I have a non-food, more logistical question. My flight arrives very early in Madrid from the US. I plan to taxi straight to Atocha station and take a train from there to Granada. Given possible delays, etc. should I wait to buy my train ticket, or are the early trains likely to sell out? I’m arriving on a Monday morning at 5:45. Would love to catch the 7:35 (I think the next one isn’t until 8:55).
And once I am in Granada, do I want to buy my ticket to Cordoba a day or two ahead?
Thanks! I really appreciate all the help and tips. I’m getting excited about my trip!
Kari: I had a similar dilemma last year when I arrived in MAD and planned to transfer from the airport (by 33 euro fixed rate taxi) to Atoccha to take the IRYO train to Cordoba. I bought my train ticket, allowing about three hours or so from landing to train departure. As it happened, I arrived at Atocha so early that there was another train departing shortly, saving me waiting at Atocha for hours. (There is an IRYO lounge across the street at the ONLY YOU HOTEL but that’d not open until 9;30am). Because I had an Infinita-class IRYO ticket, the staff at the Atocha IRYO office changed my ticket to the earlier train for no fee. I think you will make the 7:35am train but if you are worried about missing it, consider booking with a later IRYO train if the times work for you. I’ve said this in a roundabout way, but as long as you have the IRYO Infinita Class ticket, you could change to the earlier departure for no charge. I know nothing about Renfe, however, but I was very happy with the ease of online booking and the IRYO train itself. My ticket even allowed me a choice of simple meal, with wine. And no luggage limit that I am aware of. Just do not bring scissors larger than manicure size on any Spanish train!
Wow, I had never heard of them before and they sound and look very nice. Unfortunately it looks like they don’t go to Granada. But now I will check the Renfre website- maybe they say something about changing times (as this site did).
So, if I book RENFRE “elite confort” class it says changes are free, but also says changes made 30 minutes after the train has left will pay 30% of next ticket cost, which is confusing. But it sounds lime the way to go, because it sounds like it is doable. Knowing I won’t be stressed about it is worth the extra 13 euros. Never would have occurred to me to check different fare categories, so thank you again!
I don’t understand that either. I took a look at IRYO but it looks as if you’d have to change to reach Granada… Your flight arrives early morning, so there’s usually not much traffic…I was amazed at how fast I got from deplaning to Atocha BUT it was on a Sunday. I can’t wait to hear about your adventures!
We arrived on the same flight last March, and got to the hotel very quickly. Hoping for the same again this time, but just in case (I have had 2 long delays in the last few years) I got the most expensive ticket, which is very forgiving. Hadn’t occurred to me that this would be the case, many thanks to you for the idea! Bought it today. Unfortunately the website was acting up and it took 45 minutes, but it is done. Yay!
