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Renfe tickets - anything more we have to do?

Spain train veterans -- as long as we have the printed tickets we purchased on line with Renfe with us, do we need to do anything else before or when boarding the trains?

Posted by
16 posts

You are good to go! I've bought Renfe tickets online a number of times, and I've never needed anything else. I tend to be a worrier, so I have generally printed more than one copy of each ticket just in case something happens to one of them, but I've never needed my spare.

Have fun! I love traveling via Renfe trains!

Posted by
984 posts

Apart from ensuring you arrive at a major station (Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga for example) in good time to go through security (moments/minutes) and find your way to whatever platform (moments/minutes) and are on the train two minutes before departure, as the doors do close early, no.

Posted by
4535 posts

Neil is correct. For high speed AVE trains, you must go through a metal detector. Not airport level security, but there can be lines and it may take a few minutes if the train is crowded. Doors close a few minutes BEFORE departure. So no rushing up at the last moment.

I like to be to the platform at least 15 minutes prior to departure.

If the ticket is for a specific seat and train, there is no validation needed by you.

Posted by
51 posts

Thanks everyone! Especially for the info about being on board a few minutes ahead. Looks like we're ready to go!

Posted by
1520 posts

If you are using the madrid atocha station then add some time to wander through the interior as it is a train station unlike any other.

Keep in mind your ticket is not transferable and good only for that specific train.

We equate AVE second class tickets to business class airline service. Enjoy the ride!

Posted by
58 posts

Hi Lisa...

A little off-point, but did you buy your RENFE tickets recently? I've had no luck trying for tickets in June! :-(

Have a great trip!

Posted by
51 posts

I bought our tickets in early March for the beginning of May. That's when schedules started to appear. It may be that they just don't have summer schedules posted yet.