Train Travel Spain

One thing that I remember buying a train ticket in Spain can take many minutes, waiting in line.

I know that buying in advance is a good idea as long as you don't miss the train. I may be wrong, but I think if you book a specific train, like a high speed train with specific seats and miss it, your ticket was a waste.
I was in Germany recently and know you can buy rail tickets not tied to a specific train, not sure about Spain.

The seat61.com site may be useful -
https://www.seat61.com/train-travel-in-spain.htm

The train's web site should explain the rules for ticket changes. Here's the Renfe explanation -

https://www.renfe.com/es/en/help/change-ticket
(click the red circle after "Does my ticket allow changes" for the text)

Instead of booking a train buy a plane ticket instead from Madrid to Granada since you’ll already be at the airport.

Thanks I could fly I see Iberia airlines looks like they go direct. Not sure what other airlines go direct?

So does Iberia Express.

We have done what you are suggesting many times. There is always the risk you cannot make the next connection and losing the on-going ticket. We have been burned twice. Once when the flight from the US was cancelled as we sat on the runway just second away from starting the roll. Another time we were six hours late. So we have stopped buying the on-going ticket until our feet are on the ground. Trains rarely sell out so the risk of not being able to board the train is close to zero. I would wait till you are there.

If IRYO runs to Granada you should buy tickets from them that are refundable and changeable for no fee. Do this online at their site, their official site. I am sure you can make an 11am train if you take a taxi to Atocha. Unless your flight is late. I no longer use RENFE if I can help it.

Trains rarely sell out

In Spain they do. Flying from Madrid to Sevilla is cheap so I would take my chances.

Thanks for all the feedback. We may just jump on a plane direct to Granada. Looks like Iberia is the only direct flight. We will just have to kill some time at Madrid airport but thats no big deal. By the time we get our luggage and go through customs and then check back in again from United to Iberia that will be fine. If flight gets canceled we can always do a train or bus as last resort.

This will be easier than taking the train. Otherwise, you must take an airport train to the Madrid-Puerta de Atocha station and carry your luggage down steps which is a hassle if you pack heavy. Furthermore, pick pockets offer to help when they see people struggling. Remember this when packing.
After 13 trips to Europe, I have only had one encounter when my plane arrived late by two hours. I do this a lot and never have I missed a flight.

Thank you and yes I agree. We will fly. The money we would spend on the taxi to train station will go to beers at the airport. I also agree on the pick pocketing. I know family member who was pickpocketed in France and a friend of my niece was in Barcelona. I am very cautious while overseas. Appreciate the insight