Spain train help needed
 

We have everything set for our November trip in Spain except the trains, which is still unresolved. And, I’m having the hardest time with it! We started out thinking we’d purchase point to point train tickets for moving around Spain, but now decided we’d get a Eurail Spain Pass (not a Renfe Spain Pass) since they’re currently running a special, one free extra day, plus we are two traveling together. I’m checking the point to points, and if I’m doing the math correctly, the costs surprisingly seem not that far apart. So for flexibility, I think going with the pass is the way to go.

I do have a couple of questions though. We’ll get a 4 day pass, though we might have 5 days of train usage. The 5th day is a day trip - Madrid to Cuenca and back - which we would not do if weather was bad or if we meet up with friends in Madrid (unlikely, but possible). If we use one of the train days for this day trip, then one of the other train travel days will have to be dropped, or bought as point to point. Should it be Burgos to Leon (take the bus) or Santiago de Compostela to Porto (take the bus)? For the Portugal portion I’m assuming we’ll be purchasing additional train fare anyhow. The other 2 trips which seem longer and would use the pass more efficiently are, Madrid to Burgos, and Leon to Santiago de Compostela.

Which would be the likely one to drop and should the replacement be a bus, not for costs, but for best mode of travel for that section? I just keep stumbling on this train travel and seem unable to resolve it. Thanks.

Are you sure that pass is cost-effective? They usually are not, and I don't think you can even use it on a lot of smaller, regional trains (the Spain one). But it may be for you, I was just wondering. Also I'm not sure, but the RENFE website says it is only usable for AVE or medium distance trains (of course you wouldn't even want to use it for short trips anyway).

That sale is probably a marketing gimmick or bogus, I think it is really the same product and price. On RENFE, it is 216 euro for a 4 day pass and on Eurail, it is 195 euro for 3 days plus one "free day". which is exactly 217 euro.

IN any case, you have to transfer either bus or train on that route to get from Santiago de Compostela to Porto. I think the overall time is about the same, though, I don't know the cost, I suspect that will be similar also, so sorry can't help as to preference. The train options are limited times, of course, and you have to know the connection points to book it as for some reason RENFE won't show you the entire trip in a reasonable time frame. YOu have to take the train first to Vigo Guixar, then transfer to a train to get to Porto. The first train is about 1:30 hrs and the second is about 2:15 hrs (but there is an hour time change so it looks shorter). It appears the only reasonable connection on the day I looked was if you leave at 6:17 am, though, from Santiago, then tehre is a train from Vigo Guixar at 9:02 am. Otherwise, I think it is much later in the day. So you might check bus schedules to compare.

I believe the Spain Eurailpass is good on all trains in Spain run by RENFE-my Eurailpasses always have been - even regional trains and urban trains like in Barcelona. If you have any questions like that I'd call Byron at www.budgeteuropetravel.com - I've bought passes from him for a long time and he will answer all questions like that even if not buying IME. www.ricksteves.com and www.seat61.com have lots on passes too and discounted tickets.

anyway go to www.renfe.com - and see what train trip is the cheapest- have you figured in that for every AVE type train with a pass you must pay about 10 euros extra for a reservation - anyway do not just judge a pass on whether it is cost effective as you say flexibility for some may be key and vs full fare fully flexible tickets the pass may be cost effective in that case.

And discounted tickets are train-specific I think cannot be changed nor refunded and as sold in limited numbers must be booked weeks early in stone to guarantee. That's fine for many folk but I like you love the flexibility to select which trains to take once there though in Spain you do need the requisite seat reservation before boarding long-distance trains even with a pass and that costs about 10 euros a pop.

After reading through both replies, I went back and reworked the math. Honestly, I’m really, really tired of this math. Of the five trips, I deleted the train for the last trip, Santiago de Compostela to Porto, Portugal and will either take the bus or buy a train ticket once there. For the other four trips, the point to point math amount, totals about $312 for 2 people. The Eurail Spain Pass, with their extra, free day promotion is $370 for 2 people traveling together. The Renfe Spain pass for two people is $438. for 2 people. All USD not Euro. I need seat reservations no matter which I choose, so that cost is equal for all three, correct? Point to point is cheapest, yes, by about $60, but there is no flexibility. It is a vacation after all, and I think flexibility, especially for the uncertainty of time in Madrid is worth the extra. So unless anyone can see clear mistakes in my math, I’m just going to forget it and buy Eurail Spain passes.

Individual tickets bought should have the mandated seat reservation included in the price - on a full-fare ticket if you change you probably pay the 10 euro or so free.

I hear you about flexibility to chose which trains once there rather than book in stone weeks early.

Thanks PalenQ and Christina. Ordered the passes today!

Please report back!

Point to point is cheapest, yes, by about $60, but there is no flexibility.>

curious as to what kind of point to point tickets you used for comparisons -full fare and if so those are fully flexible in the sense that you buy it just before travel and I think most or all can be changed up until the train?

For others info - you have made your selection.

For the point to point fares, I went into the November dates that I wanted, and selected mostly P fares. Sixty days out from when I wanted to travel to get the promo prices. For example From Madrid to Burgos on Nov 6, the 4:05pm train, Alvia #04267 was $31 P (promo), and the Burgos to Leon on Nov 8, Intercity #00283 at 12:34pm was $29 F (flexible), per person. One of the more expensive trips seemed to be the Madrid to Cuenca Nov 5, since the AVE trains were quick, but pricey, $51 RT, pp. Even if my math is/was wrong, too late now, the passes are in transit. Actually though, I'm happy with this decision and I don't have to think about it any longer.

Actually though, I'm happy with this decision and I don't have to think about it any longer.>

Yes indeedy- hear you there and not having to deal with any promo restricted fares is nice - chose your trains when there. I always go for a pass if anywhere near in price to fully flexible tickets which in your case seems so.

Yes, for me, it was the right decision. Thanks!