Should I book trains in Spain in advance?

Spanish trains don't operate on a normal booking horizon, although most trains open around 60 days in advance. This is when you'll find the cheapest tickets. We always recommend booking as far in advance as possible to get the cheapest Spanish train tickets.



People Also Ask

Reserving point-to-point tickets in advance (available up to 60 days ahead of travel) is the best way to save money and to guarantee a seat on your preferred train. Furthermore, many areas of Spain aren't well served by its train system — for many trips, buses and even flights may be a better option.

MORE DETAILS

Reserve Early The earlier you book your tickets, the more likely you are to get the lowest fare available for the dates you want on the routes along your journey. You may book your travel up to 11 months in advance.

MORE DETAILS

Arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before your train departs. This is because there is a security check, with a scanner for your bags and a ticket check, before you can enter the platform. Give yourself time to get to and from the train station.

MORE DETAILS

Though some train rides should be booked in advance, it's generally easiest to buy tickets right at the station. Advance tickets sold through national-railway websites are often easily redeemable at the station.

MORE DETAILS

On-sale dates vary by country, route, and time of year, with most starting two to four months in advance of travel, and six months ahead for Germany and the Eurostar Chunnel train. In some areas (such as Switzerland and most eastern countries), advance-purchase deals either don't exist or aren't worth the hassle.

MORE DETAILS

We advise you to start making reservations at least 2 months in advance. Many high-speed and night trains can already be reserved from 3 months in advance, and will get fully booked in that period.

MORE DETAILS

The Seat Selection add-on allows you to choose the seat in which you will travel. Travel with your most loyal friend for just €10 more.

MORE DETAILS

Book train tickets in advance While many of us plan and book flights well before our trip, train travel is often left until the last minute. Like planes, train tickets are released in price sections—the cheapest fares are first, and the most expensive ones can be purchased up to an hour before the train time.

MORE DETAILS

Is it okay if we book 30 days ahead ? In general it is cheaper to book long distance trains ahead of time - 10 to 12 weeks is when cheap (but inflexible) tickets are released for sale. At 30 days on most routes there would be a reasonable selection still on sale if you are not too choosy about times.

MORE DETAILS

The earlier you book your tickets, the more likely you are to get the lowest fare available for the dates you want on the routes along your journey. You may book your travel up to 11 months in advance.

MORE DETAILS

Seat reservations for people traveling with a Eurail pass can only be purchased in a Spanish long-distance train station. They also can sell out well in advance of the train's departure, making it difficult to predict whether you'll be able to use the pass at all.

MORE DETAILS

Trainline is the official reseller of Renfe and Avlo, the brands of Spain's national railway company, OUIGO and iryo as well. So you all have ALL the options in just one place. Trainline sells train tickets for the same price as the Spanish carriers. It does add a small booking fee.

MORE DETAILS

Higher fares usually apply when purchasing tickets onboard the train. To secure the best available fare, passengers should purchase tickets prior to boarding the train.

MORE DETAILS

All railway operators in Spain have a dynamic ticketing system, so fares change constantly. Renfe only offers a limited number of tickets with promotional prices. So when these tickets are sold, only the most expensive fares remain. The same applies for the other operators (Avlo, OUIGO and iryo).

MORE DETAILS

Renfe is Spain's national train operator, and their premier high-speed trains are branded AVE which stands for Alta Velocidad Española (Spanish High-Speed). This is a premium high-speed train service, with the most frequent departures.

MORE DETAILS

Trainline is the official reseller of Renfe and Avlo, the brands of Spain's national railway company, OUIGO and iryo as well. So you all have ALL the options in just one place. Trainline sells train tickets for the same price as the Spanish carriers.

MORE DETAILS

Have you heard about Renfe's commitment to punctuality? At Renfe, we promise to refund up to 100% of the ticket value if your train is delayed. Consult the information on delays and compensation you are entitled to.

MORE DETAILS

Please ensure that you have enough time to go through all the extra passport and security checks before your train departs. We recommend arriving around 30 minutes before your train leaves. Don't cut it too fine, as it is no longer possible to board the train within five minutes of departure.

MORE DETAILS

Barcelona to Madrid by Train from $7.78 | Official Renfe, iryo & OUIGO Tickets | Trainline.

MORE DETAILS

Book train tickets in advance While many of us plan and book flights well before our trip, train travel is often left until the last minute. Like planes, train tickets are released in price sections—the cheapest fares are first, and the most expensive ones can be purchased up to an hour before the train time.

MORE DETAILS