Train (renfe) mystery solved!

[Susan B Johnson]

I tried multiple times to buy train tickets today. (I'm not in Spain yet, still in the U.S.). I tried 3 different credit cards, and each time it rejected my payment. I called the bank to make sure they would approve the international purchase, and it still didn't work. After doing some digging, I learned that the renfe site is fickle. I found this https://www.seat61.com/Spain-trains.htm#How_to_buy_train_tickets_for_Spain and was finally able to purchase tickets.


Susan

 

[trecile]

I tried multiple times to buy train tickets today. (I'm not in Spain yet, still in the U.S.). I tried 3 different credit cards, and each time it rejected my payment. I called the bank to make sure they would approve the international purchase, and it still didn't work. After doing some digging, I learned that the renfe site is fickle. I found this https://www.seat61.com/Spain-trains.htm#How_to_buy_train_tickets_for_Spain and was finally able to purchase tickets.


Susan

I had trouble last year buying tickets on the RENFE site, despite the fact that I had registered and used my credit card on the site the year before. I found that using PayPal for payment was the trick.
I have the RENFE app on my phone, and bought tickets on it with PayPal last year quite easily.

 

[Jersey]

You can lose the will to live using the RENFE website

 

[Saint Mike II]

RENFE! It's even more stupid here in Spain. I am trying to book a ticket from SDC to Madrid in June. But renfe changes from winter timetable to summer on June 12. So, the new timetable is not on line even at renfe offices! How they succeed is a little beyond me at times.

 

[whariwharangi]

I tried multiple times to buy train tickets today. (I'm not in Spain yet, still in the U.S.). I tried 3 different credit cards, and each time it rejected my payment. I called the bank to make sure they would approve the international purchase, and it still didn't work. After doing some digging, I learned that the renfe site is fickle. I found this https://www.seat61.com/Spain-trains.htm#How_to_buy_train_tickets_for_Spain and was finally able to purchase tickets.


Susan

Petrabax is US sales point for Renfe.

 

[Isca-camigo]

Try the website www.loco2.com I think the 'Guy in Seat 61' refers to it on his website, if renfe have tickets out loco2 will sell them on their site, they also plan and sell journeys across countries and different rail providers.

 

[Saint Mike II]

Hola Isca, thanks for the tpi, but still won't let me book for June 12, I can have June 11 or 13. I will renfe office in Leon next week. Cheers

Try the website www.loco2.com I think the 'Guy in Seat 61' refers to it on his website, if renfe have tickets out loco2 will sell them on their site, they also plan and sell journeys across countries and different rail providers.

 

[whariwharangi]

Hola Isca, thanks for the tpi, but still won't let me book for June 12, I can have June 11 or 13. I will renfe office in Leon next week. Cheers

Let us know how it goes. This is the slowest schedule update I've seen. Its causing conniptions for more than a few travelers.

 

[Susan B Johnson]

Try the website www.loco2.com I think the 'Guy in Seat 61' refers to it on his website, if renfe have tickets out loco2 will sell them on their site, they also plan and sell journeys across countries and different rail providers.

Yes, that's what I ended up using--www.loco2.com. I found out about it on the website I posted.

 

[natefaith]

A pilgrim just brought the GO EURO app to our attention. You tell it where you want to go, and it brings up bus and train options. Then you can buy your tickets through the app and print them out. Worked well for us today when we had to buy a train ticket to Madrid. If I hear of any problems I'll post again, but for now I'd recommend it!

 

[ivar]

I think renfe also have an app, but it might only be available for users in Spain...

 

[trecile]

I think renfe also have an app, but it might only be available for users in Spain...

I have the Renfe app, and can use it at home in the US. I find it easy to use, and it's in English. As I mentioned above, if I use PayPal I have no problems.

 

[OTH86]

I've booked RENFE tickets on-line 3 or 4 times - most recently, 3 days ago, using my phone, and have never had problems. I use PayPal for most pmts in Europe. Always works for me.
PS I don't have the app.

 

[Irish Bernie]

I called up the CEO and said 'Oi do you know who i am??? I am Irish Bernie and i'm a Caminoista'!!!!!,not only did he get my ticket sorted but he paid for it and gave me his sisters mobile number.The Camino provides

 

[Susan B Johnson]

I've booked RENFE tickets on-line 3 or 4 times - most recently, 3 days ago, using my phone, and have never had problems. I use PayPal for most pmts in Europe. Always works for me.
PS I don't have the app.

I think the key to booking with Renfe while in the U.S. must be using PayPal.

 

[ritaj]

Is there any reason to buy Renfe tickets in advance? I was planning to buy my ticket from Madrid to Leon when I arrived at the airport/train station. I'm concerned about committing to a specific train which,
if delays happen, I could miss.

 

[trecile]

Is there any reason to buy Renfe tickets in advance? I was planning to buy my ticket from Madrid to Leon when I arrived at the airport/train station. I'm concerned about committing to a specific train which,
if delays happen, I could miss.

Yes. If you are positive of your dates, you can get very good deals by booking in advance. I bought tickets for Madrid to Pamplona the day that they became available for early July, and got Preferente (first class) tickets for just 24 Euros each.

 

[whariwharangi]

Is there any reason to buy Renfe tickets in advance? I was planning to buy my ticket from Madrid to Leon when I arrived at the airport/train station. I'm concerned about committing to a specific train which,
if delays happen, I could miss.

Price is usually lower if you buy in advance.

If you have a ticket you don't have to line up at the station.
(Lines can be long while automated ticket machines go unused)

You have to weigh that off with potential for late arrival which means you eat the fare.

I'd buy at the station ... and if that doesn't work ... there are buses.

 

[Saint Mike II]

Hola, all. Thanks for all the good advice. Will try renfe app & go euro.

 

[OTH86]

I think the key to booking with Renfe while in the U.S. must be using PayPal.

For people with US credit cards, wanting to make reservations from anywhere - even in the country where you are making the reservations, I think it's wise to have and use a PayPay account. The day I booked the RENFE reservation I was in the U.K.

 

[Saint Mike II]

Following on from Ivar's advice I now have the renfe app on the iPad. So at least I can see my train I even now now the dep time from SDC, renfe even tells me there will be a change of train in Ourence. But as for booking a seat, forget it. To book it wanted me to register, provided proof of idenity docs email & phone no's. It did not matter as noon of this worked. Still won't let me book $ pay for a seat. Anyone suggest what I am doing wrong??? Thanks