In early Oct. '25 on a Friday afternoon or early Saturday morning, I'm going (traveling solo) from Sevilla to Madrid but would like to have flexible options for ticketing on one of the three rail companies. Can I just show up at the station and buy my ticket either from a ticket counter or via an on-line app (I can put apps from all three companies on my phone)? Thanks!
Posted by
Southport, NC
408 posts
We took the high speed train from Sevilla to Madrid last September and bought our tickets a few months out. The high speed trains sell out, so purchasing last minute would be very risky. I'm not sure about local trains.
Posted by
Citizen of the World
2559 posts
You can buy high-speed train tickets months in advance for as little $9. The prices rise the closer it gets to the train’s departure date. In some instances, the tickets can be as costly as $160 by waiting. IRYO will have its train tix on sale now.
www.Iryo.eu/en
Posted by
OP
Wynnewood, PA, USA
279 posts
All good points and advice, thanks. I just won't know until Friday morning if I'd like to take an afternoon train (and, probably won't care if it's at 14h, 15h or 16h, or I should depart the next morning at 7h or 8h.
Posted by
Wengen
2831 posts
What you can do is just look up today and tomorrow on eg. Trainline to have an idea what short term availability (and cost) typically is. October is high season, so it is unlikely that every train will be sold out.
You can also buy a flexible ticket from one of the companies, and then your reservation later. That protects you in the unlikely case of all trains being sold out, but most likely you will be able to change your departure.
Posted by
Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico
1969 posts
Is the high-speed train really essential? It's not so far that you save a lot of time. The fast train from Madrid to Seville is about 2 1/2 hours, and the slowest are about 3 hours. If you don't mind a slightly slower trip, you should have no problem buying a ticket at the station. Yes, you'll save a little by buying in advance, but I don't think it's worth it to expend a lot of mental energy just to get the lowest price.
Posted by
OP
Wynnewood, PA, USA
279 posts
Once again thanks to all.
By noon on Friday I should have a better idea if I am staying the night in Sevilla or should look for an afternoon train to Madrid.
@Lane - right your are the Bullet trains are not essential - the High Speed trains should also "do the trick" (in my initial post I carelessly lumped them together).