Train to Madrid - either from Malaga or Granada
Sep 9th, 2011, 10:32 AM
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Train to Madrid - either from Malaga or Granada
It is easier to take the train to Madrid from Malaga or Granada? I am not sure if I want to spend 3 days in Malaga and make a day trip to Alhambra and then back to Malaga; Or should I stay 2 nights in Granada and then take the train from Granada to Madrid? Thanks again for all your help.
Sep 9th, 2011, 10:39 AM
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There is a high-speed train link between Madrid and Málaga, but not with Granada. The former takes around 3 hours, the latter around 4.5 hours.
I'd spend more time in Granada, and skip Málaga or just one day there - to see the Picasso Museum, the cathedral and Alcazaba.
I'd spend more time in Granada, and skip Málaga or just one day there - to see the Picasso Museum, the cathedral and Alcazaba.
Sep 9th, 2011, 10:52 AM
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There are high-speed AVE trains from Malaga to Madrid, journey time averaging about 2.5 hours. From Granada you must make at least one change of trains and the journey time is over twice as long.
Granada also has a sweet little airport a short distance from the center and the flight to Madrid is about 1 hour.
Granada also has a sweet little airport a short distance from the center and the flight to Madrid is about 1 hour.
Sep 9th, 2011, 11:06 AM
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We took a direct train from Madrid to Granada a few months ago. The one leaving about 9am.
We made a stop in Cordoba, as well as in a couple of other places. It was a great ride and I was sorry it was over so quickly.
We made a stop in Cordoba, as well as in a couple of other places. It was a great ride and I was sorry it was over so quickly.
Sep 9th, 2011, 11:09 AM
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What a dilemna. I actually want to leave out of Granada as I hear the town is better to stay in than Malaga, but I also wanted to take the train as this will be my only experience in taking a train while in Europe. But time is a factor. Do you know how long it takes to get from Malaga to Granada?
Sep 22nd, 2011, 02:42 PM
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Sep 22nd, 2011, 09:52 PM
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Direct 'Altaria' trains leave Granada at 09:10 arriving Madrid Atocha 13:35, and at 18:05 arriving 22:52.
It's a little articulated 'Altaria' train (a derivative of the famous Spanish 'Talgo' train), carpeted, air-conditioned, loads of space, with big picture windows.
And tat's centre to centre, no check-in time required (just hop on any time before it goes), no airports, no flights, no air travel stress. And you'll see some scenery too, especially if you take the morning train.
Book online at www.renfe.com, fares from 27.60 euros if you pre-book and find a 'web' fare. Rising to 106 euros full-price in 'Preferente' first class including an at-seat hot tray meal with wine (wonderful!). No airline booking fees, no airline baggage fees, no hidden extras.
I think you'd be crazy to fly such a short distance when you're not on a rushed business trip and flying is so easily avoided.
It's a little articulated 'Altaria' train (a derivative of the famous Spanish 'Talgo' train), carpeted, air-conditioned, loads of space, with big picture windows.
And tat's centre to centre, no check-in time required (just hop on any time before it goes), no airports, no flights, no air travel stress. And you'll see some scenery too, especially if you take the morning train.
Book online at www.renfe.com, fares from 27.60 euros if you pre-book and find a 'web' fare. Rising to 106 euros full-price in 'Preferente' first class including an at-seat hot tray meal with wine (wonderful!). No airline booking fees, no airline baggage fees, no hidden extras.
I think you'd be crazy to fly such a short distance when you're not on a rushed business trip and flying is so easily avoided.
Sep 23rd, 2011, 12:33 PM
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I agree with Man_ _ _61 that the train is best if time isn't an issue, and it's a very pleasant way to go. But it will take about 4.5 hours at a minimum, depending upon when you depart.
That said, Granada airport is small, easy to navigate and a short taxi ride from the city center. The flight is one hour, you can check in online before going to the airport, and it's quick and easy to get into Madrid city center on the other end. If time is an issue, it presents a viable alternative. For me at least, the stress level was pretty nonexistent, but then I travel light, carry-on only, and don't stress about much anyway.
Comparable situation: I live in Portland. Seattle is 180 miles north. I can take the train, which is 4 hours. Or I can fly, which is just under one hour. Sometimes I do one, sometimes the other. It all depends on how much time I want to devote to the trip and how much money I want to spend. It's always a trade-off. But that's life, isn't it. Crazy doesn't really come into it.
Like OP, the last time I was in Spain I wanted to stay in Granada as opposed to Malaga. Being able to fly to Madrid from Granada made that possible. Time constraints were the issue.
That said, Granada airport is small, easy to navigate and a short taxi ride from the city center. The flight is one hour, you can check in online before going to the airport, and it's quick and easy to get into Madrid city center on the other end. If time is an issue, it presents a viable alternative. For me at least, the stress level was pretty nonexistent, but then I travel light, carry-on only, and don't stress about much anyway.
Comparable situation: I live in Portland. Seattle is 180 miles north. I can take the train, which is 4 hours. Or I can fly, which is just under one hour. Sometimes I do one, sometimes the other. It all depends on how much time I want to devote to the trip and how much money I want to spend. It's always a trade-off. But that's life, isn't it. Crazy doesn't really come into it.
Like OP, the last time I was in Spain I wanted to stay in Granada as opposed to Malaga. Being able to fly to Madrid from Granada made that possible. Time constraints were the issue.
Jan 22nd, 2012, 03:20 PM
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Planning 3 days in Madrid (from LAX in late Feb. 2012) then a week in Estepona and the following week in Mallorca. Questions: What is difference between the AVE and Renfe? Do both names refer to the same high speed rail between Madrid and Malaga? Does it go to Estepona or do we transfer to another train? Or should we rent a car in Malaga for the week in Estepona plus a day trip to Morocco? What means of transportation is recommended between Estepona to our resort on Mallorca? Air or ferry? Then we plan to rent a car on Mallorca for a week before returning to Madrid and flight back to LAX. Is a rental car good for touring Mallorca? What suggestions for getting from Mallorca back to Madrid? rental car, air, train? We aren't in a hurry so could drive but husband might be in a hurry to get home after 2.5 weeks. Open to suggestions from travel experts. Thank you.
Jan 22nd, 2012, 11:01 PM
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lolvan,
The AVE train (Alta Velocidad Española (Spanish high speed), AVE also meaning 'bird') is the high speed service of the Spanish rail company RENFE between many major Spanish cities.
The AVE train takes some 2h 30 mins between Madrid and Málaga. You'll have to shift to a bus or local train to go to Estepona. Buses and local trains leaves from/next door to the new and excellent train station in Málaga. If you plan on going into the mountains (Serranía de Ronda etc) a car could be a good plan. And I really recommend to visit wonderful Málaga city itself during your stay down here. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/ci...-treasure.html
From Estepona to Mallorca, I would fly from the very busy Málaga airport. Affordable and lots of departures. A car would be great for touring Mallorca.
The AVE train (Alta Velocidad Española (Spanish high speed), AVE also meaning 'bird') is the high speed service of the Spanish rail company RENFE between many major Spanish cities.
The AVE train takes some 2h 30 mins between Madrid and Málaga. You'll have to shift to a bus or local train to go to Estepona. Buses and local trains leaves from/next door to the new and excellent train station in Málaga. If you plan on going into the mountains (Serranía de Ronda etc) a car could be a good plan. And I really recommend to visit wonderful Málaga city itself during your stay down here. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/ci...-treasure.html
From Estepona to Mallorca, I would fly from the very busy Málaga airport. Affordable and lots of departures. A car would be great for touring Mallorca.
