Train tickets in Spain
Dec 28th, 2007, 02:09 PM
#1
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Train tickets in Spain
I am traveling to Spain in late March. I plan to take the train from Madrid to Seville, Seville to Cordoba, and Cordoba to Madrid. The renfe site has just started selling those dates. Will I save money by buying the tickets now? Will they go up in price if I wait until day-of and buy them at the station?
Also, on the Spanish version of the site there are 60% and 40% discounts, but I do not know Spanish well enough to understand the "fine print." For example, I need to travel Madrid to Seville on March 28. Is that ticket cheaper on the Spanish-language site? Is the discount available to non-residents?
Thank you!
Also, on the Spanish version of the site there are 60% and 40% discounts, but I do not know Spanish well enough to understand the "fine print." For example, I need to travel Madrid to Seville on March 28. Is that ticket cheaper on the Spanish-language site? Is the discount available to non-residents?
Thank you!
Dec 28th, 2007, 02:44 PM
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GypsyHeart,
The 60% and 40% discounts you see advertised on the Spanish language page are not available yet for the Madrid-Sevilla AVE run. I've been waiting for them ever since they were first advertised a month ago and have tried to find them on several different itineraries from Madrid.
We'll have to wait a while for Renfe to load those "Tarifa estrella" and "Tarifa Web" fares (tarifa means fare in Spanish) probably after Jan. 1.
And when they become available, they should be available to everyone, residents and non residents alike-and not just on the Spanish language page. But they can't be changed, and seats will be limited at those fares.
You can only buy your March 28 tickets 62 days out-still too early.
The 60% and 40% discounts you see advertised on the Spanish language page are not available yet for the Madrid-Sevilla AVE run. I've been waiting for them ever since they were first advertised a month ago and have tried to find them on several different itineraries from Madrid.
We'll have to wait a while for Renfe to load those "Tarifa estrella" and "Tarifa Web" fares (tarifa means fare in Spanish) probably after Jan. 1.
And when they become available, they should be available to everyone, residents and non residents alike-and not just on the Spanish language page. But they can't be changed, and seats will be limited at those fares.
You can only buy your March 28 tickets 62 days out-still too early.
Dec 28th, 2007, 04:15 PM
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GypsyHeart,
Please disregard the above! Yes, discounted web fares are indeed now available on the Madrid-Seville AVE itinerary. I finally figured out how to find them. They're on the final step, right before you make your purchase-you'll see a drop down menu, under fare. Select "web", after "carnet joven" and the web fare is 28.65, a big savings off the regular 71.20 fare. I just checked a random date of Jan. 18.
Sorry about the confusion!
Please disregard the above! Yes, discounted web fares are indeed now available on the Madrid-Seville AVE itinerary. I finally figured out how to find them. They're on the final step, right before you make your purchase-you'll see a drop down menu, under fare. Select "web", after "carnet joven" and the web fare is 28.65, a big savings off the regular 71.20 fare. I just checked a random date of Jan. 18.
Sorry about the confusion!
Dec 28th, 2007, 05:33 PM
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GypsyHeart,
Me again.
Now that I've FINALLY deciphered this new Renfe TIKNET system, I was able to purchase a Madrid-Segovia AVE web fare ticket for 8.15 (regular fare: 20.40) for Feb. 2 and a Madrid-Seville AVE web fare ticket for 28.65 (regular fare: 71.70) for Feb. 24. (Couldn't purchase any Madrid-Seville for after Feb. 24).
Great savings!! Thank you RENFE!
But the trick is that I could secure this discounted web fare ONLY by purchasing a one-way ticket and only by purchasing ONE ticket at a time. When I tried to purchase 2 tixs in the same transaction, I got the first at a web fare price and the second at the regular price.
When I tried a round trip, I just got the regular fare both ways on the AVE.
Hope this helps!
Me again.
Now that I've FINALLY deciphered this new Renfe TIKNET system, I was able to purchase a Madrid-Segovia AVE web fare ticket for 8.15 (regular fare: 20.40) for Feb. 2 and a Madrid-Seville AVE web fare ticket for 28.65 (regular fare: 71.70) for Feb. 24. (Couldn't purchase any Madrid-Seville for after Feb. 24).
Great savings!! Thank you RENFE!
But the trick is that I could secure this discounted web fare ONLY by purchasing a one-way ticket and only by purchasing ONE ticket at a time. When I tried to purchase 2 tixs in the same transaction, I got the first at a web fare price and the second at the regular price.
When I tried a round trip, I just got the regular fare both ways on the AVE.
Hope this helps!
Dec 28th, 2007, 11:26 PM
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careful:
the "carnet jove" is a special discount CARD that is acquired through banks here in spain.
this gives the applicants good discounts at cinemas, trains, etc.
it does not represent an age related only fare, i am quite certain.
the "carnet jove" is a special discount CARD that is acquired through banks here in spain.
this gives the applicants good discounts at cinemas, trains, etc.
it does not represent an age related only fare, i am quite certain.
Dec 29th, 2007, 03:54 AM
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GypsyHeart,
I was referring to the new "web" fare that is found (hidden) in the drop down menu when scrolling down below "carnet joven". I did not recommend the "carnet joven" to you.
cruiseluv,
The AVE to Segovia was officially inaugurated on Dec. 22 and the AVE to Malaga on Dec. 23. They were opened to passengers the following day.
The much maligned Ministra de Fomento in her address to the public during her official rides on the new AVEs stated that she HOPES the Madrid-Barcelona AVE will be finished before March 9 (before the elections!)
We shall see....
I'm glad to see those 8.15 euro "web only" discount fares for the Madrid-Segovia AVE, because it brings the ride in line with the 8.60 fare on the Madrid-Toledo AVANT. Both a 30 minute ride, so the fare should be the same.
On the Madrid-Segovia-Valladolid AVE and Alvia trains there are 2 classes of service, "turista" and "preferente" unlike the Madrid-Toledo one class AVANT. From Madrid to Valladolid the ride takes 1 hr. 10 min.
But for such a short ride it makes zero sense to me to purchase a "preferente" ticket.
I was referring to the new "web" fare that is found (hidden) in the drop down menu when scrolling down below "carnet joven". I did not recommend the "carnet joven" to you.
cruiseluv,
The AVE to Segovia was officially inaugurated on Dec. 22 and the AVE to Malaga on Dec. 23. They were opened to passengers the following day.
The much maligned Ministra de Fomento in her address to the public during her official rides on the new AVEs stated that she HOPES the Madrid-Barcelona AVE will be finished before March 9 (before the elections!)
We shall see....
I'm glad to see those 8.15 euro "web only" discount fares for the Madrid-Segovia AVE, because it brings the ride in line with the 8.60 fare on the Madrid-Toledo AVANT. Both a 30 minute ride, so the fare should be the same.
On the Madrid-Segovia-Valladolid AVE and Alvia trains there are 2 classes of service, "turista" and "preferente" unlike the Madrid-Toledo one class AVANT. From Madrid to Valladolid the ride takes 1 hr. 10 min.
But for such a short ride it makes zero sense to me to purchase a "preferente" ticket.
Dec 29th, 2007, 04:53 AM
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Maribel,
Thank you for the info. My family will be arriving in Madrid on Saturday, March 29th at 7:45am. We are staying in Seville that evening and will take the AVE. How long will it take us to land, clear customs, and get to the ATOCHA station (assuming no flight delays)? What is the best way to get from the airport to the AVE departure site? Should I book these tickets ahead of time? If so, which departure time would you recommend based on a 7:45am arrival in to Madrid? If I miss my scheduled AVE departure, can I trade in my tickets for a later train? If I book a later train, could I trade them in for an earlier train?
Sorry for so many questions, but this is one part of my trip that I am unsure about!
Thank you!
Thank you for the info. My family will be arriving in Madrid on Saturday, March 29th at 7:45am. We are staying in Seville that evening and will take the AVE. How long will it take us to land, clear customs, and get to the ATOCHA station (assuming no flight delays)? What is the best way to get from the airport to the AVE departure site? Should I book these tickets ahead of time? If so, which departure time would you recommend based on a 7:45am arrival in to Madrid? If I miss my scheduled AVE departure, can I trade in my tickets for a later train? If I book a later train, could I trade them in for an earlier train?
Sorry for so many questions, but this is one part of my trip that I am unsure about!
Thank you!
Dec 29th, 2007, 06:05 AM
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caniac, clearing customs takes no time, simply collect your bags and walk through the "nothing to declare" door. Passport control can take anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour or longer, depending on how many flights have landed at the same time and how many officers are manning the booths. Your longest delay will be collecting your luggage. I don’t think it’s ever taken less than 30 minutes for them to unload the plane and get the bags into baggage claim.
If everything works as it should, then you may be able to clear customs and be out the door in less than an hour, but don't count on it.
Depending on how you get to Atocha station, taxi, bus or metro, I wouldn’t consider booking the AVE any earlier than 11:00, noon sounds even better.
And yes, you should purchase your tickets ahead of time.
If everything works as it should, then you may be able to clear customs and be out the door in less than an hour, but don't count on it.
Depending on how you get to Atocha station, taxi, bus or metro, I wouldn’t consider booking the AVE any earlier than 11:00, noon sounds even better.
And yes, you should purchase your tickets ahead of time.
Dec 29th, 2007, 07:58 AM
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caniac,
Ditto to what Robert has told you regarding clearning customs.
And I would certainly take a taxi from Barajas airport to Atocha station. Taxi fare should run between 25-30 euros (including airport supplement), depending on whether you depart in the taxi from Terminal 4 (a few km. further north) or Terminal 1.
The disadvantage of these new "web only" fares is that they are NON exchangeable, so Renfe states in the FAQ. They are 50% refundable.
So I would opt for the 11 am or noon AVE departure, just to be on the safe side. Better to have to wait a bit at Atocha than miss your train and lose your savings if your plane arrives late at Barajas.
The good news about these Tarifa web fares is that you print your own tickets. Don't have to head to the Renfe ticket counter at Terminal 4 or Terminal 1 upon your arrival in Madrid to present your reservation number and the cc you used to reserve to obtain your printed ticket or stand in the long lines at Atocha to do so.
Renfe is also advertising "mini fares" for certain itineraries on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, when purchased from 15 days to 24 hrs in advance. These tixs need to be reserved by phone, purchased at a travel agency or at a train station. They also offer substantial savings, such as a 16 euro one way ticket from Madrid to Cáceres.
Hope this helps.
Ditto to what Robert has told you regarding clearning customs.
And I would certainly take a taxi from Barajas airport to Atocha station. Taxi fare should run between 25-30 euros (including airport supplement), depending on whether you depart in the taxi from Terminal 4 (a few km. further north) or Terminal 1.
The disadvantage of these new "web only" fares is that they are NON exchangeable, so Renfe states in the FAQ. They are 50% refundable.
So I would opt for the 11 am or noon AVE departure, just to be on the safe side. Better to have to wait a bit at Atocha than miss your train and lose your savings if your plane arrives late at Barajas.
The good news about these Tarifa web fares is that you print your own tickets. Don't have to head to the Renfe ticket counter at Terminal 4 or Terminal 1 upon your arrival in Madrid to present your reservation number and the cc you used to reserve to obtain your printed ticket or stand in the long lines at Atocha to do so.
Renfe is also advertising "mini fares" for certain itineraries on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, when purchased from 15 days to 24 hrs in advance. These tixs need to be reserved by phone, purchased at a travel agency or at a train station. They also offer substantial savings, such as a 16 euro one way ticket from Madrid to Cáceres.
Hope this helps.
Jan 11th, 2008, 05:04 AM
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The discounts are only good for one-way travel, but I had no problem getting the discount for all 5 members of my party at once (I just had to select it for each member individually). Also note there is the "web" fare which is I think 60% off, and the "estrella" fare, which I think is 40% off, in case the web fare is sold out.
My question is that now I have a PDF of my train ticket, and I don't know if I am really allowed to use it on the train, or if I have to go to a ticket office for further approval of some kind. This was my first time using Tiknet, but I know the charge cleared my credit card because I had to call them to authorize a charge from Spain. Can someone explain how it works now?
My question is that now I have a PDF of my train ticket, and I don't know if I am really allowed to use it on the train, or if I have to go to a ticket office for further approval of some kind. This was my first time using Tiknet, but I know the charge cleared my credit card because I had to call them to authorize a charge from Spain. Can someone explain how it works now?
Jan 11th, 2008, 05:43 AM
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You are allowed to use your pdf printout to board the train-just like the pdf printout tickets on SNCF. They will ask you for a form of identification (passport) as well.
Yes, the Tarifa Web fares (60% discount) are for tourist class travel only, one way only, and must be purchased at least 15 days in advance.
The Tarifa Estrella (40%) discount fares are valid for tourist or "preferente" (business) class and need to be purchased 7 days prior to travel.
Yes, the Tarifa Web fares (60% discount) are for tourist class travel only, one way only, and must be purchased at least 15 days in advance.
The Tarifa Estrella (40%) discount fares are valid for tourist or "preferente" (business) class and need to be purchased 7 days prior to travel.
Jan 11th, 2008, 06:01 AM
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Forgot to mention that in the bottom left corner of the pdf printout there is a section to be filled out by the passenger-
under Datos del Cliente
Name (nombre)
Passport # (NIF)
Street address (domicilio)
Zip code (código postal)
Town/City (población)
I haven't used my printout yets so I don't know if the agents will really be checking to see if you've filled this out. You never know...
Last week I purchased my AVE tickets to and from Segovia at the Web fare of 8.20 (the 60% discount) for Feb 2.
When I tried today to purchase another Madrid-Segovia AVE ticket, the Web fare was no longer available (still more than 15 days out)-only the Estrella fare (12 euros).
So if you plan to travel on a popular AVE, Altaria, Alvia and want to secure that Web fare 60% discount, I would plan to purchase it at least a month in advance to err on the safe side.
But you can purchase no further in advance than 62 days prior to departure.
under Datos del Cliente
Name (nombre)
Passport # (NIF)
Street address (domicilio)
Zip code (código postal)
Town/City (población)
I haven't used my printout yets so I don't know if the agents will really be checking to see if you've filled this out. You never know...
Last week I purchased my AVE tickets to and from Segovia at the Web fare of 8.20 (the 60% discount) for Feb 2.
When I tried today to purchase another Madrid-Segovia AVE ticket, the Web fare was no longer available (still more than 15 days out)-only the Estrella fare (12 euros).
So if you plan to travel on a popular AVE, Altaria, Alvia and want to secure that Web fare 60% discount, I would plan to purchase it at least a month in advance to err on the safe side.
But you can purchase no further in advance than 62 days prior to departure.
Jan 11th, 2008, 06:31 AM
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One more note.
For those taking the new AVE from Madrid to Segovia-
The trains depart from Chamartín station in northern Madrid rather than from Atocha, where one catches the AVE to Córdoba, Seville and Málaga.
For those taking the new AVE from Madrid to Segovia-
The trains depart from Chamartín station in northern Madrid rather than from Atocha, where one catches the AVE to Córdoba, Seville and Málaga.
Jan 28th, 2008, 11:50 AM
#20
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Maribel--I wonder if you'll see this. I am trying to buy my Madrid to Seville train tickets now, and of course I want the 60% discount. Under Tarifa, there is an icon of a star for the Estrella discount on the train I want, but no WEB icon. The trip is 60 days away. Should I wait? Will the WEB discount appear later? There is a WEB icon on some of the morning flights that day, so I am wondering if it is offered on all trains. Thanks.
