@progol Yes, since this is a busy time, we're hoping that the tickets didn't sell out... Just several days ago there was a train service, and now there isn't, which is what concerns us.

@Robert2533 You have traveled to Granada lately and this was your experience? Would it be so bad to travel via train?

@WomBatt How do you mean?

ReneeP - do you mean that you checked the Spanish site (Renfe) and there was service and now there isn't any? I just checked Petrabax -- it is the American portal for Renfe (more expensive but user-friendly), and, as of today, the last tickets that I see available are for March 5. I would check for a few days to see if train schedules become available for later dates to determine whether the tickets are sold out or just not yet available.

I think Robert meant that he has rented a car while traveling the area and that's how he's traveled between these 2 cities, not just that he's rented a car between the 2. We were there this past Spring and rented a car leaving Granada on our way to Ronda. The region is beautiful, with a lot to see, so it's helpful to have a car to explore for a few days.

How do I mean what?

@progol How difficult and expensive is it to obtain an international driver's permit and rent a car? I'm thinking this could be our back-up. I'm starting to wonder if the train station is under construction and might be closed.

I was also thinking the bus station might be closed, but from checking on GoEuro, there are bus tickets available from Granada to Madrid. Bus routes from Ronda to Granada still aren't posted for around that time, so the bus station must be open... Do you guys think snagging a bus ticket is still possible from Ronda to Granada? (And this is still very early, odds are time tables will still be posted the day of.)

The rail line into Granad is still under construction. Although the elevated parts of the new highspeed route appear to be complete, they still have to set the ties and lay the rail. From my experience, that could take some time, at least several months.

We normally rent a car to explore the area, but this trip we are depending on the train and bus: Madrid, Granada, Sevilla, Malaga and back to Madrid. You have to take the bus (Renfe) if traveling Madrid-Granada, or Ronda-Granada, from Antequera into Granada, so you might as well travel by bus to begin with, there's no difference in time when comming from Madrid and you don't have to move your luggage from the train to the bus. Also, there are no taxis waiting at the train station in Granada. There are sitting at the bus station awaiting your arrival.

If you arrive at the train station, you'll have to call for a taxi. There is a sign with the number.

As for getting an IDP, it's pretty easy in North America. Just go to your local AAA/CAA office (no need to be a member). In a few minutes, they'll take your photo and give you your IDP, all for about $25.

Again, from what I understand, there are no direct lines between Ronda and Granada, so (I believe) you would have to book 2 separate trips, as Robert suggested, such as Ronda-Seville and then Seville-Ronda (or Ronda-Malaga, Malaga-Granada).

I still think that purchasing a train ticket, if available, makes the most sense. You will be taking the train to Antequera and then a bus will be provided to complete the journey -- you do not have to purchase an additional bus ticket. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but that still seems the most effective way of doing the journey with public transport.

Re: the international drivers license: my husband went to the AAA Office and got it for, I believe, $15. Very easy to get. You need to bring 2 passport-sized photos. Or you can apply on line:
http://www.dmv.org/international-driver-permits.php

However, it is difficult to rent a car in Ronda that needs to be dropped off elsewhere. There are no large rental agencies in that city. I'd suggest that you rent a car from a place such as Auto Europe in a larger city prior to arrival in Ronda. I had looked into a car rental originating in Ronda during my trip last year and there were a few agencies, but they are very local, and dropping off a car in another city was a problem.

I looked up Ronda-Antequera, and the only route is via bus, and the earliest bus is at approx. 16:00, which might be too late for us. That's the only snag. Seems like a car might be our best option...

There are bus routes from Malaga-Granada, but no bus options for Ronda-Malaga, which is annoying.

@progol From your experience, where do you recommend renting cars from? We are also hitting Cordoba before this, do you think that would be a good place?

Just checked with Renfe. There are still three trains/day from Ronda to Granada, the MD departs at 07h53, 13h36 and 17h13 (the fastest train at 2h 32min). They run 7 days/wk and are inexpensive.

Your best bet is to take the train. But there are busses from Ronda to Malaga:

http://www.turismoderonda.es/informa...oautobuses.pdf

http://www.gomarbella.com/ronda/ronda-bus-station.htm

http://rondainfinita.info/como-llega...los-amarillos/

Thank you so much everyone! This has been such a great help!!

@Robert2533 When you "checked" with Renfe, did you call them? I can't seem to find time tables anywhere!

The schedule is online at Renfe.com.

Hola! So for those traveling to Granada, confirmed that train station is under construction and must take bus to and out of Granada.

From Ronda to Granada, we bought train tickets, and took the train to Antequera-Santa Ana, got off the train, and were efficiently guided to buses to take us the rest of the way. Buses dropped us off at train station. A little confusing at first but the train personnel guided us through the entire way.

So, possible to buy train or bus tickets to Granada. Train station is much closer to the center of everything though, if that matters.