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Train from Pamplona to Madrid- should I book in advance?

caminopeep

New Member
Time of past OR future Camino
I plan to do my first Camino this year
HI all,

I’m really appreciating all the advice and tips I’ve got from here so far!

I’m just looking at a train from Pamplona to Madrid and it works out at €42 each. I’m wondering what your experiences in the past have been? Would you suggest I go ahead and book the train in advance or is the price likely to increase if I don’t? I’m just finding the Spanish train website Renfe quite confusing but don’t be want to risk it selling out or going up in price either!

Also, one of our party is over 60 the fare is suggesting €35 instead. Does she need to purchase something in order to be able to qualify for this though? As we are only really getting one train in Spain maybe it’s not worth her buying that option?
 
3rd Edition. More content, training & pack guides avoid common mistakes, bed bugs etc
The senior will need the Dorado card, which costs 10E, so you probably cannot reserve that fare. Fares do change; they do not necessarily go up as the date gets closer. Often there are fares that are better than the senior fare. Trains do fill, so not reserving carries risks. If you miss you train, you may forfeit your fare.

Lots of possibilities, many of them negative!!;)
 
A guide to speaking Spanish on the Camino - enrich your pilgrim experience.
Go to the train station the day before and buy your tickets. Many times they are more expensive if you buy the same day you are traveling.

There is a discount called Tarjeta Dorada for those 60+, but not worth it for a single journey.
 
You also have direct line to Madrid by bus. And have there are lines direct that stops at Madrid airport. You can try ALSA or PLM companies.
 
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
The first edition came out in 2003 and has become the go-to-guide for many pilgrims over the years. It is shipping with a Pilgrim Passport (Credential) from the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.

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