I am heading to Spain this October and pretty much relying on trains to travel. Checked the renfe website, although tremendously helpful, failed to provide timetable for October. Any ideas why? Also, is it necessary to make bookings ahead of time or could Ijust go and get tickets at the counter prior to departure? I don't think purchasing a Spain flexipass a good idea since I will be travelling less than 10 days - not really a cost saving. Thanks in advance for the help.

Hi,

Renfe usually changes timetables at the end of September so they may not have the winter timetables ready yet. They only change slightly but check them anyway.

I don't think it is necessary to book tickets in advance unless you are travelling on a really busy time.

When you are in Spain, you don't need to go to the station to buy the tickets or find out about the timatables. Go to to Renfe office at Alcalá, 44 which is more conveniently located in the city centre.

Finally, if you really want to save money, try to bus. It is usually much cheaper.

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Hi Antonio.

Thank you for the reply. I would be lost without your help.

kitty

The RENFE AVE from Madrid to Sevilla gets heavily booked. I once walked in and purchased a ticket to get to Sevilla without any problem. The return trip to Madrid was another story! All morning trips, except an early morning train (6:00 am 'ish), were booked.

I don't know about the other trains, but the AVE appears to be very popular and full.

The AVE is wonderful!

Thanks for the reply. Is October considered a busy month? If I were to make bookings, can I do it through the net or could I call Renfe and pay with credit card. Sorry for the many questions. I have all my travel plans ironed out except the train transportation bit. Hate to be stuck without any tickets, if you know what I mean. Thanks again

Hi,

If you want to buy AVE tickets through the internet you can do it on the Renfe site (http://www.renfe.es/ingles/).

They have just started this service and currently only a few routes are available.

[Starting on June 19th, 2000 Renfe increases the number of trains in which tickets can be bought on line.

After selling tickets for the AVE, Renfe will also sell tickets on line for most long distances destinations. You can buy tickets up to two months in advance (15 days on Regionales trains).

(Remember that you can also buy tickets at Renfe office in the city centre at Alcalá, 44)

Saludos,

Antonio

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[This message has been edited by Antonio (edited 06-18-2000).]

If you buy AVE tickets on the internet, where do you pick up the tickets? At the station you are departing from before train time? Do you somehow get them from electronc machines or at a ticket window? Can they be picked up at the RENFE office on Alcala? There are some directions on the web site about picking up tickets, but it is very confusing to me. I would be ordering them from the internet in the U.S. thanks.