Train from Madrid to Leon

[jluspo]

Hello,

My first post here but I've been lurking for a while. I'm starting my Camino from Leon to Santiago beginning on Oct 14. I'm landing in Madrid 9:30am on Oct 13th and actually purchased my train ticket to Leon leaving Madrid at 17:30. The ticket that I bought says "Tarifa Flexible." Does that mean I can get on a earlier train or will I have to buy a new ticket when I get to the station?

thanks,
Joven

 

[trecile]

This site explains the train system in Spain, fare classes, etc.

A beginner's guide to train travel in Spain | How to use www.renfe.com

A guide to travelling around Spain by train, including how to buy cheap Spanish train tickets at www.renfe.com.

www.seat61.com

 

[scruffy1]

3 thoughts: 1) does the train ticket you purchased refer to a train leaving from the airport or from the downtown station? 8 hours in the airport or an easy trip to town and hop te train? 2) It's a 3 hour ride +- from Madrid to León meaning you will arrive 2230. Do reserve lodging, the train station is not far from beautiful downtown León, the cathedral and many hotels of all prices. Reserve from the comfort of home instead of wandering around in the dark looking for a hotel not yet completo. 3) Don't run down the Camino first thing next morning, take time see the cathedral in daylight a-n-d visit San Isodoro - not the church nothing much to see there but the next-door museum which houses the frescoes!!! Not to be missed

 

[jluspo]

This site explains the train system in Spain, fare classes, etc.

A beginner's guide to train travel in Spain | How to use www.renfe.com

A guide to travelling around Spain by train, including how to buy cheap Spanish train tickets at www.renfe.com.

www.seat61.com

Thanks for this link. It answered all my questions about the Spanish train.

 

[jluspo]

3 thoughts: 1) does the train ticket you purchased refer to a train leaving from the airport or from the downtown station? 8 hours in the airport or an easy trip to town and hop te train? 2) It's a 3 hour ride +- from Madrid to León meaning you will arrive 2230. Do reserve lodging, the train station is not far from beautiful downtown León, the cathedral and many hotels of all prices. Reserve from the comfort of home instead of wandering around in the dark looking for a hotel not yet completo. 3) Don't run down the Camino first thing next morning, take time see the cathedral in daylight a-n-d visit San Isodoro - not the church nothing much to see there but the next-door museum which houses the frescoes!!! Not to be missed

Hi Scruffy1,

1) The 17:30 train leaves from Atocha station. I have to make my way from the airport to this station.
2) Yes, I will arrive fairly late. I'm interested in exchanging my ticket for an earlier train so I can enjoy Leon and possibly attend mass at the cathedral.
3) I will try to see the cathedral in the morning then head off to my Camino. Thanks for the tip about San Isidro but unfortunately, I will have to head out after visiting the cathedral

 

[scruffy1]

Do try for an earlier train, San Isodoro? Has the cathedral beat any day!