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train / bus travel in Andalusia

planning a 2 week vacation to Andalucia.

  • Flying to Malaga - arrive early AM (May 1)
  • Flying out of Malaga - depart late PM (May 15)
  1. bus from Malaga airport to Granada (Monday, May 1)
  2. train from Granada to Ronda (Friday, May 5)
  3. bus from Ronda to Seville (Sunday, May 7)
  4. train from Seville to Cordoba (Thursday, May 11)
  5. train from Cordoba to Malaga (Monday, May 15)

using omio / raileurope for tickets.

  • am I making the correct choices?
  • should I pre-book tickets now or purchase as needed?
  • better vendors for bus/train tickets?

advice from travelers with more experience will be greatly appreciated.
thank you, in advance.

Posted by
4526 posts

Transport options seem okay (but I didn't do the Ronda routes).
If I recall, May is when they flip the train schedule, so if available, prices are cheapest further in advance (dynamic pricing). I booked directly from RENFE website. (But I am Canadian and so didn't have credit card issues that Americans sometime confront)
ALSA is the bus line I used for Andalusia and booked directly from their website.
Have a great trip. It's a wonderfil,part of the country.

Posted by
976 posts

What is omio- / raileurope? Are these ticket resellers that charge a markup above the real price? I booked directly from RENFE for train tickets and directly from ALSA for a bus ticket. I figured the Spanish websites out and I got my credit card to work (yes I live in the United States). I bought my tickets from home before my trip, printed my tickets, and carried them in a folder. Your itinerary is ok. If possible buy directly from the bus and train companies.

Posted by
5362 posts

Why are you using RailEurope and not Renfe, the company that actually operates the trains? Use Alsa for bus tickets for the same reason - they operate the buses.

Posted by
10 posts

Thank you everyone. will purchase tickets from Renfe, ALSA and DAMAS.

  • Renfe does not have times/prices available for May. Is that normal? when should I expect to be able to purchase tickets?
  • Alsa does not seem to service the Ronda - Seville route. Is DAMAS my best choice?

Your advice is much appreciated.

Posted by
5955 posts

Yes
DAMAS for the Ronda to Seville route

( we are doing the opposite)

Posted by
862 posts

Renfe does not have times/prices available for May. Is that normal? when should I expect to be able to purchase tickets?

Tickets are usually released 60 days in advance of your day of travel.

Alsa does not seem to service the Ronda - Seville route. Is DAMAS my best choice?

We were in Ronda two weeks ago and I think DAMAS (some buses are branded Interbus) is your only choice.

There are a couple of trains a day from Ronda to Seville. One at 12:24pm and one at 4:31pm with a change in Antequera. Both take 3hrs 20 mins-ish.

If you can't see these trains using the Renfe website or app try searching for separate legs eg. Ronda to Antequera, then Antequera to Sevilla.