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-   -   No AVE Valencia-Cuenca!?! Alternatives? (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/no-ave-valencia-cuenca-alternatives-1069970/)

kanadajin Aug 27th, 2015 07:35 AM

No AVE Valencia-Cuenca!?! Alternatives?
 
I am trying to find transportation for Valencia-Cuenca on October 14th (Wed) and am having a hard time. I have been monitoring the RENFE website for AVE schedules to be posted. So far, the one and only AVE train which does appear leaves at 8:15 AM (number 3982), which does not fit in our schedule. The one I was hoping to get is the one at 15:10 (number 5151). Curiously, it appears on the RENFE website along with a few other AVE daily departures up to September 30th, but not at all in October.

I was thinking that since there currently is only 1 posted AVE departure per day, the other ones are bound to appear sooner or later but this has not yet materialized and I now fear they may not ... I wonder if this could be due to planned service cutbacks. I find myself a little stumped and am hoping that someone may shed some light on this.

In the meanwhile, I have started to look at possible alternatives, but things look pretty bleak:

1- Regional trains: there is one that leaves at 15:14 with a train change (transbordo) for a journey of 3 hours 50 min (!) arriving after 7 PM. Presumably I would get tickets in person at the station a few days ahead? (not available for on-line purchase) Not exactly great.

2- Bus: I am not having much luck, the one company that I do know which had service to Cuenca (ALSINA) no longer appears to have it. I cannot seem to find others that do, maybe I am looking in the wrong places ...

3- Renting a car: This would be for a pickup in Valencia and drop off in Cuenca a few hours later, but I would consider this option a last resort.

Therefore I thought of turning once more to this valuable forum. Any help or suggestions with this dilemna would be highly appreciated.

Regards

Robert2533 Aug 27th, 2015 07:44 AM

Renfe has yet to update their schedule beyond late September on most routes. You'll have to keep checking until all of the trains show up on the schedule.

kanadajin Aug 27th, 2015 08:47 AM

Muchisimas gracias, Robert, this is actually quite a relief to hear. I must admit that I did not check other routes than the one of interest. However, given that my time frame is now only about 1.5 months out, I am/was getting just a little nervous.

I will then be patient while anxiously keeping a watch on the RENFE site.

I highly appreciate your response.

danon Aug 27th, 2015 09:19 AM

I was looking for Madrid- Valencia in early Oct.
not posted yet. Don't worry...many trains a day on tat rout

kanadajin Aug 27th, 2015 09:38 AM

Very reassuring, Danon. Thanks for this, I will sleep better tonight :)

Christina Aug 27th, 2015 10:52 AM

RENFE often posts their September+ schedules late, I don't know why.

Robert2533 Aug 27th, 2015 11:34 AM

It's referred to as "on Spainsh time".


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