impact of rail strike?

[sally_M]

I was getting ready to purchase train tickets from Madrid to Leon for the start of our camino and from SdC to Madrid for our return. Then I learned about the rail strike. If I purchase rail tickets in advance, do I risk losing my money if that train is canceled due to strike? I imagine that they would try to accommodate me on a later or earlier train, but if I need to get to Madrid to make my return flight home, then I might be forced to take a bus instead, in which case I presume I would forfeit the train ticket I had paid for.

Would it be better to wait and purchase train tickets after we are there? Our return to Madrid will be at a holiday time (OCt. 31 or Nov. 1) , so I had been advised to buy at least those tickets now. I wonder if I should buy bus tickets instead? I would prefer to take the train, as I generally find them more comfortable.

For the trip from Madrid to Leon on OCt 1, should I buy rail tickets now? Buy bus tickets now? Or wait and purchase one or the other on the day of travel?

Thanks!

Sally

 

[SabsP]

Sally,

I don't know about refunding system but take into consideration that buses in Spain are very good and strict on schedule. I prefer the buses to taking the RENFE trains when in Spain.

 

[sally_M]

Ok, that's good to know. Maybe we will take the bus. Thanks.

 

[ivar]

Not sure if there is a rail strike on the dates you mention, but if there is they try to accommodate the affected travelers on other trains (at no extra cost). Of course it makes it difficult if you have a plane to catch... as Sil mentions, the bus is a good alternative. There are very few bus strikes and they are comfortable and just as fast as the trains.

Buen Camino!
Ivar

 

[sally_M]

Thanks Ivar

I hadn't realized that the rail strikes are on specific days. I heard about it and assumed that it might be a continuous strike that would last for weeks.

Sally

 

[ivar]

...not that I know of.. I think there was a on day strike last week, but have not heard of anything big coming up.

Buen Camino!
Ivar

 

[SabsP]

Good luck Sally! I'm not Sil btw but Sabs. You will find out the buses are ok.