Santiago to Ourense travel

[AML]

I intend to travel to Ourense from Santiago de Compostela on 15 Sept. I think train is the best option. Is it necessary to book train tickets in advance or can I just get them at the train station in Santiago?
Thanks

 

[whariwharangi]

You can get tickets at the station. Just make sure you leave enough time as the line sometimes moves a bit slowly.

 

[peregrina2000]

Well, I think that buying them ahead of time may be a safer way to go, at least if you are going on the Alvia or AVE (high speed). I learned this the hard way in July when I wanted to get from Pamplona to Ponferrada. Since it was a week day, not a holiday, I planned to get them at the train station. I arrived in Pampona on Tuesday afternoon, traveling WEd. Luckily, I checked online to see about tickets and was surprised to see the fast train was all sold out, for the next day and several after that. I was able to get to Ponferrada but it was an 8 1/2 hour trip involving a transfer and a million stops, rather than a fast Alvia ride.

I asked some Spanish friends about it and they told me that RENFE is cutting back on seats/cars on these trains, so they are more frequently full.

 

[AML]

Well, I think that buying them ahead of time may be a safer way to go, at least if you are going on the Alvia or AVE (high speed). I learned this the hard way in July when I wanted to get from Pamplona to Ponferrada. Since it was a week day, not a holiday, I planned to get them at the train station. I arrived in Pampona on Tuesday afternoon, traveling WEd. Luckily, I checked online to see about tickets and was surprised to see the fast train was all sold out, for the next day and several after that. I was able to get to Ponferrada but it was an 8 1/2 hour trip involving a transfer and a million stops, rather than a fast Alvia ride.

I asked some Spanish friends about it and they told me that RENFE is cutting back on seats/cars on these trains, so they are more frequently full.

Thanks, yeah i would like to take the high speed train to Ourense. I was intending to go directly to train station from airport when i arrive in Santiago and on to Ourense, so maybe it is better to buy tickets in advance.

 

[peregrina2000]

The other thing is, with that much advance time, you might be able to get a really cheap web fare, that is if you can figure out how to buy RENFE tickets online. It has proved challenging for me in the past. Buen camino, Laurie

 

[IngridF]

You can get tickets at the station. Just make sure you leave enough time as the line sometimes moves a bit wayslowly.

Yes and yes But the train might be booked out. It is probably more important to have reservations from the other way to Ourense. The day I traveled I called to ask the same question and was told I better buy now..there were only 8 tickets left. Guess I bought my ticket right away.

 

[whariwharangi]

Yes and yes But the train might be booked out. It is probably more important to have reservations from the other way to Ourense. The day I traveled I called to ask the same question and was told I better buy now..there were only 8 tickets left. Guess I bought my ticket right away.

There are currently 12 trains on that route ... the odds are if you miss one you will get the next.

 

[Tincatinker]

No trains listed for September 15th yet. Basic fare is €16.60 for a 44 minute trip or you could splash out €26.40 and save 6 minutes. There may be some advance booking discounts once train times are actually posted but I have never managed to buy via the RENFE website. Unless you are travelling on a holiday peak walk-up is fine. (IMO)

 

[AML]

As there is chance of a Renfe strike on 15 Sept, I wont buy ticket in advance just yet! Im sure there is possibility it will be called off!!
What are bus options from Santiago to Ourense?

 

[whariwharangi]

As there is chance of a Renfe strike on 15 Sept, I wont buy ticket in advance just yet! Im sure there is possibility it will be called off!!
What are bus options from Santiago to Ourense?

Castromil (Monbus)
http://www.monbus.es/es