I am planning a trip to Spain in September and was going to take the AVE train from Madrid to Sevilla.

I was looking at the prices for 1st class and 2nd class, and there was quite a jump in price between these 2 classes. I was just wondering - for the 2.5 hour trip, is it worth the extra money for 1st class? Or is 2nd class more than comfortable for that short of a distance?

Thanks,

Janet

For a 2.5 hour trip I wouldn't bother with 1st class if the price differential is significant. I've taken lots of Spanish trains over the last 15 years (but never the AVE) and never had an issue iwth 2nd class. From what I've heard the AVE is the best train so I would suspect it will be ok. Save your money for some good spanish food or wine

I've had a 2nd class ticket on the AVE to Seville one time and Cordoba another and it's very nice.

I'm planning on going to Sevilla in Sept. and I was wondering how much a 2nd class trip cost?
I heard it was about $80- US.

Thanks

That sounds about right...if memory serves from last summer. You could just check the RENFE site , though, and get this year's rates and times.

2nd class is fine.
The journey takes 2.5 hours -- I recommend you wander up to the bar for an hour and view the scenery through the picture windows whilst sipping a few beers.

Paul

Thanks a lot for all the input! The difference between 1st and 2nd class worked out to be about $60 CDN.

As MAD for Madrid mentioned, that money could be better spent on Spanish food and drink!

The cost I was quoted for a 2nd class ticket was $123 CDN, so that would probably be around $80 US.

Janet

Tourist class is very comfortable.

The one way price is 62 Euros. Remember there is a 20% discount if you are buying a roundtrip ticket. If you go roundtrip on the same day the discount is 25%.