train from Barcelona to Madrid
 

We will be in Spain for two weeks in May.
We will be taking the train from Barcelona to Madrid. Should we buy our tickets before
we leave, or get them at the station in Barcelona?
thanks

I would fly. We got decent rates on Iberia last May.

New partly opened high-speed train route, in theory getting up to 190mph; these new Altaria trains will soon be Europe's fastest in-service train once bugs are worked out, has slashed travel times dramatically to about 4 hours - there is also an overnight train.when the tracks are fully finished travel times will drop much more. Currently the theoretical high speeds can't be realized due to engineering mistakes when constructing the all-new right of way as soil subsiding has limited speeds somewhat - but at four hours city center to city center and you see the lay of the land why fly? Buy these tickets in madrid - should be readily available. Prices in Us thru Raileurope are $74 in second class - maybe more or less there but i'd just buy in Spain.

The trip currently takes 4.5 hours by rail and about 1 hr 5-10 minutes by air. Iberia and Spanair compete HEAVILY on this route so there are often pretty cheap fares available.

However, I would factor in the time and money you will spend getting from city center to city center if you fly, plus the time it takes to check in at the airport, wait for the flight, retrieve the baggage (if checked), etc.

You can certainly wait to get rail tickets once you reach Spain which will save some money.

Excellent points, PalQ and Intrepid1, about factoring in the time to and from the airport (and additional expense -- taxis, etc.).

I do know that last May o/w on the train = RT by plane, as Iberia was running a special when we flew.

I have always loved taking trains and think it's an excellent way to get the feel of the "place." And much more convenient than travel by air.

a suggestion to not go directly to train station before train to buy tickets as many times the lines are very long and it could upset your plans.

also, some trains at certain times are very full.

you can buy your tickets also from a travel agent for a very small fee and save yourself beaucoup time at station.

you can also order them in spain on phone with credit card and pick them up at station at customer service special window up to two hours before leaving.

remember first class during meal times gives you the meal, unlimited drinks of all kinds, the wonderful use of VIP lounge at departures and more seat space on train.

Prebook your rail tickets (if going by train) on www.renfe.es