train / bus travel in Andalusia

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Posted by GregP on 03/20/23 08:24 PM

planning a 2 week vacation to Andalucia.

Flying to Malaga - arrive early AM (May 1)
Flying out of Malaga - depart late PM (May 15)

bus from Malaga airport to Granada (Monday, May 1)
train from Granada to Ronda (Friday, May 5)
bus from Ronda to Seville (Sunday, May 7)
train from Seville to Cordoba (Thursday, May 11)
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 MariaF

Ontario, Canada

03/20/23 11:25 PM

4656 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 Mike L

Detroit, MI

03/20/23 11:50 PM

1040 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 ChristineH

Gettysburg PA

03/21/23 12:07 AM

7167 posts

Booked directly with Renfe, ALSA and DAMAS for our trip coming up in 3 weeks
Booked all about 3 weeks ago without issues

https://www.alsa.com/en/web/bus/home

DAMAS-Interbus
https://www.interbus.es/

I did have a bit of trouble for one of my Renfe bookings on their website, switched to the app and it worked fine

Posted by Emily

Vienna, Austria

03/21/23 06:16 AM

5510 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 GregP OP

03/21/23 03:07 PM

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 ChristineH

Gettysburg PA

03/21/23 03:17 PM

7167 posts

Yes
DAMAS for the Ronda to Seville route

( we are doing the opposite)

Posted by AussieNomad

Australia

03/21/23 05:31 PM

1072 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.