Apologies for piggy-backing onto this thread. I am logged in, but can't find a "Post New Topic" button!

Plans are to travel by train in September, Barcelona-San Sebastian-Madrid-Barcelona over a span of 12 days. I think I've already figured out that booking individual tickets is cheaper than the Eurail-Spain pass.

But each of those three journeys will need a reservation. Can someone advise as to how much lead time I should allow for those bookings?

I have called the Canadian agent for Eurail, and was told that their access to booking various departure times is limited. Is it safe to reserve just 2-3 days before one's planned departure?

Thanks.