Anyone have insight on which of these companies offers better seats/food/service?
We will be traveling south from Madrid to Andalucia and within. Thanks
Posted by
Uppsala, Sweden
7262 posts
They both have very nice trains. But Iryo's website is much easier to use and buying tickets is very easy, for that reason I recommend Iryo.
Posted by
OP
Massachusetts
34 posts
Thanks very much, Badger
Posted by
32 posts
Having travelled with both I highly recommend Iryo. Service was outstanding.
Posted by
Chicago
8247 posts
You can bring your own food on board, this is always the cheaper and better quality option on public transportation.
Posted by
OP
Massachusetts
34 posts
Thanks, rahirner snd jazz
I’ve managed to register for both and downloaded their apps. For the Madrid-Cordoba, Seville-Madrid we could use IRYO though it appears if we have a suitcase - which we will, we have to book in higher class. But for Cordoba-Granada and Granada-Seville, we will only have RENFE as our choice. I don’t think IRYO services this sector
Incidentally anyone know when RENFE opens up schedules? It shows some trains but no direct trains between Madrid and Cordoba and we are looking to travel less than 60 days from now. Same between Granada and Seville
Posted by
Uppsala, Sweden
7262 posts
Incidentally anyone know when RENFE opens up schedules?
That is one of the great mysteries of the world, like what caused the bronze age collapse, what are fast radio burst, and is there a theory of everything?
To quote the Man in Seat 61:
"Renfe is a law unto itself and loads what it likes when it likes, in blocks of dates. On major routes where it has competition, it may open sales up to 11 months ahead. On routes without competition sales may open as little as 30 days before departure, and often some trains appear before others. Did I say 30 days? I've seen Madrid-San Sebastian trains from 22 July onwards only open for booking on 7 July!
So if you go online and don't see the complete train service which you're expecting to see with over a month to go, WAIT, chances are that all trains are not yet loaded."
Posted by
Vacaville, California, USA
101 posts
I just bought tickets for April from Sevilla-Cordoba and a few days later Cordoba-Madrid with Rail Europe. Using Renfe and iryo. Book tickets at the same time online and pay only 1 booking fee,$8.45.
Posted by
OP
Massachusetts
34 posts
Ha ha! Badger, I needed the laugh
After having been to Italy in the fall, I thought it would only get better…maybe not! I will probably just get the IRYO trains to/from Madrid. For within Andalucia, I’ll will keep checking with Renfe website/app.
when it comes to air/train travel, I’m more comfortable booking directly vs a ticketing agent/site.