Thanks to all who have so patiently helped me plan a solo trip to Spain to join my daughter studying in Madrid this summer. I now need to get us to Barcelona on the new high speed train but am having the same problems most seem to have with RENFE bookings. Have studied Maribels guides and her section on booking train travel but am still befuddled...

IME you should have no problems booking this type of train upon arrival in Spain

Renfe site seems impossible for many to use

If bent on a reservation then you may have to revert to more expensive usualy Raileurope in U.S. (but not always) and for that i always advise BETS 800-441-2387, a RE agent with much more personal and expert service IME - but only if you are the type of person who has to have everything booked and so you need only have to get on the train. I can appreciate that though IME you should have no problem booking that rate at renfe regular rates upon arrival.

hcjax,
Apparently Renfe has admitted to a major software glitch in its ticket purchasing system, and those who attempt to purchase summer txs on line have been out of luck, getting repeatedly an error message. Renfe says it will have the problem fixed in a few days....we'll see.

You could buy the ticket when you arrive. Be prepared to wait one hour.

In Madrid you can purchase train tickets at the American Express office or at the El Corte Ingles department store. They speak English and there was not a wait when I purchased tickets in April. Very convenient.

Thanks again to all who have replied yet again! I don't feel so dumb now...

Maribel...have spent all weekend studying your Madrid & Barcelona guides! They are amazing and such a wealth of good info!!