We will be traveling to Spain near the middle of October and traveling from Madrid to Barcelona with a day trip to Toledo near the end of the month. I read about both routes being very busy in the mornings with commuters. I was planning to purchase our train tickets upon arrivial in Madrid about 4/5 days before I need them. Is that OK? Or do you think that I should purchase them now prior to our departure for Spain. We kinda like to leave our plans a little open - but if necessary will bite the RAILEUROPE bullet.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17450 posts
You are fine purchasing the Toledo tickets a few days ahead as they are not discounted. But for Madrid to Barcelona, I see there are still som Web fares (60% off) left for mid-October, on or after the 15th. So it is well worth purchasing those on Renfe ( not RailEurope if you can avoid it) now. The tickets wold be 59,90 instead of 114 each. Well worth giving up a bit of flexibility.
Posted by
LaGrange, Ga, USA
1178 posts
If you are a 'senior citizen' you can purchase a discouted ticket by paying 5 euros or so for a special permit on the day you purchase the tickets. Not as good as an early purchase on line referenced in the prior posts, but very good. You will need to ask at the information desk, and present your passport.
Posted by
Port St Joe Florida
513 posts
I, too, recommend buying your Madrid to Barcelona tickets as early as possible to take advantage of the discounts. Go to the RENFRE site to buy them. If you find that process iompossible (many, many people do), then I recommend www.petrabax.com rather than Raileurope. At least go to their site and take a look.