JULY Train tickets now on for sale from SANTIAGO to MADRID

[J Willhaus]

A few days ago there was a post about train ticket availability in June from Santiago to Madrid. This morning I was able to book tickets for the first part of July on that route while earlier this week I could only see the times, but could not purchase. These tickets do sell out so you may want to take a look at what is available, rather than waiting to stroll down to the station and purchase when you arrive in Santiago. You will have more options if you book in advance. I use the Trainline App as I have had poor luck with the Renfe App and my US credit card.

FYI: We normally use our sr access discount (dorada card), but our Dorada cards will be expired in late June and the system would not grant me the discount for early July.

You are supposed to be able to renew your dorada card online. I tried, but the system would not let me. This could be because the renewal request was not in the 60 day window to renew or because the Renfe App would not work for me. I am not sure which. The Renfe App did find my card in the system, but would not let me renew so we will have to do that in Spain, I guess. We will try for the multi year extension of 2 or 3 years at that time.

 

[irishrock]

I was in Burgos and thought, "why don't I purchase my train ticket from Santiago to Madrid" and the ticket manager talked me out of it. Big mistake. I arrived on a Saturday and thought I'd go buy my ticket (thank goodness I did this)...it was sold out. I was able to purchase a ticket from Santiago to Leon and then Leon to Madrid (which worked out). It was a VERY long train ride, fwiw. My next go around, I will explore a flight from Santiago to Madrid as the cost won't be much and will save 8+ hours. Good luck and a helpful post

 

[Lana]

I was in Burgos and thought, "why don't I purchase my train ticket from Santiago to Madrid" and the ticket manager talked me out of it. Big mistake. I arrived on a Saturday and thought I'd go buy my ticket (thank goodness I did this)...it was sold out. I was able to purchase a ticket from Santiago to Leon and then Leon to Madrid (which worked out). It was a VERY long train ride, fwiw. My next go around, I will explore a flight from Santiago to Madrid as the cost won't be much and will save 8+ hours. Good luck and a helpful post

Although train always beats plane in carbon footprint.

 

[wisepilgrim]

I was in Burgos and thought, "why don't I purchase my train ticket from Santiago to Madrid" and the ticket manager talked me out of it. Big mistake. I arrived on a Saturday and thought I'd go buy my ticket (thank goodness I did this)...it was sold out. I was able to purchase a ticket from Santiago to Leon and then Leon to Madrid (which worked out). It was a VERY long train ride, fwiw. My next go around, I will explore a flight from Santiago to Madrid as the cost won't be much and will save 8+ hours. Good luck and a helpful post

If you get the direct Santiago-Madrid it is as short as 3:20. Not the same as a 50min flight but much better than the slow train.

 

[irishrock]

Although train always beats plane in carbon footprint.

I guess, but the plane is going to fly as scheduled whether I'm on it or not (right?) so would take solace in buying a few more sangrias in Madrid and help out the Spanish economic system

 

[J Willhaus]

I guess, but the plane is going to fly as scheduled whether I'm on it or not (right?) so would take solace in buying a few more sangrias in Madrid and help out the Spanish economic system

I much prefer the train to flying. We each have our preferences it seems.

 

[irishrock]

I much prefer the train to flying. We each have our preferences it seems.

3 hours on the train...good
9 hours on the train...felt unnecessary, imo.

But you're right on and your opinion matters to you. I've always said, "you've got to hike your own Camino" (I'm a 40km per day guy myself and understand that's not for everybody...just like flying/train time)

Buen Camino

 

[DwainS]

A few days ago there was a post about train ticket availability in June from Santiago to Madrid. This morning I was able to book tickets for the first part of July on that route while earlier this week I could only see the times, but could not purchase. These tickets do sell out so you may want to take a look at what is available, rather than waiting to stroll down to the station and purchase when you arrive in Santiago. You will have more options if you book in advance. I use the Trainline App as I have had poor luck with the Renfe App and my US credit card.

FYI: We normally use our sr access discount (dorada card), but our Dorada cards will be expired in late June and the system would not grant me the discount for early July.

You are supposed to be able to renew your dorada card online. I tried, but the system would not let me. This could be because the renewal request was not in the 60 day window to renew or because the Renfe App would not work for me. I am not sure which. The Renfe App did find my card in the system, but would not let me renew so we will have to do that in Spain, I guess. We will try for the multi year extension of 2 or 3 years at that time.

I just booked my train ticket, Santiago to Madrid for June 24th yesterday through Trainline. I was going to wait longer but I fly out of Madrid on the 25th and its nice to know I have my ticket.

 

[DwainS]

If you get the direct Santiago-Madrid it is as short as 3:20. Not the same as a 50min flight but much better than the slow train.

just booked mine yesterday, 3h 47min direct. I've been on lots of planes but never a fast train, or any train actually. looking forward to it.

 

[Connie Ramage]

A few days ago there was a post about train ticket availability in June from Santiago to Madrid. This morning I was able to book tickets for the first part of July on that route while earlier this week I could only see the times, but could not purchase. These tickets do sell out so you may want to take a look at what is available, rather than waiting to stroll down to the station and purchase when you arrive in Santiago. You will have more options if you book in advance. I use the Trainline App as I have had poor luck with the Renfe App and my US credit card.

FYI: We normally use our sr access discount (dorada card), but our Dorada cards will be expired in late June and the system would not grant me the discount for early July.

You are supposed to be able to renew your dorada card online. I tried, but the system would not let me. This could be because the renewal request was not in the 60 day window to renew or because the Renfe App would not work for me. I am not sure which. The Renfe App did find my card in the system, but would not let me renew so we will have to do that in Spain, I guess. We will try for the multi year extension of 2 or 3 years at that time.

Thank you for letting us know when train tickets are available. I need tickets from MAD to Pamplona in August. They are now available. However, in previous years there was a 11:35 am train. Now showing 10:35 am train, which would not allow enough time upon arrival at 9:05. Does anyone know if trains are added later in summer?

 

[J Willhaus]

I just looked at Thursday Aug 17 and there are trains at7:35, 10:35, 2:50, and 7:35 pm so there are later trains available.