there's a tutorial online somewhere. google for it. But if the problem comes once trying to pay.. it is probably the non compatibility with some US credit cards or those that are not "visa verified".

You can get 40% discount fares off line so if all else fails and those fares are still available do it once in the country.

Good luck. I am sure you will find plenty of info on how to approach the website if you even do a search here going back in the advanced search a couple years.

thanks! got the link for the tutorial.. pretty detailed and informative... http://www.seat61.com/Spain-trains.htm#How_to_use_www.renfe.com


do not know what the web designers were thinking while making Renfe's site

cheers

gean2011,

There is no indication where you are from, but if still struggling you are likely from outside Europe and may need the additionally comprehensive -
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Travel-g187514-c80518/Madrid:Spain:Buying.Renfe.Tickets.Online..html

And if all that fails, you could use Rail Europe to buy the tickets. They have access to the special fares and only charge a 4 euros fee.

I found that registering the credit card with Verified by Visa ahead of time was the essential factor. Also call your bank to inform them you will be making a foreign purchase so they do not reject the charge.

And if after multiple attempts it still does not go through, do not despair. Both Petrabax and RailEurope offer Renfe tickets at comparable prices, including Web fare discounts, but add aa small handling fee ($4.95 for RE).

another online guide.
http://issuu.com/vallausa/docs/how-to-buy-renfe-tickets-preview

hey guys!

thanks for your help!! found it much easier to book it through Rail europe!!!

4euros is not a high price to pay for the convenience... although one word of caution- it does not allow you to select your seat. i had to email them to know our seats...

btw we are from India.

cheers!

The Veranos de la Villa festival goes on when you are in Madrid. Great artists every night in July and August.

At 10pm on your day of arrival (15th), The New Spanish Ballet performs at the quite spectacular outdoor stage in the Royal Palace Sabatini gardens. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3lax7bsC7A&feature=related

Buy tickets online (I've used this service several times. You print your own tickets): http://www.entradas.com/entradas/ballet-español---cambio-de-tercio-evento_1_2_28_73162

The Sabatini gardens: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabatini_Gardens
Photos: http://www.google.no/search?q=Jardines+de+Sabatini&hl=en&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=g6DdT8OGCoX0sgadn5CgDQ&ved=0CIEBELAE&biw=1600&bih=805