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Train (Barcelona to Girona) - flexible departure plans and advance purchase reprecussions

Posted by (Colorado) on

Hi All,

My family of four (teens 13 and 17) will be traveling from Barcelona to Girona on June 26th (Wednesday). Our itinerary is flexible and we default select the high speed train if an option. I know there are both kinds of trains from Barcelona to Girona.

In general, we'd like to leave as late as possible and have several sites we'd like to see before we leave Barcelona (and nothing planned for this day in Girona), but I don't want to be rushed on the timeline of a particular departure time. (I am aware tickets haven't yet been released that I can tell; just getting ready)

I understand ticket prices rise (typically) closer to departure and there are also pricing considerations for popular departure / arrival times. I also understand advance purchase for the high speed trains is necessary. I have read there's differences in rules for train operators in allowing for an earlier departure, (if space available).

Given this, I'm trying to decide if it makes more sense to plan to 1) purchase a later departure time, but leaving earlier if desired, or 2) wait to purchase tickets to the day of based on how our day is going, knowing we may have less options. It seems like with so many scheduled departures on this date that getting a ticket wouldn't be a problem (but maybe four together would be).

Does anyone know the Barcelona to Girona route well enough to advise on the flexibility/availability/price considerations? I'm sorry if I've missed information on getting an earlier train with a purchased ticket (I read through the Man in Seat 61's Guide to riding train in Spain advice).

Many thanks!

Melissa

Posted by
1654 posts

Most fast trains on Barcelona - Girona are of the "Avant" type. These are high speed commuter trains, with fixed prices. So it does not matter if you buy it now, or later. But I would buy the ticket the day before at the latest. Price is 17,40 one way.

There are also AVE trains on that route (and often its even the same train as the AVANT service, just a different part), and sometimes even cheaper tickets are available for those trains, especially last minute.

And then there are regional trains. For those you cannot buy tickets on line. You just buy those at the station. Those trains do not sell out, and are cheap. But they are slower.

Posted by
341 posts

Hi WengenK,

Thanks for advising that the route is serviced by the high speed commuter trains that have a fixed price.

I found that the fast train is about 45-60 minutes and the regional train is 150-180 minutes.

I'm still wondering if I purchase a ticket for the fast train, can take an earlier fast train with a fee?

Worst case is getting on regional train. Best case is having a reservation for fast train and being able to get on an earlier or later one with a small change fee.

Posted by
341 posts

I think I may have found the guidance here. specific to AVE

It looks like I can purchase the AVE "Elige Estándar" type of ticket and the 5 euro "add on" to be able to take and earlier or later train on the same day. Am I reading the chart correctly?

Posted by
1654 posts

RENFE has multiple brands. AVE is one of those. AVANT is another. Each brand has their own ticket types and rules.

For such a short trip you want an AVANT train and ticket. AVANT tickets are fixed price, can be exchanged for another departure on the same day for free, and give you 20% off if you buy a day return. For your plans the best option.

https://www.renfe.com/es/en/travel/prepare-your-trip/trains-mid-distance-avant/billetes-media-distancia-avant

The Barcelona - Girona line is a bit odd because RENFE sells both AVE and AVANT tickets for the same train in some cases.

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