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Missing a RENFE train

I'm buying point to point tickets on RENFE in Spain. In one instance I am buying two tickets for the same day, Madrid-Avila and Avila-Salamanca (leaving space in between to quickly peruse Avila).

My question is: if something goes wrong and I miss a train (i.e. the Avila-Salamanca train) will I be able to get onto the next train w/o having to buy another ticket? I'm guessing this answer is no.

**Also, I had planned on purchasing all my train tickets online before I left the country.

Thoughts? Answers?

Posted by
5 posts

Thanks!

Could you say that Spanish trains are time reliable? I'm only used to American Greyhound system and boy are they late all the time!

Posted by
16283 posts

The best rail information page is "Seat 61." He explains this better than any of us:

How To Use The Spanish Railways website

Posted by
4555 posts

Don't buy your second-leg ticket in advance...there's no need.
Both trains are second-class only, no reservations necessary or even allowed. And there are no advance Web specials. So purchase your Madrid-Avila ticket on line, so you don't have to wait in any lineups at the Chamartin train station....then purchase your Avila-Salamanca ticket in Avila. There are currently five trains running from Avila to Salamanca sthrough the afternoon and evening...so just check the latest schedules when you arrive in Avila, and aim to get back to the train station about half an hour beforehand to get your ticket. Make your last do-able train ride the second-last of the late evening....so you have one left in reserve in case you miss it!!

Posted by
4555 posts

BTW, if you do purchase tickets on line, they will be printed (by you at home) with the date and time of your train. If you miss the scheduled train, the ticket is useless, although you can always try pleading with station staff....I've see that work.