Train booking question

[Anthony18]

Dear pilgrims, I’m trying to book a train from Madrid to Pamplona for June 13. There’re are are no available trains showing up on Renfe, Petrabax, Omio. How soon can I expect trains to be available?

Also, what is your preferred website/app to book trains, buses and/or taxis? Thanks in advance for your help, and Buen Camino!

 

[David]

I use Omio, mainly for coaches - had a look and there seems to be lots here, try - www.omio.co.uk
There is also RailEurope - https://www.raileurope.com/train-tickets/journeys/article/madrid-pamplona

but online ticket sites tend to only book so far ahead and June 13th is probably outside their remit - try in a few weeks?

There is also Alsa - biggest of the Spanish coach/bus operators - comfortable and fast - see here - https://www.alsa.com/en/web/bus/home

 

[Deleted member 3000]

How soon can I expect trains to be available?

60 days in advance.

www.renfe.com

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Dear pilgrims, I’m trying to book a train from Madrid to Pamplona for June 13. There’re are are no available trains showing up on Renfe, Petrabax, Omio. How soon can I expect trains to be available?

Also, what is your preferred website/app to book trains, buses and/or taxis? Thanks in advance for your help, and Buen Camino!

I always have to wait until 30 days prior to taveling to see updated schedules. I like using trainline.eu, as they take standard credit cards tor those of us in the US as I do not have paypal. It was very easy.

 

[TMcA]

Trainline for me also.

 

[lt56ny]

If I were you I would check flying on Iberia. I am going in late October and I found a flight for $41US dollars. It is an hour flight. Take the metro to the airport in Madrid. I doubt the train is much less money than what I paid. I would not be surprised if the flight is actually cheaper.

 

[trecile]

I usually use Renfe app to book trains, but if it's too far out I use loco2.com to search - you can set an alert on their site, and as soon as the tickets are available they will email you. The earlier you book the better price you can get.

Europe by train and bus made easy | Rail Europe

Buy train and bus tickets for the UK and Europe. Simple, fast booking.

loco2.com

 

[Deleted member 73892]

Dear pilgrims, I’m trying to book a train from Madrid to Pamplona for June 13. There’re are are no available trains showing up on Renfe, Petrabax, Omio. How soon can I expect trains to be available?

Also, what is your preferred website/app to book trains, buses and/or taxis? Thanks in advance for your help, and Buen Camino!

Hi Anthony18 - I've done that route both by train and bus, and have never had a problem booking direct from Europe with renfe.com (trains), nor alsa.com (buses). Good luck. Keith

 

[trecile]

I've had an issue using my credit card on Renfe.com or their app, so I use PayPal and have no problem.

 

[Jamieb]

Is it advisable to buy the train ticket ahead of time before arriving in Madrid? Is there a risk it will be sold out? How the bus ticket from Pamplona to SJPDP - should I go ahead and purchase that ticket now or can I wait? We arrive in Madrid June 4th, plan is to train to Pamplona, then bus to SJPdp on June 5th.

 

[trecile]

Is it advisable to buy the train ticket ahead of time before arriving in Madrid? Is there a risk it will be sold out? How the bus ticket from Pamplona to SJPDP - should I go ahead and purchase that ticket now or can I wait? We arrive in Madrid June 4th, plan is to train to Pamplona, then bus to SJPdp on June 5th.

If you are sure of your dates buy the ticket now. It will be less expensive. One year I bought tickets the day that they were released and got seats in the first class car for only 23.20 Euros each.

 

[gloria lowe]

The train is more relaxing and scenic. Sometimes the trains do sell out. I love Loco2 because they notify you when route goes on sale.

 

[Deleted member 73892]

Is it advisable to buy the train ticket ahead of time before arriving in Madrid? Is there a risk it will be sold out? How the bus ticket from Pamplona to SJPDP - should I go ahead and purchase that ticket now or can I wait? We arrive in Madrid June 4th, plan is to train to Pamplona, then bus to SJPdp on June 5th.

You have to book a ticket in advance, from my experience so far. And it will be cheper, the sooner the better. Best regards, Keith

 

[Anthony18]

A huge thanks to all who chimed in. Much appreciated!

 

[lt56ny]

I usually use Renfe app to book trains, but if it's too far out I use loco2.com to search - you can set an alert on their site, and as soon as the tickets are available they will email you. The earlier you book the better price you can get.

Europe by train and bus made easy | Rail Europe

Buy train and bus tickets for the UK and Europe. Simple, fast booking.

loco2.com

HI Trecile, my friend. Do you know of a site like loco.2 for bus alerts from Pamplona to St. Jean?

 

[AlexanderAZ]

You have to book a ticket in advance, from my experience so far. And it will be cheper, the sooner the better. Best regards, Keith

How much time after landing in Madrid are most people comfortable allowing to catch a train? I guess I have previously been lucky to just buy a train ticket upon arrival but now I'm thinking I (we) should pre-purchase. Does the day of the week of arrival matter? Time of day? If so, we are arriving mid-week, 9:30am. Thanks in advance.