Want to take the train to Madrid from Barcelona on Monday October 10,2022. Is it necessary to purchase tickets ahead of time or would I be safe to buy them the same day? We’ll be disembarking from a cruise and would prefer to have some flexibility with time.
Posted by
Irving
2948 posts
This route sells out so it’s a good idea to buy tickets before your day of departure on: https://www.renfe.com/es/en. The further out you buy your ticket the cheaper it is and make sure it's direct meaning no transfers required.
Posted by
California 🦋
5210 posts
There are multiple trains running that route throughout the day, and some trains do sell out.
Since you don’t know how long it will take you to disembark from your cruise ship, you may consider booking your tickets now, to take advantage of discounted tickets, and plan to have lunch, or tour Barcelona for a few hours, prior to taking the train to Madrid.
You can certainly buy your train tickets the day of travel but you’ll be paying full price, and as previously mentioned some trains will be sold out.
Have you visited Barcelona previously?
Wishing you a wonderful cruise and trip!
Posted by
OP
California
2 posts
Thank you for the advice. We have not visited before. We will be there for 3 days before the cruise. Would like to do some sort walking food tour, so any suggestions are welcome.😀
Posted by
Hudson Valley
2267 posts
Renfe offers higher more flexibility on higher fares. You could buy tickets for the latest Tran you anticipate taking, and if you want to leave earlier, and there’s space, change a flex-fare ticket to for an earlier departure.