I bought Renfe train passes. I'm trying to make reservations from Madrid to Cordoba, as well as Cordoba to Seville. It says that there are no available trains. Can there really be no trains? Is it possible that I have to validate the passes when I arrive in Madrid and make the reservations there?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
What are your dates?
Posted by
OP
4 posts
6/15/17 - 6/20/17
Posted by
California 🦋
5294 posts
What type of passes did you buy?
There are multiple trains traveling from Madrid to Córdoba on June 15th, and multiple trains traveling from Córdoba to Sevilla on June 20th when I check on the Renfe website.
What seems to be the problem?
Perhaps you need to call Renfe at
902 42 00 24 or 902.320.320 (if dialing from the US: dial 011-34- prior to the phone numbers given)
In the future, you don't need to buy a pass, as you can buy point to point tickets at considerable savings when you buy way in advance.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
It doesn't provide any available times. I'm wondering if I have to validate the pass when I get to Madrid.
Posted by
TX, USA
4829 posts
This discussion on the same subject from March might help. :)
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/spain/renfe-spain-pass-purchased-trouble-booking-ticket
Posted by
Liverpool UK
440 posts
The Train from Madrid to Seville stops at Cordoba try www.trainline.eu it may be easier to navigate than the renfe site
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
If you are on the RENFE website, be sure you are entering Puerta de Atocha as the Madrid station. There are multiple Madrid stations, including a commuter station with "Atocha" in the name. Those will not show any results.
If you have a pass, then don't you just show up at the station to get a reservation? That would seem to be the point of the pass.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
If you bought the Renfe Spain Pass, then you must reserve each leg of the trip online (not in a station) and in chronological order (assuming they have not changed that rule).
Posted by
California 🦋
5294 posts
Good call by Douglas as this is a common mistake.
Make sure you choose; "Madrid- Puerta de Atocha" and NOT " Madrid- Atocha Cercanias"
The main train station in Sevilla is; Sevilla Santa Justa.
Hope this works for you! If all else fails, I'd suggest calling Renfe directly.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thank you for pointing out the correct station! That was all it needed! Thank you!
Posted by
California 🦋
5294 posts
I'm glad it worked out for you, thanks for the update!
Now... If you will be traveling to/from Granada, you may have difficulty making your reservations online and you will have to make these reservations at a train station once you arrive to Spain.
You can read this explanation (in Spanish) when you click on the tiny red circle icon with the tiny red "i", next to the departure time, on any routes to/from Granada (on the Renfe website).