Is it necessary to prebook a train leaving Santiago to Madri

[Thetravelingfamily]

Hello All!

We are arriving in St. Jean August 31st. We will be traveling with two children and are unsure how long the Camino will take us. We are going to attempt the 33 day time frame however I feel we will make a few stops and may take more like 36 days. We have a travel agent assisting us with getting into town as we are new to the area and do not want to have any issues while traveling with children. However, I was hoping to get some insight on leaving. We are planning on getting airfare in advance leaving Madrid, Spain on Oct 9th. That would give us a total of 39 days to complete the Camino and head to Madrid...any thoughts or advice on time?

All the best!
Mandy
Buen Camino!

 

[Sharni]

I think it would be best to prebook, we didn't last year and got the last overnight train seats available which were right in front of the door to the food carriage and they were used all night so it made sleeping impossible. If you don't want to look around Madrid, why don't you book the train that will get you into Madrid in time to catch your flight out and then you can have the "spare" days up your sleeve for rest days on the Camino or looking around SDC. Good Luck

 

[tyrrek]

Hi Mandy!

To be honest I'd forget the 33 stages walking with kids, unless you're happy to bus between stages if/when you fall behind schedule or maybe find somewhere you want to explore a bit more. My first Camino from SJPP took 40 days including 2 total rest days, although the second from Pamplona went roughly according to the 'suggested' stages.

From Santiago you could consider flying to Madrid. Ryanair are cheap, but beware of additional charges for baggage etc. I would never expect to reserve in advance for Spanish trains, but maybe I've just been lucky.

Buen Camino!

 

[fraluchi]

I was hoping to get some insight on leaving. We are planning on getting airfare in advance leaving Madrid, Spain on Oct 9th. That would give us a total of 39 days to complete the Camino and head to Madrid...any thoughts or advice on time?

There are several daily flights from Santiago to Madrid which you may want to check for convenience and cost. There also are Alsa buses and trains running on a daily basis.
Considering these possibilities, and given that your trip will be early October, a reservation shortly before your intended travel to Madrid should work out fine. Compare travel times, cost and convenience before doing so. :roll:

 

[Thetravelingfamily]

Anyone thought about car rental and driving? Are there sites to see along the route? We will have 3 extra days before having to leave Madrid.

Mandy

 

[JohnnieWalker]

Anyone thought about car rental and driving? Are there sites to see along the route? We will have 3 extra days before having to leave Madrid. Mandy

Mandy - many people do this and there are a number of car rental agencies in Santiago. You could drive to Finisterre/Muxia one day, A Coruna with its 9kms promenade another day and there are a number of very good beaches readily accessible too. The Tourist Office in Santiago will help you plan.

John