Alvia, Ave, Avant, Talgo trains in Spain -- all offered for Madrid-Segovia trip. Any difference?
Feb 26th, 2008, 10:41 AM
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Alvia, Ave, Avant, Talgo trains in Spain -- all offered for Madrid-Segovia trip. Any difference?
There are a number of different types of trains from Madrid to Segovia -- called Alvia, Ave, Avant, Talgo -- and all look like they take roughly 30 minutes between cities. What is the functional difference to us among the trains? Some of them have only one class of service (tourist) and cost 9 Euros, while others have two classes and cost 20 for tourist and 31 for preferente. Given that the trip is only 30 minutes, is there any reason I should pay the more expensive fare?
Feb 26th, 2008, 10:54 AM
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Avant trains are like AVE trains but they do the trip only Madrid-Segovia (I mean, the trip finishes there) , while the AVE goes up to Valladolid. Talgo and Alvia are also long distances trains that stop there. The trips is not only 30 minutes in all the trains..only in AVE and Avant.
Feb 26th, 2008, 10:54 AM
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Ave trains are high speed but if all of these only take 30 minutes and all make the same number of stops which if they all take 30 minutes I suppose they do then I wouldn't be inclined to spend the extra money.
Feb 26th, 2008, 11:24 AM
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bakerstreet,
Since they all do this trip in about 30-35 min., non-stop, just take the 9 euro Avant train that doesn't go on to Valladolid.
On Feb. 2 we went to Segovia via the AVE and returned on the Talgo. It made no difference to us. It cost the same because we were able to purchase discounted WEB fares.
The AVE standard fare is 20 euros, but for some departures, there is an 8.15 euro WEB fare available if booked a minimum of 15 days prior to departure (but they sell out quickly).
We have tickets next month to and from Segovia on the 9 euro AVANT (which just started last week).
The AVE, which continues to Valladolid, has two classes of service, but there's absolutely no reason, for me, at least, to purchase an expensive "preferente" seat for such a short ride.
Since they all do this trip in about 30-35 min., non-stop, just take the 9 euro Avant train that doesn't go on to Valladolid.
On Feb. 2 we went to Segovia via the AVE and returned on the Talgo. It made no difference to us. It cost the same because we were able to purchase discounted WEB fares.
The AVE standard fare is 20 euros, but for some departures, there is an 8.15 euro WEB fare available if booked a minimum of 15 days prior to departure (but they sell out quickly).
We have tickets next month to and from Segovia on the 9 euro AVANT (which just started last week).
The AVE, which continues to Valladolid, has two classes of service, but there's absolutely no reason, for me, at least, to purchase an expensive "preferente" seat for such a short ride.
Feb 26th, 2008, 01:01 PM
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Great; thank you very much. Maribel - I have read your guides (I love them) and am heading to Segovia based largely on your glowing recommendation. We will not have a car so cannot do the countryside things you mention. This is a day trip, during Holy Week. Do you have any other advice for a family with two children on a day trip to Segovia via train during Semana Santa?
Feb 26th, 2008, 01:51 PM
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hi bakerstreet,
Left a message for you re Segovia on your other thread.
I would go straight to the Alcázar (Camelot castle) before touring the rest of Segovia because it can get very crowded during school holidays.
The Centro de Visitantes, tourist office, next to the Aqueduct is great and also has tasteful souvenirs in its boutique. And interactive displays.
Left a message for you re Segovia on your other thread.
I would go straight to the Alcázar (Camelot castle) before touring the rest of Segovia because it can get very crowded during school holidays.
The Centro de Visitantes, tourist office, next to the Aqueduct is great and also has tasteful souvenirs in its boutique. And interactive displays.
