Going on my first trip to Spain in late June and working on reseving my trains this week. I am trying to go from Seville to Granada and Rail Europe is telling me that trains are already sold out. What are my alternatives?

Sold out? I am dubious about that although the train we took between these two did require seat reservations.

perhaps there is some way you can check by going to www.renfe.com

The train takes three hours..are you using a pass?

The bus takes about 2.5 hours if the train truly IS sold out.

Thank you! That link helps. RailEurope's website did say sold out, which I thought was strange.

Not sure about getting rail pass. Love to get your thoughts. We are flying into Madrid, AVE train to Seville, then train to Granada, then train back to Madrid to spend another night and then fly back. Total duration of trip is 9 days. I've seen the RailPasses for Spain at $175. A great deal, but still another $30 per reservation, right? Might be about same to go a la carte?

I wonder if your train travel is approaching the cost of a rental car, and if so, whether that might be a good idea for you. My husband and I took the train from Seville back to Madrid, but initially we drove from Madrid through Toledo, Granada, and Ronda to Seville and really enjoyed not only the countryside but also the flexibility. When we arrived in Seville we just dropped the car at the airport outside of town before spending three days there.

I guess I am intimidated to rent a car. How difficult is it to drive/navigate in the area? How expensive is an automatic transmission for 6-7 days?

You get a passholder price break on the AVE Madrid-Seville but even with that I am not sure you want a pass..here's why...

I would NOT spend the five hours on the train BACK to Madrid from Granada. we got a cheap flight on iberia by booking early and on the internet..flight takes about an hour or so.

I think the idea of renting a car, especially if you don't have to pay a penalty for a drop-off is a good possibility..but if you don't want the "downside" of having a car; the insurance, the parking, the fact that somebody has to do the driving, and can live without the ultimate flexibility it brings then rail would work, obviously.

If you book early enough you can often get a cheap flight Granada-Seville

Sorry..that should be booking early enough you can get a cheap flight Granada to MADRID!

use the Renfe site to check point to point rail PRICES before springing for any pass.

Several Guides (e.g. Lonely Planet) are adamant that a train pass in Spain is a waste of money. Having used one last year, I would have to agree. Buses are by far the better option in most cases. The buses are modern and comfortable, and the services frequent. Seville to Granada is 2 and a half hours. You buy a ticket at the Estacion de Autobus, and it will be for a particular seat on a particular bus. It's a well-run system, better in my experience than the trains.