Trains In Spain - reserve or not?

If you are using high speed trains, I don't think you have a choice. Seat reservations are mandatory.

Those are all high-speed routes, and as Sam said, the tickets will include sear reservations. If the question is whether or not you should buy tickets in advance, the answer is: Probably. As trains fill up the prices go up significantly. And trains often do sell out.

Yes, Spain is a country where the mainline fast trains often sell out before departure. I don't know how often they sell out a week or more ahead of time, but if you just show up at a station for the trips you list, you may be very out of luck. Fares are considerably lower if you buy tickets far ahead of time, but the value of flexibility may outweigh the potential dollar savings for you.

Thank you for your input - we will definitely reserve our transportation ahead of time.

I think there is a misunderstanding in the terminology "Reserve". If you had a Eurail Pass, you would have to reserve a seat. In your case, you seem to mean "Purchase" in which case a seat reservation comes with the ticket purchase automatically.

In other countries where seat reservations are not obligatory, like Switzerland, Germany, or Austria, you can purchase seat reservations without buying a ticket.

Does this also apply to Madrid to Toledo trains as well? We will be making a day trip mid august. I prefer not to purchase ahead of time unless it’s necessary. Thanks!

rizan22- Train to Toledo works differently. The price is static, and while they can sell out, that doesn’t happen much in advance. You can wait until you’re there, but I’d suggest buying once you know which day you’ll go, even if it’s the next day.

Great advice - thank you!

Years ago we bought the high speed train tickets from Madrid to Barcelona 62 days out. It was half of the price of a last minute ticket. A significant amount. Don’t know what the rules are now. It was a challenge to use a credit card on the site but doable if you are persistent. We are used to slow Amtrack trains and were amazed at traveling at 200 mph over the Spanish countryside city center to city center. Maybe fly from Barcelona to Seville and take fast train north to Madrid. Buses also link Madrid and Toledo.

Thank you again everyone!

On many routes in Spain there are now multiple operators. It pays to compare. The Trainline website is quite useful there.