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Train Madrid to Leon

Leigharev

New Member
Donating Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Camino Frances Leon to SDC Sept.2024
Hi everyone! First time pilgrim arriving in September 2024. We will be spending the night in Madrid and then plan to take the train to Leon to start our Camino there.
I have no experience with the trains and upon researching I am only finding a single train leaving Madrid/Chamartin at 20:24, arriving in Leon at 22:22.
I had hoped there would be earlier options. Do they add more times as the date gets closer or should I make a different plan based on the time listed here?

Thanks in advance for any advice you can provide.
 
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September is a long way out so it is possible, but the Spanish train system can be complicated to navigate online. Are you looking at the Renfe website? It has a bad reputation but recently I have used it without issues. The other possibility is the bus - Alsa is the biggest company. I would google ´transport Madrid to León and see what comes up. Rome2rio is also a good website to try.
 
Camino Way markers in Bronze
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
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Luggage from SJPP to Roncevalles
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Hi there I’m doing the same train trip in Apr and it was the only one available to book for me 3 weeks ago on the recommended Renfe site. I know the arrival timing isn’t great. I’ve opted to stay an extra night in Leon so I can check it out the next day and gear up to head off the following one. Buen Camino to you !
 
Summary of everything said above:

1. It's too early to reserve for September. RailEurope let me book for my Sept train last year in about April or May, ahead of Renfe. I don't recommend booking on Renfe from the US...they're quite tempermental about US credit cards.

2. Plenty of options to Leon from Chamartin, which is easier to get to from the airport in Madrid, if that's a concern Atocha is further via light rail (Cercanis).

3. When you do purchase a ticket, pay very strict attention to which train, which number, and if reserved, which coach car and which seat.

4. Like many train stations in Spain, you will pass through a security checkpoint inside the station, and won't be allowed to proceed to the track until a certain number of minutes before the train departs.

5. Buen Camino.
 
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A selection of Camino Jewellery
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