning.

🚄💨 This is my first time taking a #Thalys, now merged with #Eurostar. I travelled from Amsterdam Centraal 🇳🇱 to Paris Nord 🇫🇷 on the #ES9370 in Eurostar Plus. The journey is 3h 55min and, as it was almost dinner time, I ordered the all-day meal deal from the Eurostar Café!

🚄💨 I hadn’t travelled on #Eurostar for several years, and this time I went from London St Pancras Int’l 🇬🇧 to Amsterdam Centraal 🇳🇱 on the #ES9114. This service resumed recently. As I had a Eurostar Plus ticket, I was served breakfast at my seat and enjoyed some extra comfort.

🚄🇬🇧 Taking the first train of the day from Nottingham to London St Pancras. This @eastmidsrailway.bsky.social service, coming from Derby, is worked by a Class 222 #Meridian. I was the only passenger in first class, which features spacious seats as well as complimentary snacks and drinks.

🚊🇬🇧 Last week in Nottingham, I hopped on the #NottinghamExpressTransit to explore the city. The first phase of this modern tram system opened in 2004 and today it consists of two lines with a total length of 32 km and 50 stations, served by Bombardier Incentro AT6/5 and Alstom Citadis 302 units.

🚂🇬🇧 Today was the first day of #TheGreatestGathering! To celebrate 2️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ years of railways in the UK, an exhibition featuring both historic and modern trains as well as scale models is taking place at Derby Litchurch Lane Works, drawing nearly 40,000 visitors! #Railway200

🚆🇬🇧 After landing at London Gatwick, I take the #GatwickExpress ✈️ to travel from the airport to the city centre. This is a fast and direct service to London Victoria station, with trains every half hour. In 1st class, you can enjoy a less crowded space as well as extra room.

🚆🇪🇸 Leaving Salamanca on board the #MD18314 bound for Valladolid-Campo Grande, stopping only at Medina del Campo. This journey is also worked by a S-599, which features comfortable seats with tables, sockets and reading lights. It’s a DMU although the entire line is electrified.

🚆🇪🇸 Taking the #MD18903 to Salamanca-La Alamedilla from Madrid-Príncipe Pío. The journey is about 2h 51min and is served by this S-599 DMU, as the railway line isn’t electrified after Ávila. These trains are widely used on medium-distance routes, with a top speed of 160 km/h.

🚄💨 From Barcelona-Sants to Madrid-Puerta de Atocha 🇪🇸 with #AVLO, the low-cost high-speed service of @renfeoperadora.bsky.social. This train offers a single class featuring a 3+2 seat layout, as is worked by an #Avril built by @talgo.com. Tickets start at just €7.

🚆🇫🇷 Leaving Paris-Austerlitz on the #IntercitésdeNuit 🌙 bound for Latour-de-Carol-Enveitg 🏔️. This time I'm travelling in a reclining seat, the cheapest option at €19. It's comfortable, but there's little legroom and it's very difficult to get any rest, so best avoided.

🚄🇫🇷 Again on board a #TGVinOui, this time going back to Paris-Montparnasse from Rennes with the #TGV8074 in 1st class. The journey takes 2h 17min, as this train makes several stops and doesn’t join the high-speed line until after Laval. Always a pleasant ride on the #TGVDuplex!

🚆🇫🇷 Travelling from Paris-Austerlitz to Rennes on the #OTG4091. The journey with #OuigoTrainClassique takes 4h 13min and is worked by comfortable #CORAIL cars. This low-cost service of @sncf-voyageurs.bsky.social, offers affordable travel on conventional lines, with tickets from just €10!

🚄🇫🇷 Taking the #OGV7672 from Toulouse-Matabiau to Paris-Montparnasse. This is my first time travelling with #OUIGO in France, the low-cost high-speed service of @sncf-voyageurs.bsky.social. For this journey, I chose the PLUS option, which includes extra baggage, seat selection and Wi-Fi.

🚆🇩🇪 The #RB23 is a regional line that is part of the Lahn-Eifel-Bahn, running every 30 min between Koblenz Hbf and Limburg (Lahn). It connects the small towns along its route to international and high-speed trains. I travelled on this #BR643 from the Bombardier Talent family.

🚆🇩🇪 With the #RB15265 from Limburg (Lahn) to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf, travelling along the 66.5 km of the #Taunusstrecke. This service is worked by modernised #DoStos, hauled by a #BR146 from @deutsche-bahn.bsky.social. The train wasn’t crowded; in fact, I was the only passenger in first class.

🚄🌍 From 1st April, #Iryo will join the Interrail/Eurail Pass network! Travel to major destinations across Spain 🇪🇸 with this private high-speed train operator. Reservations will cost €10 for 'Singular Class' and €13 for 'Singular Only YOU Class'. 🔗 marcostrain.com/links/uuskj9

🚄🌍 From 1st April, #Iryo will join the Interrail/Eurail Pass network! ravel to major destinations across Spain 🇪🇸 with this private high-speed train operator. Reservations will cost €10 for 'Singular Class' and €13 for 'Singular Only YOU Class'. 🔗 marcostrain.com/links/uuskj9

🚆🆕 This morning, @alstom.bsky.social presented the new Coradia Stream trains ordered by Renfe that will be used for commuter services on the Rodalies network. These trains feature a combination of both single and double-deck cars, offering a capacity of more than 900 passengers.

As 2024 is coming to an end, it’s time for a #RailReview! Here are some facts about this year. 🚄 Trips: 290 approx. 📏 Distance: +31.000 km 🌍 Countries visited: 14 📍 Longest journey: Wien - Hamburg I’m very much looking forward to a new year full of rail adventures! 🎉

🚇💯 Avui fa 100 anys es va inaugurar la primera línia de metro de Barcelona. Per donar el tret de sortida a la commemoració d’aquesta efemèride, @tmb-barcelona.bsky.social ha celebrat un acte a l’estació de Passeig de Gràcia, la qual ha decorat imitant el seu aspecte original! #100AnysMetro

🚆⛰️ The line connecting Lleida and La Pobla de Segur is one of the most scenic railway journeys in Catalonia. It’s 89.3 km long and passes by 4 lakes, 40 tunnels and 75 bridges 🏞️. This route is operated by @fgc.extwitter.link, using modern Stadler GTW diesel trains running on Iberian gauge.

🚄🇪🇸 About 4h 6min of travel ahead on the #AVE4454 from Vigo-Urzaiz to Madrid-Chamartín, worked by this #Avril built by @talgo.com. A complimentary snack is served to passengers holding a #Prémium class ticket, consisting of various sandwiches, a piece of cake 🍰, and drinks ☕️!