Spain train reservations?
Feb 12th 2003, 11:46 pm
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
Spain train reservations?
I am planning two trips on train in Spain.
Madrid to Toledo on Sunday, April 13 and
Sevilla to Madrid on Friday (Good Friday) April 18, 2003.
On the Sevilla to Madrid run I want to take the AVE and go first class (not
club or tourist).
Do I need reservations or can I buy a ticket on the day of travel?
If I need to buy the ticket online from home before my arrival in Spain, is
it an intangible ticket like an airline e-ticket?
Or do I just make a reservation without being required to pay for the
ticket?
A direct emailed copy of your response would be appreciated, as well as
posting here, of course. Thanks.
--
Thomas A. Bruno, Champaign, Illinois, USA
http://www.tombruno.com
Madrid to Toledo on Sunday, April 13 and
Sevilla to Madrid on Friday (Good Friday) April 18, 2003.
On the Sevilla to Madrid run I want to take the AVE and go first class (not
club or tourist).
Do I need reservations or can I buy a ticket on the day of travel?
If I need to buy the ticket online from home before my arrival in Spain, is
it an intangible ticket like an airline e-ticket?
Or do I just make a reservation without being required to pay for the
ticket?
A direct emailed copy of your response would be appreciated, as well as
posting here, of course. Thanks.
--
Thomas A. Bruno, Champaign, Illinois, USA
http://www.tombruno.com
Feb 13th 2003, 12:33 am
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Spain train reservations?
Madrid to Toledo is a 'local' train. You can board at various stations in
Madrid. Depends where you are travelling from in the city. See the full
timetables at www.renfe.es Excellent site with information of fares etc.
the Sevilla - Madrid route on the AVE has many trains every day. At least
10. Again see the timetable. It is possible to buy a ticket once you get to
Spain at any RENFE office or even at the AVE office at Atocha station, just
down the road from the PRADO, (one of the good places to get the Toledo
train). There is a RENFE office at Barajas International airport in Madrid
in the arrivals hall.
It should be possible to buy a ticket in Sevilla on the same day and secure
a First Class seat on the train you want on Good Friday.
Enjoy
"Thomas A Bruno" wrote in message
news:BA70EFD5.3DFAC%[email protected]...
> I am planning two trips on train in Spain.
> Madrid to Toledo on Sunday, April 13 and
> Sevilla to Madrid on Friday (Good Friday) April 18, 2003.
> On the Sevilla to Madrid run I want to take the AVE and go first class
(not
> club or tourist).
> Do I need reservations or can I buy a ticket on the day of travel?
> If I need to buy the ticket online from home before my arrival in Spain,
is
> it an intangible ticket like an airline e-ticket?
> Or do I just make a reservation without being required to pay for the
> ticket?
> A direct emailed copy of your response would be appreciated, as well as
> posting here, of course. Thanks.
> --
> Thomas A. Bruno, Champaign, Illinois, USA
> http://www.tombruno.com
Madrid. Depends where you are travelling from in the city. See the full
timetables at www.renfe.es Excellent site with information of fares etc.
the Sevilla - Madrid route on the AVE has many trains every day. At least
10. Again see the timetable. It is possible to buy a ticket once you get to
Spain at any RENFE office or even at the AVE office at Atocha station, just
down the road from the PRADO, (one of the good places to get the Toledo
train). There is a RENFE office at Barajas International airport in Madrid
in the arrivals hall.
It should be possible to buy a ticket in Sevilla on the same day and secure
a First Class seat on the train you want on Good Friday.
Enjoy
"Thomas A Bruno" wrote in message
news:BA70EFD5.3DFAC%[email protected]...
> I am planning two trips on train in Spain.
> Madrid to Toledo on Sunday, April 13 and
> Sevilla to Madrid on Friday (Good Friday) April 18, 2003.
> On the Sevilla to Madrid run I want to take the AVE and go first class
(not
> club or tourist).
> Do I need reservations or can I buy a ticket on the day of travel?
> If I need to buy the ticket online from home before my arrival in Spain,
is
> it an intangible ticket like an airline e-ticket?
> Or do I just make a reservation without being required to pay for the
> ticket?
> A direct emailed copy of your response would be appreciated, as well as
> posting here, of course. Thanks.
> --
> Thomas A. Bruno, Champaign, Illinois, USA
> http://www.tombruno.com
Feb 13th 2003, 2:23 am
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Spain train reservations?
"Nige" wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Madrid to Toledo is a 'local' train. You can board at various stations in
> Madrid. Depends where you are travelling from in the city. See the full
> timetables at www.renfe.es Excellent site with information of fares etc.
> the Sevilla - Madrid route on the AVE has many trains every day. At least
> 10. Again see the timetable. It is possible to buy a ticket once you get
to
> Spain at any RENFE office or even at the AVE office at Atocha station,
just
> down the road from the PRADO, (one of the good places to get the Toledo
> train). There is a RENFE office at Barajas International airport in
Madrid
> in the arrivals hall.
> It should be possible to buy a ticket in Sevilla on the same day and
secure
> a First Class seat on the train you want on Good Friday.
> Enjoy
Since you're going to be in Madrid for some days prior to your AVE travel,
why not just buy that ticket then. Since it's for Good Friday, I would be a
little concerned about getting the train you want at the last minute. We
were in Seville last March, not during Holy Week, and could not get the
train we wanted or the next one after it when we went to buy tickets three
days before travel. Also, remember that you can purchase rail tickets at a
travel agency for the same price as at the station. We did this twice after
noticing how busy the ticket windows were at the Atocha station the first
time we went there.
Buen viaje!
GG
> "Thomas A Bruno" wrote in message
> news:BA70EFD5.3DFAC%[email protected]...
> > I am planning two trips on train in Spain.
> >
> > Madrid to Toledo on Sunday, April 13 and
> >
> > Sevilla to Madrid on Friday (Good Friday) April 18, 2003.
> >
> > On the Sevilla to Madrid run I want to take the AVE and go first class
> (not
> > club or tourist).
> >
> > Do I need reservations or can I buy a ticket on the day of travel?
> >
> > If I need to buy the ticket online from home before my arrival in Spain,
> is
> > it an intangible ticket like an airline e-ticket?
> >
> > Or do I just make a reservation without being required to pay for the
> > ticket?
> >
> > A direct emailed copy of your response would be appreciated, as well as
> > posting here, of course. Thanks.
> >
> >
> > --
> >
> > Thomas A. Bruno, Champaign, Illinois, USA
> > http://www.tombruno.com
> >
news:[email protected]...
> Madrid to Toledo is a 'local' train. You can board at various stations in
> Madrid. Depends where you are travelling from in the city. See the full
> timetables at www.renfe.es Excellent site with information of fares etc.
> the Sevilla - Madrid route on the AVE has many trains every day. At least
> 10. Again see the timetable. It is possible to buy a ticket once you get
to
> Spain at any RENFE office or even at the AVE office at Atocha station,
just
> down the road from the PRADO, (one of the good places to get the Toledo
> train). There is a RENFE office at Barajas International airport in
Madrid
> in the arrivals hall.
> It should be possible to buy a ticket in Sevilla on the same day and
secure
> a First Class seat on the train you want on Good Friday.
> Enjoy
Since you're going to be in Madrid for some days prior to your AVE travel,
why not just buy that ticket then. Since it's for Good Friday, I would be a
little concerned about getting the train you want at the last minute. We
were in Seville last March, not during Holy Week, and could not get the
train we wanted or the next one after it when we went to buy tickets three
days before travel. Also, remember that you can purchase rail tickets at a
travel agency for the same price as at the station. We did this twice after
noticing how busy the ticket windows were at the Atocha station the first
time we went there.
Buen viaje!
GG
> "Thomas A Bruno" wrote in message
> news:BA70EFD5.3DFAC%[email protected]...
> > I am planning two trips on train in Spain.
> >
> > Madrid to Toledo on Sunday, April 13 and
> >
> > Sevilla to Madrid on Friday (Good Friday) April 18, 2003.
> >
> > On the Sevilla to Madrid run I want to take the AVE and go first class
> (not
> > club or tourist).
> >
> > Do I need reservations or can I buy a ticket on the day of travel?
> >
> > If I need to buy the ticket online from home before my arrival in Spain,
> is
> > it an intangible ticket like an airline e-ticket?
> >
> > Or do I just make a reservation without being required to pay for the
> > ticket?
> >
> > A direct emailed copy of your response would be appreciated, as well as
> > posting here, of course. Thanks.
> >
> >
> > --
> >
> > Thomas A. Bruno, Champaign, Illinois, USA
> > http://www.tombruno.com
> >
Feb 13th 2003, 3:16 am
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Spain train reservations?
Of RENFE, Thomas A Bruno asked:
> Do I need reservations or can I buy a ticket on the day of travel?
You may not need reservations in advance, but unless things have changed
recently all travelers do need reservations. These are available day of
unless the train is full.
This may not be of interest to the OP but is very pertinent to anyone using
a rail pass in lieu of a ticket!
> Do I need reservations or can I buy a ticket on the day of travel?
You may not need reservations in advance, but unless things have changed
recently all travelers do need reservations. These are available day of
unless the train is full.
This may not be of interest to the OP but is very pertinent to anyone using
a rail pass in lieu of a ticket!
Feb 13th 2003, 4:25 am
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Spain train reservations?
"Thomas A Bruno" escribió en el mensaje
news:BA70EFD5.3DFAC%[email protected]...
> I am planning two trips on train in Spain.
> Madrid to Toledo on Sunday, April 13 and
> Sevilla to Madrid on Friday (Good Friday) April 18, 2003.
> On the Sevilla to Madrid run I want to take the AVE and go first class
(not
> club or tourist).
> Do I need reservations or can I buy a ticket on the day of travel?
> If I need to buy the ticket online from home before my arrival in Spain,
is
> it an intangible ticket like an airline e-ticket?
> Or do I just make a reservation without being required to pay for the
> ticket?
About the Madrid-Toledo, don't worry as it is a regional/commuter train and
you can buy tickets "on the fly".
About the Sevilla-Madrid:
1. You *do* need reservation, but it can be purchased on the same day of the
trip... if there are available seats. I wouldn't bet on it due to the day
you mention (Good Friday).
2. The online tickets are intangible... except the very first time you make
a purchase. Renfe requires you to show up in one of their ticketing offices
to show the credit card and sign the voucher and it has to be done at least
24 hours before the first leg of your travel, otherwise you lose the
reservation. The second and following times you buy Renfe tickets *with the
same C/C*, tickets are electronic and you just have to show your C/C and
proof of Id, either on the security booth of the platform, or in some trains
when the conductor asks for your ticket.
3. As you are going to be in Madrid some days before your Sevilla-Madrid
trip, I would recommend you to buy the ticketson the Net from overseas, and
go any of those days to Puerta de Atocha ticket offices (very wide opening
time and very close to the Reina Sofia museum) to sign the voucher and
pick'em up. Maybe it can be the same day you take the train to Toledo.
Toledo trains stop at Atocha Cercanias, and this station is adjacent to
Puerta de Atocha station.
Opinions expressed here are my own and may not represent those of my employer.
news:BA70EFD5.3DFAC%[email protected]...
> I am planning two trips on train in Spain.
> Madrid to Toledo on Sunday, April 13 and
> Sevilla to Madrid on Friday (Good Friday) April 18, 2003.
> On the Sevilla to Madrid run I want to take the AVE and go first class
(not
> club or tourist).
> Do I need reservations or can I buy a ticket on the day of travel?
> If I need to buy the ticket online from home before my arrival in Spain,
is
> it an intangible ticket like an airline e-ticket?
> Or do I just make a reservation without being required to pay for the
> ticket?
About the Madrid-Toledo, don't worry as it is a regional/commuter train and
you can buy tickets "on the fly".
About the Sevilla-Madrid:
1. You *do* need reservation, but it can be purchased on the same day of the
trip... if there are available seats. I wouldn't bet on it due to the day
you mention (Good Friday).
2. The online tickets are intangible... except the very first time you make
a purchase. Renfe requires you to show up in one of their ticketing offices
to show the credit card and sign the voucher and it has to be done at least
24 hours before the first leg of your travel, otherwise you lose the
reservation. The second and following times you buy Renfe tickets *with the
same C/C*, tickets are electronic and you just have to show your C/C and
proof of Id, either on the security booth of the platform, or in some trains
when the conductor asks for your ticket.
3. As you are going to be in Madrid some days before your Sevilla-Madrid
trip, I would recommend you to buy the ticketson the Net from overseas, and
go any of those days to Puerta de Atocha ticket offices (very wide opening
time and very close to the Reina Sofia museum) to sign the voucher and
pick'em up. Maybe it can be the same day you take the train to Toledo.
Toledo trains stop at Atocha Cercanias, and this station is adjacent to
Puerta de Atocha station.
Opinions expressed here are my own and may not represent those of my employer.
Feb 13th 2003, 7:30 am
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Spain train reservations?
José M. Malo wrote:
> 2. The online tickets are intangible... except the very first time you make
> a purchase. Renfe requires you to show up in one of their ticketing offices
> to show the credit card and sign the voucher and it has to be done at least
> 24 hours before the first leg of your travel, otherwise you lose the
> reservation. The second and following times you buy Renfe tickets *with the
> same C/C*, tickets are electronic and you just have to show your C/C and
> proof of Id, either on the security booth of the platform, or in some trains
> when the conductor asks for your ticket.
If you do this, make sure to bring your "locator number" which the web site
will have provided. RENFE's computer system is hopeless and can't seem to
find tickets by name, date of travel, or credit card number.
If you don't have a locator number, you'll have to wait until everyone else
boards the train, and then the conductor will look through the remaining
tickets on his clipboard to see whether they match your ID.
miguel
--
Hit The Road! Photos and tales from around the world: http://travel.u.nu
> 2. The online tickets are intangible... except the very first time you make
> a purchase. Renfe requires you to show up in one of their ticketing offices
> to show the credit card and sign the voucher and it has to be done at least
> 24 hours before the first leg of your travel, otherwise you lose the
> reservation. The second and following times you buy Renfe tickets *with the
> same C/C*, tickets are electronic and you just have to show your C/C and
> proof of Id, either on the security booth of the platform, or in some trains
> when the conductor asks for your ticket.
If you do this, make sure to bring your "locator number" which the web site
will have provided. RENFE's computer system is hopeless and can't seem to
find tickets by name, date of travel, or credit card number.
If you don't have a locator number, you'll have to wait until everyone else
boards the train, and then the conductor will look through the remaining
tickets on his clipboard to see whether they match your ID.
miguel
--
Hit The Road! Photos and tales from around the world: http://travel.u.nu
Feb 13th 2003, 8:19 am
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Spain train reservations?
Thomas,
If you were to purchase the AVE ticket online on RENFE's website, take
into a/c the following elements:
- The full amount (approximately 100 Euros in First Class) will be
debited from your credit card.
- As a first time buyer on their website, you will have to pick up
your ticket at a Renfe station and present your ID (passport) + the
credit card you used for the transation (which by the way has to be
under your name...).
- You can cancel your ticket until 1 hour 1/2 prior to departure time.
You credit card will be charged back for the initial amount minus
some cancellation fees (their amount is not specified on the RENFE's
website).
Hope this helps,
Stephane (a Tyzo.com friend)
If you were to purchase the AVE ticket online on RENFE's website, take
into a/c the following elements:
- The full amount (approximately 100 Euros in First Class) will be
debited from your credit card.
- As a first time buyer on their website, you will have to pick up
your ticket at a Renfe station and present your ID (passport) + the
credit card you used for the transation (which by the way has to be
under your name...).
- You can cancel your ticket until 1 hour 1/2 prior to departure time.
You credit card will be charged back for the initial amount minus
some cancellation fees (their amount is not specified on the RENFE's
website).
Hope this helps,
Stephane (a Tyzo.com friend)
Feb 13th 2003, 10:14 am
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Spain train reservations?
>Subject: Re: Spain train reservations?
>From: "Nige" [email protected]
>Date: 2/13/2003 7:33 AM
>Madrid to Toledo is a 'local' train. You can board at various stations in
>Madrid. Depends where you are travelling from in the city. See the full
>timetables at www.renfe.es Excellent site with information of fares etc.
>the Sevilla - Madrid route on the AVE has many trains every day. At least
>10. Again see the timetable. It is possible to buy a ticket once you get to
>Spain at any RENFE office or even at the AVE office at Atocha station, just
>down the road from the PRADO, (one of the good places to get the Toledo
>train). There is a RENFE office at Barajas International airport in Madrid
>in the arrivals hall.
>It should be possible to buy a ticket in Sevilla on the same day and secure
>a First Class seat on the train you want on Good Friday.
>Enjoy
>"Thomas A Bruno" wrote in message
>news:BA70EFD5.3DFAC%[email protected]...
>> I am planning two trips on train in Spain.
>> Madrid to Toledo on Sunday, April 13 and
>> Sevilla to Madrid on Friday (Good Friday) April 18, 2003.
>> On the Sevilla to Madrid run I want to take the AVE and go first class
>(not
>> club or tourist).
>> Do I need reservations or can I buy a ticket on the day of travel?
>> If I need to buy the ticket online from home before my arrival in Spain,
>is
>> it an intangible ticket like an airline e-ticket?
>> Or do I just make a reservation without being required to pay for the
>> ticket?
>> A direct emailed copy of your response would be appreciated, as well as
>> posting here, of course. Thanks.
Yikes, Good Friday....buy the ticket in advance.
>From: "Nige" [email protected]
>Date: 2/13/2003 7:33 AM
>Madrid to Toledo is a 'local' train. You can board at various stations in
>Madrid. Depends where you are travelling from in the city. See the full
>timetables at www.renfe.es Excellent site with information of fares etc.
>the Sevilla - Madrid route on the AVE has many trains every day. At least
>10. Again see the timetable. It is possible to buy a ticket once you get to
>Spain at any RENFE office or even at the AVE office at Atocha station, just
>down the road from the PRADO, (one of the good places to get the Toledo
>train). There is a RENFE office at Barajas International airport in Madrid
>in the arrivals hall.
>It should be possible to buy a ticket in Sevilla on the same day and secure
>a First Class seat on the train you want on Good Friday.
>Enjoy
>"Thomas A Bruno" wrote in message
>news:BA70EFD5.3DFAC%[email protected]...
>> I am planning two trips on train in Spain.
>> Madrid to Toledo on Sunday, April 13 and
>> Sevilla to Madrid on Friday (Good Friday) April 18, 2003.
>> On the Sevilla to Madrid run I want to take the AVE and go first class
>(not
>> club or tourist).
>> Do I need reservations or can I buy a ticket on the day of travel?
>> If I need to buy the ticket online from home before my arrival in Spain,
>is
>> it an intangible ticket like an airline e-ticket?
>> Or do I just make a reservation without being required to pay for the
>> ticket?
>> A direct emailed copy of your response would be appreciated, as well as
>> posting here, of course. Thanks.
Yikes, Good Friday....buy the ticket in advance.
Feb 13th 2003, 7:45 pm
#9
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Spain train reservations?
"Miguel Cruz" escribió en el mensaje
news:[email protected]...
> If you do this, make sure to bring your "locator number" which the web
site
> will have provided.
Well, that's the reason why the system provides you a number, to keep it.
Opinions expressed here are my own and may not represent those of my employer.
news:[email protected]...
> If you do this, make sure to bring your "locator number" which the web
site
> will have provided.
Well, that's the reason why the system provides you a number, to keep it.
Opinions expressed here are my own and may not represent those of my employer.
Feb 14th 2003, 1:57 am
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Spain train reservations?
José M. Malo wrote:
> "Miguel Cruz" escribió:
>> If you do this, make sure to bring your "locator number" which the web
>> site will have provided.
> Well, that's the reason why the system provides you a number, to keep it.
Sure, but for someone coming from the USA, this is not immediately obvious.
You get confirmation numbers when you make air or train reservations online,
but if you don't bring them, it's no problem - they just put in your name
and find your record.
miguel
--
Hit The Road! Photos and tales from around the world: http://travel.u.nu
> "Miguel Cruz" escribió:
>> If you do this, make sure to bring your "locator number" which the web
>> site will have provided.
> Well, that's the reason why the system provides you a number, to keep it.
Sure, but for someone coming from the USA, this is not immediately obvious.
You get confirmation numbers when you make air or train reservations online,
but if you don't bring them, it's no problem - they just put in your name
and find your record.
miguel
--
Hit The Road! Photos and tales from around the world: http://travel.u.nu
