Renfe question (grrrr)
Aug 30th, 2010, 03:29 PM
#21
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okay, I managed to buy 2 sets of tickets - still need to get two more - I'll try again tomorrow morning.
First - when signing up for an account despite entering a password and verifying when signing up, the passsword (contrasena) needed is the one sent to you in acknowledging email when you sign up. Registering online may or may not make the transaction smoother - but it is supposed to make it easier to track your transactions, look up lost tickets etc
Use windows Internet explorer - not foxfire or safari
And if you use google toolbar, the tool includes a translator - many have advised that the Spanish site is easier to use, and this lets you understand what the site is asking.
One post that I could not relocate advocated buying tickets 1am to 5pm eastern time - which corresponds with the times Karens mentioned above. When all else failed buying tickets at 7am eastern time let me finally have success. I did the same thing this morning as I tried multiple times this weekend, and had no problems for the first two transactions
Call the bank before. Then if still having problems call again to see if they register attempts to process charge - if not the problem is on the Renfe end. If there was a denial the problem is your bank. Despite telling my bank I would be making a series of 4 transactions, when the third transaction had an identical amount to a previous transaction the charge was denied. Calling while processing the charge yielded success.
First - when signing up for an account despite entering a password and verifying when signing up, the passsword (contrasena) needed is the one sent to you in acknowledging email when you sign up. Registering online may or may not make the transaction smoother - but it is supposed to make it easier to track your transactions, look up lost tickets etc
Use windows Internet explorer - not foxfire or safari
And if you use google toolbar, the tool includes a translator - many have advised that the Spanish site is easier to use, and this lets you understand what the site is asking.
One post that I could not relocate advocated buying tickets 1am to 5pm eastern time - which corresponds with the times Karens mentioned above. When all else failed buying tickets at 7am eastern time let me finally have success. I did the same thing this morning as I tried multiple times this weekend, and had no problems for the first two transactions
Call the bank before. Then if still having problems call again to see if they register attempts to process charge - if not the problem is on the Renfe end. If there was a denial the problem is your bank. Despite telling my bank I would be making a series of 4 transactions, when the third transaction had an identical amount to a previous transaction the charge was denied. Calling while processing the charge yielded success.
Sep 1st, 2010, 05:37 AM
#22
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I am going to Spain in October & had planned several internal train trips. I must say this thread is rather discouraging. I have a couple questions before I start the whole process.
It looks like if you are not from Spain & will be traveling on multiple days it's a good idea to buy a Eurail Spain pass. Has anyone done this? You still have to make reservations on the specific trips.
Also, I found a website that appears to be straightforward, though I haven't yet tried to purchase anything there. Has anyone bought tickets through this site? Or know if there are any advantages or disadvantages compared to getting tickets directly through renfe?
http://www.raileurope.com/index.html
BTW, good luck to karens and kathcall
It looks like if you are not from Spain & will be traveling on multiple days it's a good idea to buy a Eurail Spain pass. Has anyone done this? You still have to make reservations on the specific trips.
Also, I found a website that appears to be straightforward, though I haven't yet tried to purchase anything there. Has anyone bought tickets through this site? Or know if there are any advantages or disadvantages compared to getting tickets directly through renfe?
http://www.raileurope.com/index.html
BTW, good luck to karens and kathcall
Sep 1st, 2010, 06:02 AM
#23
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Jerirl--RailEurope doesn't give you the special rate breaks, so you are paying top dollar. Also, please compare the cost of your point-to-point tickets with the cost of the Eurail pass WITH the extra fees needed, if any, for the actual reservations.
Re RENFE: As many of us who have successfully used RENFE will be the first to say, as long as you are mentally prepared that using the site's purchase system will be an odd experience, the process can be rather amusing.
RENFE updated their website a bit this summer, so I can't give the exact directions and link tips that I did last spring (although I will attempt to find updated help and post here). No matter what version of RENFE one encounters, though, our basic, time-tested tips remain the same:
1) Attempt a couple of dry runs. If the "new" website is as strange as prior designs (and I have every faith that it would be) the site page progression will suddenly change to Spanish midstream. A problem? Actually, no. Just familiarize yourself with the very simple terminology in Spanish (Google Translate) and don't worry about it anymore.
2) Print out some screen shots as you successfully go through the system so that you know what you did when.
3) Create a RENFE account BEFORE you attempt to book. You'll be able to see a record of transactions eventually!
4) Call your credit card company right before you make the transaction and THEN FULLY EXPECT THE CC COMPANY to screw it up. I am dead serious. I had to make follow-up phone calls both times I purchased and then had to make the purchases again. I did not, however, have to keep my account rep on the line while I did it. If that is what it will take, though, that's what it will take.
One consideration: It's not as though RENFE is the only rail website that requires us to jump through hoops. The French site, for example, requires us to lie about our origin if we are US citizens in order to purchase tickets from it. If we tell the truth, the French rail site redirects us straight to RailEurope--and again, as you can guess, no more good rates and no more bargains.
Re RENFE: As many of us who have successfully used RENFE will be the first to say, as long as you are mentally prepared that using the site's purchase system will be an odd experience, the process can be rather amusing.
RENFE updated their website a bit this summer, so I can't give the exact directions and link tips that I did last spring (although I will attempt to find updated help and post here). No matter what version of RENFE one encounters, though, our basic, time-tested tips remain the same:
1) Attempt a couple of dry runs. If the "new" website is as strange as prior designs (and I have every faith that it would be) the site page progression will suddenly change to Spanish midstream. A problem? Actually, no. Just familiarize yourself with the very simple terminology in Spanish (Google Translate) and don't worry about it anymore.
2) Print out some screen shots as you successfully go through the system so that you know what you did when.
3) Create a RENFE account BEFORE you attempt to book. You'll be able to see a record of transactions eventually!
4) Call your credit card company right before you make the transaction and THEN FULLY EXPECT THE CC COMPANY to screw it up. I am dead serious. I had to make follow-up phone calls both times I purchased and then had to make the purchases again. I did not, however, have to keep my account rep on the line while I did it. If that is what it will take, though, that's what it will take.
One consideration: It's not as though RENFE is the only rail website that requires us to jump through hoops. The French site, for example, requires us to lie about our origin if we are US citizens in order to purchase tickets from it. If we tell the truth, the French rail site redirects us straight to RailEurope--and again, as you can guess, no more good rates and no more bargains.
Sep 1st, 2010, 06:17 AM
#24
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jerigirl,
I am surprised you think there is value to the purchase of a rail pass. Do you fully understand the terms and conditions? (However, I do not know how many trips you will take or whether you have undertaken any budgetary comparison with the RENFE site and the discounted fares which may be available.)
Almost everyone has little problem with the RENFE site. It is unfortunate the U.S. and Canada are those who seem to be the ones more frequently 'out of luck', for reasons in this thread.
Best wishes.
I am surprised you think there is value to the purchase of a rail pass. Do you fully understand the terms and conditions? (However, I do not know how many trips you will take or whether you have undertaken any budgetary comparison with the RENFE site and the discounted fares which may be available.)
Almost everyone has little problem with the RENFE site. It is unfortunate the U.S. and Canada are those who seem to be the ones more frequently 'out of luck', for reasons in this thread.
Best wishes.
Sep 1st, 2010, 02:30 PM
#25
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I've made all my purchases for my October trip and saved 40-60% on each of my 4 legs to the trip. I would have paid full price plus commissions if I had used the easier RailEurope site.
The Petrabax website that Wombat found offered tickets from the expensive reserved seat class, claiming they were the only seats still available for one leg, and for another "Thank you for your inquiry. One way rate from Madrid to Granada October 24 at 5:00pm $111.00 per person tourist class." Reserving on Renfe site 2 tickets cost $123.
So while this was quite a unique experience, with the help of those here I saved a considerable amount of money.
The Petrabax website that Wombat found offered tickets from the expensive reserved seat class, claiming they were the only seats still available for one leg, and for another "Thank you for your inquiry. One way rate from Madrid to Granada October 24 at 5:00pm $111.00 per person tourist class." Reserving on Renfe site 2 tickets cost $123.
So while this was quite a unique experience, with the help of those here I saved a considerable amount of money.
Sep 3rd, 2010, 10:28 AM
#29
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Geez, I'm even having trouble calling them.
I called comcast who told me to call:
011 34 902 109 420.
Is this correct?
I understand I might to also include a city code? What city are the Renfe offices located in?
I called comcast who told me to call:
011 34 902 109 420.
Is this correct?
I understand I might to also include a city code? What city are the Renfe offices located in?
Sep 3rd, 2010, 12:42 PM
#31
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karen
I think what made the difference for me was the timing - every successful purchase was early morning (7-8am) Eastern US time.
Of course I made sure my bank was aware of the intended purchases, and I used a card that others commented had success.
Have you tried to use the Spanish site using the google translator tool?
I had decided that I'd wait til I got to Spain and get a seniors pass - I'm over 60, but the challenge of making it work was irresistible
I think what made the difference for me was the timing - every successful purchase was early morning (7-8am) Eastern US time.
Of course I made sure my bank was aware of the intended purchases, and I used a card that others commented had success.
Have you tried to use the Spanish site using the google translator tool?
I had decided that I'd wait til I got to Spain and get a seniors pass - I'm over 60, but the challenge of making it work was irresistible
Sep 4th, 2010, 10:35 AM
#32
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Just posting my personal experience. I tried about 4 times in Mozilla and Explorer and was kicked out. I tried using my Wells Fargo Visa debit card in Mozilla and got as far as the security registration screen and completed it, pressed send and got a white screen of nothing. I tried the next day in Explorer (waited to see if my checking account was debited by the purchase which it was not) and everything worked fine. I had to go through the security procedure again with VISA and voila I had my ticket.
Sep 7th, 2010, 11:52 AM
#33
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"I had decided that I'd wait til I got to Spain and get a seniors pass - I'm over 60, but the challenge of making it work was irresistible"
I've been away and am just checking back in to see what good ol' RENFE was up to. KathColl, your statement has described it all--the web system is SO darn bad and our US CC systems are so out of sync with it AND us--that getting one's tickets after awhile becomes a raison d'etre.
I've been away and am just checking back in to see what good ol' RENFE was up to. KathColl, your statement has described it all--the web system is SO darn bad and our US CC systems are so out of sync with it AND us--that getting one's tickets after awhile becomes a raison d'etre.
Sep 20th, 2010, 11:54 AM
#34
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I gave up. I tried the Renfe site several times, called my creidt card company, even had my credit card company on the line one time, tried to verify my bank Visa debit card with Verified by Visa (couldn't) and decided I had spent enough time on this.
I booked on Rail Europe for about $20 more per ticket. But...on that site I had to pay extra to have the tickets fedex'd to me ($36!).
We took the train last Saturday. It was a wonderful experience. The train arrived exactly on time (11:52) was clean and pleasant and dropped us off in Madrid right near our hotel near the Prado. I would highly recommended getting between Barcelona and Madrid on the train.
I booked on Rail Europe for about $20 more per ticket. But...on that site I had to pay extra to have the tickets fedex'd to me ($36!).
We took the train last Saturday. It was a wonderful experience. The train arrived exactly on time (11:52) was clean and pleasant and dropped us off in Madrid right near our hotel near the Prado. I would highly recommended getting between Barcelona and Madrid on the train.
Oct 7th, 2010, 03:10 AM
#36
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I am just becoming aware of the problems with the RENFE site. Here is a question that might sound silly, but:
What about asking one's hotel to make the booking for you, after finding the correct discount fare on the RENFE site?
I plan to take the train from MAdrid to Granada in January and after only one look at the RENFE site, I can see that it is going to be ann annoying experience, at best. I can see the trains, but when I put in the date in January, the dates revert back to tomorrow's date.
Is it too early to book for January?
Any additional tips to making this as painless as possible, besides what is written on this thread? I can use the Spanish-language RENFE page if necessary and I have a US VISA card.
What about asking one's hotel to make the booking for you, after finding the correct discount fare on the RENFE site?
I plan to take the train from MAdrid to Granada in January and after only one look at the RENFE site, I can see that it is going to be ann annoying experience, at best. I can see the trains, but when I put in the date in January, the dates revert back to tomorrow's date.
Is it too early to book for January?
Any additional tips to making this as painless as possible, besides what is written on this thread? I can use the Spanish-language RENFE page if necessary and I have a US VISA card.
Oct 7th, 2010, 06:28 AM
#37
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ekscrunchy,
'Is it too early to book for January? ' - Yes, schedules and prices will be probably/possibly revised on or about Dec 12th.
Read this for simple explanation on use of the RENFE site - http://www.seat61.com/Europe-train-t...ways%20website
and comprehensive coverage here - http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Travel-...s.Online..html
of possibly everything with might baffle.
'What about asking one's hotel to make the booking for you, after finding the correct discount fare on the RENFE site?' - Trust on both sides is the only block, I see.
I have never had a problem with the site. A few months ago it was revised and is now very easy to use. The card issues are mainly an American continent problem and yes, use the Spanish language pages, as if you have a problem there appears more clarity in explanation, but it will still be your card.
Best wishes.
'Is it too early to book for January? ' - Yes, schedules and prices will be probably/possibly revised on or about Dec 12th.
Read this for simple explanation on use of the RENFE site - http://www.seat61.com/Europe-train-t...ways%20website
and comprehensive coverage here - http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Travel-...s.Online..html
of possibly everything with might baffle.
'What about asking one's hotel to make the booking for you, after finding the correct discount fare on the RENFE site?' - Trust on both sides is the only block, I see.
I have never had a problem with the site. A few months ago it was revised and is now very easy to use. The card issues are mainly an American continent problem and yes, use the Spanish language pages, as if you have a problem there appears more clarity in explanation, but it will still be your card.
Best wishes.
Oct 7th, 2010, 06:40 AM
#38
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Thanks, Wombatt. My thought was to use the RENFE site to find the particular train and the least expensive fare, and then ask the hotel to buy me the tickets. Wonder if anyone here has approached the problem in this manner?
But I now see a small glitch: My partner will qualify for the Tarjeta Dorada, but he has to wait until he arrives to buy this card. But if we wait until arrival, we will no longer qualify for the special web fares! A bit of a conundrum!
But I now see a small glitch: My partner will qualify for the Tarjeta Dorada, but he has to wait until he arrives to buy this card. But if we wait until arrival, we will no longer qualify for the special web fares! A bit of a conundrum!
Oct 7th, 2010, 08:47 PM
#39
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I doubt a hotel will take the time to go into the site and book a webfare. one can get the estrella fare on the phone.. but imagine when they try it isn't left, etc.
they have to write you, etc..
If you are looking for dates between jan. 1 and the 8th, I highly doubt there will be many webfares. Be vigilant.. and good luck with your card. if there are only estrella fares available then you may want to phone if you are having problems with your card online.
they have to write you, etc..
If you are looking for dates between jan. 1 and the 8th, I highly doubt there will be many webfares. Be vigilant.. and good luck with your card. if there are only estrella fares available then you may want to phone if you are having problems with your card online.
Oct 8th, 2010, 02:35 AM
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Sorry to be dense, but can I phone and use my US credit card to buy the tickets? Are they then-mailed to me? If so, why bother with the website?
Can this be done via a travel agency in Madrid and if so, does anyone have the contact info?
I will ask the Madrid hotel if I have no luck doing it online or by phone. Some hotels will certainly book train tickets but who knows if they can get me a discounted fare...
I plan to travel on a Thursday, second week in January....
Can this be done via a travel agency in Madrid and if so, does anyone have the contact info?
I will ask the Madrid hotel if I have no luck doing it online or by phone. Some hotels will certainly book train tickets but who knows if they can get me a discounted fare...
I plan to travel on a Thursday, second week in January....
