Train bookings

[Sijmon]

I'm looking to leave Santiago for Madrid in October but can't find a train ticket. Is this because there aren't any trains? Or they are already fully booked? Or they are unbookable this far ahead and just not yet available? Any help or advice most appreciated

 

[trecile]

Or they are unbookable this far ahead and just not yet available?

This is the correct answer to your question. Start checking when you are around six weeks out.

 

[HighlandsHiker]

I'm having a similar issue Madrid to Astorga in 3.5 weeks. There's some work being done around Madrid Chamartin, but mostly affecting the Cercanias, I think. I'm finding that most of the trains except perhaps one late afternoon one are listed, but marked "Not available at this time". Some show up "sold out" at other times. I've always found Renfe's site kind of difficult, and sometimes Trainline.com is easier to use....and sometimes ALSA is easier.....

 

[Sijmon]

This is the correct answer to your question. Start checking when you are around six weeks out.

Thank you!! That is a relief to know

 

[Astipad]

RENFE is a huge mess. Train tickets get available at weird timing, there is no rule really… How they (RENFE) manage to still exist is a mystery to me (13 years living in Spain..).

 

[Liica]

I'm looking to leave Santiago for Madrid in October but can't find a train ticket. Is this because there aren't any trains? Or they are already fully booked? Or they are unbookable this far ahead and just not yet available? Any help or advice most appreciated

I went from Madrid to Santiago in March. Tried to book 3 months before, 2 months before and was not available. It will be available +- 1 month in advance

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I went from Madrid to Santiago in March. Tried to book 3 months before, 2 months before and was not available. It will be available +- 1 month in advance

I've done the same this year when needing to get from Santiago to Segovia in mid May. For those of us connecting train service to our airports to get back home, it can be unsettling, especially for those of us who like to plan ahead, but waiting and continually checking is frustrating, although perseverance eventually does pay off. There is not always an exact time frame in my experiences when tickets are finally released; be it 6, 5, or 4 weeks or a tad less in advance.

 

[BRSmith13]

Also - if you look on Renfe for Santiago to Porto - won’t find it. BUT - if you look at Santiago to Vigo then Vigo to Porto - It’s there! There are two train stations in Vigo but a 10 min can ride.

 

[Liica]

Also - if you look on Renfe for Santiago to Porto - won’t find it. BUT - if you look at Santiago to Vigo then Vigo to Porto - It’s there! There are two train stations in Vigo but a 10 min can ride.

Does Renfe works in Portugal? Or from Vigo to Porto is another company?

 

[kdespot]

Is it necessary to book a train from Santiago to Madrid at the end of October more than a day or two in advance?

 

[trecile]

Does Renfe works in Portugal? Or from Vigo to Porto is another company?

Renfe is the Spanish train system.
Comboios is the Portuguese train system.

CP - Comboios de Portugal

At CP - Comboios de Portugal, you can check train times and discounts and buy tickets online. Further details.

www.cp.pt

You can use a third party like TrainLine to book tickets in both countries

Trainline | Search, Compare & Buy Cheap Train & Bus Tickets

Trainline, your quick and easy way to book train and bus tickets across Europe. ✓ Save 61% on UK Rail ✓ Search train times ✓ Get the app ✓ 200+ operators

www.thetrainline.com

 

[Albertagirl]

The last time that I booked a train ticket from Santiago to Madrid, it was to get my flight from Madrid back to Canada the day after I arrived in Madrid. I spent some time in Santiago and went to the train station right after I arrived there to check on trains. I was told that there were no train tickets to Madrid available at that time, but to return on a particular day, when I should be able to make a booking. With the understanding that the tickets would sell out, I was there in good time on the day that they were available and bought my ticket to Madrid. If I had not been able to do so, I would have bought a bus ticket, which can be a long and uncomfortable ride, but would have got me to Madrid in time to catch my flight.

 

[JCLima]

Comboios is the Portuguese train system

'Comboios de Portugal' but most commonly referred to as CP.

'Comboios' just means trains.

 

[trecile]

'Comboios de Portugal' but most commonly referred to as CP.

'Comboios' just means trains.

Thank you for the correction

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Is it necessary to book a train from Santiago to Madrid at the end of October more than a day or two in advance?

Personally for myself, when I need to get to Madrid from Santiago to catch my flight home, I never wait until a day or two ahead of time, no matter what month I am traveling. Quieter tourist months usually mean fewer trains are operating. And for the high speed trains, once tickets are released, they usually sell out fast, which has been my experience.

 

[markie6]

Personally for myself, when I need to get to Madrid from Santiago to catch my flight home, I never wait until a day or two ahead of time, no matter what month I am traveling. Quieter tourist months usually mean fewer trains are operating. And for the high speed trains, once tickets are released, they usually sell out fast, which has been my experience.

Yes to this . Often there is no point waiting if you know when you need to travel. The price won't alter

Peace of mind imho is worth booking early for

 

[Liica]

Renfe is the Spanish train system.
Comboios is the Portuguese train system.

CP - Comboios de Portugal

At CP - Comboios de Portugal, you can check train times and discounts and buy tickets online. Further details.

www.cp.pt

You can use a third party like TrainLine to book tickets in both countries

Trainline | Search, Compare & Buy Cheap Train & Bus Tickets

Trainline, your quick and easy way to book train and bus tickets across Europe. ✓ Save 61% on UK Rail ✓ Search train times ✓ Get the app ✓ 200+ operators

www.thetrainline.com

Ah, ok. Thank you.
I live in Spain.
I was not sure that Renfe had or not a train into Portugal.

 

[kdespot]

Personally for myself, when I need to get to Madrid from Santiago to catch my flight home, I never wait until a day or two ahead of time, no matter what month I am traveling. Quieter tourist months usually mean fewer trains are operating. And for the high speed trains, once tickets are released, they usually sell out fast, which has been my experience.

Thanks!