Buying Bus and Train tickets ahead of time?

The problem with doing that is that you lock yourself into specific dates and times. For almost all travel there is no need to book more than a day or 2 in advance. You can do that at a travel agent or at the train station.

That is true, but that is also the reason I want to book online. We only have 9 days and we are on a tight schedule to get everywhere.

If you want peace of mind, no time wasted in queues and possible discounted tickets, purchase and print your tickets at home - read at least this concise guide for Spain - http://www.seat61.com/Spain-trains.htm#How_to_use_www.renfe.com or this -
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Travel-g187514-c80518/Madrid:Spain:Buying.Renfe.Tickets.Online..html - covering all known trials and tribulations. I cannot help with Portugal trains. And I will say (although you do not provide your wish list of destinations) nine days for two countries, at the height of summer, may be too much of a pace.

Thanks Neil for your help. Yes, I think my itinerary involves too much travel, but I focused on staying 3 nights in Lisbon, Lagos, Granada anf fly out of Madrid. The worst leg of trip being Lagos to Granada.

Do you have the transport understanding for Lagos to Granada?

I think. I will take the noon bus to Seville on EVA, then the 3 hour train to Granada. Is there another was that is better?
Thanks

You have it. Best wishes.

You have it. Best wishes.

Thanks! Just curious, have you ever made this journey and do you think it is worth stopping one night in Seville to break up the travel?

I have been in and out of Spain for several weeks each year most years and mostly Andalucia for nearly forty years. Yes, many years ago I have travelled between Seville and the Algarve and Faro and back for a 'look see' a couple of times. Of course Seville is 'worth it', but you will have to shave a day off either Lagos(why!?) and/or Granada for a fine city which is, again, worth three days or more of anyone's time.
I have no idea what you look for in this trip, but do justice to these places or ensure you return.

Since you are at the bus depot you might consider continuing on the bus to Granada. It is about the same time as the train and you don't have to change stations. Of course, if you stay overnight in Seville, that it doesn't make any difference.

Frank, good point. We think that at least part of the trip on a train will be easier than going the entire way on bus. At least we can up up and walk around, right?

Trains are better than buses and the OP is right on changing ASAP from cramped buses into trains in Sevilla.

Anyone know how long I would need between to transfer from plaza de Armas bus station to get the train at Santa Justa? Thanks for all your help.

A taxi ride could be as short as 10-15 mins. to 30+ mins. depending on traffic. I don't know about shuttles, we've only taken a taxi or walked (when we had the time and no luggage).

If you know your schedule, buying train tickets ahead of time can save a lot of money. I believe the max you can buy tickets is 62 days. August isn't high season in Spain, so purchasing sometime close to that should net the cheapest train tickets. Busses are completely different. The price is really cheap so no need to purchase ahead. I like to buy my next bus ticket before I leave the bus station when I arrive in town. That way I know I have my time and ticket - and know when to be back. You could probably get away with arriving just an hour or so early, but even buying a bus ticket the evening before your trip is plenty early to ensure you get a seat. Some areas in Spain are served well by train - most aren't. Sometimes busses are going to be both the cheaper and faster option. The busses are new charter-type busses they are plenty nice and comfortable.

Okay, so if I purchase my train tickets (from Seville to Granada) ahead of time, getting to the bus 15 min before would give me enough time? Do I have to check in/go through security at the Santa Justa train station? My problem is that there is a bus that arrives at 17:45 in Seville, and a train leaving at 18:15 to Granada...not enough time to make the transfer, right?