So my mom is coming to visit and we want to go to Granada....
We're trying to decide between taking the train (which is a long drawn out affair, requiring a change of trains) or driving... The bus is out, I can't tolerate being on a bus with myself, much less my four-year-old, for more than three hours.
How bad would the exit from Madrid be if we drove out on the Sunday or Monday of Semana Santa? And how horrific is it to drive into Granada during Semana Santa and, madre mía, try to park the car? And we'll be staying in the Albaycín area, which is shut off to traffic most of the day.
Renting a car would be cheaper and (theoretically) faster. And I love to drive in Spain, except in the cities. The train is slow and pricey, but then we wouldn't have to deal with parking... What to do, what to do?
Are we crazy for doing this with my elderly mother with knee problems? She really wants to see the Alhambra... She's not a complainer.... Anyone been to Granada during Semana Santa? Is is going to be too jam-packed with people to really enjoy?
Posts: 1070 | Location: Madrid | Registered: 10 December 2002
Are you sure that there isn't a TALGO train from Madrid to Granada without the need to change ? I looked at the Renfe site but the daily TALGO trains (twice a day) are only showing up to 31 March but I have a sneaky feeling that the summer timetable is not updated until later. Maybe I am wrong but surely there is a direct train to Granada ?
Posts: 236 | Location: Cadiz Province and Sussex England | Registered: 07 October 2002
Thanks Nige! You're right, when I look in March, it shows the direct train, which takes about six hours. That would be a lot better, and cheaper, than taking the AVE to Sevilla or Boadilla and then changing. Strange that it isn't showing up yet for April, but other trains are...
Still on the fence as to whether we should take the train or drive, but am now leaning toward the train--assuming those direct trips show up soon. I'm just not sure if my mom's blood pressure is at a healthy enough level to ride in a car when I'm driving.
Posts: 1070 | Location: Madrid | Registered: 10 December 2002
