Madrid to Cordoba trains - book in advance or on the day?

I'm planning to take one of the fast trains from Madrid (Atocha) to Cordoba, but I can't seem to find out whether you need to book the tickets in advance, or you can buy them on the day. Any ideas?

And am I right in thinking it's possible to get a Metro train from Madrid airport (Barajas) to Atocha?

Thanks all

Am I right in thinking it's possible to get a Metro train from Madrid airport (Barajas) to Atocha?

Yes, you are right. You will need to change line at Nuevo Ministeros if my memory is right. It is well indicated. Get a plan of the metro.

For the train Madrid to Cordoba, yes it is a good idea to reserve. It sometimes get full specially if there is a long week-end or a holiday.

You will also pay a lot less booked in advance. From T4 you can take a direct train to Atocha from the airport.

To clarify there are both Metros and Cercania Trains from T4. If you buy your Madrid to Cordoba ticket from the RENFE office in the airport or online the Cercania to Atocha station is free. There will be a code in the ticket that you enter into the Cercanía ticket machines.

Thanks Bleen68, that's a great tip!

Also, depending on where you're travelling from, you might have problems booking in advance. I know from experience that the Renfe website does not accept payment from Australian credit cards and I've spoken to US citizens (in Atocha station) who said they had the same problem with their US cards.

A good option for booking mid-long distance trains in Spain is to do it through trainline.eu Of all the various web-based travel portals, this has been the easiest to use and most reliable for us, and we've been travelling around Spain since April.

Train line charge you a booking fee use loco2 they are excellent and you can download the app and have the tickets on your phone. I have used in France, Italy and Spain.

Cool, hadn't encountered loco2. Thanks for the tip.

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