OUR VIDEOS ON HIGH-SPEED TRAVEL IN SPAIN: ➡ the high-speed train in Spain th-cam.com/video/boVV8YQbRx0/w-d-xo.html ➡ OUIGO, the first low-cost high-speed train in Spain th-cam.com/video/XagP-k2kiDo/w-d-xo.html ➡ AVLO, the second low-cost high-speed train in Spain th-cam.com/video/t7CQ2TFxppA/w-d-xo.html ➡ IRYO, the newest high-speed train in Spain th-cam.com/video/t83SR1tkILM/w-d-xo.html ➡ how to buy your high-speed train tickets th-cam.com/video/MYqz41n5Qn4/w-d-xo.html ➡ the Spanish high-speed network th-cam.com/video/n_M20gV04OY/w-d-xo.html
Just want to say Thank You for all the videos you have Tony! My family and I will be visiting Spain Christmas and New Year weeks. Planning to go to Barcelona and Madrid, and possibly Seville or Zaragoza. I am going thru your videos to get all the information. Keep up the good work!
Hi Danny, many thanks for our kind words. Hope you can make the most of the information provided in the channel. If you plan on travelling by high-speed train, make sure you book your tickets as soon as you can/they are made available. All the best.
Gracias! Going on a group tour of Spain in May, and my mom and I are arriving a couple of days early to Madrid so we can see Rota, where I was born, before the tour starts. Purchased high speed train tickets from Madrid to El Puerto de Santa Maria. This video was helpful! I was 18 months when we moved from Spain to the US and have no memories of it, so can’t wait to visit!
Great to hear that, Jamine. Don't know whether it will arrive in time, but on 14 May we have scheduled for publication a 10-step guide to a high-speed train trip. All the best!
Another amazing video! Thank you for the useful information; your videos are definitely making my trip to Spain better. By the way; your English is perfect!
Thanks so much, Mark. I don't think my English is perfect (strong accent!) but for as long as I manage to communicate successfully, I'm happy! All the best!
It gets better. As from last year, you don’t have to bother obtaining your ticket, just scan the QR code on your AVE ticket on the reader installed on the turnstiles to gain access to the local train.
Thank you Tony. I look forward to seeing more of your videos. We have a cruise out of Barcelona next year. We decided to fly to Madrid for a short stay and then train down to Barcelona.
That sounds great, David. We should have many more Madrid and Barcelona videos in the coming months, including one explaining how to reach the cruise terminal in Barcelona. All the best!
Thanks for this vid. Because of it I bought second pair of tickets allowing more time between connections. I was kinda worried 2 hours might not be enough, now I'm sure. Rather pay double train fare than another plane ticket.
Thanks to you, Penny. You don't get to choose the station, the companies operate their routes either from Atocha OR Chamartín. Renfe travels from Atocha, OUIGO travels from Chamartín. So you will have to go wherever your ticket sends you to. We prefer Atocha as is closer to the center of Madrid. All the best!
Hello we published recently a video on the size of the Spanish high-speed network that should answer your questions. Here th-cam.com/video/7QSmj6b_q5k/w-d-xo.html
Using a VPN and changing "location" to get a new IP address as well as learning cookies or using different browsers or even devices will also reveal different prices!
wow! wow! wow!... You are amazing... which train speed would you recommend to take, (money is not the problem) that has a 1st class compartment. We'll be taking the train from Barcelona-Valencia-Malaga-Madrid-Lisbon... will be staying 5/6 nights in each city... Thank you Sir... U R AMAZING... Also does the train stations have a Porter(baggage handlers) to help with the lugagge
Hello there. We invite you to check the destinations where you can travel by high-speed train, as some of the cities you mention are not covered: th-cam.com/video/n_M20gV04OY/w-d-xo.html If you can choose, Iryo's first class sounds really good, see our Iryo report here: th-cam.com/video/t83SR1tkILM/w-d-xo.html There are no porters at the stations. All the best.
I'm enjoying your videos. Concise and unbiased. Question. When taking a long distance bullet train. How early should you arrive if you already have your tickets?
Hi Tony Brilliant video with such clear instructions thanks. Ive the train line app I use I. Scotland but I’d like to book our tickets via yourselves as an affiliate is the a link I use. Another question, we are both now over 60 is there a discount for seniors or it just as cheap using the normal fares shown online. Thanks again
Thank you for your kind words, Thomas. Our Trainline affiliate link is prf.hn/l/6b1N4Qa Renfe gives discounts for holders of their (paid) Tarjeta Dorada, but the best discounts are obtained by booking well in advance. Nothing beats a promotional fare! All the best!
Hello Tony and thank you for the invaluable info that you share. We will be flying in and out of Barcelona but plan to spend most of our time in Andalucia (3 weeks). Seeking to visit Cordoba, Sevilla, Cadiz, Malaga and Granada. Could you kindly recommend an itinerary route by train so as to maximize our time? Much appreciated.
Hi Michael, we intend to create a consultancy service to help with queries like yours, but so far it is at a planning stage. But check out how many days we recommend for each city here: th-cam.com/video/GkgrYc89s_o/w-d-xo.html That should help a lot with the design of the route.
thank you for another excellent video. i was wondering how early we should arrive at the station so now i guess we will try to plan on being there early in the morning maybe an hour and a half before departure from Granada to Madrid. this video also has me thinking that i should probably try to estimate when we will be leaving each city so that i can buy all our train tickets in advance in order to save money and make sure they aren't sold out.
Hi Carl. In the specific case of Granada, the station is quite small and it's not far from the city centre, one hour in advance would be more than enough. If you don't want to pay the full prices, you need to buy the train tickets well in advance.
@@ROADTRIPSpainandPortugal thank you again. right now in addition to cost and the possibility of seats being sold out, i'm worried about whether i will find a place to put my big suitcase. i've read contradictory comments about this.
@@ROADTRIPSpainandPortugal thank you again. i just now looked on the Renfe site to see about getting tickets for our first train trip and one departure was listed as i think AVE INT. i can't find an explanation for this anywhere. does it mean nonstop?
@@ROADTRIPSpainandPortugal i'm pretty sure i saw that as i was checking for trains from Barcelona to Madrid, which is the first trip i am planning to make in Spain.
Hi Tony, thanks for this video. I would like to check if there is a video for travelling from Barcelona airport to Seville with Renfe train just like this video instead of from Madrid? Thank you.
Thank you so much for this video! We will be doing Madrid - Barcelona in October. One thing: should we get a "picnic" to bring along or is the food service on board decent enough?
Hi Marie-Christine! The actual truth is that the trip is so quick (three hours) that, depending on the time of the day, the picnic might not be necessary at all. But if you want to it something, bring it with you, you will pay less and will have a much bigger choice.
This is a great video thank you very much. I found out about the accessible service for visually impaired people. However, I am not sure whether the high-speed train goes to San Sebastian. I do not think it does. Can you confirm this because I need to go from San Sebastián to Madrid.
Hi John, there are no high-speed trains to San Sebastián, only conventional trains. You can see the extent of the Spanish high-speed network here: th-cam.com/video/n_M20gV04OY/w-d-xo.html
Hello Tony! Thank you for an excellent video and channel! Are there luggage lockers in the train stations? I am specifically looking for Madrid Chamartin and Cordoba.
Hi Tony, excellent video! Do you have any tips on Renfe passes? I was looking at the 4 trips pass for a visit to Spain in October. Is this better than purchasing individual tickets to get from point to point?
Hello Britanny. Renfe sells the Renfe Spain Pass, but we don’t think it’s a good deal. You can get much better fares buying in advance. Also, the pass does not include the new low-cost services Avlo and Ouigo. The best way to go is to purchade your tickets i dividually as far in advance as possible. All the best.
Hello, Tony - Thank you so much for your excellent videos. I think I have watched 1/2 of them so far and will watch the remaining before we leave for Spain. We will be there in November and are hoping to miss the crowds, although you said it is getting busier and busier. Just two quick questions on trains. 1. I've been trying to find a convenient train between Bilbao and Madrid. I only see one that leaves at 7 am and another that leaves in the late afternoon but doesn't arrive until 21:45. I know I can't book anything yet because the schedules are not set, but is what I am seeing correct? I think the better alternative would be a flight for about 1 hour. 2. I know you don't do France, but I am trying to find a way to get from Biarritz, France to Bilbao. There seems to be a train, but you would have to transfer at the border, and the trip is quite lengthy. Would a bus (Flixbus) be a better alternative? Thank you so much. I look forward to seeing the videos I have missed.
Hi Michele, let's try and help with your questions: 1. just the two direct trains daily. Nearly 5 hours travel time. 2. we're sorry, we haven't visited the region. But we'd try to stay away from Flixbus at all costs, it is a low-cost company in the worst sense of the term low cost. All the best!
Hi Tony, I have an interrail. I will travel from Amsterdam to San Sebastian, want to go to Zaragoza and Tarragona. Regarding your video I should reserve a few days in advance. Which is only possible at a train station I think.
Hi Mariska, there isn't much you can do about it, those are the Interrail rules. Bear in mind the train from San Sebastián to Zaragoza is not a high-speed train. The need to book in advance is related to the price of the tickets (very much like airlines). But that won't be an issue for you. The worst that could happen is to find your desired train is fully booked.
@@sansaneesuttamith5267 we have a video showing all the high-speed lines in Spain and the main cities that can be reached on a high-speed train: th-cam.com/video/n_M20gV04OY/w-d-xo.html
Hi Tony. Great video. I have bought an Iryo ticket, which mentions free Cercanias but I don't see a reference number. Do you know how it works with their tickets? Kind regards from South Africa.
Hi Colette, you have to scan the QR code on your Inyo ticket at the entrance barriers of the local train station. On this video showing how to leave Madrid airport we show you how it's done: th-cam.com/video/QRjyWKX_HvU/w-d-xo.html
Great video, thanks Tony. Just so I understand this correctly, if I buy a Renfe ticket from Madrid to Granada I can use the Combinado Cercanias from Toledo to Madrid as long as it is within 4 hours of my departure fraom Madrid to Granada?
Hola, I intend to visit Spain and Portugal first time in coming October. For this, your videos are extremely helpful. As of now, I have two questions, 1. Is there any luggage storage facility at stations in Spain and Portugal? if so, please details the same i.e. usage, rent etc. My question no. 2 is travelling by high speed trains and metro and also local transport through out Spain and Portugal is safe for a family traveller, as in many videos it found to be alert of pick pocketers.
Hello, check this video on lockers at railway stations in Spain th-cam.com/users/shortsZMG9oEBWcIo In Portugal, you might find them, but haven't done that specific research yet. High-speed trains are completely safe. Local city transports are a different issue and you have to be extremely careful with your belongings.
we are travelling in May 2023. Our itinerary Madrid, Valencia, Granada. Cordoba, Seville and back to Madrid. I tried to look at the schedule and found that the train from Valencia to Granada takes 8 hours and sometimes there is a connection, which I’m trying to avoid. Can you possibly suggest an itinerary that avoids an 8 hour train ride and connection.
There is no magic involved, we always advise people to avoid designing an itinerary that involves traveling from Valencia to Granada. Try to do Valencia-Seville, you might find a slightly shorter travel time train.
hello Tony, thank you for your great channel. could you advise how I can purchase the high speed train pass in Spain and Portugal? Many thanks in advance.
Hi Chris, we don't think the Renfe Spain Pass (the only one we are familiar with) is of any advantage, but you can check the details here: www.renfe.com/es/en/viajar/prepare-your-trip/abonos-ave-y-largadistancia/renfe-spain-pass You will be much better off purchasing your tickets separately. We are not familiar with Portuguese railway passes. All the best!
Hi Tony. My family of 5 will be visiting Spain this fall & are trying to navigate the train system. Your videos have been so helpful & I am hopeful that you might have some suggestions for me on what I should do in the following situation: Recently my family booked train tickets from Santiago de Compostela to Madrid via Trainline for this October. Today 3 of us received emails from Renfe stating that we needed to contact Trainline & get a refund on those tickets because Renfe had posted those schedules in error & the schedule is in fact not yet available. The tickets we purchased were non-refundable plus we do need to get to Madrid by train. Do you know if this happens often & if so how people get this resolved? Do you have any suggestions on what we should do? Thank you in advance for any thoughts or direction you can give us on how to handle this situation.
Reply helpful information. Question if I bought a train ticket from Renfe rom Atocha to Barcelona sans, will the code you mention get me a free ticket from Madrid airport to Atocha.
Hi Tony, would you care to elaborate how travelers can take advantage of the renfe season passes for free trains in Spain from September 1 to December 31? Thanks
Hi there, Hiep, that is a highly complex issue we are not going to deal with in the channel due to several reasons: - the fact that it is just a temporary measure - its complexity - the fact that it is not designed for tourists, rather a way the government has of helping local people at a time of need - the fact that it is designed for commuters, so unless you commute often on the same stretch of line, you're unlikely to make much out of it. In case you're interested, the info is here in Spanish: www.renfe.com/es/es/grupo-renfe/sociedades/renfe-viajeros/abonos-renfe
@@ROADTRIPSpainandPortugal Tony, thanks for your quick reply. I understand this promotion is 4 months temporary and mainly for local people. But a lot of articles, I read, mention that tourists can take advantage of this. I'm going to travel in Spain & Portugal this September 1 and would like to try the renfe trains. I read the New Free Subscription for frequent travelers in Cercanías that you suggested. However, I don't quite understand this phase "The subscription is exclusive to the core. Valid for unlimited trips to any origin/destination of the Nucleus from September 1 to December 31, 2022" Here are my questions: 1) What does it mean by "The subscription is exclusive to the core"? 2) With the New Free Subscription for frequent travelers, can we travel unlimited trips to any destination within the network of a commuter (e.g. Madrid) ? 3) ith the New Free Subscription for frequent travelers, can we travel unlimited trips to any destination within the network of all commuters ( Seville, Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Malaga, ... ) ? Your answers are greatly appreciated. BTW, do you have or know any channel that have discussions about this topic? Many thanks.
hi again, while the scheme is not designed for tourists, rather for commuters, tourists can also make use of it. Our point is that we don't have the resources here in the channel to devote time to a scheme that will last four months, it's not designed for tourists and it's highly complex. We are truly sorry as we love to help, but that's why we are not planning to record a video on the topic nor spend time answering questions about it. We stick to doubts regarded to the issues covered on our videos. Sorry about that. The entire scheme is based on repeated trips on the same route. In the case of local trains, you will have to to a minimum of 16 trips departing from the same city. We don't know of any other source on the topic. All the best!
Hi Tony! Really like your videos, it's very informative. Just like to ask if there is a direct train from Lisbon to Madrid? Planning to visit Lisbon, Portugal in the last week of September then will cross country to Spain (Madrid, Barcelona). Thank you.
@@ROADTRIPSpainandPortugal thank you Toni. Ive checked also travelling by bus but it’s a 7 to 9 hours journey… Will definitely consider your advice to taking a plane from Lisbon to Madrid. Thank you again..
@@johnbensurto9088 the bus journey is a true ordeal. Uncomfortable, endless time on the road. Only for backpackers or people on an extremely tight-budget. All the best!
Might be a good idea, there are so many people traveling around Spain these days. But you can buy those tickets a few days in advance, the price is always the same.
Hi Tony, a question, we are planning to travel by train from Avila into Principe Pio then Madrid/Atocha by AVE to Antequera. Is two hours sufficient for the Madrid station change? Just to add, we have used Spanish trains before, both Avant, Cercanias and AVE and also are familiar with Atocha.
Hi Keith, if there are no delays, that time should be sufficient. But there have been a handful of isolated incidents recently involving delays of many hours in Madrid. You never know.
Thank you for all of the helpful info in your videos! I'm planning a trip in June flying into Madrid airport and taking a train to Salamanca. Can I buy a Renfre train ticket that takes me directly from the airport (MADRID-AEROPUERTO T4) station to Salamanca (SALAMANCA) station? At the Renfre website when I choose the airport station (MADRID-AEROPUERTO T4) to Salamanca all the trains seem to depart from (MADRID-PRINCIPE PIO) station so I'm wondering if I have to buy a metro train, bus ticket or take a taxi to get from the airport to the MADRID-PRINCIPE PIO station and board the train to Salamanca there? Thank you! I appreciate your time!
Hi Angela, the airport train only goes to the center of Madrid. To get your high-speed train to Salamanca you'll need to get to Chamartín station first. All the best!
So, ONLY if I'm leaving directly from Madrid's airport to catch train to go to Seville.. . I have to have 4hrs in between? What if I need to catch train in Madrid's station going to Seville, how long do I need?
Hi, we will go to Zaragoza from sants Barcelona , but plan to buy the tickets at the station than and there, any idea about the cost for each , and how to go about it Thanks
Hi Tony, I will be travelling via train from Valencia to Sevilla in Mar. The 1st leg is on IRYO from Valencia to Madrid Chamartin. The 2nd leg is on AVE from Madrid Atocha to Sevilla. Is 2 hours between the two legs enough time for me to taxi from Chamartin to Atocha and not miss the 2nd leg?
Syeda, in Granada, Córdoba and Seville they are very close to the city centres, depending on the location of your hotel, you will be able to walk or take a short taxi ride to it. All the best!
Hello Tony, do you know how advance Renfe AVE will release their train schedule? I'm travelling from Valencia to Cordoba on 29th Oct but today 13th Sep the schedule is still not available, only 1 schedule TORRE ORO is available right now. Or there's change in their service and they no longer have AVE on this route? How can we find out?
Hi, impossible to tell, RENFE is notorious for the headaches it provokes passengers due to the erratic release of tickets. But there is no direct train between Valencia and Córdoba, you need to change trains (and probably stations) in Madrid.
@ROADTRIPSpainandPortugal Hola Tony, there is direct train from Valencia to Córdoba with some stops in between. Limited departure per day, only 1 AVE service journey within 4 hours. The AVE schedule just released online today and I bought directly from Renfe. Need efforts to check Renfe schedule daily for the dates I'm travelling to buy at lower price. 😅
@@ricebowlrice yes, that service used to run regularly before the pandemic, it has taken ages for Renfe to bring it back. That train doesn't enter Madrid.
Hi tony, my train ticket is renfe from madrid charmatin to salamanca. However I arrive madrid at atocha how I go to charmatin ( my ticket have combinato circanias)
Hi Tony. I have sort of complicated question for you. I am from the US and trying to buy tickets through trainline for a train ride from Madrid to Malaga next week. Despite the multiple credit cards we've tried using, it always says there is an error no matter what we try. Would it be easier to wait until we are in Spain the day before the ride to buy them? Or should we keep trying to buy them online from the US? (We have tried buying from Renfe as well.) Thanks for any tips you can give.
I had the same problem trying to buy online from Renfe. My MasterCard was being blocked by fraud protection. I tried a Visa card from USAA and it worked fine with no issues. Try calling your credit card company.
We will depart Madrid to Seville by train. Our Renfe ticket say this "Origen: Madrid Almud GR". Can you tell me which train station in Madrid this train will depart to Sevilla? Please.
Which is the best booking app for bullet- train travel agency in Spain for USA tourists? I need 1st class (preferente) train tickets from Barcelona to Madrid. I was recommended to Travel Ninja and Omio. Any other recommendations?
Hi Tony, my flight to Barcelona arrives at about 10am. I am coming from a non Schengen country and I will need to clear immigration at the airport. And probably undergo some checks of my vaccination certificate. I plan to take a high speed train to Madrid from Barcelona Sant. Will a 3 hour connection time be enough?
Hello there, given that airports are experiencing serious congestions during the present holiday season, it might be a good idea to add and additional hour, make it four rather than three.
I have a booking from Barcelona to Madrid on Renfe. The ticket is in my email. How do I get actual tickets? Or do I just use the QR code to swipe at the gate?
OUR VIDEOS ON HIGH-SPEED TRAVEL IN SPAIN:
➡ the high-speed train in Spain th-cam.com/video/boVV8YQbRx0/w-d-xo.html
➡ OUIGO, the first low-cost high-speed train in Spain th-cam.com/video/XagP-k2kiDo/w-d-xo.html
➡ AVLO, the second low-cost high-speed train in Spain th-cam.com/video/t7CQ2TFxppA/w-d-xo.html
➡ IRYO, the newest high-speed train in Spain th-cam.com/video/t83SR1tkILM/w-d-xo.html
➡ how to buy your high-speed train tickets th-cam.com/video/MYqz41n5Qn4/w-d-xo.html
➡ the Spanish high-speed network th-cam.com/video/n_M20gV04OY/w-d-xo.html
Thank you!Amazing tips
👏👏👏
Thank you, thank you, thank you. For making this so easy. I'm looking forward to taking my first train ride in Spain in October, 2023.
Thanks again, Rebecca. We've just published another video on the topic we feel you'll find it quite helpful: th-cam.com/video/sSiIRby2RGU/w-d-xo.html
@@filmbuff000 👏👏👏
Thank you for this because I am getting ready to go to Spain. 👌👌👌👌👌👌
Great to hear that!
Just want to say Thank You for all the videos you have Tony! My family and I will be visiting Spain Christmas and New Year weeks. Planning to go to Barcelona and Madrid, and possibly Seville or Zaragoza. I am going thru your videos to get all the information. Keep up the good work!
Hi Danny, many thanks for our kind words. Hope you can make the most of the information provided in the channel. If you plan on travelling by high-speed train, make sure you book your tickets as soon as you can/they are made available. All the best.
Thank you 🙏 thank you 🙏 thank you for Train Line advice ❤!!!
Great to hear that!
Muchas gracias por este vídeo. Es muy útil para viajar en España. Si vería esté vídeo más temprano, guadara mucho dinero!
Qué bien, Ferdinand, ¡muchas gracias!
Gracias! Going on a group tour of Spain in May, and my mom and I are arriving a couple of days early to Madrid so we can see Rota, where I was born, before the tour starts. Purchased high speed train tickets from Madrid to El Puerto de Santa Maria. This video was helpful! I was 18 months when we moved from Spain to the US and have no memories of it, so can’t wait to visit!
Great to hear that, Jamine. Don't know whether it will arrive in time, but on 14 May we have scheduled for publication a 10-step guide to a high-speed train trip. All the best!
So glad I found your videos. Great information, the best videos I've found.
Great to hear that, Marcia!
Another amazing video! Thank you for the useful information; your videos are definitely making my trip to Spain better. By the way; your English is perfect!
Thanks so much, Mark. I don't think my English is perfect (strong accent!) but for as long as I manage to communicate successfully, I'm happy! All the best!
Wow! Thank you for the information on #6, the combination ticket. I had no clue and have bought tickets several times from the airport to Atocha.
It gets better. As from last year, you don’t have to bother obtaining your ticket, just scan the QR code on your AVE ticket on the reader installed on the turnstiles to gain access to the local train.
Excellent video! Full of important information, which we would never have if it weren't for you 👍
Great to hear that, Yara, thanks a lot.
Muy informativo. Grácias
A ti, Winnie.
Thank you Tony. I look forward to seeing more of your videos. We have a cruise out of Barcelona next year. We decided to fly to Madrid for a short stay and then train down to Barcelona.
That sounds great, David. We should have many more Madrid and Barcelona videos in the coming months, including one explaining how to reach the cruise terminal in Barcelona. All the best!
I will look forward to that cruise port video. We have two nights in Barcelona and then board ship.
brilliant info clear and precise
👍👍👍👍
This is just what I needed!
Great to hear that. We also have a step by step guide to a high-speed train trip th-cam.com/video/sSiIRby2RGU/w-d-xo.html
Awesome video. Thank you Tony!
Thank you for your words, Brad, if you have any question for us, let us know!
Thanks for this vid. Because of it I bought second pair of tickets allowing more time between connections. I was kinda worried 2 hours might not be enough, now I'm sure. Rather pay double train fare than another plane ticket.
Well done!
Super useful tips
Thank you, Peter!
Thanks for your videos . Since there are multiple stations in Madrid is one better than the other? Going to Valencia from Madrid May 2023.
Thanks to you, Penny. You don't get to choose the station, the companies operate their routes either from Atocha OR Chamartín. Renfe travels from Atocha, OUIGO travels from Chamartín. So you will have to go wherever your ticket sends you to. We prefer Atocha as is closer to the center of Madrid. All the best!
I look forward returning to Spain after the summer to see if we want to move there.
Great!
Thank you so much for your informative videos! What would be the best way to travel from Barcelona to Asturias in your opinion?
Thank you, Joshua. The only direct means of transportation is the plane, Vueling flies direct from Barcelona to Oviedo. All the best.
All your videos are so fantastic, THANK YOU!
Do they have high speed trains from Granada to Almeira and Almeira to Jerez?
Hello we published recently a video on the size of the Spanish high-speed network that should answer your questions. Here th-cam.com/video/7QSmj6b_q5k/w-d-xo.html
Using a VPN and changing "location" to get a new IP address as well as learning cookies or using different browsers or even devices will also reveal different prices!
Have you really experienced that behaviour with Renfe or Ouigo? It's a very real possibility indeed, but I'm curious to know.
@@ROADTRIPSpainandPortugal If they behave like Airlines yes!
wow! wow! wow!... You are amazing... which train speed would you recommend to take, (money is not the problem) that has a 1st class compartment. We'll be taking the train from Barcelona-Valencia-Malaga-Madrid-Lisbon... will be staying 5/6 nights in each city... Thank you Sir... U R AMAZING...
Also does the train stations have a Porter(baggage handlers) to help with the lugagge
Hello there. We invite you to check the destinations where you can travel by high-speed train, as some of the cities you mention are not covered: th-cam.com/video/n_M20gV04OY/w-d-xo.html If you can choose, Iryo's first class sounds really good, see our Iryo report here: th-cam.com/video/t83SR1tkILM/w-d-xo.html
There are no porters at the stations. All the best.
I'm enjoying your videos. Concise and unbiased. Question. When taking a long distance bullet train. How early should you arrive if you already have your tickets?
Thank you! We actually answer your question on this very same video.
@@ROADTRIPSpainandPortugal I must have missed it.
Hi Tony
Brilliant video with such clear instructions thanks.
Ive the train line app I use I. Scotland but I’d like to book our tickets via yourselves as an affiliate is the a link I use.
Another question, we are both now over 60 is there a discount for seniors or it just as cheap using the normal fares shown online.
Thanks again
Thank you for your kind words, Thomas. Our Trainline affiliate link is prf.hn/l/6b1N4Qa
Renfe gives discounts for holders of their (paid) Tarjeta Dorada, but the best discounts are obtained by booking well in advance. Nothing beats a promotional fare! All the best!
Thank you for your useful information. Can I use Combinado Cercanías ticket for metro or bus in Madrid?
See here where you can use the Combinado Cercanías th-cam.com/video/DYllLw4wSS4/w-d-xo.html
Hello Tony and thank you for the invaluable info that you share. We will be flying in and out of Barcelona but plan to spend most of our time in Andalucia (3 weeks). Seeking to visit Cordoba, Sevilla, Cadiz, Malaga and Granada. Could you kindly recommend an itinerary route by train so as to maximize our time? Much appreciated.
Hi Michael, we intend to create a consultancy service to help with queries like yours, but so far it is at a planning stage. But check out how many days we recommend for each city here: th-cam.com/video/GkgrYc89s_o/w-d-xo.html That should help a lot with the design of the route.
Hi Tony loving your videos packed full of useful information. Question with the free travel on local train with renfe does this include the Metro?
Hi there, no, just local trains operated by Renfe.
thank you for another excellent video. i was wondering how early we should arrive at the station so now i guess we will try to plan on being there early in the morning maybe an hour and a half before departure from Granada to Madrid. this video also has me thinking that i should probably try to estimate when we will be leaving each city so that i can buy all our train tickets in advance in order to save money and make sure they aren't sold out.
Hi Carl. In the specific case of Granada, the station is quite small and it's not far from the city centre, one hour in advance would be more than enough. If you don't want to pay the full prices, you need to buy the train tickets well in advance.
@@ROADTRIPSpainandPortugal thank you again. right now in addition to cost and the possibility of seats being sold out, i'm worried about whether i will find a place to put my big suitcase. i've read contradictory comments about this.
@@ROADTRIPSpainandPortugal thank you again. i just now looked on the Renfe site to see about getting tickets for our first train trip and one departure was listed as i think AVE INT. i can't find an explanation for this anywhere. does it mean nonstop?
@@carletonhoffman departure and destination of that trip?
@@ROADTRIPSpainandPortugal i'm pretty sure i saw that as i was checking for trains from Barcelona to Madrid, which is the first trip i am planning to make in Spain.
Hi Tony, thanks for this video. I would like to check if there is a video for travelling from Barcelona airport to Seville with Renfe train just like this video instead of from Madrid? Thank you.
Hi there, we don't have that video. You will have to get to Barcelona Sants station first and then catch your train to Seville.
@@ROADTRIPSpainandPortugal okay noted. Thank you.
Thank you so much for this video! We will be doing Madrid - Barcelona in October. One thing: should we get a "picnic" to bring along or is the food service on board decent enough?
Hi Marie-Christine! The actual truth is that the trip is so quick (three hours) that, depending on the time of the day, the picnic might not be necessary at all. But if you want to it something, bring it with you, you will pay less and will have a much bigger choice.
Tony thanks again for all the excellent information. A question , Toledo- Madrid Atocha November 1 , no train before 9:25am ? Thank you
Hi Rick, we can't find an earlier train for that date.
This is a great video thank you very much.
I found out about the accessible service for visually impaired people.
However, I am not sure whether the high-speed train goes to San Sebastian. I do not think it does. Can you confirm this because I need to go from San Sebastián to Madrid.
Hi John, there are no high-speed trains to San Sebastián, only conventional trains. You can see the extent of the Spanish high-speed network here: th-cam.com/video/n_M20gV04OY/w-d-xo.html
Hello Tony! Thank you for an excellent video and channel! Are there luggage lockers in the train stations? I am specifically looking for Madrid Chamartin and Cordoba.
Hello, see this short video on the topic: th-cam.com/users/shortsZMG9oEBWcIo
@@ROADTRIPSpainandPortugal Thank you. Hopefully that changes soon
@@zinniasj we'd really love that to happen, but unfortunately there are no signs of a speedy solution to the situation.
Hi Tony, excellent video! Do you have any tips on Renfe passes? I was looking at the 4 trips pass for a visit to Spain in October. Is this better than purchasing individual tickets to get from point to point?
Hello Britanny. Renfe sells the Renfe Spain Pass, but we don’t think it’s a good deal. You can get much better fares buying in advance. Also, the pass does not include the new low-cost services Avlo and Ouigo. The best way to go is to purchade your tickets i dividually as far in advance as possible. All the best.
Hello, Tony - Thank you so much for your excellent videos. I think I have watched 1/2 of them so far and will watch the remaining before we leave for Spain. We will be there in November and are hoping to miss the crowds, although you said it is getting busier and busier. Just two quick questions on trains. 1. I've been trying to find a convenient train between Bilbao and Madrid. I only see one that leaves at 7 am and another that leaves in the late afternoon but doesn't arrive until 21:45. I know I can't book anything yet because the schedules are not set, but is what I am seeing correct? I think the better alternative would be a flight for about 1 hour. 2. I know you don't do France, but I am trying to find a way to get from Biarritz, France to Bilbao. There seems to be a train, but you would have to transfer at the border, and the trip is quite lengthy. Would a bus (Flixbus) be a better alternative? Thank you so much. I look forward to seeing the videos I have missed.
Hi Michele, let's try and help with your questions:
1. just the two direct trains daily. Nearly 5 hours travel time.
2. we're sorry, we haven't visited the region. But we'd try to stay away from Flixbus at all costs, it is a low-cost company in the worst sense of the term low cost.
All the best!
Hi Tony, I have an interrail. I will travel from Amsterdam to San Sebastian, want to go to Zaragoza and Tarragona. Regarding your video I should reserve a few days in advance. Which is only possible at a train station I think.
Hi Mariska, there isn't much you can do about it, those are the Interrail rules. Bear in mind the train from San Sebastián to Zaragoza is not a high-speed train. The need to book in advance is related to the price of the tickets (very much like airlines). But that won't be an issue for you. The worst that could happen is to find your desired train is fully booked.
@@ROADTRIPSpainandPortugal Thank you I think I will go to Olite, Zaragoza and then Tarragona. Olite seems interesting and beautifull.
Thank you for the information . Is there any train from Salamanca to Burgos?
Sansanee, there are conventional trains, but not high-speed ones.
@@ROADTRIPSpainandPortugal How about from Salamanca to Leon then Leon to Burgos?
Thank you
@@sansaneesuttamith5267 we have a video showing all the high-speed lines in Spain and the main cities that can be reached on a high-speed train: th-cam.com/video/n_M20gV04OY/w-d-xo.html
@@ROADTRIPSpainandPortugal Thank you
Hi Tony. Great video. I have bought an Iryo ticket, which mentions free Cercanias but I don't see a reference number. Do you know how it works with their tickets? Kind regards from South Africa.
Hi Colette, you have to scan the QR code on your Inyo ticket at the entrance barriers of the local train station. On this video showing how to leave Madrid airport we show you how it's done: th-cam.com/video/QRjyWKX_HvU/w-d-xo.html
Muchas gracias Tony! I appreciate this so much.
Great video, thanks Tony. Just so I understand this correctly, if I buy a Renfe ticket from Madrid to Granada I can use the Combinado Cercanias from Toledo to Madrid as long as it is within 4 hours of my departure fraom Madrid to Granada?
Hi Kelly, no, you can't. We explain why on this video th-cam.com/video/DYllLw4wSS4/w-d-xo.html
Hi Tony , excellent video. Unable to book passage Toledo -Madrid in November. Any suggestions? Thank you
Hi Rick, wait, Renfe is doing it again, securing the release of tickets well beyond the time limit it claims it releases its tickets.
Please do a vlog on enchants flea market barcelona
Hola, I intend to visit Spain and Portugal first time in coming October. For this, your videos are extremely helpful. As of now, I have two questions, 1. Is there any luggage storage facility at stations in Spain and Portugal? if so, please details the same i.e. usage, rent etc. My question no. 2 is travelling by high speed trains and metro and also local transport through out Spain and Portugal is safe for a family traveller, as in many videos it found to be alert of pick pocketers.
Hello, check this video on lockers at railway stations in Spain th-cam.com/users/shortsZMG9oEBWcIo In Portugal, you might find them, but haven't done that specific research yet. High-speed trains are completely safe. Local city transports are a different issue and you have to be extremely careful with your belongings.
@@ROADTRIPSpainandPortugal Love to see your prompt reply... Thank you so much .
Hi Tony great video. Is there a train from Santiago de Compostela to Porto ? TIA😊
Hi Marlon, there is a train from Vigo to Porto. You would have to get from Santiago to Vigo, there is a direct train.
we are travelling in May 2023. Our itinerary Madrid, Valencia, Granada. Cordoba, Seville and back to Madrid. I tried to look at the schedule and found that the train from Valencia to Granada takes 8 hours and sometimes there is a connection, which I’m trying to avoid. Can you possibly suggest an itinerary that avoids an 8 hour train ride and connection.
There is no magic involved, we always advise people to avoid designing an itinerary that involves traveling from Valencia to Granada. Try to do Valencia-Seville, you might find a slightly shorter travel time train.
hello Tony, thank you for your great channel. could you advise how I can purchase the high speed train pass in Spain and Portugal? Many thanks in advance.
Hi Chris, we don't think the Renfe Spain Pass (the only one we are familiar with) is of any advantage, but you can check the details here: www.renfe.com/es/en/viajar/prepare-your-trip/abonos-ave-y-largadistancia/renfe-spain-pass You will be much better off purchasing your tickets separately. We are not familiar with Portuguese railway passes. All the best!
Hi Tony. My family of 5 will be visiting Spain this fall & are trying to navigate the train system. Your videos have been so helpful & I am hopeful that you might have some suggestions for me on what I should do in the following situation:
Recently my family booked train tickets from Santiago de Compostela to Madrid via Trainline for this October. Today 3 of us received emails from Renfe stating that we needed to contact Trainline & get a refund on those tickets because Renfe had posted those schedules in error & the schedule is in fact not yet available. The tickets we purchased were non-refundable plus we do need to get to Madrid by train.
Do you know if this happens often & if so how people get this resolved? Do you have any suggestions on what we should do? Thank you in advance for any thoughts or direction you can give us on how to handle this situation.
Hi Bonnie, it is the first time we hear of such case. You will have to get in touch with the Trainline as instructed by Renfe. All the best.
Reply helpful information. Question if I bought a train ticket from Renfe rom Atocha to Barcelona sans, will the code you mention get me a free ticket from Madrid airport to Atocha.
If it's an AVE (not an AVLO) train, yes, it will.
I didn't understand the combinado circanias....is that ticket usable on the metro to Barcelona Sants station from my hostel?
Explained here: th-cam.com/video/DYllLw4wSS4/w-d-xo.html
can you clarify which trains are free to travel on. Does free travel include tourists in Spain. Many thanks.
Nicola, there a no free high-speed trains in Spain.
Hi Tony, would you care to elaborate how travelers can take advantage of the renfe season passes for free trains in Spain from September 1 to December 31? Thanks
Hi there, Hiep, that is a highly complex issue we are not going to deal with in the channel due to several reasons:
- the fact that it is just a temporary measure
- its complexity
- the fact that it is not designed for tourists, rather a way the government has of helping local people at a time of need
- the fact that it is designed for commuters, so unless you commute often on the same stretch of line, you're unlikely to make much out of it.
In case you're interested, the info is here in Spanish: www.renfe.com/es/es/grupo-renfe/sociedades/renfe-viajeros/abonos-renfe
@@ROADTRIPSpainandPortugal Tony, thanks for your quick reply. I understand this promotion is 4 months temporary and mainly for local people. But a lot of articles, I read, mention that tourists can take advantage of this. I'm going to travel in Spain & Portugal this September 1 and would like to try the renfe trains. I read the New Free Subscription for frequent travelers in Cercanías that you suggested. However, I don't quite understand this phase "The subscription is exclusive to the core. Valid for unlimited trips to any origin/destination of the Nucleus from September 1 to December 31, 2022" Here are my questions: 1) What does it mean by "The subscription is exclusive to the core"? 2) With the New Free Subscription for frequent travelers, can we travel unlimited trips to any destination within the network of a commuter (e.g. Madrid) ? 3) ith the New Free Subscription for frequent travelers, can we travel unlimited trips to any destination within the network of all commuters ( Seville, Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Malaga, ... ) ? Your answers are greatly appreciated. BTW, do you have or know any channel that have discussions about this topic? Many thanks.
hi again, while the scheme is not designed for tourists, rather for commuters, tourists can also make use of it. Our point is that we don't have the resources here in the channel to devote time to a scheme that will last four months, it's not designed for tourists and it's highly complex. We are truly sorry as we love to help, but that's why we are not planning to record a video on the topic nor spend time answering questions about it. We stick to doubts regarded to the issues covered on our videos. Sorry about that. The entire scheme is based on repeated trips on the same route. In the case of local trains, you will have to to a minimum of 16 trips departing from the same city. We don't know of any other source on the topic. All the best!
Hi Tony! Really like your videos, it's very informative. Just like to ask if there is a direct train from Lisbon to Madrid? Planning to visit Lisbon, Portugal in the last week of September then will cross country to Spain (Madrid, Barcelona).
Thank you.
Hi John, unfortunately there is no direct train, we always advice people to fly between Madrid and Lisbon.
@@ROADTRIPSpainandPortugal thank you Toni. Ive checked also travelling by bus but it’s a 7 to 9 hours journey… Will definitely consider your advice to taking a plane from Lisbon to Madrid.
Thank you again..
@@johnbensurto9088 the bus journey is a true ordeal. Uncomfortable, endless time on the road. Only for backpackers or people on an extremely tight-budget. All the best!
@@ROADTRIPSpainandPortugal thanks for the great tips Toni!
Would they reduced the price close to departure to fill any empty seats?
No, they don't. If you buy at the last minute you will pay the highest price.
Is there a train pass .where u can make multipe journeys over a period of time
There is, but it's not worth it. See here www.renfe.com/es/en/travel/prepare-your-trip/abonos-ave-y-largadistancia/renfe-spain-pass
Hola Tony, what about buses. I want to buy a bus tix from Malaga to Ronda. Do I need to buy in advance too? Gracias
Might be a good idea, there are so many people traveling around Spain these days. But you can buy those tickets a few days in advance, the price is always the same.
Hi Tony, a question, we are planning to travel by train from Avila into Principe Pio then Madrid/Atocha by AVE to Antequera. Is two hours sufficient for the Madrid station change? Just to add, we have used Spanish trains before, both Avant, Cercanias and AVE and also are familiar with Atocha.
Hi Keith, if there are no delays, that time should be sufficient. But there have been a handful of isolated incidents recently involving delays of many hours in Madrid. You never know.
Does the combinado number work on Madrid metro ?
It doesn't, just on RENFE trains.
Thank you for all of the helpful info in your videos! I'm planning a trip in June flying into Madrid airport and taking a train to Salamanca. Can I buy a Renfre train ticket that takes me directly from the airport (MADRID-AEROPUERTO T4) station to Salamanca (SALAMANCA) station? At the Renfre website when I choose the airport station (MADRID-AEROPUERTO T4) to Salamanca all the trains seem to depart from (MADRID-PRINCIPE PIO) station so I'm wondering if I have to buy a metro train, bus ticket or take a taxi to get from the airport to the MADRID-PRINCIPE PIO station and board the train to Salamanca there? Thank you! I appreciate your time!
Hi Angela, the airport train only goes to the center of Madrid. To get your high-speed train to Salamanca you'll need to get to Chamartín station first. All the best!
So, ONLY if I'm leaving directly from Madrid's airport to catch train to go to Seville.. . I have to have 4hrs in between?
What if I need to catch train in Madrid's station going to Seville, how long do I need?
In the video we discuss how long in advance you should arrive to the station.
Hi .May i know how to get the code for Free Train ? do you have more information on free train ?Thank You
There are no free high-speed trains.
Hi, we will go to Zaragoza from sants Barcelona , but plan to buy the tickets at the station than and there, any idea about the cost for each , and how to go about it
Thanks
Watch the video if you want to avoid a costly mistake.
Hi Tony, I will be travelling via train from Valencia to Sevilla in Mar. The 1st leg is on IRYO from Valencia to Madrid Chamartin. The 2nd leg is on AVE from Madrid Atocha to Sevilla. Is 2 hours between the two legs enough time for me to taxi from Chamartin to Atocha and not miss the 2nd leg?
Hi Reynaldo, 2 hours sounds like a safe amount of time, only a disaster would prevent you from catching the second train.
Are high speed train stations near city centers in Andalusian cities? Thanks.
Syeda, in Granada, Córdoba and Seville they are very close to the city centres, depending on the location of your hotel, you will be able to walk or take a short taxi ride to it. All the best!
Tony, how do i get a ticket online for high speed train from Madrid to Malaga? Thx
Here you'll find how: th-cam.com/video/MYqz41n5Qn4/w-d-xo.html
Please I need more help for train details.
Check all our videos on trains in Spain here: th-cam.com/play/PLWH9E2sQGItpoRJvpBjuQYuKPRqYVOqY8.html
Hello Tony, do you know how advance Renfe AVE will release their train schedule? I'm travelling from Valencia to Cordoba on 29th Oct but today 13th Sep the schedule is still not available, only 1 schedule TORRE ORO is available right now. Or there's change in their service and they no longer have AVE on this route? How can we find out?
Hi, impossible to tell, RENFE is notorious for the headaches it provokes passengers due to the erratic release of tickets. But there is no direct train between Valencia and Córdoba, you need to change trains (and probably stations) in Madrid.
@ROADTRIPSpainandPortugal Hola Tony, there is direct train from Valencia to Córdoba with some stops in between. Limited departure per day, only 1 AVE service journey within 4 hours. The AVE schedule just released online today and I bought directly from Renfe. Need efforts to check Renfe schedule daily for the dates I'm travelling to buy at lower price. 😅
@@ricebowlrice yes, that service used to run regularly before the pandemic, it has taken ages for Renfe to bring it back. That train doesn't enter Madrid.
Hi tony, my train ticket is renfe from madrid charmatin to salamanca. However I arrive madrid at atocha how I go to charmatin ( my ticket have combinato circanias)
Hi Sawit, local trains C1, C2, C7 and C10 will take you from Atocha to Chamartín.
Hi Tony. I have sort of complicated question for you.
I am from the US and trying to buy tickets through trainline for a train ride from Madrid to Malaga next week. Despite the multiple credit cards we've tried using, it always says there is an error no matter what we try.
Would it be easier to wait until we are in Spain the day before the ride to buy them? Or should we keep trying to buy them online from the US?
(We have tried buying from Renfe as well.)
Thanks for any tips you can give.
Hello, I think our first tip on the video addresses your question. Good luck!
I had the same problem trying to buy online from Renfe. My MasterCard was being blocked by fraud protection. I tried a Visa card from USAA and it worked fine with no issues. Try calling your credit card company.
We will depart Madrid to Seville by train. Our Renfe ticket say this "Origen: Madrid Almud GR". Can you tell me which train station in Madrid this train will depart to Sevilla? Please.
Darrell, the full name of the station is Madrid Puerta de Atocha Almudena Grandes, you will leave from what is popularly know as Atocha station.
06:01 If luggage fee isn't prepaid can the last minute fee exceed the cost of the train ticket??
Most certainly, we see it the whole time.
Which is the best booking app for bullet- train travel agency in Spain for USA tourists?
I need 1st class (preferente) train tickets from Barcelona to Madrid.
I was recommended to Travel Ninja and Omio. Any other recommendations?
Hi Nathaniel, our recommendation is here: th-cam.com/video/MYqz41n5Qn4/w-d-xo.html
Hi Tony, my flight to Barcelona arrives at about 10am. I am coming from a non Schengen country and I will need to clear immigration at the airport. And probably undergo some checks of my vaccination certificate. I plan to take a high speed train to Madrid from Barcelona Sant. Will a 3 hour connection time be enough?
Hello there, given that airports are experiencing serious congestions during the present holiday season, it might be a good idea to add and additional hour, make it four rather than three.
Thanks Tony!
I have a booking from Barcelona to Madrid on Renfe. The ticket is in my email. How do I get actual tickets? Or do I just use the QR code to swipe at the gate?
You will have to show your QR at boarding control. Explained here: th-cam.com/video/sSiIRby2RGU/w-d-xo.html
The price is fixes by an AI.