Need help choosing most cost effective way to travel (I don't want to rent a car)
This is my itinerary:
Madrid, San Lorenzo de el Escorial, Segovia, Toledo,cordova, Arcos de la Frontura, Sevilla, Madrid.
If I get a Spain pass does it cover both AVE and RENFE?
Or should I buy single journey train tickets since several of my short trips have both train and/or bus service.
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
To misqoute the Roman proverb, "All roads lead to Madrid." You won't be able to bypass Madrid heading from Segovia or San Lorenzo to get to the south. In fact, you'll probably have to return to Madrid from San Lorenzo to get out to Segovia. You can reach San Lorenzo on your own using the Greater Madrid commuter train system, known as the "cercanias", and run by RENFE. They leave from Atocha and Chamartin train stations. The middle-distance regional trains for places like Segovia are also frequent from Madrid, the "media distancia" trains. However, for Segovia, the bus is probably a little faster, delivers you closer to the center of town, and is cheaper, at about 12 Euro round trip. The company, La Sepulvedana, runs hourly services from about 7 am to 10 pm, taking 1:15. It leaves from the Hotel Florida Norte, near the Principe Pio metro stop. Website (in Spanish) at http://www.lasepulvedana.es/SEG2/index.html. (continued)
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
Yes, you will have to come back to Madrid from Toledo to get to Cordoba and Sevilla. Journey is half an hour on the AVE, but purchase your tickets as soon as you arrive in Madrid, since the route is very popular...about 17 Euro round trip. Madrid-Cordoba, take the Talgo or Altaria trains; only 15 minutes longer than the AVE and cheaper (40-45 euro). Cordoba-Sevilla, again the Andalucia express or Avant; 10 minutes longer, but 8 to 14 Euro. From Sevilla back to Madrid, AVE is best, at 72 Euro. To Arcos, you'll have to go thru Jerez...train or bus to Jerez, then bus to Arcos...it'll be through nearby Jerez...under 9 Euro one way for the whole trip. Point to point will be cheapest, especially after reservation fees and shipping for the pass are added in.
Posted by
cincinnati
80 posts
definitely look at using buses throughout spain. yes they take longer, but the cost savings is great. Often the difference between bus travel time and train travel time can be equal or better! the site for bus tickets is www.movelia.es
Posted by
South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
15 posts
i agree with the above. take the bus. the busing system in spain is fantastic and relatively cheap. you'll make the most of your euro, and avoid going back to madrid