jeterray - how do Petrabax fares compare to www.renfe.com - the Spanish Railways - supposed to be about the same they say - service charge - thanks - sounds like a good deal at that price!

We had so many problems with Renfe site that we gave up. I think the fares were similar, but can't say for sure. Thanks to everyone.

Never been on Malaga to Madrid train, but got the first class tickets as recommended by PalenQ. How much time before the departure should we arrive ? Is there a café or bar at the Malaga train station ? Thanks everyone has been great.

15 Minutes has done it for me. You need to go through security if you have luggage (moments hopefully, not like airport security time), depending on your coach number two or three minutes walk and the doors of the train will close promptly two minutes before.
There is a shopping concourse adjacent with a number of eateries.

<Is there a café or bar at the Malaga train station?>

You'll get anything but genuine flamenco at the very modern Malaga María Zambrano train station (named after the philosopher from Vélez-Málaga) ;-) http://www.andalucia.com/cities/mala...in-station.htm

WomBat- Is the shopping concourse before or after security ? As usual, thanks to Kimhe for the input. Kimhe must be in the travel business to have such a wealth of knowledge.

The shopping area is before security.

The 30.000 square feet shopping center and the cafes/bars are before security. After the security there are only the platforms and a small newspaper etc. shop.

I would very much recommend to sit down for a bite or a meal at friendly Restaurante Juandi, on the corner just opposite the main entrance to the train station (Calle Cuarteles nº66). Excellent tapas, hearty raciones and bargain three course Menu del dia with drinks incl for some 8-10€. Ten times more charming and better value than the sterile chain cafes and bars inside the station itself. I use to get to the station in good time to have a glass and something to eat at Juandi before walking the 100 meters/1 min to the train station entrance. Oudoor terrace and air-condition inside. https://www.facebook.com/CafeteriaRe...eam?tab=photos

And not in the travel business, just crazy about Spain ;-)

Kimhe- I too love Spain. What beauty and at a bargain. Plan on coming back for a short visit this fall.We will be bringing friends, but I don't want this secret to become public. We will go to Juandi before entering the station. Thanks-Jeter

Kimhe- I too love Spain. What beauty and at a bargain. Plan on coming back for a short visit this fall.We will be bringing friends, but I don't want this secret to become public. We will go to Juandi before entering the station. Thanks-Jeter

He-he, but don't expect anything fancy, just good, honest cooking and friendly service. I can recommend a delicious Carne/magro con tomate tapa or a small plate of some boquerones al vinagre.
Carne con tomate: http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news...n_tomate.shtml
The boquerones at Juandi:
https://www.facebook.com/CafeteriaRe...type=1&theater

And the Menu del dia is still only 8€. Changes every day. Here's the past week's "program":
https://www.facebook.com/CafeteriaRe...23744981077311
https://www.facebook.com/CafeteriaRe...23169867801489
https://www.facebook.com/CafeteriaRe...22587691193040
https://www.facebook.com/CafeteriaRe...22051797913296
https://www.facebook.com/CafeteriaRe...21587941293015
https://www.facebook.com/CafeteriaRe...21109744674168