Hi! I had planned to book train travel for my week in Andalusia, but now I'm wondering if it would be better to rent a car. Here are the particulars: 3 adults; will have just finished the RS 8-day tour of Barcelona and Madrid. Leaving from Madrid the morning of 17March heading for Seville. Three nights at Hotel Alcantara. Planning a day trip to Cordoba on 19March. On 20March, leave Sevilla for Granada. Stay in Granada at Hotel Anacapri for 2 nights. On 22March, return to Madrid. Stay near the airport (Hilton Madrid Airport, on points) and fly out the morning of 23March. My original thinking was that we don't have that much time, so will probably be fine taking trains and sticking with the sites in the towns we are staying in (plus the day trip to Cordoba). On the other hand, if we would get a lot more out of the journey between towns if we rented a car maybe we should consider that. I'd appreciate your thoughts!
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
If these are the only places you're going (Madrid, Seville, Cordoba, Granada, and Madrid airport), it will be easier to take trains and buses, and the train sections will be almost twice as fast as driving. With your time constraints, you really don't have time to see other places, where a car might be useful.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15788 posts
To add to Harold's excellent advice, buy train tickets in advance for big savings. This is a great article about Spanish trains. While it may not be the most economical, it will be the most comfortable. Instead of long car rides strapped into seats (and not much view from the rear), you can move around, get hot/cold drinks, have a picnic (pick up food at the train station or beforehand) and use the toilet while the train is speeding along. Take taxis (not expensive) between stations and hotels.
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
If you had 2 or 3 more days then yes a car would be of benefit to explore the Pueblos Blancos. However, with just 6 nights and your plan as described, it is more efficient to travel by train.
Posted by
OP
53 posts
Thank you all very much! I will stick with my original plan and use the trains.