madrid malaga train

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ashtondav
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madrid malaga train

Postby ashtondav » Mon Apr 01, 2019 7:10 pm

Thinking of doing this rail trip in may. I notice that 1st class is only about £13 more expensive, one way, than 2nd. Is it worth it?

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quebin
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Re: madrid malaga train

Postby quebin » Mon Apr 01, 2019 7:18 pm

More comfortable seats & a meal 3 courses with a choice of wine & miniature bottle of spirits included in the price.

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costakid
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Re: madrid malaga train

Postby costakid » Mon Apr 01, 2019 8:24 pm

Normal seats are very comfortable. 2.5 hours at 320 KPH in places.

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Re: madrid malaga train

Postby Free at Last » Tue Apr 02, 2019 9:55 am

With the 1st class tickets (although Promo fares may not qualify) you can also use the Renfe lounge before departing from Atocha station, which is quiet with comfortable seating and complimentary coffee, cans of beer or soft drinks, water and snacks (nothing exciting, just biscuits, crisps and the like).

After boarding you are offered a small glass of cava or orange juice, a Spanish newspaper and later the meal service as described by Quebin above.

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gerryh
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Re: madrid malaga train

Postby gerryh » Tue Apr 02, 2019 12:52 pm

A 1st class ticket sounds like a very relaxed and civilised way to travel. Must be well worth the extra €12
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Re: madrid malaga train

Postby olive » Tue Apr 02, 2019 3:42 pm

Approx how much is a return ticket out of interest please?

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Re: madrid malaga train

Postby Free at Last » Tue Apr 02, 2019 4:30 pm

It's very hard to say because the fares vary a lot depending on the date and time of travel. Train times popular with business travellers are always much more expensive. Best to enter your dates on the Renfe booking website and check (but you normally can't see services more than about 8 weeks in advance). If you have a Tarjeta Dorada it gives you a discount of 40% for travel Monday-Thursday and 25% Friday-Sunday.

ashtondav
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Re: madrid malaga train

Postby ashtondav » Wed Apr 03, 2019 12:47 pm

Bought 1st class at £92 each. Most trains take about 2h 40m but this one takes 3h 05m. Maybe it stops on the way more often?

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Re: madrid malaga train

Postby Free at Last » Wed Apr 03, 2019 12:53 pm

I think the number of stops does vary, yes. From memory, some services stop in Cordoba and some don't, for example. Hope you enjoy your trip and please let us know whether you found the extra cost worthwhile.

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quebin
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Re: madrid malaga train

Postby quebin » Wed Apr 03, 2019 1:32 pm

Don't forget that they sometimes extend the estimated journey time on AVE services because of the fact that if they arrive late,not sure by how much,they have to refund part of the cost.

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Re: madrid malaga train

Postby ashtondav » Sat Apr 06, 2019 2:54 pm

Oops, just looked at credit card. Not £92 each for first class - it was £92 TOTAL!

Yep £47 each. For a 330 mile train journey, First Class, with meal and drinks.

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Re: madrid malaga train

Postby Free at Last » Sun Jul 28, 2019 2:27 pm

I have just noticed from the Renfe website that they say the meal service to individual seats in Preferente on AVE services has now been scrapped. They claim this has made Preferente tickets cheaper, but I probably wouldn't bother to pay the extra over Turista now.

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Re: madrid malaga train

Postby ashtondav » Mon Jul 29, 2019 6:57 pm

Well they are bigger seats, I guess.

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Re: madrid malaga train

Postby alpineSi » Mon Jul 29, 2019 8:17 pm

Good ticket class explainer here: https://www.seat61.com/Spain-trains.htm ... in_classes
Where possible and when only a few quid more I try to book one of the preferential classes just to get somewhere to sit in the station! Some tickets also include discounts on parking at the station. Beware some of the Promo tickets don't get you that or the mini-lounge access though (these lounges are nothing like those in an airport so just be glad for somewhere comfortable with coffee and snacks).


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