Train Madrid to Leon

[Leigharev]

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.

 

[henrythedog]

You’re far too early for a September train. It’s a feature of RENFE that although the timetable rarely changes it’s not confirmed in full until three (often fewer) months before departure date.

 

[dick bird]

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.

 

[ginniek]

Unless things change drastically in the next several months there will likely be 8-10 trains available most days. Here is tomorrow's schedule. And Rome2Rio recommends the train as the best transportation mode for this route (and so do I). https://www.rome2rio.com/map/Madrid/León-Spain#r/Train-via-Madrid-Chamartin

 

[J Willhaus]

Yes, check back to buy your ticket a month or 6 weeks out.

 

[walking sticKs]

Try Rail Europe, I left out of the Atocha station to Leon around noon on my last Camino.

 

[Sueboop]

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.

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 !

 

[J Willhaus]

I checked a few days ago for another pilgrim and not all train routes have been released for April 1 yet.

 

[dbier]

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.

 

[Leigharev]

Thanks you all for your responses.
Very valuable feedback all around. I appreciate it!!