I was just checking train times for several routes that I want to take in July. I had checked them all about a month ago and got schedules/times and prices with no problem. I tried just now for Madrid to Toledo and Toledo to Madrid and the screen came up as usual with all the train times. But when I did the same thing for Madrid to Salamanca, Segovia to Madrid or Madrid to Cuenca I don't get anything. It lets me put in the departure and arrival station and the dates but then the next screen just say "Trenes del Día 03-07-2007(M)" - but no schedule. Any ideas?

Yes, those are regional (short distance) trains so they don't publish dates as early because for the most part you cannot buy them in advance, so they are in no hurry The schedule that is now runs till June 30. I don't think there will be any major changes after that..maybe there are a few more trains because it's summer

Kenderina - that makes sense - except, when I put in a date for next week I still don't get a schedule. And I know I got schedules weeks ago when I was first researching this, so there is something different about the renfe site. When I did it originially I put in an imaginary date (as I knew my real date was too far in advance) and got a schedule. But now it makes me nervous that I can't confirm the times. I guess I could stop by the renfe office at the airport before I leave there.

I've also read that the bus is actually easier. But when I go to the auto-res site, which does give me a schedule (and there seem to be very frequent buses) it has some message about construction closing the Estacion del Norte (SUPRESION PARADA PASEO DE LA FLORIDA DE MADRID (Estación del Norte)). The guidebooks all say trains to Salamanca leave from Estacion Auto-Res on C. Fernandez Shaw (Metro Conde de Casal). So should that be a problem for me?

Maybe I'm being overly careful about this, but I will be jet-lagged when I get to Madrid, and since my hotel in Salamanca is reserved I really do need to get there that day.

So what do you think?

the bus to salamanca is very very easy.
good buses and as you have stated, very frequent departures.

the notice is about a stop that is not in use now, probably due to recent construction, but does not affect your trip at all, since you neither get on or off at that stop.

you will buy your ticket UPSTAIRS, and catch the bus DOWNSTAIRS.

Simple café and rest rooms in building as well as left luggage.

this station is under a hotel that also has a café/bar where people wait for the buses unless they have alot of luggage.

if you will be bussing back to madrid from salamanca, you can buy a round trip ticket but leave the return ABIERTA/ open, ( ida y vuelta con la vuelta abierta) and decide what time/day you want to go at a later date. You will have a discount this way.

i fell in love with spain at my study session in salamanca.
i thought i would be there for 90 days.. and ended up staying a lifetime in spain.

I agree that the bus to Salamanca is very easy. I took it a couple of years ago.

Lin,

Lucky you!

I actually just ran into the same problem last night, trying to book a ticket for Madrid to Segovia, and wasn't able to find anything. So I am going to 'wing' it, and try to go to the station as soon as I arrive in Madrid (on Saturday) and see if I could have them help me purchase the tickets for next Wednesday... unless anyone else has any other suggestions??? I will also look into the bus option.

Thanks!

When in Spain...go bus. I only took the train once, Sevilla to Madrid...and it was fine.

However, most people I know bus along the way. It is easy, reliable, and cheap.

You all have convinced me to take the bus. Am I correct that I don't need to make reservations for that ahead of time?

So here is my plan, Please tell me if you see ANY flaw in it: Scheduled to arrive at 12:30. Take metro from airport to Madrid's Estacion Auto-Res on C. Fernandez Shaw which is at metro stop Conde de Casal (will need to change at Nuevos Ministerios). Buy ticket at train station for next available bus to Salamanca. As there are buses about every half hour until at least 8-9pm I should be able to get one without advance reservation.

Right But get the tickets at the BUS station

attempting to buy train tickets? don´t even think of going to atocha or large train station unless you want to waste a LOT of precious time.

pay the 5 euro fee at a travel agent or have your hotel help you do it on phone with your credit card and pick up at station at customer service.

Busses...i would get in advance. They reserve them. YOU ACTUALLY GET A SEAT NUMBER.

Definitely get it in advance. You can do it a day before...but just get it. You usually print out the receipt, or bring the number...give it to the counter person...and presto...ticket in hand. It really is easy.

The site I use in Spain is http://www.continental-auto.es/index.do

Thing is, I do not see a bus from Madrid to Salamanaca...strange but the busses in Spain, for the most part, are privatized...and there are many of them.

I think Auto Res is the bus out of Madrid and it costs 14 or so euro one way...about 2 1/2 hours. You get the bus in Madrid at the Auto Res station at Fernandez Shaw 1 which will drop off in Salamanca at Calle La Salud 19.

Here is the website: http://www.auto-res.net/index.html?a

The bus system is highly organized for such a relaxed country(the thing I love most about the Spainards...love of life).

Have fun...I am already draming of Spain...

oops - yes I meant I would buy the bus ticket at the BUS station, that was a typo.

I would prefer not to have to reserve ahead of time for two reasons. First, since I won't know if the plane will be on time or not I don't want to reserve a bus and then be late and not make it. On the other hand, if I do make good time landing and getting to the bus station, then I don't want to have to wait around for several hours if I don't have to. The other reason for not reserving ahead of time is that I would have to do it over the internet since I won't be in Spain until the day I need the ticket. So would you all risk just getting the ticket once I get there?

Sure...you just may have to wait for the next bus...not a big deal...they run constantly...and heck, the bus station will contain REAL SPAINARDS...good people watching.

h2 babe,

I made the mistake of taking the train to Segovia. It was a "Cercanias" train, which stops about evreywhere . It also is not very comfortable, especially in the rush hour. Bus is better.

Ok, we will take the bus to Avila and then to Salamanca per your recommendation. We'll be arriving in Madrid this Saturday, and we'll get the bus tickets as soon as we get there, because we're leaving for Avila on Sunday. Thank you all... two days and counting...