I wanted to make 2 train reservations for 2 seniors: Sevilla-Cordoba and Cordoba- Madrid for April 2025. I read that renfe could be made 60-90 days out and iryo a year out. I tried renfe and had trouble.getting beyond one point. I tried RS app and was sent to Rail Europe that sent me to Bookings.com for hotel reservations? I then tried RS Spain e-book and went directly to Rail Europe and made the reservations using my credit card. There is an $8.45 handling fee per reservation not per person. If you make the reservations for both trips at the same time there is only “one” fee!! The Sevilla train was with iryo and the Cordoba train with renfe, 4 months out. I hope this helps.
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
6891 posts
I make it a practice to book directly with the country specific train companies. I do know there can be issues. I've never had a problem with Spain, but I've found France to be occasionally tricky. A 3rd party company some on the forum use is Trainline. I think it would be less expensive.
Posted by
Uppsala, Sweden
7351 posts
Why are you going through a 3rd and 4th party? Just go to www.iryo.eu and buy your tickets there. Or www.renfe.com
Posted by
Alberta
48 posts
As proposed by William and in Steves' book, my plan is to take the train from Sevilla, stop in Cordoba for a few hours, and then continue to Madrid. The Spanish Train, Renfe and Rail Europe don't appear to have the "multiple" option that you see with airlines. Does that mean that you need two tickets?
Thank you.
PS William, we may see you on the tour and trains. Did you find accommodation in Madrid?
Peter
Posted by
Washington DC
28965 posts
Yes, if you are going to break the trip in Cordoba, you must buy two separate tickets. You must have a seat reservation (included when you buy the ticket), so you can't just hop off the train and then back on.
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
6891 posts
Rick Steves proposes a stop in Cordoba for a couple hours? To be frank, if this is the case, I've lost a bit of respect.
The Cordoba train station is at least a mile from the old town area, so you'd need a taxi or do a long walk which takes time. (I always walk, I like to see the cities.) We stayed in Cordoba 3 nights. There is so much to see. Some do make a day trip there, which, I guess is better than nothing.
To stop for a few hours means you'd have time for a rushed Mezquita visit and that would be it. It is a charming city.
Posted by
OP
Vacaville, California, USA
102 posts
Jules you are correct on both issues. We are staying 2 nights in Cordoba. The Renfe site did not let me book so I did the 3rd party with (RS) Rail Europe. We have used them before with no problem. It also gave me a complete schedule so we could pick when we wanted to leave. The booking cost was minimal with 2 people and 2 trains it was $8.45 total. I got seat assignments on both trains! Badger thanks for your input. You were very helpful planning our Scandinavian tour in 2024! Pete we are staying out by the airport (they have a shuttle service you can book early). Bill