We are traveling from Northern Portugal to Madrid in the fall of 2018. I am interested in taking the train from Ourense, Spain to Madrid and was wondering if any one has done this and whether or not it is scenic and worthwhile or if it is better to simply fly from Porto to Madrid.
Posted by
🏝️ Hobe Sound, FL⛱️
3282 posts
I haven't taken the train over that route but I have driven from Compostela de Santiago through Avila and Segovia on my way to Madrid and felt the scenery to be enjoyable and occasionally great. But, again, I was driving. As far as train vs plane, the travel time between them is negligible. Personally, I'd relax on the train rather than go through the security lines, uncomfortable seats, travel time to and from the airports by flying. Just a less stressful way to travel.
Posted by
885 posts
We spent 3 nights at the Parador de Santo Estevo which is east of Ourense. We did 2 day hikes to monasteries along the River Sil and enjoyed beautiful views of the deep, deep gorge. We had a car. This area is quite rural and some of the roads into the gorge are very narrow. I'm not sure of public transportation in the area.
We did see the train tracks right down by the river. I'm not sure how well you would be able to see the gorge from the train. It is very steep.
We really enjoyed the drive from Madrid up and back to Galicia and stopped at many interesting places. One highlight was a Roman gold mine, las medulas (near Ponferrada). There is so much to see!
I don't know if renting a car is an option, but I think a car would give you many more options in this part of Spain. If you don't have time to linger and just need to get back to Madrid, the train ought to be fine. The scenery is varied and it ought to be quite pretty, although you really need to get out of the train to see the gorges.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
If times are equal I always enjoy the train over the plane. Even if the scenery isn't great from a train, it is still far better than what you see from a plane and since I prefer the aisle seat, I see nothing!
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
Train would be your quickest and most relaxed option for sure.
ALV 4484
Dep 10:27 ORENSE (Spain)
Arr 15:04 MADRID-CHAMARTIN (Spain)