I have travelled all over Europe on Trains, and it has been very easy thus far- but Spain seems very, very confusing. There are two different train systems from what I have been reading online- and I am not quite understanding all the different passes/fares. I am looking at traveling from Madrid to Zaragoza- Zaragoza to Barcelona -Barcelona to Sitges -Sitges to Barcelona. That is 4 trips. Is it worth getting a 4 day Renfe pass? ( that is good for 1 month) . I understand about the Ave (fast trains) vs Regional trains- And I know it is long distance from Madrid to Zaragoza and Zaragoza to Barcelona- But from Barcelona to Sitges I think its a Regional Train- and returning to BCN from Sitges I think there is a bus/train combo or 3 different trains I would need to take-is the 4 day pass also good for the bus? Thanks in advance for any advice given.
Posted by
Chicago
2047 posts
Best thing to do would be a price comparison. Usually if you buy early enough Renfe has discounted tourist fares that would probably save you more than the rail pass.
ALSA buses are not covered by the rail pass, I believe.
Posted by
Chicago
8166 posts
I was in Spain for ten 10 days 2 months ago. You may be having research fatigue currently as it is very very easy to take the trains in Spain, (albeit RENFE is slow about making the online schedule to buy tickets available lately). Switzerland is the most complicated to most, just figuring out the cost savings.
That being said since you have a set amount of trains (only 4?) you definitely do not need spend a 195 euros for a 4 day rail pass.
For example
Madrid to Zaragoza
The earlier you buy the more likely that you will get a low fare.
I am seeing this 1 way costing 35 euros on the high speed train (AVE) 1 month in advance purchase
Zaragoza to Barcelona
I am seeing this 1 way costing 29 euros on the high speed train (AVE) 1 month in advance purchase
Use this site it is more user friendly than RENFE https://www.thetrainline.com/?redirected=true
or https://loco2.com/en-us also user friendly
Barcelona to Stiges
This route is so short and frequent it only cost 8 euros round trip.
You need this site to book but the prices are set so you get buy the day of
http://rodalies.gencat.cat/en/horaris/