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Renfe app and tarjeta dorada card for over 60s

Posted by (SHARON, Massachuse, United States) on

Hello.
We're about to travel for the 1st time since the pandemic and I'm wondering how/if things have changed for purchasing train tickets. In the past I've purchased train tickets at the train station in person at the ticket counter. Is that still a good option? I'm reading a lot about doing everything on your phone now.

I'm finding the Renfe website confusing and the Renfe app looks like it has bad reviews.

The Renfe sights says the Tarjeta Dorada discount card for people over 60 will save you between 25% - 40%. Has anyone used this and where can you purchase it?

I'll be taking the trains from Madrid to Cordoba; Cordoba to Ronda; Ronda to Madrid; and Madrid to Toledo.

Thanks for an current info!

Posted by
23290 posts

You buy the TD card at the ticket office. Prove your age with a passport. I think it is a 25% on weekday tickets and 40% for weekend --- BUT -- it could be reversed. I just don't remember. I still use paper tickets since I don't have to recharge the battery for paper tickets.

Posted by
27166 posts

Do not under any circumstances plan to buy a long-distance ticket from a staffed counter at Atocha Station in Madrid. The line is hours long (not an exaggeration). You should be able to use the ticket-vending machines with your US credit card. Just switch the language to English.

I purchased a Tarjeta Dorada in 2019. In larger stations there should be a separate counter or office where you buy it, but I'm gun-shy about doing anything in person at Atocha, and your trip begins in Madrid. Fortunately, you should be able to get the Tarjeta Dorada at the airport train station; that's what I did. The station will also sell you a ticket into the city (though I believe there are machines as well, and they might prefer that you use one of those). I assume the same folks will sell you the other tickets you want if you'll be sure about your travel times at that point. I'd recommend having the origin, destination and date (in European format--DD/MM) written down to show the agent. I've learned it's best not to assume railway staff speak a great deal of English (and my Spanish isn't reliable enough to depend on when I'm spending money).

Posted by
25 posts

Thanks everyone for the info! We arrive at Madrid airport at 6AM. We are going directly to Cordoba, not staying in Madrid at that point. We plan to take a taxi to Atocha (we travel VERY light, but are getting older and want to make this as easy as possible) and then get tickets (in person) at Atocha, but based on your comments, that may not be the best idea for purchasing tickets.

Is the airport train station IN the airport, or does it take some doing to get there?

Maybe it would be easiest to go to the airport train station, get the TD and ticket to Cordoba and then take the train to Atocha??

Thanks again!!

Posted by
15591 posts

The airport train station is in the airport, just follow the signs to the trains. The ticket agent will sell you the TD's and also the tickets from Madrid to Cordoba, for the next possible train, taking into account the travel and transfer time by train from the airport. Since you'll already be at the train, it is definitely easiest to take it to Atocha rather than retrace your steps to get a taxi. The tickets for the train to Atocha are included in the price of the tickets to Cordoba. As I recall, the train stops only a few meters from the ticket office.

This Renfe page details the TD discounts. There are different kinds of fast trains: AVE, Avant and Media (MD). They are similar. Choose the best for you based on time and price. Sometimes you will find deeper discounts for no-refund/exchange tickets bought well in advance that will save you money. Consider the amount you'd save versus the ticket limitations.

I haven't used the Renfe site to buy tickets since they revamped it, but it used to be pretty easy.

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