This is our itinerary: Barcelona-Valencia-Madrid-Granada-Barcelona
I know that the train from Barcelona to Valencia is not an AVE so no need to book seats in advance. But the rest of the trips would be AVE trains. Could we reserve our seats once we get to Barcelona to save some money? The reservations fees on Eurail are quite expensive when adding all up.
Also, if I buy an Rail Europe Spain pass, would I be able to reserve seats on Eurail?
Thank you,
There are relatively few people now using Eurail--choosing to purchase tickets from point to point because it's often cheaper.
From Madrid to Granada is better served by ALSA buses than trains--much more frequent service.
And from Granada to Barcelona is a quick flight on Vueling. It would be a long train ride.
If you buy normal tickets, these include reserved seats where needed.
Reservations are only ever needed if you are using a pass. Question: Is a pass the best option in your case? Only you can say (do the calculation).
It is a Eurail Pass, you should be able to book reservations from wherever you bought the pass (for example Rail Europe).
(You had the names transposed).
Thank you for your replies!
I would have bought the point-to point ticket, much cheaper. Still trying to see how I can make everything work. My son already bought a Global Pass. I just decided to come with him later. The only problem is the Granada-Barcelona leg. Renfe's schedule is not opened yet for the day that we want to return to Barcelona, May 25th, very strange. I thought that it would be available at least 1 month ahead of the date
"I know that the train from Barcelona to Valencia is not an AVE so no need to book seats in advance. "
That's not how it works. All long distance trains (so far as I know) require reservations, not just the AVE ones. The Barcelona - Valencia EuroMed trains do, for example.
Of course, booking in advance can just mean getting to the station a bit early and buying the ticket, on the day of travel, it will come with an assigned seat reservation. You can do this with AVE too. But, the disadvantage with this approach is (a) all seats might be sold out (not certain) and (b) you'll be paying the highest price (almost certain).
"very strange"
Quite a lot about how RENFE works is inexplicable. But the trains themselves are good. I recommend you spend a few minutes reading this guide which gives a good primer
https://www.seat61.com/Spain-trains.htm
I second what David says about considering coach trip and flying for getting to and from Granada respectively.
I will refer you again to my answers on your previous thread. In general, it's easier to reserve together when you have similar types of tickets (e.g., both Eurail passes, even if they're for different durations and numbers of countries). In addition to a Eurail Spain Pass for 4 travel days at $222 in 2nd class, seat reservation fees through Rail Europe cost $11-12 per leg of your route, with separate fees on connecting trains. In Spain, you'll probably pay €6.50 for each of these, so not much price difference. Do what seems easiest (or what's possible, given that all may not be on sale at the same time.)
Thanks all for your input:)
I decided tp buy the Eurail Pass. Makes things easier. The seat reservation fees are from 10 Euros+ booking fee. So for Granada-Barcelona, about 26Euros( if my memory is right)
Hi from Wisconsin,
Buying tickets for use in Spain. Go to 'the man in seat 61' and scroll down to Spain, and read his directions. You will feel so smart afterwards. He recommends using loco2 to buy Spanish rail tickets. And he does for good reason, I have done both. Renfe is nearly impossible. Loco2 is like asking your mother for a drink of water. No extra charge either. Free email notice when tickets first become available. All very nice.
There is an older line on this topic if you search. very useful stuff in that.
wayne iNWI
