lars' transport world🔊 "The owner of the cars G 18456, G 22746 and K 10557, please repark your vehicles. They are still not parked in an official car park!" #BlankSpots
Farvel Skandinavien! A cosy DSB IC3 takes us from 🇩🇰 Copenhagen to 🇩🇪 Hamburg. It's much more comfortable than the IC1 coaches that operate on most Copenhagen-Hamburg trains. For personal reasons, I'm stopping off at 🇨🇭 home on the way. This means the usual journey home: An ICE4 should take us from Hamburg to Zurich. It terminates at Basel Bad Bf with a delay of about 100 minutes. #BlankSpots
Before I am getting used to the comfort of home, it is time to move on. #BlankSpots follows the southern foot of the Jura with the IC5. There are nice views of the lakes and vineyards. Due to the Léman 2025 concept, I have to change trains at Renens for the first time in order to get to Geneva.
Finally, #BlankSpots goes international again. 'The Region' takes me from 🇨🇭 Geneva to 🇫🇷 Lyon. Lately, I have only seen AGC EMUs on this line. I am glad there are two train sets today, but the train is still almost full. This is my first time travelling in a newly refurbished set. I am pleased as it looks much less worn-out than before. Unfortunately, I couldn't take many pictures due to where I was sitting.
Since I have plenty of time, I head to the starting point of my next train: Lyon-Perrache station. This time, it's an old, grimy AGC. It will take me to Clermont-Ferrand in the Massif Central in two hours. #BlankSpots
Who said that systematisation is important for providing consistent connections throughout the network and achieving high memorability? 😬 The interval times vary, too, so this timetable probably doesn't result in efficient diagrams. #BlankSpots
No one can claim that the pedestrians were forgotten! They even have the right of way. 👌#BlankSpots
The only train I'm taking today is this TER. It runs once a day and connects Clermont-Ferrand and Toulouse in six hours. There are other TER on all sections, but there is only one additional daily connection (involving two changes). As always with such sparsely served lines, I'm surprised by the number of passengers who have adapted their schedules to the train's departure time. It's a peaceful journey straight through the ⛰️ Massif Central, with stunning views. #BlankSpots
#BlankSpots continues with two Régiolis Intercités sets taking me from Toulouse to Bayonne. I'm happy with my allocated first class seat, otherwise I am not a big fan of these trains. I can stretch my legs and have plenty of space to enjoy the view of the Pyrenees. Seat reservations cost 3.60 € if booked via #Interrail, but you don’t have to buy one here as there are some unreserved seats. The announcement system isn't working, but we still manage to arrive at the terminus orderly and safely. 😬
I have to wait about 45 minutes for my next TER in Bayonne. It takes me to Hendaye. I can tell that I have reached the Basque Country from some of the signs. For the first time in weeks, I can see the Atlantic again. #BlankSpots
Leaving Hendaye station and entering Hendaia station. Yes, that's right — it's time for the #Euskotren! These metro-style trains tend to get crowded around Donostia. If you're a traveller with a backpack or even a large suitcase, you might feel out of place. As there are no passenger trains on the parallel Adif tracks, Euskotren, which runs every 30 minutes, is the better 'option'. #BlankSpots
The #Euskotren line gets more rural and picturesque west of Donostia / San Sebastián. #BlankSpots
There is disruption to the train journey at Aia-Orio due to maintenance work. Although the replacement buses are slower than the #Euskotren, the schedule remains unchanged. To avoid waiting times when travelling further, a creative solution has been found: Three westbound buses run further than the disrupted 5 km section with destinations Zarautz, Zumaia or Eibar (40 km). Eastbound buses terminate at Aia-Orio. Additional trains, running 15 mins later than usual, collect passengers. #BlankSpots
Another #Euskotren train takes me further towards west from Zarautz to Bilbao. It's a beautiful train journey on this Sunday morning. #BlankSpots
Hurrengo Geltokia: Zazpikaleak-Bilbao. Euskotren trains travelling from Donostia/San Sebastián are fully integrated into the metro system. Along with other trains in the Bilbao area, they provide a frequent service. I need to get off at Bilbao's old town. #BlankSpots
#Bilbao has many different rail systems, including this tiny tram line. It runs on a single track near the old town. I travelled the entire line two years ago, so now it's time to move on and discover some #BlankSpots!
I am heading to Bilbao-La Concordia station. This is a terminus station of the Renfe FEVE metre-gauge railway lines. After showing my #Interrail Pass at the ticket office, the gate magically opens when I approach it. #BlankSpots
After five years of considering the possibility of exploring the metre-gauge system in northern Spain, I am finally on my first Renfe FEVE train — probably the most mind-blowing one! The quirky Bilbao–León train (Ferrocaril de la Robla) is classified as Media Distancia and only runs once a day, connecting the Bilbao and León Cercanías systems! I am the only passenger travelling the entire route today. For a long time, there are no more than three passengers on the train. (1/7) #BlankSpots
The Bilbao-León line leaves Bilbao to the west and follows a valley. At Balmaseda, it ascends the southern mountain flank, providing stunning views of the valley below. (2/7) #BlankSpots
After the train from Bilbao to León reaches a high plateau, the beautiful Embalse del Ebro lake comes into view. The line then passes through more open valleys. (3/7) #BlankSpots
As the Bilbao-León train reaches the southern foot of the Cantabrian Mountains at sunset, the landscape is bathed in golden light. The green landscape has given way to a drier one. The line offers beautiful views, but the windows offer less beautiful ones. (4/7) #BlankSpots
Although the train journey from Bilbao to León takes eight hours, don't get too comfortable. Be prepared: the direct Media Distancia connection is just a disguise. I had to change trains at Balmaseda (the end of the electrified section), Cistierna (where I changed from a diesel MD to a diesel Cercanías) and León Universidad (where I changed to a replacement bus to León city centre). The conductors made an effort to inform me, the only tourist, about the changes in person. (5/7) #BlankSpots
Arriving at León FEVE by replacement bus at 22:22. ¡Buenas noches! (7/7) #BlankSpots
#BlankSpots continues blow by blow. I didn't get enough sleep, but a short walk to León's main station woke me up. This will be my first time boarding an Iberian gauge train on this trip.
There it is: the only train, if I am not mistaken, that goes over the Pajares Pass. All the other trains, except for the Valladolid-Gijón Regional, use the base tunnel, which opened in 2023. Why am I taking the slower train to Oviedo instead of the faster ones? Well, just look at the pictures! #BlankSpots
There is confusion at Oviedo FEVE station: According to the display on platform 1, the next train is the 14:44 to Santander. However, the 14:18 train to Ferrol is also scheduled to arrive on platform 1. However, it arrives seven minutes late with an incorrect destination indicator. There are almost too many passengers for the railcar and I don't have time for a picture. #BlankSpots
It's time for the FEVE again. Although my tiredness curbs my excitement, the FEVE line between Oviedo and Ferrol is beautiful and quirky. You see less of the sea than you might expect in the Asturias section, but Galicia makes up for this with stunning scenery. There are about eight passengers sitting in the railcar. #BlankSpots
Surprisingly, I have to change trains at Ribadeo. I don't know why, but at least I have the opportunity to take a mediocre photo of the train. Unfortunately, the windows on the new train are very dirty. #BlankSpots
The following morning, I travel further west on the FEVE line. Ortigueira is the terminus for the Ferrol Cercanías service, but the next train is an MD service from Ribadeo. Although it's scheduled to depart from platform 7, the station master informs the five passengers that the train to Ferrol is actually arriving on platform 5. It would have been the perfect opportunity to use the new-looking platform displays, but instead they display the Renfe logo all day long. #BlankSpots
The Media Distancia railcar finally arrives, and it's time to board my last FEVE train. The west section of the line to Ferrol runs through a forest, so the view is mostly trees. There's no time to take a photo when I arrive, as the conductor opens the gate for me as an Interrail pass holder. #BlankSpots
Ferrol is the terminus for both the FEVE and Iberian-gauge networks. Unfortunately, the connections are not well coordinated, but at least I have time to buy two 🌱 empanadas.
Finally, the Media Distancia arrives. This is my first time travelling on a Renfe Class 594 DMU. Does it look familiar to my Scandinavian friends? Yes, it's the Spanish version of the IC3, but without the rubber nose. However, as so often, I prefer the original. Oh, and after reversing, the light has gone out. #BlankSpots
Finally, the Media Distancia arrives. This is my first time travelling on a Renfe Class 594 DMU. Does it look familiar to my Scandinavian friends? Yes, it's the Spanish version of the IC3, but without the rubber nose. However, as so often, I prefer the original. Oh, and after reversing, the light has gone out. #BlankSpots
Beautiful bays are passing by on the train from Ferrol to A Coruña when the ticket control interrupts me. Apparently, I should have collected a free ticket for this Media Distancia with open seating. I ask the conductor which trains this applies to, as the #Interrail guide withholds this 'free ticket thing'. However, I don't receive a useful answer. I have boarded other Renfe trains with open seating before without any problems. Feeling somewhat puzzled, I finally eat my empanadas. #BlankSpots
In A Coruña, many passengers head to other trains without passing through any controls. My train leaves in an hour, as the first one has sold out. I sit down on one of the many benches. A Renfe employee asks to see my ticket. Looking angry, she waves her index finger at me and shouts something I don't understand. A colleague joins her and calmly explains that I have to leave and re-enter the station because the transfer time is 'too long'. (1/3) #BlankSpots
I know access controls at 🇪🇦 platforms. However, there are many stations where you can move freely between platforms, because there are gates at the station entrance, or there is no access control. I didn't realise that for A Coruña, access is controlled in the building, and while you can roam freely between platforms, you're not supposed to wait for your connection. As a non-Spaniard, I couldn't imagine having to re-enter the entire station. (2/3) #BlankSpots
I'm doing what I was told, but it's hard not to feel irritated. While travelling, I'm aware that things work differently. I don't want to appear ignorant. I always try to obey the rules, even the silly ones. In return, I expect to not be treated rudely because of regulations that aren't obvious to passengers. At other stations, waiting for a Media Distancia on the platform is normal. Don't make a passenger feel like they're a threat. 😅 (3/3) #BlankSpots
Comment from a Spaniard: Train travel rules are often unclear, even for locals. Everyone finds them annoying. Disregarding them can quickly become a sensitive issue. Information about regional/local trains is poorly provided. Non-locals are implicitly expected to ask staff on site about the applicable rules. With my Swiss mindset, it was predetermined I wasn't going to fulfil this expectation. I only approach staff when I have a problem. Well, I know by now.
Matt[ingham] 
@larstransportworld This is why I really don’t feel compelled to travel by train in Spain. It seems overly and unnecessarily complicated.
I take a Media Distancia train from A Coruña to Vigo. The train appears to be almost fully booked. There are lots of commuters on this late afternoon service. Unfortunately, I can't take any pictures as I'm not sitting by the window. After an hour and a half, we arrive at Vigo Shopping Ma... Urzaiz station. #BlankSpots
The next morning, #BlankSpots continues at Vigo-Guixar station. It's time for the Tren Celta! It connects 🇪🇦 Vigo with 🇵🇹 Porto and only runs twice a day. Consequently, there are lots of passengers, especially tourists. I wasn't able to make a mandatory seat reservation for my #Interrail pass online and I didn't want to risk the tickets selling out. As I wasn't close to any ticket office a few days ago, I had to buy a regular ticket which only cost €5.70. #BlankSpots
The beautiful coast, picturesque vineyards and charming villages pass by as you travel on the 🇪🇦🇵🇹 Tren Celta. When I booked my ticket, I was warned twice that I would need to change trains at Viana do Castelo. However, when everyone started to leave the train, the staff called the passengers back on board and said that there would be no change today. #BlankSpots
After crossing the border to 🇵🇹 Portugal, I finish fifth 🇸🇪🇩🇰🇩🇪🇨🇭🇫🇷🇪🇦 chapter of #BlankSpots. For usability reasons, the journey's last chapter will start in a new thread: https://mastodon.social/@larstransportworld/115328328502630717
rail 🦊@larstransportworld hey I've also been there and I think sat in the exact spot lmao
@rail Oh, I hope you weren't there for too long. 😂
@larstransportworld nah i've only been in A Coruña for a day
went on a silly trip with girlfriend in August
Rennes - Nantes - Bordeaux - Hendaye - Irun - Madrid - A Coruña - Vigo - Porto - Lisboa - Entroncamento - Badajoz - Madrid - Barcelona - Cerbére - Perpignan - Paris - Rennes
@larstransportworld so overall in many ways a travel really similar to yours from what i can see x)
@rail It is, indeed!
@rail So you did leave the station and couldn't do anything wrong. 🤭
Patrycja 🔜 V43@larstransportworld @rail we did wander around the platforms after getting there though, and almost got confronted by a security person but i think they realized we're not there to transfer
El Duvelle@rail @larstransportworld this is great! I would like to do Bordeaux - Lisbon as well (well, Glasgow - London - Bordeaux / Bayonne - Lisbon). Didn't think the France->Lisbon part would be so complicated!
Cycling on Rails@larstransportworld I think the problem in A Coruña is that there is no clear separation between long-distance high-speed services (that require luggage scans) and shorter distance services (that don't): both use the same platforms (especially with the current construction works?).
So when checking in from the station hall, staff will either just check the media distancia ticket, or dispatch to the luggage scanner. This only works if platforms are (relatively) clear when an AVE arrives.
1/
@larstransportworld This is all security theater of course, the medium distance trains to Vigo are somewhat high-speed too (currently 200 km/h, line designed up to 250 km/h), and somehow the authorities drew a line that luggage scans are too much hassle for short/medium distance trips. Which is sensible, but scans are also too much hassle for long-distance trips. 🙃
2/2
@cycling_on_rails I agree, security is the reason for this theater. The handling is very inconsequent though, as passengers changing from 'my' Media Distancia to the Avlo to Madrid didn't go through security at all (in contrast to those starting their trip at A Coruña). I changed from the Media Distancia to another Media Distancia without any security control, but I had to leave anyway. They just want to 'clear' the station whenever possible. But then don't install benches.
@larstransportworld Yeah, I never really figured out the rules for when to re-check or not. In my last change in Barcelona the foldable fence seemed open to passengers directly boarding another high-speed train, but some time later it looked closed so I'm not sure if it was legit to bypass the checks (I already got checked before taking the previous AVE). 🤔 Another possibility is that they close the fence when a #CrossBorderRail train arrives from France (as passengers from it aren't "clear").
Alan Grant@cycling_on_rails @larstransportworld I don't think there is any systematic concept of which passengers are "clear". I have boarded an MD at unstaffed stations on the Algerciras line, changed to an Avlo at Antequera Santa Ana, and completed my journey without anyone at any point checking I had a ticket for the Avlo, never mind a security check.
Maybe the people in Adif/Renfe with the mindset of "a train is an airplane on the ground" don't even realise that purely regional stations exist...