Which would you suggest is more scenic? The train or the bus to Leon from Madrid? Thank you!

Trains to me always let me see the scenery as such better than from a bus - I assusme they both go thru about the same type scenery but trains with large windows and more freedom to get up and move about - relocate from side to side as scenery dictates I'd say the train gives better views of scenery in general.

Trains take almost exactly 3 hours - how long do buses take - time on board would also be a factor to me.

check rail fares at www.renfe.com - the Spanish Railways web site - for general things on European trains check these info-laden sites: www.seat61.com - good info on discounted tickets you can get if you book far in advance; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.

You can always buy walk-up tickets on trains or buses in Spain IME - buses tend to have flat fares so it don't matter so much I think if you do so in advance.

Bus ( www.alsa.es) is between 25 and 32E. takes under 4 hours it seems.

The train is much nicer. You can get up a walk around. As far as being scenic, possibly, but I usuallly sleep along the way.

The 10h25 ALVIA (leaving from Atocha station) takes 3hr 32min, or 2hr 52min if you leave from MADRID-CHAMARTIN. The 10h30 Intercity takes 2hr 57min. Both are inexpensive.

I took the ALVIA train from Madrid to Leon a couple of years ago. Maybe I was distracted but dont recall any particular scenic areas. In any event, for this segment I would recommend train based on reasons given by Robert above.

Thanks for the information. Have taken a few trains in Spain.....sometimes you just ride through culverts and see nothing. Sometimes there is lovely scenery.

Much of the scenery in inland Spain is kind of brush - semi-arid IME not much to really get excited about.

Thanks for your input.....since I can just catch the bus at the airport, the bus will be the easiest. Do you need to reserve your bus ticket ahead of time? Thought it would work out better, not knowing the exact arrival of my plane, just to buy the ticket at the bus station at T4.

An ALSA normal bus depates at 1:45 pm, and takes 5 hours to reach León. The first departure of the ALSA Supra bus is 2:45 in the afternoon. Another normal, departs two hours later. At least there is a waiting lounge if you have to wait around for one of the later buses.

I would take the train from Madrid-Chamartin instead of waiting around the airport. The metro takes you straight to Madrid-Chamartin station from T-4. You can take one of the afternoon trains and be in León in under 3 hours.

Do you need to reserve your bus ticket ahead of time? Thought it would work out better, not knowing the exact arrival of my plane, just to buy the ticket at the bus station at T4.>

Robert seems to be an expert on Spanish trains and buses - Q for him or others - when I was last taking buses in Spain they always said no reservations were needed 'as extra buses would be put on if needed' - I wonder if this is still the case - is there ever any reason to book early - either financially or just to get a ticket - or is just showing up before the bus or buying a ticket the day before always or usually possible?

you can decide all this when you arrive. If there is a bus SOON, you will probably be quite happy to have a coffee and get on it and not bother with any more transport and transfers. But if you see you need to wait too long, just do as Robert suggests.. but understand when you get to Chamartin, if you have not purchased your ticket at the T4 Renfe office( which I HIGHLY SUGGEST) you may wait in line for some time.

Good advice about buying your train ticket at the T4 Renfe office if you decide against taking the bus and taking the train instead.

Thank you. Such great advise