3/08 Spain Family Trip Itinerary Questions
Jan 24th, 2008, 01:00 PM
#41
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Soultravelers, your blogs are great! Thanks to you & Maribel for your latest & most helpful replies.
Maribel, I wanted to ask you a quick train question. We're staying at Plaza Mayor area & wanted to take a day trip to Segovia. It seems that Segovia AVE only leaves 8,8:30am, 14:30 or evening & not from Atocha. How far away/ hard to get to is the other train station? In the interest of not having tired kids all day, is the regional train the only choice for around 10am? That doesn't seem to book on the Renfe site. I was thinking about regional train there & AVE back at night. I know it's longer but a little more rest for the kids can go a long way.
Eileen
Maribel, I wanted to ask you a quick train question. We're staying at Plaza Mayor area & wanted to take a day trip to Segovia. It seems that Segovia AVE only leaves 8,8:30am, 14:30 or evening & not from Atocha. How far away/ hard to get to is the other train station? In the interest of not having tired kids all day, is the regional train the only choice for around 10am? That doesn't seem to book on the Renfe site. I was thinking about regional train there & AVE back at night. I know it's longer but a little more rest for the kids can go a long way.
Eileen
Jan 24th, 2008, 01:42 PM
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eileen,
The Madrid-Segovia-Valladolid AVE departs from Chamartín station in the northern business district, rather than Atocha, nearer to your hotel. You'll need to taxi up there or take the metro.
The old Regional train to Segovia is not bookable on the Renfe site. It really is slooooooow, and I would take the AVE up and back instead, as you'll all have a much more *comfortable* ride.
Before the inauguration of the AVE, I used to take the La Sepulvedana bus (1 hr. 15 min.) to Segovia, but now I will certainly always take the AVE.
We'll be taking it on Feb. 2.
The Madrid-Segovia-Valladolid AVE departs from Chamartín station in the northern business district, rather than Atocha, nearer to your hotel. You'll need to taxi up there or take the metro.
The old Regional train to Segovia is not bookable on the Renfe site. It really is slooooooow, and I would take the AVE up and back instead, as you'll all have a much more *comfortable* ride.
Before the inauguration of the AVE, I used to take the La Sepulvedana bus (1 hr. 15 min.) to Segovia, but now I will certainly always take the AVE.
We'll be taking it on Feb. 2.
Jan 26th, 2008, 01:15 PM
#43
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Help!!!! I've been on the Renfe site trying to get AVE tickets & it lets me change all 6 fares to web fares, put in all my info & then when I press buy, it tells me there are not enough seats for that fare but it doesn't tell me how many ARE available for that train. Any ideas?
Jan 26th, 2008, 01:38 PM
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eileen,
For that particular train you've selected (is it the noon AVE?), there may not be 6 seats at the 60% web fare discount rate, but other seats *may* be available at the Estrella (40%) discount rate. But you have no way of knowing-that's the frustrating fact.
I don't know what to advise other than trying to buy 5 at the Web fare, if 5 aren't available, then try 4...and work your way down.
Have you decided to go first to Seville on 3/24 or when you originally planned on 3/27? Have you tried both the noon and the 1 pm trains?
Just a note about the popularity of these new Web fares:
The hugely helpful Benny of Malaga on the Spain forum of Trip Advisor reports that all the Web fares for the new Madrid-Malaga AVE for the next two months have sold out. This may be the case soon for the Madrid-Seville AVE as well-these heavily discounted web fares may be getting gobbled up really fast.
For that particular train you've selected (is it the noon AVE?), there may not be 6 seats at the 60% web fare discount rate, but other seats *may* be available at the Estrella (40%) discount rate. But you have no way of knowing-that's the frustrating fact.
I don't know what to advise other than trying to buy 5 at the Web fare, if 5 aren't available, then try 4...and work your way down.
Have you decided to go first to Seville on 3/24 or when you originally planned on 3/27? Have you tried both the noon and the 1 pm trains?
Just a note about the popularity of these new Web fares:
The hugely helpful Benny of Malaga on the Spain forum of Trip Advisor reports that all the Web fares for the new Madrid-Malaga AVE for the next two months have sold out. This may be the case soon for the Madrid-Seville AVE as well-these heavily discounted web fares may be getting gobbled up really fast.
Jan 26th, 2008, 07:47 PM
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Hi Maribel,
I ended up trying (& getting) 3 web fares for 11am on 3/27 & then their website went down. When I tried later, I got 3 estrella fares for the same train(because web fares were then sold out). I did get 6 web fares for segovia to madrid for the previous day. At least we saved some money!
Eileen
I ended up trying (& getting) 3 web fares for 11am on 3/27 & then their website went down. When I tried later, I got 3 estrella fares for the same train(because web fares were then sold out). I did get 6 web fares for segovia to madrid for the previous day. At least we saved some money!
Eileen
Jan 30th, 2008, 08:41 AM
#46
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A few more questions: I'm arranging the return from Madrid to airport with Aerocity for a noon flight. Is 9am a good pick up time? I'm thinking we should be at airport by 10am.
Segovia to Madrid: Going to take bus there & AVE back. Having a little trouble with bus site. Can I/should I get those tickets in advance? Is Madrid pick up Madrid Florida?
Seville to Granada: bus or train? can't find train schedule on renfe. which bus? We have Alhambra tickets for 1630pm.
Hotel America to Granada train station: What is the best way to get from hotel to train?
Thanks again for info.
Segovia to Madrid: Going to take bus there & AVE back. Having a little trouble with bus site. Can I/should I get those tickets in advance? Is Madrid pick up Madrid Florida?
Seville to Granada: bus or train? can't find train schedule on renfe. which bus? We have Alhambra tickets for 1630pm.
Hotel America to Granada train station: What is the best way to get from hotel to train?
Thanks again for info.
Feb 9th, 2008, 05:03 PM
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eileen,
From Hotel América to Granada train station, I would take two taxis.
For our Madrid-US flight two days ago, which was scheduled to depart at 12:40 (boarding 50 minutes before), we left our hotel via taxi at 9, arriving at terminal 1 at 9:20. We have priority check in (platinum level) so didn't have to stand in line. Since you'll have the Aerocity van to yourselves with your group of 6, I think a 9 am pick up is ok.
On the La Sepulvedana bus site, if you register as a user you can buy your tickets ahead of time and choose your seats. Not absolutely necessary, but one thing you wouldn't have to worry about on the day of your Segovia excursion, since you'll need 6 tickets. The bus leaves from Paseo de la Florida in Madrid.
I would move from Sevilla to Granada by bus. Check the schedule at www.alsa.es The company that does this route is Alsina Graells (division of Alsa).
From Hotel América to Granada train station, I would take two taxis.
For our Madrid-US flight two days ago, which was scheduled to depart at 12:40 (boarding 50 minutes before), we left our hotel via taxi at 9, arriving at terminal 1 at 9:20. We have priority check in (platinum level) so didn't have to stand in line. Since you'll have the Aerocity van to yourselves with your group of 6, I think a 9 am pick up is ok.
On the La Sepulvedana bus site, if you register as a user you can buy your tickets ahead of time and choose your seats. Not absolutely necessary, but one thing you wouldn't have to worry about on the day of your Segovia excursion, since you'll need 6 tickets. The bus leaves from Paseo de la Florida in Madrid.
I would move from Sevilla to Granada by bus. Check the schedule at www.alsa.es The company that does this route is Alsina Graells (division of Alsa).
Feb 11th, 2008, 10:20 AM
#48
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Hi Maribel!
Glad you're back! Did you have a wonderful time?
Thanks for the last reply. Got the Seville/Granada bus tickets. Having difficulty with La Sepulvedana but I would like the tickets in advance. Sometimes it takes me a while to translate & site is only in Spanish. I tried to register as a user but it's only giving me my country choice as Spain (which obviously will not line up with my address.) How do you get around that? Also, the pasaporte - CIF, I'm presuming it's my passport number, what does the CIF mean?
Glad you're back! Did you have a wonderful time?
Thanks for the last reply. Got the Seville/Granada bus tickets. Having difficulty with La Sepulvedana but I would like the tickets in advance. Sometimes it takes me a while to translate & site is only in Spanish. I tried to register as a user but it's only giving me my country choice as Spain (which obviously will not line up with my address.) How do you get around that? Also, the pasaporte - CIF, I'm presuming it's my passport number, what does the CIF mean?
Feb 11th, 2008, 10:54 AM
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hi eileen,
I had a truly wonderful time, thanks!
I'm trying to register as an usuario on the La Sepulvedana site and am having no luck. I fill in all the info, and it tells me a user with that name is already registered (not true!).
I also tried to buy tixs without registering (can only buy 5 at one time) and I can't select my departure.
I'm using Firefox so I'll try Safari or Opera-be back soon with the results.
I had a truly wonderful time, thanks!
I'm trying to register as an usuario on the La Sepulvedana site and am having no luck. I fill in all the info, and it tells me a user with that name is already registered (not true!).
I also tried to buy tixs without registering (can only buy 5 at one time) and I can't select my departure.
I'm using Firefox so I'll try Safari or Opera-be back soon with the results.
Feb 11th, 2008, 11:15 AM
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Well, I've struck out-tried IE, Firefox, Safari and Opera-can't select my departure (ida) as there's no way to do so. I keep getting an error message that I haven't selected a departure, yet I can't see where or how to select one. Double clicking on the departure time doesn't work.
The site just doesn't appear to function correctly for online sales. Alsa works fine for me, La Sepulvedana does not!
Sorry!
The site just doesn't appear to function correctly for online sales. Alsa works fine for me, La Sepulvedana does not!
Sorry!
Feb 15th, 2008, 11:00 AM
#51
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Hi Maribel,
I tried the La Sepulvedana site for several more days with the same problems you encountered. Do you think I'll have a big problem getting 6 tickets once I'm there(one way)? We arrive on Monday AM & I want a mid AM bus on Wed, March 26th. Can I purchase them close to the Plaza Mayor?
I've been trying to purchase everything in advance to minimize problems. Thanks!
Eileen
I tried the La Sepulvedana site for several more days with the same problems you encountered. Do you think I'll have a big problem getting 6 tickets once I'm there(one way)? We arrive on Monday AM & I want a mid AM bus on Wed, March 26th. Can I purchase them close to the Plaza Mayor?
I've been trying to purchase everything in advance to minimize problems. Thanks!
Eileen
Feb 15th, 2008, 11:23 AM
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Hi eileen,
You can just go to the La Sepulvedana station a little more than 1/2 hr. ahead of time to get your tickets.
You'll be given assigned seats.
Since the inauguration of the new AVE to Sevilla, fewer people will be taking the bus (those folks lucky enough to get Web AVE discount fares, that is). I wouldn't worry if it's a mid-morning departure.
You can't purchase them anywhere close to the Plaza Mayor, only at the bus station.
It appears that the web page just isn't up and ready for online ticket sales. I suppose you could email your hotel and ask them to try, but it must be the web page, not our computers.
You can just go to the La Sepulvedana station a little more than 1/2 hr. ahead of time to get your tickets.
You'll be given assigned seats.
Since the inauguration of the new AVE to Sevilla, fewer people will be taking the bus (those folks lucky enough to get Web AVE discount fares, that is). I wouldn't worry if it's a mid-morning departure.
You can't purchase them anywhere close to the Plaza Mayor, only at the bus station.
It appears that the web page just isn't up and ready for online ticket sales. I suppose you could email your hotel and ask them to try, but it must be the web page, not our computers.
Feb 15th, 2008, 11:50 AM
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eileen,
A note about La Sepulvedana-I just remembered:
I read that last Oct. they moved their operations just across the street (Paseo de la Florida) to the new Intercambiador de Transportes Príncipe Pío, near the metro lines. So if you go there via metro (line 6), you should be able to find the ticket office & bus tracks easily. And you don't have to go outside and cross the broad avenue.
(I haven't been down to see the new set up).
Their old station across the street was getting decrepit. La Sepulvedana doesn't mention this on its web page.
A note about La Sepulvedana-I just remembered:
I read that last Oct. they moved their operations just across the street (Paseo de la Florida) to the new Intercambiador de Transportes Príncipe Pío, near the metro lines. So if you go there via metro (line 6), you should be able to find the ticket office & bus tracks easily. And you don't have to go outside and cross the broad avenue.
(I haven't been down to see the new set up).
Their old station across the street was getting decrepit. La Sepulvedana doesn't mention this on its web page.
Feb 15th, 2008, 12:07 PM
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eileen,
Me again.
Just read that La Sepulvedana uses tracks 6 & 7 on Level -1 (nivel -1, darsenas 6 y 7 ) of the new Intercambiador.
You'll see big arrival/departure monitors when you come up from the metro that indicate which bus leaves from which track in this new station.
Me again.
Just read that La Sepulvedana uses tracks 6 & 7 on Level -1 (nivel -1, darsenas 6 y 7 ) of the new Intercambiador.
You'll see big arrival/departure monitors when you come up from the metro that indicate which bus leaves from which track in this new station.
Feb 16th, 2008, 12:24 PM
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Hi eileen,
About your return to Madrid from Segovia via the new AVE,
The AVE station Segovia-Guiomar was built 4 km. outside of the city, kind of in the middle of no where (the AVE continues on to Valladolid).
You can go out there by taxi (around 7&euro
on one of the 2 public busses.
Bus #11 departs the city for the AVE station from the Plaza de la Artillería, near the aqueduct (just ask at the tourist office).
Bus #12 leaves from Ezequiel González where your La Sepulvedana bus will arrive (across from the police station).
See their schedules here-they depart to coincide with the AVE departures:
click on Mapas de líneas y horarios, then select 11 or 12, then click on Horarios.
http://tinyurl.com/create.php
About your return to Madrid from Segovia via the new AVE,
The AVE station Segovia-Guiomar was built 4 km. outside of the city, kind of in the middle of no where (the AVE continues on to Valladolid).
You can go out there by taxi (around 7&euro
on one of the 2 public busses. Bus #11 departs the city for the AVE station from the Plaza de la Artillería, near the aqueduct (just ask at the tourist office).
Bus #12 leaves from Ezequiel González where your La Sepulvedana bus will arrive (across from the police station).
See their schedules here-they depart to coincide with the AVE departures:
click on Mapas de líneas y horarios, then select 11 or 12, then click on Horarios.
http://tinyurl.com/create.php
Feb 18th, 2008, 11:36 AM
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Hi eileen,
I just purchased Madrid-Segovia AVE tixs for ourselves (April 1) and noticed that they've put on a mid-morning AVANT train (08109) to Segovia that departs Chamartín station at 10:35 am, arriving Segovia at 11:10.
The good news with this new one class AVANT is that it costs a flat 9€ euros.
(just like the AVANT train to Toledo)
No need to search for a Web or estrella fare discount on a 20.60 fare, because neither is offered-just a 9€ fare.
When I checked for Wed. March 26, there were 6 seats.
Just thought I'd mention it if you'd rather take the train up and back. It might save you time.
You can purchase these online now.
Again, you can take bus 11 from the Segovia-Guiomar AVE station to the plaza below the aqueduct. Costs .80.
There's an earlier AVANT train (9&euro at 8:50, arriving at 9:25, but I though you wanted a mid-morning one.
I just purchased Madrid-Segovia AVE tixs for ourselves (April 1) and noticed that they've put on a mid-morning AVANT train (08109) to Segovia that departs Chamartín station at 10:35 am, arriving Segovia at 11:10.
The good news with this new one class AVANT is that it costs a flat 9€ euros.
(just like the AVANT train to Toledo)
No need to search for a Web or estrella fare discount on a 20.60 fare, because neither is offered-just a 9€ fare.
When I checked for Wed. March 26, there were 6 seats.
Just thought I'd mention it if you'd rather take the train up and back. It might save you time.
You can purchase these online now.
Again, you can take bus 11 from the Segovia-Guiomar AVE station to the plaza below the aqueduct. Costs .80.
There's an earlier AVANT train (9&euro
at 8:50, arriving at 9:25, but I though you wanted a mid-morning one.
Feb 21st, 2008, 10:55 AM
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Thanks Maribel! I got them & saved a little more because I got 2 nino tickets. It's a great relief to know that our transportation is set.
Is that train station far from Atocha or the Plaza Mayor?
Is that train station far from Atocha or the Plaza Mayor?
Feb 21st, 2008, 11:06 AM
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Hi eileen,
Remember that the AVE from Madrid to Segovia leaves from the Chamartín station in northern Madrid (metro: Chamartín).
When the train arrives at the Segovia-Guiomar AVE station, make sure you walk briskly and immediately out to the waiting city busses. If you stop at the tourist office kiosk or just doddle, the busses may fill up and leave you having to take two taxis. (Next bus won't arrive until the next AVE does).
There have been complaints about not enough busses (they only go out to meet the trains) and their filling up quickly, especially when an AVE from Valladolid and one from Madrid arrive at the same time.
Your AVE to Sevilla will leave from Atocha.
Glad you were able to get the last tickets for your trip and that you saved some euros. Every little bit counts, particularly with a family of 6!
Remember that the AVE from Madrid to Segovia leaves from the Chamartín station in northern Madrid (metro: Chamartín).
When the train arrives at the Segovia-Guiomar AVE station, make sure you walk briskly and immediately out to the waiting city busses. If you stop at the tourist office kiosk or just doddle, the busses may fill up and leave you having to take two taxis. (Next bus won't arrive until the next AVE does).
There have been complaints about not enough busses (they only go out to meet the trains) and their filling up quickly, especially when an AVE from Valladolid and one from Madrid arrive at the same time.
Your AVE to Sevilla will leave from Atocha.
Glad you were able to get the last tickets for your trip and that you saved some euros. Every little bit counts, particularly with a family of 6!
