I attempted to book via RailEurope today and one-way ticket from Madrid to Seville is $178 (twice what it was two weeks ago). Tried to book via the RENFE site, but registration requires a field "N.E.F." Can any shed light on either the price at RailEurope or what N.E.F. stands for? Trying to book two tickets for 4/30/06. Thank you!

Security alert:

I'm more worried about the messages my browsers give me about not recognizing the security certificate for the renfe ticket site.

"Unable to verify the identity of W1.RENFE.ES as a trusted site. Possible reasons for this error:
[,,,]
[,,,]
You are connected to a site pretending to be W1.RENFE.ES, possibly to obtain your confidential information."

And on the second browser I get:

"You have attempted to establish a connection with "www.renfe.es". However, the security certificate presented belongs to "a248.e.akamai.net". It is possible, though unlikely, that someone may be trying to intercept your communication on this website."

The third browser alerts me even before bringing up the opening screen of www.renfe.es:

"Unable to establish a secure connection to 'www.renfe.es'. There is a problem with the security certificate from that site (The identity certificate name is not correct.)
The information you view and send will be readable to others while in transit, and it may not go to the intended Party."

If your browser doesn't show these messages, check your security settings. I can wait, but if you can't wait, make a phone call or email them, this doesn't look good for your credit card security if you go ahead. But that's no reason to spend a fortune with Raileurope, they like to sock you whenever they can.

The fares I did get to see were anything from Euros 69.80 (AVE turista) down to 54.70 for the slower Altaria connection.

Trains leave every 30 minutes, if you get into Madrid as late as the night before you should have a chance at booking a seat for the next day close to the desired departure time, book it at a travel agency in town with the renfe sign, or at any station.

Good luck.
WK

Try Linda at BETS (800-441-2387) she has the RailEurope computer and may be able to find a cheaper fare - $178 seems way too high.

178€ is way too high. For two it should be no more than 140€. You can certainly do better through RENFE, but as the site is acting up, go through a travel agent.

Either that or spend the money and call their international information number; it is on the website opening page.

I assume you are not trying to book tickerts for a journey more than 60 days out are you?

I struggled with RENFE myself, getting so far as to seemingly complete the transaction over and over, each time ending with some sort of error message. I called my bank and they told me the problem was a security block they had instituted because for some reason that site (or European rail sites in general) are prone to fraud. Finally another credit card worked. . . But in the meantime, I did email RENFE and received a prompt and helpful response, so you might want to use their "help" link to find out what's up.

may 1st is big holiday. maybe that is why there is a problem with discounted seats now.

Isn´t April 30 the last day of Feria?