Eurail Pass and reservations

My understanding is that reservations are required for all Spanish trains except for regional ones (Cercanias, Rodalies, etc) so not just a good idea but a necessary part of using the trains.

As for the itinerary, there are differing opinions on how much moving around is too much but ours was very similar to yours and we enjoyed it very much. Hope your trip is as much fun as our was!

I've not used a Eurail Pass in many, many years, but it is definitely recommended to make reservations especially for the high speed (AVE) trains you will be taking in order to visit all the cities on your itinerary.

You can read more about making train reservations on this helpful website: www.seat61.com

Now in terms of your itinerary, I'd suggest the following:

• Barcelona 3N
• Granada 2N
• Sevilla 4N- day trip to Córdoba OR en-route to Madrid (from Sevilla)
• Madrid 3N

If you've already booked your Alhambra tickets and need to keep your original route ( Barcelona >> Madrid >> Córdoba >> Granada >> Sevilla >>Madrid), then my suggestion would to be add a night to Sevilla.

Your trip is a bit rushed for my taste, but I presume you've already booked your flights and it's too late to change them, right?

Anyway... If you plan to visit Córdoba en-route to Granada, you may leave your luggage at the bus station which is across the street from the train station.

Have a wonderful trip!

Yes Alhambra is booked and so are all fligjt tickets. But thank you so much for the suggestion and the tip on where to leave the luggage- I did read about that in many forums, so thank you for confirming this.

For the Eurail reservations, since I have booked them but not paid yet...when I booked them, the Eurail website said I have till June 1st to pay...after which it will expire....does it mean that my reservations are held till then and I am safe?

Also, any suggestions on what to absolutely see in Madrid ?

Thanks !!

Thank you.

I am not sure what they are actually able to hold for you, as train schedules after June 6th aren't even available. My understanding is that Rail Europe makes guesses as to the times/availability of the trains. If you go on Renfe.com you will not be able to book any train past June 6th (at least from Granada to Sevilla or Sevilla to Madrid, the two routes I have been checking). However, there are many options on Rail Europe. Why this is so is something I would question.

When I contacted Rail Europe a few months ago I was told I would need to pay extra for a reservation - something you don't need to do when booking directly on Renfe.com. You might want to see this post:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/spain/renfe-vs-rail-europe-what-am-i-missing

And this on traveling from Granada to Seville:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/spain/granada-to-sevilla-easiest-transport

Since I have the Eurail pass, I don't need to buy point to point tickets from Renfe. Eurails website lets you see schedules past June 6th and reserve the seats if you have the Eurail pass.

Exactly.

My question is if you can't buy them directly on Renfe, then it's odd that Rail Europe would have the times. I totally understand wanting the ease of a rail pass, and with small children I can see the appeal. You just might find it economically advantageous to book directly. You also might want to consider the bus from Granada to Sevilla, as well.

I was checking the costs of point to point tickets and they seem to be a lot more expensive....even when I factor in the cost of reservations with the Eurail pass. And I have booked the pass and reservation from Eurail website not Rail Europe....so perhaps that is why I was able to see all train schedules and reserve seats

I was checking the costs of point to point tickets and they seem to be
a lot more expensive...

Actually... If you buy your train tickets 60-90 days in advance, you'd pay less than a Eurail pass.

I see...didn't know that...thank you. I was under the assumption that if I'm going to be traveling 4 times during my trip into different cities, the pass would be cheaper...

I misread Eurail/Rail Europe but my point was the same as Priscilla's. You might want to just check the prices on renfe.com before you lock in on June 1st. Right now I don't think you can book any tickets after June 6th, but sooner or later you will be able to, and it is highly likely they will be less than a pass. I'd also urge you to look at the bus from Granada to Sevilla, as it's cheaper and you would not have to transfer as you would on the train (see recommended posts above). However, the train does provide an option for your three year old to get up and walk more if they needed to (as opposed to the bus).

Nicole,

The OP has already purchased the 4 day Eurail Pass, so now he just needs to make his reservations and pay for them.

Since his trip is next month, I doubt there are many discounted tickets left (if he wanted to buy point to point tickets)
Besides, I don't know if he can get a refund for his Eurail Pass now.

I really didn't pay attention to details this time! ha. I think I read it as he could still back out of it, but I see that is just for the reservations part of it...I think? Renfe appears to have schedules up until June 6th. At least for the routes I checked. Moot point if the Eurail pass is non refundable.