Travel to Torrevieja from the UK

Well, you won't get to Torrevieja by train as there are no trains that go there. You could get to Alicante and from there to San Isidro/Catral but that would still need an onward journey,

It would take about 22 hours of travel to get to Madrid or less by about 5 hours to Barcelona. A few changes on the way. Then there's getting from Madrid to Alicante or Barcelona to Alicante then buses to Torrevieja. Well over a day travelling whichever way. Plus the onward bit from Alicante to Torrevieja. Another 6 hours or so journey to add to that.

Considering the flight is a little over 2 hours and about a third of the price it wouldn't seem to be a good choice.

An alternative would be a coach if you don't like flying. My parents regularly went to Catalonia by coach and enjoyed the trip. Tickets are from about 120 quid (one way) but now you're talking of around 40 hours on the coach. Not my idea of fun. 

Hi

Around 20 years ago we twice travelled from London to Xeraco (Valencia) by train. Eurostar to Paris then, the first time, a sleeper to Barcelona where we stayed the day/night, then onwards. The second time we got a TGV to Montpellier and stayed a couple of nights. On the way back we stayed in Perpignan instead.

Thoroughly enjoyed it all!

As others have said, there is no train station in Torrevieja - so you would likely have to continue from Valencia to Alicante then catch a bus.

Back then, the train tickets went on sale precisely 60 days before travel, to the minute! I logged on and bought them as they went on sale and so got the cheapest tickets! btw it's worth paying for first class.

Cheers

Steve

Thanks for your speedy reply Steve and helpful information.  How much were the tickets and can you book them all in advance?  I know there isn’t a station at Torrevieja having had a flat there for 20 years. I would normally fly but I have this terminal lung disease which limits my walking and arranging oxygen is a pain so I thought I’d look at some alternatives

Kind regards

Clive

You can book train tickets through Trainline.  If you enter eg from London to Alicante it will show the cost and train details on whichever date you choose. 

Hi 

You can book via https://www.thetrainline.com/ or https://www.raileurope.com/en 

Back then, I found that https://www.sncf.com/en was the best site to use.

It was so long ago I can't remember prices, but of course you can book in advance.

However, having heard your mobility problems, I suggest you look at flights again and request special assistance. I have problems myself and recently flew with their help, and they were wonderful! They will meet you in departures, and take you in a wheelchair right to the door of the aircraft. At the other end they will do the same and take you to your taxi if necessary. I had a major problem with a connecting flight in Madrid and would never have made it without their help. They talked to the captain who decided to wait for me - I literally walked onto the plane and heard the doors closing behind me and as soon as I put my seat belt on the plane started moving! The bloke pushing the wheelchair bust a gut for me, and my missus had to run to keep up!

If I remember rightly, the assistance was free of charge.

BTW if you do this, get special assistance for your partner as well.

I wish you well.

Cheers

We went on the high speed train from Alicante to Madrid in November-2hrs 10 mins- 19 euros. I'm sure you could get another train from there to the UK or near!! By the way it was 9€ coming back. Very enjoyable-much more leg room than planes and you don't have to be at the station for hours before. 

Thank you for the helpful advice Sharon

Another site is the Man in Seat61

https://www.seat61.com/Spain.htm#london-to-barcelona-by-train

I don't think Madrid is convenient as you would have to go from Barcelona to Madrid and then Madrid/Alicante. There is no true connection from TGV on West Side of France (to West side of Spain.  

https://www.seat61.com/Spain.htm#london-to-barcelona-by-train

You can also buy an interrail pass

https://www.interrail.eu/en/interrail-passes/global-pass?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAopuvBhBCEiwAm8jaMWna406iL_rpDOKja9kAqknfPbArea1OGUznEAqTPZsKnLGO-3zPlRoC-tsQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

As Spain has opened up its rail network to other Train Companies fares have reduced. If you are over 60yrs(?) You will get cheaper fares. I would suggest a Travel Agency. In that way you can be sure of tickets and connection times  unless you are confident in doing it yourself. 

Bee