Train travel mid Oct/Nov

[khiker9]

Hey veteran pilgrims - of which I am one - is it common in mid October for all fast trains from Madrid to Leon to be “sold out” six weeks out from travel? It’s been 10 years since I have done a Camino this late in the year & didn’t remember having this issue. Also, I will be arriving in Santiago first week of November & it seems there is only one train from Santiago to Madrid at 7 a.m. & it’s “sold out” on my day. Has it been common that the full train schedule back to Madrid closed the end of Oct? I know, I can take a 9-10 hour bus back or fly! This is just not what I was expecting! At least the Parador is about half price & that is my treat to myself for my birthday! Just looking for comments on your experiences!

 

[trecile]

I think that it's because the tickets have not yet gone on sale.

 

[BarbaraW]

There's a good explanation about the issues with advance bookings on RENFE trains here https://www.seat61.com/train-travel-in-spain.htm#Spain_by_train,_in_a_nutshell

It's a very helpful and reassuring website.

 

[henrythedog]

Have a look what trains are running this week; it’s highly likely that the same trains will run in a month’s time. RENFEs process for confirming trains defies logic. I’m on an AVE Barcelona to Zaragoza in early October which was on sale two and a half months ago, whilst the local train I need (which has run at the same times every day since time immemorial) has just been released with ten days to go.

 

[khiker9]

I think that it's because the tickets have not yet gone on sale.

I hear you! Six weeks out that’s what I thought but now it’s less than 4 weeks & still nothing. I bought a late afternoon ticket that can be changed hoping something opens up!

 

[khiker9]

Have a look what trains are running this week; it’s highly likely that the same trains will run in a month’s time. RENFEs logic in confirming trains defies logic. I’m on an AVE Barcelona to Zaragoza in early October which was on sale two and a half months ago, whilst the local train I need (which has run at the same times every day since time immemorial) has just been released with ten days to go.

 

[J Willhaus]

This particular line has been particularly late in getting posted the last year or so.

 

[khiker9]

This particular line has been particularly late in getting posted the last year or so.

Funny - since an hour ago they just now have posted trains for 11/1 - 11/4. I need 11/6 so I guess I need to wait a few more days before I book a flight!

Renfe?????

 

[BarbaraW]

Renfe = Red National de los Ferrocariles Espanoles, the Spanish national rail operator.

 

[J Willhaus]

Last year for a trip with students in January I was checking daily. Already had our plane tickets though. Not as many travelers or pilgrims to compete with in January.

Edit:renfe is the name of the train network in Spain that you are trying to book with.

 

[CarisB]

Hey veteran pilgrims - of which I am one - is it common in mid October for all fast trains from Madrid to Leon to be “sold out” six weeks out from travel? It’s been 10 years since I have done a Camino this late in the year & didn’t remember having this issue. Also, I will be arriving in Santiago first week of November & it seems there is only one train from Santiago to Madrid at 7 a.m. & it’s “sold out” on my day. Has it been common that the full train schedule back to Madrid closed the end of Oct? I know, I can take a 9-10 hour bus back or fly! This is just not what I was expecting! At least the Parador is about half price & that is my treat to myself for my birthday! Just looking for comments on your experiences!

Don't worry. I had the same concern,. Plenty of trains will be made available. Just keep checking back about 3-4 weeks before your trip. Also -- I happened to read on this site some GREAT advice from a veteran Pilgrim that they book 2 trains (one a couple hours later than the other) just in case of a flight delay or a hang up in customs. Just be sure when you double book, you buy the cancel-for-any-reason tickets which, you can cancel on line with a click (I used Trainline app for my purchases) up to 15 minutes before the train's departure).

 

[trecile]

Funny - since an hour ago they just now have posted trains for 11/1 - 11/4. I need 11/6 so I guess I need to wait a few more days before I book a flight!

I would go ahead and book the flight. They aren't going to suddenly stop running all the trains.