We are visiting Spain in May/June and at one point will be in Granada then taking the train to Malaga to fly to Lisbon. We will be using Ave trains traveling first class previous to arriving in Granada. To travel from Granada to Malaga without switching trains we will need to take an Avant train. My concern is around luggage and anything I need to be aware of when booking on the Avant line. There will be 3 of us, each with a carry on bag and knapsack. Have not used the train system in Spain before and want to be prepared and knowledgeable so to make are travels enjoyable. Thanks for the help everyone.
Posted by
Citizen of the World
2015 posts
Avant- is Renfe’s brand for medium distance high-speed trains. You will arrive into Granada on Renfe’s AVE train and departing on Renfe’s Avant train— so it’s very similar. In fact Avant allows you 3 pieces of carry-on luggage including suitcases and rucksacks or knapsacks. The cumulative weight of all three is not supposed to be more than 25 kilograms (55lbs) the cumulative dimensions of the luggage should not exceed 290 cm (114 inches). The size of any single piece of luggage is not supposed to exceed 85cmx55cmx35cm ( 33”x21”x13”). The bottom line: if your knapsacks 🎒 are the size of a typical daypack, you will be fine. Otherwise ( and it’s not likely) you might need to purchase extra luggage allowances at the train station. Usually, wheeled carryon 🧳 suitcases need to be placed in the luggage racks located at the end of the train car. If the train is not crowded, you may be able to keep your wheeled suitcase on the floor in your leg space, if the train conductor is having a good day.
I keep my valuables in my daypack which can be stored on the shelves above my seat and, if need be, take a seat facing the direction of my wheeled carryon stored in the racks at the end of the train car.
Have a great Trip!
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5510 posts
We took the Alsa bus from Granada to Malaga. It was cheap and fast.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8882 posts
Another vote for bus on this route.
Posted by
Irvington, KY, USA
95 posts
We have taken train, but tickets and times may not be available until 60-90 days prior to departure. You can look that far out from now to get an idea of times for now.
Jonathan
Posted by
Citizen of the World
2015 posts
If you go to www.TheTrainline.com you can buy your tickets now for travel up through June 30.
Renfe won’t sell tickets that far in advance but it allows The Trainline and a couple other ticket resellers to link up with Renfe’s computerized ticketing system so they are able to sell tickets earlier than Renfe sells them,
Cheers!
Posted by
Massachusetts, USA
1700 posts
We also took the ALSA bus from Granada to Malaga. It's clean, comfortable, modern, and air conditioned. Inexpensive and fast. I think it was a 1.5 hour bus ride. They also gave us a bottle of water and a snack!