gortmara

Hi,
I am planning a trip to Southern Spain in the Autumn and need some advice re train travel.
We want to travel between Malaga, Corboda,Cadiz, Seville and Granada, but we don't want to drive. What are the trains like? Is it possible to go between these cities (we're flying into Malaga, but can visit the other cities in any order)?I have heard that Spanish trains aren't too reliable and I am finding it difficult to get the information on Renfe..
If trains are out, how about buses?

Any information would be much appreciated.
Thanks.

Bluejay

We took buses through Andalucia when we were there in 2000 because we had heard from several people that unlike most European trains, Spanish trains were not reliable.

The buses were comfortable, modern and equal or less in price compared with trains. And the buses we rode were on time both departing and arriving. I can't recall where we got the bus schedule or information, but as for your question about whether to consider buses, I'd say you should.

Maribel

gortmara,
For bus travel between the major cities in southern spain, go to
www.continental-auto.es (sorry, only in Spanish)
then click on "principales lineas", then "T. Alsina Graells Sur, Andalucia", and you'll see the routes that this bus company serves in southern Spain.

For timetables, from home page click on "horario y venta de billetes", then choose Andalucía, then click on "ver orígenes", choose your departure city from the drop down menu, then click "aceptar". Do the same for your destination city, again click "aceptar", then the bus schedule will pop up. First the departure time, then arrival, price, days of operation, etc.

Hope this helps.

Also www.andalucia.com has bus info for Seville to other southern cities.

GeoffHamer

In Spain it's best to use both trains and buses. The trains are very good for some journeys - much faster and more comfortable than buses, and very reliable. As well as the RENFE web site, you can check schedules on www.bahn.de - the journey times and frequencies will show which journeys can be done easily by train. Many journeys are easier by bus. There are many different bus companies and no single source of information, but services are fairly frequent on the main routes. Most cities have a bus station, and in Malaga it's a modern building next to the railway station.

gortmara

Thanks for the information. I will start accessing the websites you've mentioned..

GeoffHamer

Local newspapers in southern Europe sometimes list local public transport. It's worth looking at http://www.diariodecadiz.com/transpo..._autobuses.htm which lists bus services from Cadiz. It also has train, plane and boat schedules.

davidx

Funnily enough I have only been badly let down by talgos. In general the trains are not bad but the service is very limited.
You will find http://www.andalucia.com/travel/bus/home.htm very useful on buses. I have always found http://www.renfe.es/ingles/ good for trains. If you would like my notes on Andalucia, do e-mail me [email protected]

olivia

I highly recommend renting a car. I know you don't want to drive, but the region between Malaga and Seville is beautiful and you may want to stop and check some places out (i.e. Ronda). I found the trains to be reliable, but I enjoyed driving much more. Just a thought.

gortmara

Hi,
Yes, I know that driving might be more convenient but I can't drive so that would be the problem!
Ok, I will investigate the bus options.
Have been to ROnda- very impressive.
Thanks for the info