I'm trying to book a train from Madrid to Sevilla (and back) for late December. Using the RailEurope site I get a message saying Spanish Train Info not available. On RENFE's site I keep getting "no trains available" for my timeframe. I have tried changing the dates a few times, in case all the trains are actually all full for my dates, but nothing seems to work. Anyone else have trouble on the RENFE site or is it just me? I was hoping to book early and save a few $ but I think I missed the "window" now. Also; what's the difference between the AVE and the ALVIA (same route Madrid to Sevilla)? Alvia is cheaper but takes 15 minutes more and there are fewer departures, but that's the only difference I can see.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5795 posts
Janice,
I'm going to point you to a very detailed post on buying RENFE tickets using the online. The post is on tripadvisor. Had it not been for the post, I would never have been able to buy my tickets last May. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g187514-c80518/Madrid:Spain:Buying.Renfe.Tickets.Online..html
Posted by
Spokane, WA
474 posts
Janice I just tried to go on and book a fake ticket and I think the purchase part of the site is down as it only shows trains through Dec 11 and then won't let you one to buy. I would try again tomorrow and see if it is working. I took the AVE train this last summer from Seville to Madrid and it was a very pleasant experience. Good luck and be sure to read the above post with the Trip Advisor link. When the site is working, it will help you a lot.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
You have not missed a "window." The reason you cannot book trains beyond 11 December is that new timetables will go into effect throughout Europe on 12 December and RENFE hasn't uploaed theirs yet. Keep checking every few days and book when they appear.