Changing trains in Sevilla - how much time is needed?
 

Good morning. I'm taking a train from Granada (departs 11:44, arrives Sevilla 14:40) and traveling on to Madrid. There are 2 AVE trains available, one leaving Sevilla at 15:00 and one at 16:00.

I have no idea if Spanish trains run on time, or how large the Sevilla station is. Would you recommend waiting for the second one, or is it OK to book the earlier? (Also, is it better to phone in the reservation or do it on the internet.)

Again, thank you so much for your expeienced advice!

A reservation is essential at this time of the day. The AVE goes on the dot. If the train arrives late at it's destination you will be entitled to a full refund - if never happens. You will probably be OK with the 15.00 but I would play it safe and book the 16.00. Seville Station is very very nice.

Forgot to say in my previous post, I booked from my local train station in the UK but do book early as I got a great deal on business class and if you have to wait for 1 hour at the station there is a business class lounge where you can freshen up and get complementry drinks and snacks.
You will love the journey on the AVE it was great and in business class you will receive a complementry dinner with wine which was excellent.

I just got back from Seville - taking the AVE to and from Madrid - the station in Seville is medium size and very navegable - I believe all the platforms are next to each other. 20 minutes may be cutting it a bit close - there are a couple cafeterias in the station to have a fino or espresso.

Cambe and Carte Pisana, Thank you both for your quick replies. I have booked tourist class (too bad, business sounds nicer...) and will book the later train.

Iwan2go, Tourist, Business, you will have a very comfortable tip, Enjoy!

Estación Santa Justa is fairly small compared to Madrid's Puerta de Atocha, for example; and 20-minutes should be adequate (especialy if you have your ticket & reservation in hand).

The transfer amounts to walking up some steps from your arrival platform, then about 60m along an elevated walkway to the main Station, across to the ticket counters (if you have to buy your tix or reservations), then back down the steps to a different platform for the AVE.

I need a walking stick: I came in on the Andalucia Exprés from Cadiz with about 15-minutes until the next AVE: when I got to the Ticket Agent (10-min), he asked if I wanted the 08:00 AVE but I opted to wait for the 09:00 AVE because I didn't think I could make it back to the platform by 08:00.

So, unless there's something specoal going on that would cause the trains to be crowded, my advice would be to wait until you get to Sevilla before making a firm decision. Worst case: You could find Turista full and have to buy Preferente.