Train reservations

[Jruder]

I have a question about buying tickets for the train for getting to Pamplona from Madrid and then from Logroño to Madrid. Is it important to book specifically through Renfe? My partner was looking at a timetable through Rail Ninja but I see some sources indicate this is a scam. How far in advance do we need to book? What is a reasonable price for 2? Thanks!

 

[trecile]

I would not book through Rail Ninja. There was a post a while ago from someone who booked tickets through that site that were not valid because Renfe had not yet released tichets. I would, and have used TrainLine and Rail Europe.

 

[Jruder]

I would not book through Rail Ninja. There was a post a while ago from someone who booked tickets through that site that were not valid because Renfe had not yet released tichets. I would, and have used TrainLine and Rail Europe.

Thanks for the advice!

 

[BarbaraW]

For anyone reading this in future www.seat61.com is a reliable source of advice and information on all things to do with train travel in and to Spain. Including the vagaries of the Renfe website. Renfe is notorious for erratic release of trains for booking. I usually use Rail Europe to book tickets except for short journeys within Spain.

 

[SDJunkMan]

I would not book through Rail Ninja. There was a post a while ago from someone who booked tickets through that site that were not valid because Renfe had not yet released tichets. I would, and have used TrainLine and Rail Europe.

I just had the same problem with Trainline, Renfe sent me a email saying my tickets have been cancelled because they were booked before they were availible. I'm dealing with Trainline to get a refund, but the say they will have to request it from Renfe (who cancelled the tickets), and they may or may not approve it, and it could take several weeks.

My sister and brother-in-law got the same message, but my nephew (who also booked the same train) hasn't heard anything from Renfe.

 

[J Willhaus]

I usually check Renfe first to see what has been released and then book through Trainline since their site is easier to navigate and will book a full trip with transfers where Renfe does not usually do that. You can also see the other discount lines Iryo and Oigo on Trainline.. Tickets to and from Galicia have been very slow to post this summer as there is significant works to the line and at Chamartín station where the lines originates.

 

[HBS60]

I usually check Renfe first to see what has been released and then book through Trainline since their site is easier to navigate and will book a full trip with transfers where Renfe does not usually do that. You can also see the other discount lines Iryo and Oigo on Trainline.. Tickets to and from Galicia have been very slow to post this summer as there is significant works to the line and at Chamartín station where the lines originates.

How can I verify my ticket status with Renfe? I can’t figure out their website (I know I’m not alone in this). I booked my Madrid-Pamplona train back in February through Trainline, I’m supposed to arrive in early August. I haven’t received any emails from anybody canceling the tickets, should I assume they are still good? I wasn’t aware of this being a problem. Worst case scenario I might have to purchase a new ticket when arriving in Madrid if I’m told mine is no good, but it seems there are lots of trains in that route several times a day.,,

 

[trecile]

How can I verify my ticket status with Renfe? I can’t figure out their website (I know I’m not alone in this). I booked my Madrid-Pamplona train back in February through Trainline, I’m supposed to arrive in early August. I haven’t received any emails from anybody canceling the tickets, should I assume they are still good? I wasn’t aware of this being a problem

This is the first I've heard of any problems booking via TrainLine. I wouldn't worry about your ticket.

 

[VNwalking]

I've usually used Trainline to go around Renfe's online maze, and have never had any trouble - but then I don't book very far in advance.

If you haven't received an email you're probably good to go. And in the worst case scenario and it turns out you're not? Alsa. There are lots of long-distance buses.

 

[J Willhaus]

How can I verify my ticket status with Renfe? I can’t figure out their website (I know I’m not alone in this). I booked my Madrid-Pamplona train back in February through Trainline, I’m supposed to arrive in early August. I haven’t received any emails from anybody canceling the tickets, should I assume they are still good? I wasn’t aware of this being a problem. Worst case scenario I might have to purchase a new ticket when arriving in Madrid if I’m told mine is no good, but it seems there are lots of trains in that route several times a day.,,

I am surprised you could book that far in advance. Usually tickets are only available 6 weeks or so out. I look at the Renfe schedule for the same day (Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday, etc) a couple of weeks out from today (as an example) to let me know the general schedule. Then I start watching the Renfe App a few weeks prior to my planned travel. When I see the dates are open on Renfe (as an example Madrid to Pamplona), then I go on Trainline and book. It is especially important around holiday travel dates.

 

[HBS60]

I am surprised you could book that far in advance. Usually tickets are only available 6 weeks or so out. I look at the Renfe schedule for the same day (Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday, etc) a couple of weeks out from today (as an example) to let me know the general schedule. Then I start watching the Renfe App a few weeks prior to my planned travel. When I see the dates are open on Renfe (as an example Madrid to Pamplona), then I go on Trainline and book. It is especially important around holiday travel dates.

How can I verify that my current ticket is valid? I’m not planning to buy a new ticket without knowing whether my current one is valid or not. I can’t find anything on the Renfe website to this effect. Thanks!

 

[trecile]

How can I verify that my current ticket is valid? I’m not planning to buy a new ticket without knowing whether my current one is valid or not. I can’t find anything on the Renfe website to this effect. Thanks!

Honestly, I wouldn't give it a second thought. TrainLine is a legitimate seller of Renfe tickets. The recent report of someone receiving an email that their ticket was for a train that hadn't been released yet is an anomaly. If there were an issue with your ticket TrainLine would let you know.

 

[J Willhaus]

I think you just have to wait until those tickets go on sale at Renfe to make sure the train is going. It probably is. I am neurotic and keep checking back daily until I see them go on sale and then buy my tickets on trainline. On Renfe you will get a "trip not available" type message until they go on sale. I am assuming you have either the really early morning ticket so you may be able to catch the bus if it is still running that late in the season, or one slightly later. All trains for Pamplona leave from Atocha station.

Take either the Cercanías train from T4 terminal to Atocha or the Express bus that leaves from every terminal to Atocha for 5 euros every 10 or 20 minutes. I have done both and it is about the same time spent in transit.

Some people take a cab if there are more than a couple of people, but I enjoy mass transit.

 

[amgrem]

I am surprised you could book that far in advance. Usually tickets are only available 6 weeks or so out. I look at the Renfe schedule for the same day (Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday, etc) a couple of weeks out from today (as an example) to let me know the general schedule. Then I start watching the Renfe App a few weeks prior to my planned travel. When I see the dates are open on Renfe (as an example Madrid to Pamplona), then I go on Trainline and book. It is especially important around holiday travel dates.

I have a follow up question on this.

I have been doing the same thing you requested to book tickets for beginning of Oct. I know see there is a train available on the days I am looking but wondering if they will continue to release additional times.

 

[henrythedog]

I have a follow up question on this.

I have been doing the same thing you requested to book tickets for beginning of Oct. I know see there is a train available on the days I am looking but wondering if they will continue to release additional times.

Look at the same weekday a few weeks earlier. If there are more the answer is ‘probably’

 

[Tincatinker]

I have a follow up question on this.

I have been doing the same thing you requested to book tickets for beginning of Oct. I know see there is a train available on the days I am looking but wondering if they will continue to release additional times.

If I understand your question: there is no point in trying to book tickets for October in July, try in September. Timetables will change in September and winter timetables will be released then. Sadly, sometimes, not until they are in effect

Trainline, Omio etc will cheerfully sell you a ticket now for a train that may or may not run in October. They're happy to have your money for a couple of months and will sometimes even give it back eventually.

It's the sort of stuff that can put rave into travel

Buena suerte

 

[Jruder]

Well I ended up using Trainline…was so much easier to navigate. I went ahead and booked the train to the Camino (which was also showing on Renfe) as well as a week later from the Camino back to Madrid(which was not yet showing up on Renfe). So hopefully they didn’t sell me a ticket that doesn’t exist. I was nervous about getting the return train since we have an afternoon flight and I needed an early train to get us back in time.

 

[MikeyD]

If I understand your question: there is no point in trying to book tickets for October in July, try in September. Timetables will change in September and winter timetables will be released then. Sadly, sometimes, not until they are in effect

Trainline, Omio etc will cheerfully sell you a ticket now for a train that may or may not run in October. They're happy to have your money for a couple of months and will sometimes even give it back eventually.

It's the sort of stuff that can put rave into travel

Buena suerte

I’ve booked Madrid to Leon with Ninja rail, many months ago. They issued the ticket once they were available. Price was €83, the price on the ticket is €43. When I asked them they said the ticket did not include taxes and booking fee? Any info would be welcomed?

 

[henrythedog]

I’ve booked Madrid to Leon with Ninja rail, many months ago. They issued the ticket once they were available. Price was €83, the price on the ticket is €43. When I asked them they said the ticket did not include taxes and booking fee? Any info would be welcomed?

That’s a very large booking fee. Train line is just a few euros usually.

I managed to book Barcelona to Zaragoza for travel in October at the end of July through Trainline. In GBP the ticket was £40 the booking fee £2

Rail ninja only get 3.4/5 on Trustpilot; which is grim.

 

[Tincatinker]

I’ve booked Madrid to Leon with Ninja rail, many months ago. They issued the ticket once they were available. Price was €83, the price on the ticket is €43. When I asked them they said the ticket did not include taxes and booking fee? Any info would be welcomed?

You’ve been ripped off by Railninja. Unfortunately the World Wide Web is full of predators. Do yourself a favour next time and buy your tickets from the provider when they become available. Presumably the ninjas have not only blagged an exorbitant fee for running a simple “watch” program but they’ve also benefited from having your money for several months. They’ve gained interest on capital that could have been yours.

On the bright side, you have your ticket and seat reservation. Buen Camino