Santiago to Madrid-After the Camino!

When my flight arrives in Madrid for the Camino soon, this time for the VdlP towards the end of October, I have found (thanks to Grant's links) that there are a number of high-speed trains offering very fast (2.5 hrs) and reasonable cost passage from Madrid to Sevilla. Regrettably, I have been unsuccessful in finding similar arrangements from Santiago to Madrid after the Camino. The Renfe site is not so clear for this. So, my question is, what do you feel would be the best way to return to Madrid for the flight back home? Would it be bus, train, or plane?

After I completed the Camino Frances a few years ago, I bought a half-price, 'Pilgrim's special', Iberia fare from Santiago to Madrid but I don't recall it being much of a bargain, however fast it was.

I apologize for asking what most probably is a duplicate question but I could not find mention of it on the forum.

Santiago-Madrid Return

ivar said:

Hi John,

High speed train from Santiago to Madrid is under construction, but not yet ready.

You have 3 alternatives:

1) Train (slow and not recommendable)
http://www.renfe.es

2) Bus, http://www.alsa.es
Much better than the train, but still 6-7 hours in a bus...

3) I would recommend to fly, have a look at:
http://www.vueling.es
http://www.clickair.es
http://www.spanair.es
http://www.iberia.es

...many time you can find a one-way for about 50 euros. Remember that Iberia flies into Terminal 4, the rest to 1-3. Terminal 4 is a separate terminal with bus connection, but allow time to make the change.

I hope this helps,
Ivar

Click to expand...

It does, Ivar, and thank you very much for it! That saves me time as well as money!

When I finished the Camino in 2005 I ambled up to the Iberia to take advantage of their "Pilgrim's half price Special with Compostela" and was surprised when I had to pay about 200 euros for it. I guess it was half of their posted retail price that absolutely nobody pays anymore. So, thinking that Iberia was feeling benevolent towards pilgrims in Santiago, I did not concern myself with finding a computer terminal and arranging the ticket beforehand. I want make that mistake again. and I'll get the ticket from one or your links.

I just checked for my return date of 18 December and the return is a minuscule 31 euros-cheaper than high speed train to Sevilla! That gives me another day in Santiago and saves 2/3 of my above fare in 2005.

Thanks