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Need help with reserving train tickets!

First time to Spain - traveling in early March. I'm attempting to reserve one-way train (AVE) from Madrid to Barcelona. I've tried 3 sites (Loco2, GoEuro and Renfre) all with no luck. I can't tell if tickets are sold out, not available or if I'm just doing something wrong! From the forum it seems like there is a window to get these tickets. I'm wanting to travel on March 13 (48 days from now), not sure about which stations (touristy part of Madrid and Barcelona). Please help!

Posted by
7834 posts

Be patient, check back everyday, the train schedule has been posted irregularly (not the standard 60 to 90 days) in advance lately. Everyone trying to book on those sites is having the same experience

Posted by
49 posts

I am having the same issue. I’ve checked everyday for the last month on Renfe and Loco2 with no luck(I’m trying to purchase AVE tickets from Madrid to Malaga and from Cordoba to Madrid for March 16th and 21st). I’ve asked the question on this forum as well and have been told to keep checking as they will suddenly appear.

Posted by
1296 posts

I suspect Renfe just haven't posted the AVE tickets yet (since they post AVE separately to other trains, other services for the same route like MD may already show up, that doesn't necessarily mean the AVE have been sold out). I'd keep checking daily until the AVE services appear.

I use Trainline to buy - but if Renfe haven't loaded the tickets yet, then agencies cannot sell them with confidence either.

You'll be glad to know Renfe runs the trains better than it does its website.

PS "not sure about which stations", for AVE trains, I think you leave from Madrid Atocha and arrive at Barcelona Sants railway stations. Both are central with easy connections to elsewhere in the cities.