The Trains in Spain

There are many types of trains in Spain 
and for some of us, 
it can be quite confusing.

Here is some information you might find helpful:

Most of the Spanish railway network is operated by RENFE.

Use the Eurail Time Table to check times for trains in Spain.

 

Regional and Intercity Trains:

The main rail network in Spain is made up of the following regional and intercity trains:

Media Distancia trains link regional destinations with larger cities. The network connects with long distance high-speed trains and the trains make frequent stops. 

Cercanías (suburban trains) is a network of trains that operates in and around the larger Spanish cities including Barcelona and Valencia.

High-speed trains in Spain

International high-speed trains in Spain

These high-speed trains operate to and from Spain:

TGV connects Barcelona with Paris (France).

Talgo du Jour (Mare Nostrum) links Valencia, Murcia and Barcelona with Montpellier (France).

Internacional trains connect Vigo with Porto (Portugal).

Domestic high-speed trains in Spain

Spain's extensive high-speed train network is operated by modern trains that offer you high quality service.  The following high speed trains operate in Spain

AVANT Train

Avant trains operate on short-distance routes. 

 * * *

AVE Train

AVE trains reach speeds of up to 300 km/h (186 mph) 

and take you from Madrid to Barcelona in less than 3 hours.

* * *

ALTARIA Second Class Seating

Altaria trains link Madrid with cities in the south of Spain.

* * *

ALVIA First Class Seating

Alvia and Arco trains operate between Madrid 

and Spain's nothern cities like Bilbao and San Sebastian.

* * *

Euromed Train

Euromed trains operate on the route Barcelona – Valencia – Alicante.

Night Trains in Spain

I have traveled on the InterCite and the Lusitania, and frankly, I'd rather go in the daytime and see the scenery. It was difficult for me to get any sleep, not because the trains weren't lovely, but because of the constant noise and bouncy tracks. I just didn't like it and will not do it again unless necessary. However, here is the information for those of you who are able to sleep anywhere or might need to take a night train due to time constraints.

International night trains in Spain

The following night trains connect Spain with France, Luxembourg, Portugal and Switzerland:

First Class Couchette on InterCite de Nuit

InterCité de Nuit:

Portbou – Toulouse – Paris (France)

Portbou – Montpellier – Nancy – Luxembourg (Luxembourg)

Portbou – Montpellier – Strasbourg (France)

Irún – Lourdes – Paris (France) 

Irún – Bordeaux – Marseille – Nice (France)

Irún – Toulouse – Lyon – Geneva (Switzerland)

TrenHotel Lusitania

Lusitania:

Madrid – Lisbon (Portugal)

Toilets/showers and berths are pretty much the same on Sud Expresso and Lusitania

Sud Expresso:

Irún – Lisbon (Portugal)

Domestic night trains in Spain

Estrella trains connect major Spanish cities by night:

Madrid – Barcelona – Portbou

Bilbao – Malaga

Trenhotel trains link the north of Spain with Barcelona and capital city Madrid:

A Coruna – Barcelona 

A Coruna – Madrid

DISCOUNTS

For most high speed and long distance trains (Ave, Altaria, Alaris, Alvia, Arco, Euromed and Talgo), Renfe offers two discounted fares. 

 - The Web fare provides a 60% discount off full fare. It must be purchased a minimum of 15 days in advance. 

 - The Estrella fare is a 40% discount, which must be purchased a minimum of 7 days in advance. 

 - A Tarifa Ultima Hora fare, a 50% discount, is available on some trains, some routes, which can be purchased online a maximum of 24 hours prior to departure. These are not available on the medium distance AVANT trains, which offer only one class of service and one discount-a 20% discount for a round trip ticket for the same day, and a 10% discount for a round trip made within 15 days.


 - The Tarjeta Dorada is a card available to those 60 and over, of any nationality, which can be purchased at any Renfe station or Spain travel agency (but not online) for €6. See previous blog posting for more information.

CLASSES

There are various classes of train travel:

Turista (tourist) class: Cars have a 2-2-seat configuration, ample leg room, and passengers receive a headset for video (movie) and four music channels. 

Preferente (business) class:  Cars have a 2-1 seat configuration, fewer passengers, greater seat pitch.  Passengers receive headsets for video and music channels, a newspaper and copy of the Renfe Paisajes magazine, a set meal (breakfast, snack or dinner), free drinks (wine with meal and after dinner cordials) and access to the VIP Club Ave lounges. 

Club Car:   Offere on AVE trains, this is a more expensive class of service.  It has 30 leather seats and a 2-1-seat configuration, and is similar to the Club car of a US Northeast corridor ACELA train. The meal served is a la carte, with "open bar" service throughout the journey.

Purchasing Tickets Online

If you are traveling in shoulder or off season, I wouldn't bother purchasing tickets online. If you are traveling in high season, depending on exactly when and how long a trip you're taking, it might be a good idea.  

The Renfre site appears to work well with Master Card, Visa, Discovery, and Capitol One credit cards. American Express does not appear to work. Before attempting an online purchase, you should call your credit card issuer to alert them that you will be making a purchase on the Renfe site so that your credit card fraud department does not block your purchase. This has been the source of many frustrated pilgrims. 

If you'll be doing a lot of train travel, a rail pass might be convenient, but to me, the best prices are found in the stations in Spain as you travel.. 

Discounts for Those Over 60

If you are over 60 years old, 

you can save a bit of cash 

by applying for a Tarjeta Dorada card.

This card entitles you to purchase tickets for any train and class.

The Tarjeta Dorada is valid for one year.

It can be purchased at any Renfe station, 

ticket office, or travel agency.

The cost is only €6.

People over 18 years of age who are receiving a pension, 

people with an officially declared permanant, total 

or absolute or severe physical or mental disability, 

or people with a disability of 65% or more 

can also obtain the Card. 

For such persons, the words 

"AND TRAVELING COMPANION" 

will be printed on the card and allow the companion

 to travel with the same discount.

On AVE Trains.

These trains reach up to 300 mph!

On Monday through Thursday you will get a 40% discount.

On Friday through Sunday you will get a 25% discount 

for tickets that have not been bought in advance and with a reserved seat.

On Conventional Trains

40% discount all days, trains, and routes.

On AVANT

These trains operate on short-distance routes.

25% on Monday through Friday

40% on Saturday and Sunday

On Cercanías

These are suburban trains.

40% discount all days

On Ancho Métrico

50% discount all days, trains, and routes

The card used to be quite colorful,

but last year I received a heavy paper foldable card

 that looked much like this one:

Other discounts:

Last year I was able to use my card for a big discount 

at the archaeological site in Merida on the Via de la Plata. 

 However, other museums and bus stations did not allow a discount. 

I suggest you simply ASK at each place.

For €6,

 if you plan on doing any train travel at all, 

this card can save you some cash.

You will need identification to prove 

either your age or your disability status.

Buen Camino!

Getting from Madrid to Pamplona and more on Pickpockets

Getting to Pamplona From Madrid

FROM MADRID, you can fly, take the train, or take a bus.

Arriving in Madrid is a treat! 

The airport is very modern and beautiful! 

Madrid Airport

Flying is nice, but Spain really is a bus country. Many bus companies offer good, clean and safe service across the country, and most of the buses are beautiful Mercedes Benz buses! Nothing like the old broken down Greyhounds you find in the USA!

An ALSA Bus

There are both regional bus companies and a few national ones. Alsa is one of the national companies, and one way to get from the airport to Pamplona when you first arrive.

A CONDA Bus.

 Conda is another bus company that takes people from the Madrid airport to Pamplona.

If you fly into Madrid, there are buses that leave directly from Terminal 4 at Barajas. There is a machine where you can buy a ticket at the exit near the taxi parking  The machine takes credit cards or cash (euros). 

On ALSA, you have change buses, usually in Burgos or Zaragoza, which makes the trip a bit longer. However, it is not a difficult change, especially if you speak a bit of Spanish. 

The Conda buses go direction from Madrid to Pamplona with no change. This option is the also cheapest, coming in around 23-35€.

Arrivals from North America, Asia, South America or Australia are better served from Madrid. Catch a bus directly from the airport to Pamplona or take the metro (or Circanius train) from Madrid airport to Atocha metro station where you can connect with the high-speed train (AVE) to Pamplona in 3 hours.

Arrivals from Europe, fly directly to Bilbao, Biarritz or Zaragoza then travel by bus or rental car to Pamplona in less than 2 hour drive.

CATCHING THE BUS

There are ALSA buses to Pamplona several times a day.

You must change buses once.Check schedules at www.alsa.es 

There are CONDA buses going directly to Pamplona. 

No stops, no changes.
Check schedules at www.movelia.es

The prices between ALSA and CONDA buses differ by 10-30 euros. You can purchase your ticket online or at the airport. 

GETTING TO T4 in MADRID

Your ticket should tell you which terminal you are flying into.
If you are purchasing online, be sure to give yourself enough time to get off the plane, go through customs, pick up your baggage (not suggested to check bags), and get to the T4 terminal.
It will say T1, T2, etc.

There is a bus going from terminal to terminal in Madrid. It costs less than 2 euros and can be caught downstairs and out front of your arrival terminal. Last time I took it, it was a blue/green bus and to the RIGHT after you walked out of the terminal.

ASK FOR HELP.

Find someone wearing a GREEN jacket and ask if they can help you. Or find the Information desk. They will speak English there. You will recognize it because there is a large yellow "i" above it.

Information Desk

Tell them you are looking for the ticket office for the CONDA or ALSA bus to Pamplona. (whichever you decide on) They will direct you. 

Most of the signs in the Madrid airport are in English as well as Spanish. So it's really easy to find your way around - it's just LARGE!  They also give you the time it will take you to walk to the gate which is helpful.

Getting to Other Terminals

I find the bus the easiest and safest. To get a shuttle bus, the boarding platform is just outside the exit. They often allow you to purchase tickets right there next to the bus – so watch for that. This bus also goes into downtown Madrid. ASK. Sometimes the line is long, but it goes fast. 

The bus from T1 to T4 takes about 20 minutes. 

Going in direction T1 to T4, you want to be on the 1st Floor at the departures level.

(Going direction T4 to T1, you have to be on the Arrivals level, which is the Planta Baja, Lower level)

The terminal to terminal bus runs every 5 minutes between 6:30 a.m. and 23:30. From 23:30 - 1:50 a.m. it runs every 20 minutes; from 1:50 -6:30, every 40 minutes

Getting to your gate at T4 could be a long haul. But it's very well marked, with lots of indication about how much time it will take (though the times posted are very generous and you usually arrive in much less time than they indicate).

A tip -- The elevators in T4 are usually much quicker than the escalators because of the distances between upper and lower levels. 

There is an excellent blog on taking the shuttle into the city at this link:

Madridman's Blog

Taking the Train from Madrid to Pamplona 

FINDING THE RENFRE CIRCANIUS

When I was there last year, the Circanius RENFRE office was downstairs right next to where you go through the stiles to catch the train. It was very tiny and could have been a temporary office. Honestly, I'm not sure. But you can ask at the info desk in the airport and they will direct you.

In the airport, at the RENFRE Circanius station you can purchase a Tarjeta Dorada card for 5 euros. Then you can just show it to bus or train agents and possibly get nice discounts. Here is a link to more information about that card: 

http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/tarifas/tarjeta_dorada.html

This card is mainly for train travel, but I even got a discount at the museum in Merida with my card. It never hurts to ask! 

When you arrive in Madrid, you will arrive at either terminal T2 or T4.  You can take the METRO to Atocha Metro Station and walk to the Renfre Station. Or you can take the Circanius to Atocha Station. It takes you right into the train station.

Atocha is the main train station in Madrid. There, you will find trains to destinations all over Europe. It's a big place and is beautiful inside. 

Atocha Station

The Circanius is a train that goes from the airport to Atocha and back all day long. You catch it on the lower floor of T4. Get your ticket from the tiny Renfre office right at the entrance to the train, or from the kiosks. 

There are signs in the airport that will lead you to both the Metro and the Circanius. 

If you are traveling by train, BE AWARE OF WHERE YOU ARE. They do not announce the stops. This is not such a problem during the daytime. You can watch for signs out your window.  But at night, the signs are difficult to see. Don't be afraid to ASK people sitting near you. They are used to tourists and are generally very helpful.

If you do decide to take the train, here are a few videos that will help you become familiar with the territory. Sorry, they're in Spanish, but you can stop them and study the screens on the ticket machine. 

(Often if there is a local, they will help you. Look for young people who may speak English.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4Lu8Y9e-qU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pz7ZAlIcigQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkTMY679M7k

You want to choose ADULTO IDA  (Adult one way) and then your destination.

IF YOU TAKE THE METRO ... WATCH YOUR BELONGINGS!
It is like being in a sardine can and the pickpockets are working!
Be sure your money, cards, cameras are really secure.
If you have zippers, I close them with a safety pin or even wire until I get to my destination. Hold your hand over your purse or pocket.  Be AWARE. 

I know I harp on this, but it can save you some grief. 
Last year in Barcelona, Joe and I got slimed with the "bird poop" scam. We knew what was going on and as soon as the guy approached, we yelled at him. He ran. If we had not know about it, we would have thought he was just a nice man in a business suit wanting to help us.  And we could have lost a lot.

Read my blog on pickpockets.  Know their schemes.

I'm going to post photos at the bottom of this blog to remind you.

Getting to Pamplona From Other Cities:

From Bilbao (169km)

Train No trains available to Pamplona.
Car (1.5 hours) Direction Bilbao-San Sebastian-Pamplona. Take tha A15 from San Sebastian direct to Pamplona. You can also go via Bilbao-Vitoria-Pamplona, 2.2 hrs. We don t́ recommend this route as it has lots of curves and it’s not free either!
Bus (1.5 hours) Arrive to Bilbao ś Central Bus Station and take La Burundesa autobuseslaunion.com Tel: +34 944 271111.

From Biarritz (128km)

Train No train available to Pamplona.
Car (1.5 hours) Take the A63/E70 & cross the border into Spain. Stay on the E70/A8 direction Biarritz- Irún-San Sebastian-Pamplona.
Bus (1 hours) Bus from Biarritz to San Sebastian 12 noon and 6 pm pesa.net then change for a 2nd bus to Pamplona with La Conda condasa.com there are 7 daily buses starting at 7:15am and last bus at 8:30 pm. Telephone +34 943 461064

From San Sebastian (85km)

Train (1 hour 45) Train services from San Sebastian take about 1
hour 45 min to the Pamplona station, which is about 2km north of the old town. Tickets can be booked online in advance (strongly recommended) at Renfe.com.
Car (1 hour) Take the A15 direct to Pamplona and enjoy the scenery. Bus (1 hour) La Conda condasa.com there are 7 daily buses starting at 7:15am & last bus at 8:30 pm. Telephone +34 943 461064.

From Zaragoza (181km)

Train (2 hours) When you arrive at Zaragoza Train Station to connect to the High Speed Train (AVE). Tickets can be booked online in advance (strongly recommended) at Renfe.com.
Car (2 hours) Take the A2/E90 AP68 (toll roads) A68 direction Zaragoza-Tudela-Pamplona.

Bus (2 hours) La Conda condasa.com there are 7 daily buses starting at 7.15am & last bus at 8.30 pm. Tel: (0034) 976 333 372

AVENIDA DE AMERICA STATION.
Sometimes buses to Pamplona will leave from the Avenida de America bus station in Madrid.  Here is their address:

Intercambiador de Avda. de AméricaDirección: Avda de America, 9. Planta -1 C.P: 28028 Andén: 27 (Salidas y Llegadas) Planta -1
Horario: 5:30 h. a 01:30 h. (Largo recorrido) 

There are buses going regularly all day long from Madrid T4 to this station. You catch the bus outside the T4 terminal and it costs between 2-3 euros. The bus station is usually the last stop, but ASK the bus driver to please tell you when you arrive. 


How to Read an Horario (schedule)

If you are over 60, look for a box that says “Edad Dorada” which means “Golden Age.” This will get you a nice discount from 30 euros down to about 23 euros, depending on the day of the week.

IDA means "One-Way." 

IDA y VUELTA means “there and return.” 
SALIDA = Departure Time 

LLEGADA = Arrival Time 

ORIGEN = Origen 

DESTINO = Destination 

DURACION = Duration of Trip 

PRECIO = Price 

PRECIO PROMO – Promotional Price* 

Sometimes there is a special price war going on

PLAZAS – LIBRE = This means places are not assigned. You can sit anywhere. Some have assigned seats, so check your ticket when you get it.

LMXJVSD – These are the days of the week this bus/train runs: Lunes (Monday), Martes (Tuesday), Miercoles (Wednesay), etc.Learn the days of the weeks in Spanish. It will make your trip much simpler. 

Be aware that unlike USA calendars, calendars in Spain begin on MONDAY and end on SUNDAY, so it can be confusing.

If you have updated information or questions, please post them in the comment section.

Buen Camino, Peregrinos!

******************

A few photos to enlighten you!

The above photo shows a common scam along the Camino as well as in the large cities of Europe. Bright eyed, beautiful teenagers will approach you with a folder, or a clipboard, wanting to tell you about deaf people or some political issue. As soon as you see them approaching, WAVE THEM OFF AND SHOUT "NO!"  And be very aware of your pockets. See the girl picking the pocket of the man listening to the other pretty lady?

A girl watching for your pin number. She has the pad positions memorized.

If someone is standing too closely when you are at the ATM, wave them back and even yell at them if they don't move!  It's best to do banking in the larger cities with a partner who can stand back to back with you and watch your surroundings. Be aware of quick handed money grabbers. Keep your hand over the slot that distributes the cash and the card.  Don't be paranoid, but don't let your guard down. They watch for distracted tourists.  If someone wants to talk to you while you're at the ATM, shout them away!  No need to be polite. They count on that!

Haha! 

I have seen this scam in action on stairs and escalators.

Someone in front of you will drop a bunch of change, 

or a package, and items will scatter.

They count on your help picking things up.

While you are helping, their partner is helping themselves to your goods.

I know it's tough, but walk on by.

Yes, they DO!

I"m just reading the paper… and making some money!

This is not the Madrid Metro, but this is how crowded it can be.

Don't trust anyone. Even nice old grandpa types, and ESPECIALLY if they're holding a sweater or jacket over their arm!  Move away from them! Put your back against the wall if you can.

Distracted by a Street Performer while the pickpocket's partner gets the goods.

How they work with a jacket over their arm.

It's not just men. It's women like your sister, mom, or child.

So sorry to have to post these photos, but you need to be aware.

Please read my blog on pickpockets.

These folks don't think like you do.

They are proud of what they do and have no shame in getting caught.

Know what to expect.

Stay alert.

Then relax and have a Buen Camino.