That depends on how you define “best” for your situation. How much time will you have to travel? What’s your budget?

Bahn.de shows an overnight train possible (21 hours duration, with 4 changes); daytime train from 10 hours, 57 mins. (4 changes). That’s a lot of train(s) over a relatively long period, IMHO. I’d probably prefer flights in this case.

Looks like an ugly, long train ride to me. I’d look for a cheap flight, although I don’t know of any low fare airlines that fly this route.

In ancient days, Vueling flew this route, but I don’t find it listed anymore. I have in the back of my mind that Vueling had difficulties, and either reduced their business, or went out of business.

I would suggest you go the the website of the Nice airport and check what type of service they list to Barcelona. Its very possible there is no direct flight to Barcelona and you may have to fly via another city, even Paris or Madrid, and that could be a lengthy flight, so maybe the train is not as bad an option as it first seems; at least you could catch some scenery, and any train is more comfortable than a plane. If you can find a short flight to Madrid, Barcelona is , I thinks, about three hours by train, which might not be a bad option.

I did a little research and Iberia does make direct flights from Nice to Barcelona. A little pricey, but you arrive in a little over an hour. We have located what looks to be a wonderful apartment in Antibes but are unsure about where we would like to stay for our 4 nights in Barcelona, I was considering the Barceloneta area to be close to the beach, but not far from historical sights and the crazy action of Las Ramblas. We won’t have a car and plan to walk or take public transport everywhere. Any suggestions for accomodations are greatly appreciated.

Check also the list of arrivals at the Barcelona airport site. I found Iberia offers a direct connection, but at a cost of $927 apiece. I guess Iberia isn’t a discount airline.

It’s too early to book that flight — unless you happen to find a nonstop for less than $100. Use the links in our new user thread pinned to the top of this (Cheap Flights) forum — especially Skyscanner and Whichbudget, in addition to ITA. If you can’t find something good to BCN, then try adding GRO to your search.

Fly to save more time