Madrid to Barcelona

Larry The relatively new AVE, high speed train, from Madrid to Barcelona has a price commensurate with other high speed trains in Europe. Time to Barcelona is 2 3/4 hours and it is city center to city center. Also Vueling is a discount airline. Friends flew this airline and it was fine given its discount status and low expectations. BUT, read the fine print very carefully. Luggage weight, size, & number are very restricted and overage costs are high. Also, reserved seats or "first to board" are all extra. In addition, you need to add the cost of transportation to Madrid airport and from Barcelona airport. Also, to determine the time it takes to get to Barcelona by air you will need to do the following: +add the time it takes to get to the airport +add the waiting time at the airport +add the flight time +add the time to get to your Barcelona hotel
I think this trip will take longer overall by air than by train. Only you know whether the flight and time hassle factor is worth the money difference. My bet is the money difference is not as much as you think if you get the cheapest AVE train ticket. Note: Vueling or its counterparts are great for longer destinations like Granada/Madrid or Barcelona flights. Also Barcelona to Paris. Saves time and money. Let us know what you decide. Bobbie

If you have the time Renfe offers discounted non refundable internet fares that put it in the neighborhood of 60 euros. They can be purchased 62 days in advance. I have not done it yet but plan to for upcoming trip.

You are without - http://tiny.cc/0gpnv - a concise guide to use of the RENFE website and discounting if purchasing in advance. Also, this if necessary - http://tiny.cc/5ynb6 - for all known trials and tribulations, but invariably credit card/debit card troubles for some outside Europe, (if so see point 49).

Madrid to Barcelona is only 47 euro if you get the Web fare. Well worth it. Follow the directions Neil gave you to purchase 62 days in advance. Web discounts may still be available after the 62 days if you check.

If you can plan in advance, Renfe has really good discounts for buying on line in advance - my Barcelona to Madrid fare was just under 50 euros. Also there is great convenience and money saving for traveling downtown to downtown and not having to travel to and from the airports.

Does it have to be MORE than 62 days in advance or WITHIN 62 days of travel?

They become available 62 days prior to travel. Not available before, those not snapped up immediately may still be available between release day and travel day.

Thanks for all who replied. The information about buying cheaper train tickets 62 days in advance definitely changed our mind. Train it is. And Bobbie, thanks also for reminding us of the difficulty and time invested when flying.

The principle of buying train tix in advance works in Britain, France, and on Eurostar trains, too. I got tix about 1/2 price in Britain, less than 1/2 price in France. Eurostar tix between London and Paris go up in price the closer you get to departure date. I know it takes some of the spontaniety out of travel, but serious money can be saved this way. Once I have my airplane scheduled, I start filling in the spaces in my calendar with hotel bookings and travel reservations. Usually I'm starting my planning a few months in advance.