I'm traveling throughout SPain this summer. I am going from Madrid, to Sevilla, to Cordoba, to Granada, then to Barcelona and possibly to San Sebastian and then back to Madrid around the summer months. I am trying to assess what I should do in regards to train travel? Should I purchase a 10 day rail pass for Spain, buy tickets as I go? I am traveling solo and with hotels pretty much booked. Does anyone have advice in terms of transportation? What is the easiest, cheapest and most efficient? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by
Ottawa
1446 posts
I'd say stick to point-to-point train tickets. Also check bus schedules too.
Posted by
OP
La Jolla, CA, United States
3 posts
Thanks for the info. I found my Rick Steves book and that is what seems to be what is said in the book. I am looking at plane tickets possibly. Have you ever flown in Spain? I'm looking at Vueling and Spanair? Any experiences with them? Baggage fees? Delays? Thanks!
Posted by
Charleston, SC, USA
91 posts
Hi,
Is there any particular reason youre taking the train? When we traveled around Spain, we took the bus everywhere we went. We found it to be clean, comfortable, easy to navigate, cost efficient, and most importantly, ON TIME! :) The only time we took another form of transport was a Spanair flight from Seville to Barcelona (for about $30 per person, 1.5 hrs). Just a thought.... (BTW, a ticket on any Spanair flight includes one piece of checked luggage)
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23269 posts
The standard response is that you have to do your homework. Twenty years ago a rail pass saved money without question but now with advance purchase discounts, and reservation fees for train it is impossible to know if one is cheaper than the other without do a point to point comparison of prices. So determine you schedule and go on line with Spanish rail get your prices. However, because the Spanish rail system is not as well established as other parts of Europe they have a terrific bus system that is cheap and fairly quick. So don't be afraid to use the bus system.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
How old are you? If you are 60 years or older, you can get the Tarieta Dorada (Gold Card). Its a senior citizen discount card. It costs 5.05E. You can buy this card at any train station. For travel on Monday through Thursday, you get a 40% discount. For Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the discount is 25%. The discounts are on any class of train.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23269 posts
Don't think she is over 30. Too early for the senior discount.
Posted by
Pantego, NC, USA
1014 posts
I also agree that bus travel in Spain is a valid option. My feeling is, the further you have to go, the better a plane looks. So, for a 5-6 hr. train trip, I also check skyscanner for cheap airfare. Plane is faster, but travel to and from the airports and waiting to board eats up your time. For trips less than 4 hrs., train and bus began to look better and better.
Posted by
OP
La Jolla, CA, United States
3 posts
Thanks for all the comments! So I agree with the air travel on destinations that are farther. I think I am going to do that with Granada to Barcelona and then from Barcelona to Bilbao.
So with doing my searches, I found that Vueling's website is frustrating. Spanair seems easier to maneuver and reserve a ticket + the advice that someone gave about the one bag checked in was helpful. Thanks for the advice on over 50, but I'm in my 30's. If I go back and bring my parents, that will be very useful! :) The problem that I am having now is trying to decide what airport to fly from in Granada, Spain. I am staying close to La Alhambra and I have to gauge about how long the trip is from my hotel to the airport. I'm definitely going to try the point of sale tickets but see if I can buy them ahead of time. I'm loving all the posts!