We are 60+ yr old couple visiting Spain in September 2022 with our 30yr old daughter. Our plan is a one way train trip Madrid to Barcelona on a Tuesday. We'll stay in Barcelona for 3 days then fly back to Madrid early a.m. to connect up with our flight back to the U.S. same day. My question concerns purchasing train tickets. 1) is my thinking correct to skip the TD card for hubs 'n myself since we're talking about a total of ONE train trip total? 2) Elige = standard OR Comfort seat, Comfort = Comfort...we def want Comfort seats and, of course, want to sit together. Elige fares are less but wondering if the chances of getting 3 Comfort seats together go down if I choose Elige. There are some times of day when price is lower so aware of that. Also wondering if my chances go up if I purchase now online through Renfe vs waiting until we arrive in country on 9/10 and purchasing in vending machine? And, yes, I'm aware we should NOT buy from a staffed counter to avoid long lines. Thoughts? We welcome your input!
Posted by
Hudson Valley
2267 posts
RENFE's pricing structure is weird. Or poorly communicated. Or both.
The trains have 2 classes of service, and three "fare types", or that vary with the inclusions or flexibility.
"Elige" is the middle of the three fare categories available for either class of service. It allows changes/cancelations, but for a fee. It allow you to buy up to a better seat—in Confort. It does not include seat selection, but that can be added for a fee—I'm pretty sure it's 5 euro per ticket. A "Comfort ticket is fully flexible and all-inclusive and sits in the Comfort Class. It's probably cheaper for you to buy Elige class, in a Comfort seat, and pay the fee for selection.
Prices for mid to long-distance trains will go up as the date nears. Regional trains may not—can depend on the train type.
Posted by
Washington DC
28102 posts
You'll likely pay a great deal more for the tickets if you wait to buy them until you're in Spain. To get an idea of how much tickets bought in Spain might cost, check prices for travel today.
There's also the possibility of full trains if you wait to buy your tickets.
I've always found the standard seats perfectly comfortable.