Tried many times to buy my ticket on renfe.es with my Amex card. But always received an error message 0211 saying that the card couldn't be verified. Called Amex and they said there was no problem on their end.
Frustrated, I called the renfe ticket sales line and the agent quickly processed the purchase with the same Amex card! However she said that she couldn't get her computer terminal to send me an e-mail with the ticket confirmation. She did give me the locator number.
What would be the procedure to enter the renfe website and download the ticket to my printer?

I don't think you can do that (download the ticket) at this point. What you can do is bring your locator number to any rail station and print out your ticket. The rail stations have ticket kiosks, and all it needs is for you to key in your locator #, and insert the CC you purchased your ticket with, and it'll spit out your ticket.

travelerone,
At https://w1.renfe.es/vol/
you might try clicking above on "ticket changes", then inserting your locator code that the agent gave you. Your pdf may (or may not) come up. I've done this to change my ticket purchase from regular to web fare.

If that doesn't work, just do as yk says. All the major rail stations have the self-service ticket kiosks now. You can either use your locator # or the credit card you used to make your purchase.

Maribel, I tried what was suggested but I received a reply (ref:A023)that the ticket/reservation could not be found based on the information I had submitted.
Maybe entering the Amex card number we had used on the telephone is still not being recognized. Although we see that our Amex account does show the renfe charge.

travelerone,
Sorry that didn't work for you. I suppose it makes sense, though, because your ticket wasn't purchased online but rather by phone with the Renfe agent. So hold on tight to that precious locator # (the Localizador). You can simply go to a major train station, punch in the number, and it should spit out your printed ticket.

If you want to have your printed ticket in hand on arrival day, at the Madrid airport you could try asking the agent at the Renfe counter in Terminal 1 (downstairs in the international arrivals section next to the Lost & Found) or at the Renfe office in Terminal 4 to print out your ticket for you. He/she will ask you for the locator number and most likely the c.c. you used for your purchase.

But again, at any major train station you'll find the self service burgundy kiosk machines that will produce your ticket by your punching in that all important "localizador" number.

I couldn't get Renfe to accept my Amex card online, but it took a MasterCard with no problem. You can print (click on "imprimir") and also save the ticket to your computer and email it to yourself to keep it in your inbox in case you lose it.

An interesting (or perhaps vexing) note-if you call Renfe, an agent may tell you (as he/she has told some folks) that Renfe online accepts only non Spain bank issued AmEx, which has not been the case for me, as I regularly book online with my US bank issued Visa.

www.renfe.es is an extraordinarily "challenging" site.

I had tried many many times in the last 3-4 days trying to buy a ticket at web price using my Canadian visa & mastercard, but failed. Every time, the same message popped up saying the process could not be continued Code GT001. I don't know if this was due to their system problem or my credit card or ticket unavailable or what. Can anybody out there give me a clue?

Sorry, CanadaJack,
I've successfully made 3 separate transactions at "dearly "beloved" www.renfe.es today with my US bank issued Visa.

It might just have been a system problem on the site.

Thanks for your info, Maribel. But it just didn't work for me. I tried again after reading your message and was hoping it was just a temporary system problem, but no luck with a dozen trials. I even tried it with the Spanish version, but the transaction couldn't get thru after I input my credit card info. Well, guess I just keep trying. Hate to deal with such a stupid system, and it is really spoiling my holiday mood.

Yep, I know the feeling. www.renfe.es can really spoil your mood quickly!

Since you've tried a dozen times, I would give Renfe a call during Spain business hours. By phone they will book you a 40% discount Estrella fare (but not the great 60% discount WEB fare, remaining true to its name). At least you will reap some discount.

i tried today using amex several times and it gave me the g001 error and then i tried with capital one visa and surprisingly, it went through! good luck. i did use the tripadvisor guide which helped to get discounted tickets.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g1...s.Online..html

What is the telephone number to reach Renfe? I assume that I will be able to speak to someone in English? I really appreciate any help. I have spent all evening trying to make website work. No Luck!

Try calling 902 240 202

So If u buy the ticket online and print it out you don't need to do anything in the railway station?

and who is eligible to buy the estrella fare?

1) Yes
2) Anyone. It has to be purchased at least 7 days in advance to qualify for that fare.