I tried searching this, and did read through 10 years of dialog, but what I didn’t understand is, if I can only buy in person, but I want to book most of our tickets now…… I’ve been advised to buy all of our high speed tickets for April and May now or soon. How do I get the discount? Or are we out of luck?
Is this only for Renfe?
Out of luck if you want to buy tickets early.
“ The Gold Card can be issued at station ticket offices and in-person travel agencies. It may also be issued through some financial entities, except for the “with companion” modality. “
From the link, click on discounts for all the information about it.
Hi, I was able to buy a Tajeta Dorada from a travel agent listed on the Renfe site. I have been able to use it to book trains by clicking on Discounts after selecting the train and class of service. You will need to input the card number.
Rick Steve’s book said you could buy in advance and then buy the Tarjeta Dorada card before riding and present along with the ticket. I purchased advanced tickets for an upcoming trip and selected the senior citizen age group. It appeared to give me lower rates and did not ask me to input a number. I’m planning on buying the card when we arrive. I’m not 100% that it booked me with Tarjeta Dorada rates but it appeared to.
In my experience, the best deals on Renfe tickets is when you buy your tickets for high-speed trains 90 days in advance for the least expensive fares which are the nonrefundable, unexchangeable tickets; and if you buy them at www.TheTrainline.com the discounted senior tickets ( 65 years and older) can be bought without buying the Tarjeta Dorada card, That’s how our group did it last September.
We got our Tarjeta Dorada cards on arrival at the Renfe office at the airport. Then used it for train to Madrid and Toledo. We used them several times. The cards got us really good refundable/changeable tickets without advanced purchase. We could use them with the Renfe app. Great money saver! I could not figure a way to purchase prior to arrival in Spain. Brad
