Spain
 

I know I can reserve AVE tickets from Madrid to Seville on Renfe's web site. Does anyone know if this site offers special fares similar to the PREMS fare for TGV on France's SNCF? The PREMS fare can be as low as 20 euros from Paris to Avignon. Are there special deals like with Renfe? Our one way trip is costing 280 euros for our family of 4.

Not that I am aware of.

No, Renfe works on a completely different system. They mantain the same prices all the season, no matter if you buy one month earlier or the day before. So they don't have tickets as cheap as the PREM's fare..but I think they don't have also tickets as expensive as the TGV bought last minute :)

It depends on when you go: AVE has 3 time-of-day based fares (Valle, Llano & Punto) and 3 class-of-service based fares (Turista, Preferente & Club). At times, when you have 4-people traveling together, you can get a 'Club Quatro' at a considerably reduced rate. Renfe doesn't generally advertise this; you have to ask if it is available for the specific train when you buy your tix.

'Club' fares usually include drinks and a meal, but if it's not mealtime it's like Preferente with a private compartment. So AVE may have a limited number of un-advertised 'Club Duo' or 'Club Quatro' fares available that you must ask for. Unfortunately, you can't get those thru Rail Europe or Renfe advance booking.

NEDSIRELAND, so I can't get these Club Quatro fare on the web site? Any idea on how much savings?

Hi carcassone, RENFE has an international number where they answer you questions, and they are very nice. It is in their web site.

Have you had a go on WWW.SEAT61.COM? May be some helpm with finding the options you want.