Hello, My husband and I will be traveling to Madrid, Seville and Granada in September and want to get train tickets. What is our best bet - to get a rail pass or buy everything separately?? Also, can we buy a regional train ticket online or it is best to just go with the AVE trains?? Thanks for your help!
Holly
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
You don't need a railpass. You can buy tickets at www.renfe.com but tell your bank you will be doing it ahead of time so they don't block the transaction. You can only use Visa. Buy now and you can probably still find some Promo fares, which are great discounts.
Posted by
CA, USA
266 posts
Just go with the AVE trains if they are available. Keep in mind that the Renfe site is extremely frustrating to use and equally so in person at the kiosks. You will be able to save a bunch ahead of time, but if you want to linger longer (or leave early) you may be better off just getting your tickets when you need them.
Posted by
Whittington
984 posts
Any rail pass is highly unlikely to be the value for three journeys (presumably a return to Madrid), but only you can do the maths. comparison depending on your style of travel. 'Also, can we buy a regional train ticket online or it is best to just go with the AVE trains?? ' - I cannot be sure of your understanding. All trains are operated by RENFE. You will certainly be using train types other than the AVE. You can certainly purchase all the tickets you need online. Unfortunately, as you are from the US/outside Europe where many seem to have difficulties with the RENFE site, I have to present you with the hugely comprehensive guide - http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g187514-c80518/Madrid:Spain:Buying.Renfe.Tickets.Online.html - you may not need all, but all known trials and tribulations are dealt with.
Posted by
LaGrange, Ga, USA
1178 posts
As noted by others, check now to purchase your tickets on line. The site on Trip Advisor, Madrid Traveler Article: Madrid: Buying Renfe Tickets Online
is excellent and uptodate. One additional note, on the site "register" as shown on the opening page of Renfe before purchasing the tickets. It should be easy. The tickets are printed at your computer. They will have the car number and seat number on them. The time of the trip Madrid to Sevilla is about 2 1/2 hours. There is a snack car on it. It is high speed, and leaves from the Atocha train station. If over 60 you are eligible for a "senior pass discount" which you get at the information desk at the train station. You will need to show your passport. The discount is substantial but not as much as you can get by purchasing early on line.