Train to Sevilla

[Colinm]

During our next visit we are thinking of taking the train to Sevilla. The train type options are 'MD' or 'Avant'. We have the Tarjeta Dorada already so the prices are working out at €27,10 return each on 'MD' or €66,60 return each on 'Avant'.

I would like to know the differences between the two trains (ie comfort levels; can you pre select seats on MD? etc), really is the price difference justified?

The trains take different routes as the 'Avant' goes via Cordoba (a really featureless vista on the way), whereas the 'MD' goes via Bobadillo. Is this a more interesting journey?

Also the Avant takes only 1h55m whereas the MD takes 2h30m!

Any comments or suggestions please?

[gus]

The "MD" trains (Media Distancia) are very comfortable and, in my mind, are hugely cheaper although slightly slower. One of our Spanish friends recommended the MD to Cordoba rather than the AVE because it was only about 10 mins slower for half the price.

[carrowcrin]

I am sorry i cannot help with your query and hopeTarjeta Dorada i hope you do not mind a question regarding "Tarjeta Dorada"
How do you get this card? is it valid for the calender year or a year from the time applied and what is the advantage of having same.

Many thanks

[country boy]

MD every time, the route takes you through El Chorro Gorge..fantastic scenery. The train is comfortable and punctual and although it stops at most stations it's never tedious. The Avant is for businessmen and functionarios, rushing about in suits

[country boy]

How do you get this card? is it valid for the calender year or a year from the time applied and what is the advantage of having same.

Many thanks

You've asked this question before....and been answered!

[Free at Last]

We've been to Sevilla by train from Malaga several times (and will be doing so again in November!). As Country Boy says, the Media Distancia train is fine - I certainly wouldn't pay twice as much for the Avant, which I don't think is all that much faster anyway. Yes, you can select your seat if buying your tickets online, or if you buy them at the station you will be allocated one automatically.

If you find you want to catch a different train from the one you have booked to come back on, just take the tickets into the ticket sales window in the station and they will change them for you (no charge).

Next time we go we will be getting off at Sevilla San Bernardo instead of going through to Santa Justa, as you can catch a tram from San Bernardo to the Plaza Nueva which is not far from the Giralda area where we will be staying. It is quite a hike from Santa Justa into the city centre!

[Colinm]

Thanks everyone, MD it is then!

Free at Last - good info about the tram as tonight I am looking at hotels and now know to look at the tram lines before I book! - Thankyou!

[Colinm]

I am sorry i cannot help with your query and hopeTarjeta Dorada i hope you do not mind a question regarding "Tarjeta Dorada"
How do you get this card? is it valid for the calender year or a year from the time applied and what is the advantage of having same.

Many thanks

Its available to anyone over 60 years. Take passport to train station. Its valid for 12 months from issue and costs €5,05.

I got ours at Malaga MZ station. I got the Tarjeta Dorada card and booked a train journey to Cordoba that departed in just over 1 hours time.
It entitles you to discounts of up to 40% Ours paid for itself on that first journey.
As an example: Malaga/Sevilla return is €40,60, but with Tarjeta Dorada its only €27,10

[Colinm]

Free at Last - any hotel recommendations?
tks

[Free at Last]

Free at Last - any hotel recommendations?
tks

Not for hotels unfortunately (we stayed at the Vincci La Rabida once and I would certainly not recommend that one. The public areas were very nice and the breakfast good, but the room was very shabby indeed for a 4 star hotel and the staff couldn't have cared less when I complained).

We've always stayed in apartments since then. Last year we had a nice penthouse (Revueltos Singular Apartments, booked via www.booking.com) but it was a fair walk from the main tourist area. In November we have booked an apartment at the Giralda Suites, very close to the Cathedral, which look nice but I can't vouch for them as we've not been yet! Again they're on booking.com.

[Colinm]

Thanks. It's only for an overnight in the middle of hols, so I'll go for a hotel. Tripadvisor look out

[carrowcrin]

Hi Colinm

Thanks for reply in relation to card.
There are loads of hotels in the city centre and most are pretty basic but clean, from my experience the breakfast in most is rubbish unless you go for something fancy. There is also a tram to the bus station and from there you can get a bus to the train station, the airport bus runs about every 15 mins and runs by the train station and there is probably others.

Thankfully i do not live next door to "country boy" he does not seem to miss a lot.

slainte

[Colinm]

Thanks

[anyroads]

"Its valid for 12 months from issue and costs €5,05."

Rumour is, it is now €5,15.

Where will this all end !

anyroads

[oliveview01]

"Its valid for 12 months from issue and costs €5,05."

Rumour is, it is now €5,15.

Where will this all end !

anyroads

Typical, hubby is 60 in January, he won´t be able to afford the card now

[anyroads]

"Typical, hubby is 60 in January, he won´t be able to afford the card now "

So, you were a child bride !

anyroads

[massy8]

Anyone know about this year? what rate they are offer now?