Did I hear correctly there is a fast train from SdC to Madrid?

[Paintboy2]

My airline has cancelled 3 flights out of Lisbon to the UK. I now have confirmed seats from Madrid. I thought I heard Ivar say there was a new fast train going there from SdC. Is this true?

 

[C clearly]

Maybe you were remembering this thread. Unfortunately, not quite what you were hoping for, yet.

 

[mspath]

Does this info help?

 

[henrythedog]

First half of the journey is very scenic, but feels like you’re never going to get anywhere, then suddenly it gets a move on. 4.5 hours or thereabouts.
It arrives at Chamartin, the northern station in the business district.

 

[DoughnutANZ]

First half of the journey is very scenic, but feels like you’re never going to get anywhere, then suddenly it gets a move on. 4.5 hours or thereabouts.
It arrives at Chamartin, the northern station in the business district.

I caught the fast train from SdC to Madrid in July 2019. It was great! It didn't feel fast until I looked at the speed display in the carriage or looked at G Maps on my phone.

 

[nathanael]

I caught the fast train from SdC to Madrid in July 2019. It was great! It didn't feel fast until I looked at the speed display in the carriage or looked at G Maps on my phone.

personally, I enjoy that train very scenic, I remember when there was a night train that took forever and stopped at every village.

 

[Robo]

First half of the journey is very scenic, but feels like you’re never going to get anywhere, then suddenly it gets a move on. 4.5 hours or thereabouts.
It arrives at Chamartin, the northern station in the business district.

Almost as fast as flying when you consider all the wasted time of getting to Airport, checking in, waiting etc etc.

 

[Pelegrin]

personally, I enjoy that train very scenic, I remember when there was a night train that took forever and stopped at every village.

Yes. it is very scenic.
On the limit between Galicia and C. Leon it is possible to see the highest point of Galicia on the left that is Pena Trevinca (2120 mts).

 

[ivar]

Do a search and see what trains and travel times come up for your date:

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Happy travels!
Ivar

 

[Paintboy2]

Do a search and see what trains and travel times come up for your date:

Renfe | Train tickets AVE, Avlo Low Cost (with No Booking Fees)

Buy cheap train tickets AVE, Avlo high speed Low Cost ✓ Timetables, Fares and Discounts ✅ No Booking Fees! ▷ ( Renfe.com )

www.renfe.com

Happy travels!
Ivar

Thanks Ivar, I'm going to stop by your shop. It's about time I met you, especially since I found out you spent time in Pullman.

 

[Chris Gi]

I remember getting the fast train but that was back in 2018. It left at about 6 in the morning.

 

[jpflavin1]

personally, I enjoy that train very scenic, I remember when there was a night train that took forever and stopped at every village.

I miss the Tren Hotel. It was perfect for me. I would get a bed, sleep through the night, arrive at Chamartin about 8:00 and catch a 10:00 flight home. Travel and hotel wrapped in one.

 

[Bad Pilgrim]

I also took this train two weeks ago to Madrid. I will keep doing it when in Santiago. The bus takes twice as long (about 8 hours) to Madrid. As for flying, as someone wrote above, 4 and 1/2 hour is about as fast, if not faster, than getting on a plane (considering the fuzz of transport and waiting at the airport). The train is comfortable and doesn't make any stops so I felt I was in Madrid in no time! I took the train at about 6:30 in the morning, I arrived around 11 and had almost a whole sunny day to spend in Madrid!

 

[FourSeasons]

Yes, in May 2016 I took the fast train from SdC. It left really early in morning and took approximately 5.5 hours. I took a photo of the speed, keep in mind this wasn’t the fastest this fast train traveled. it was a pleasant ride.

 

[zzotte]

They always had, the faster one has less stops and Was only certain days if I remember correctly

zzotte

 

[peregrina2000]

For those who prefer something a little later than 6:30, there is also an ALVIA at 8:09, arriving Madrid at 12:50.

 

[Smallest_Sparrow]

I miss the Tren Hotel. It was perfect for me. I would get a bed, sleep through the night, arrive at Chamartin about 8:00 and catch a 10:00 flight home. Travel and hotel wrapped in one.

Wait, what, it’s gone ?!? I loved my little train compartment. Nice dinner, watch some scenery go by, falling asleep to sound of train…

 

[henrythedog]

Has the Trenhotel ceased or is it just suspended because of you-know-what?

 

[peregrina2000]

Has the Trenhotel ceased or is it just suspended because of you-know-what?

Wikipedia has some back and forth on this question. Turns out they were suspended during covid, then most were permanently cancelled (including Lisbon-Madrid, which I have taken and enjoyed). But then in 2020, Renfe announced that the trenhotel would be restored to Galicia. As of April, 2021, at least according to this source, nothing has happened to make people think it will be restored.

I think that if the EU makes progress in its plan to reduce short flights in order to encourage train travel, it may rise again. But for now, I don’t think there are many people who want to pay for a bunk on an overnight train when you can fly for 30 euros!

Trenhotel - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Smallest_Sparrow]

RIP trenhotel…if pics post correctly my travel “companions” checking out the bed (next to cheap suitcases I bought in dollar store to pack my backpack, poles etc for flight home), the view from the dining car

in fact if covid ever settles down I’d planned to take the train to the east coast next year just bc I had so much fun traveling on the trenhotel and the FEVE

 

[pjacobi]

The fast trains are 4.5 hour, while slower trains are 6-7 hours. You have to check times and schedule at:

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