Train Spotting

Cheaper option...?

Alicante train station

A little over a month ago, I had an appointment at the Hungarian Embassy in Madrid to do some paperwork. Everything went well, and by now they already sent me the documents by mail. But let me tell you, I wanted to go and pick them up in person because the high-speed train journey to Madrid is always a pleasant experience, but the embassy said that it wasn't necessary and that it would be easier for them to send the documents to me. Well, that is true but they don't know how much I love the rails and flying trains. 😁

It would take me almost five hours by car to get there, and by high-speed train, you can get there in two and a half hours! Of course, if I go alone, this is a much better option, there's no doubt about that. From an economic point of view too. Admittedly, last year when I went, I paid quite a lot, but I was paid by the organizer of the concert I went to. Also, at that time I didn't even know that it would be possible to find such a cheap option for the same (or almost the same) service. Instead of 160€ for a return ticket if I had travelled with the most famous Spanish carrier Renfe, this time my ticket cost 34€ (also a return ticket) with another company. Today we will find out what this cheaper option is and what the differences are compared to the expensive ride.

Lonely piano on the Alicante train station

To travel from Alicante to Madrid, you can choose from a few high-speed trains. The companies that offer their services are Renfe, AVLO, and OUIGO. The most striking difference is the price. You can catch almost every hour a Renfe train to Madrid; fewer times OUIGO, but luckily, I needed exactly the time that this company offered. I think that is what made me spot this option and in the end, choose it.

It was still so dark when I passed the control and arrived at the platform. My train was scheduled for 07:53, with the arrival time at 10:23 at the Chamartín train station in Madrid. Just perfect, as I could walk to the Hungarian Embassy without any rush.

which one to pick?

Left or right? Which one to choose? Of course, the one I have the ticket for! :D

Let's go, the motto of OUIGO, so indeed, let's go, let's enter this coach.

welcome aboard

My ticket. You can see that it was coach number 7, the number of my seat was 6E and that I was on Tierra (land). That is one of the biggest differences between Renfe and UOIGO that the wagons of the latter have two floors. When I was coming back in the afternoon, I had my seat in the "sky" part.

ticket

Because of this feature, having two floors and also a somewhat smaller space when it comes to seats, these trains can have approximately 590 seats per train, and from here comes the difference in price. They can carry more passengers and therefore be more competitive in price compared to other companies.

sky level

Another difference is that the train I travelled with last year (Renfe) had catering and bar service on board. It was super easy and comfortable to buy my coffee without moving from my seat. This time, if I wanted a cup of coffee or some snack, I would have to go to a different wagon, to the cafeteria car.

Some small differences that can be noticed, but for that difference in price, would you opt for the more expensive company or the cheaper one? The time you need to get to Madrid is the same! Speaking about speed, all of them can "fly" at a similar speed, around 300km per hour.

Chamartín train station Madrid

When I finished the work I had in Madrid and made a little stroll, it was time to go to the Chamartín train station and catch my train back to Alicante. This station has already been under maintenance work for some years... it is still a mess, so many passengers are waiting in the same hall but let's hope they will finish it one day.

too crowded

While waiting for my train, I could charge my phone as did so many other passengers. Taking care of which one is my cable and phone. 😂

charging the phones

Some 10 minutes before the train was scheduled, the board showed the number of the gate and the platform. There was my flying train waiting for its passengers.

I noticed the differences in comfort and cosiness, but all in all, it was not a thing that would make me choose differently the next time I have to travel to Madrid. And when it will be...? I just need to find an excuse and that's it. 😁

Comments · 14

@hive-lu(65)· 635d
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@fredaig(67)· 641d
I havent seen or entered a flying train like this the one I've entered is the normal. This one looks like plane and I bet it will be very fast too
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@palomap3(76)· 642d
The only time I have taken a cheap high-speed train was an Avlo and the experience was very good. I only noticed the difference because the seats were a little narrower. I don't remember if they had a cafeteria waggon or self-service machines because I didn't need them, hehe. You got very good price for your tickets.
@evelynchacin(79)· 643d
No me importa ir a comprar café en otro vagón, puedo mandar a mi marido mientras yo me quedó con Olivia esperando jajaja. Definitivamente elijo la tarifa barata jaja
@jmjourneys(66)· 643d
I can totally relate to your love for trains—there's something magical about the journey itself, especially when it's as smooth and fast as a high-speed ride! 😊 It's great to hear you found a more affordable option this time, but it's funny how those little differences—like the café or the two floors—make each experience unique. I think I'd also prefer the faster, more budget-friendly option for the same speed and comfort.
@coolmidwestguy(72)· 643d
I wish we had trains that could fly like these in America. Its sounds like a lot of fun flying on the rails.I would defintely take the lighter bill and get a little less luxury. One can pack snacks and bring a coffee mug, right?
@ruffatotmeee(78)· 643d
I'll choose the cheapest one, what I really need is, it can bring me to the place I have to go to, so I'll definitely go with the cheapest. But its cool that you have choices in there. And the word "flying" made me want to go there just to experience them. Lolol
@luchyl(74)· 643d
It was not only a cheaper option but equally fun and exciting. I've traveled by rail only once, not a flying train though, and it wasn't a pleasant experience. I hope the next time I do, will be much better.
@nathen007(73)· 643d
I love railways. I have done ever since I was a little boy but these days, I find the whole experience a little soulless. The architecture, the experience, the trains themselves. It's still a wonderful way to travel though. You can enjoy the ride, get some work done or use it as leisure time. The pricing is also a nonsense too. I cant understand why anyone wouldnt simply pick the cheapest option. You'll still get there in roughly the same time and still get a coffee on the way. Dynamic pricing is everywhere, the cost all depends on timing! Hope youre having a great week and best wishes :-)
@pumarte(67)· 643d
That's great cheaper price traveling means double travel jjjjaj I would loved try this train 🥺🤣 Gracias por enseñarnos señorita mi piano de los trenes jjjajaj
@pizzabot(60)· 643d
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@littlebee4(76)· 643d
I loved traveling by train in Spain. There are some cool trains with a lot of comfort. Even the cheaper ones are fine. We did Madrid embassy also by train from Malaga a few years ago… to think about it, wow… is it already that long ago. Hahaha time flies.

!PIZZA
@avdesing(80)· 643d
I definitely choose the cheapest tariff!!!! I have no problem with it being less comfort and stuff... fast and cheap, yes! I loved the way you explained it, it might come in handy in the future... you never know!😃

Comments · 14

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