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Time to change trains in Palencia

  • May 17, 2026
  • 4 replies
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P
Keeps calm and carries on
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I am planning this journey in Spain on July 29:

San Sebastian 11:00 to Palencia 16:08 with Renfe MD 18012

Wait 17 minutes

Palencia 16:25 to Oviedo 18:13 with Renfe AVE 5721

Will 17 minutes be enough to change trains? Will the MD train be on time? I don't have any experience with Spanish trains.

This will my first time on a Spanish train station with x-ray security check. How long will it take? I will bring a large hiking backpack with Camping gear, including metal objects like tent poles, tent pegs, cooking pot and an (empty) fuel bottle. Maybe it will look suspecious on x-ray.

My alternative would be:

Palencia 20:20 to Oviedo 22:22 with Renfe Alvia 4181

But that means that I will have to wait more than 4 hours in Palencia

Can I use my reservation on Alvia 4181, if my first plan fails?

 

Palle Dam

Best answer by Schelte

I've taken this route two weeks ago and had a delay of half an hour between Valladolid and Burgos due to temporary speed restrictions: there are various single track sections due to works, so delays are likely (there is only competition from freight carriers on this route).

Officially, Renfe only guarantees onward connections if there is at least 60 minutes between trains (90 if between different stations in the same municipality). So if you miss it, you'll likely have to arrange yourself. You might be able to claim compensation from Eurail.

Be aware there are engineering works currently affecting the MD entry into Palencia (not sure how that'll be in July): The arrival at 16:08 is by bus from Venta de Baños. Renfe hasn't published timetables for July yet.

If you want to go by train, consider taking an Alvia (or the MD) from San Sebastián to Valladolid and switch there to the AVE/Alvia towards Oviedo. 

If the train and connecting train replacement bus would be punctual, 17 minutes is plenty to make the connection: Palencia is a small station with just two platforms, and security checks are quick if necessary (only on one of the two platforms). As 29 July can be a busy travel day, consider booking reservations on both as a backup. 

    4 replies

    A
    • Airin
    • Right on track
    • May 17, 2026

    Not so long ago, trains in Spain used to run on time, but since foreign companies have started operating on the Spanish rail network and since speed restrictions have had to be introduced due to  maintenance, everything has been delayed…

    In my opinion, 17 minutes should be enough time (it might be the second train that’s delayed). If the first train is delayed and you have a connection, get in touch with Renfe staff; they always try to find a solution.
    As for security checks, they’re usually quick and, to be honest, they’re well timed to coincide with the train’s arrival. I’d recommend checking the official Renfe website to see which items are prohibited, because, for example, if you’re carrying scissors or a pocket knife, for example, they’ll make you throw them away. 

    Schelte
    Full steam ahead
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    • Schelte
    • Full steam ahead
    • Answer
    • May 17, 2026

    I've taken this route two weeks ago and had a delay of half an hour between Valladolid and Burgos due to temporary speed restrictions: there are various single track sections due to works, so delays are likely (there is only competition from freight carriers on this route).

    Officially, Renfe only guarantees onward connections if there is at least 60 minutes between trains (90 if between different stations in the same municipality). So if you miss it, you'll likely have to arrange yourself. You might be able to claim compensation from Eurail.

    Be aware there are engineering works currently affecting the MD entry into Palencia (not sure how that'll be in July): The arrival at 16:08 is by bus from Venta de Baños. Renfe hasn't published timetables for July yet.

    If you want to go by train, consider taking an Alvia (or the MD) from San Sebastián to Valladolid and switch there to the AVE/Alvia towards Oviedo. 

    If the train and connecting train replacement bus would be punctual, 17 minutes is plenty to make the connection: Palencia is a small station with just two platforms, and security checks are quick if necessary (only on one of the two platforms). As 29 July can be a busy travel day, consider booking reservations on both as a backup. 

    Interrailing seems difficult at first sight, but it's pretty amazing.
    R
    Railmaster
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    • rvdborgt
    • Railmaster
    • May 18, 2026

    Officially, Renfe only guarantees onward connections if there is at least 60 minutes between trains (90 if between different stations in the same municipality).

    Somehow Renfe don't think that's important enough to include in their MERITS data; apparently foreigners don't need to know that :/

    For the temporary speed restrictions is even worse: they don't seem to include them in their timetables at all.

    Please ask questions in the community and not via a private message. That's the quickest way to get a response. I don't work for Eurail/Interrail.
    P
    Keeps calm and carries on
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    • Palle Dam
    • Author
    • Keeps calm and carries on
    • May 19, 2026

    Thank you for your answers.
    A journey from San Sebastian, via Valladolid to Oviedo sounds like a good alternative.
    The itinerary would look like this:
     

    San Sebastian 11:00 to Valladolid 16:01 with Renfe MD 18012

    Wait 1:32

    Valladolid 17:33 to Oviedo 19:48 with Renfe AVE 4161

     

    But I am not sure if MD 18012 will run on 29 July.
    Renfes planner doesn’t show it after 19 July. DB and Interrails (not so reliable) planner shows MD 18012 until 24 July. But that is still not enough.

    When can I expect Renfe to publish a reliable time table for 29 July?

    Schelte suggested an Alvia from San Sebastian to Valladolid. I can’t find an Alvia between these stations.

        

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