I want to purchase 2 train tickets in advance from Barcelona to Pamplona and have the info I need to do that thanks to Laura, a RIck Steves consultant. What I don't know is the difference between Tourist Class and Business Class. It doesn't appear to on the site anywhere, only as it applies to overnight trains. Any thoughts on this?
My thanks, Lois
Hi Lois,
First/Business (Preferente) class on Alvia trains has a little more room, with 3-seats across a compartment as opposed to 4-across in Tourist class. The Man in Seat61 website describes this in detail along wtih some photos.
You also can have a reserved seat, and you can use the lounge at the train station (with beverages and snacks and wifi available).
Lois,
You can read (& watch a video) about first class (Preferente) & 2nd class(Turista) seats available on trains in Spain:
https://www.renfe-sncf.com/rw-en/services/classes/Pages/FirstClass.aspx
Once you're on the website above, you can click on 'Second Class/ Turista' on the top left.
Enjoy your trip!
I've found that the best explanations of and directions for using Renfe is on Trip Advisor. Choose any Spanish forum. On the upper right part of the page there's a section "Top Questions" and one of them will be about trains. Benny Malaga has done an excellent job. It's really long, but you'll find the answers to every question there.
Thank you Everyone for taking the time to answer me. Much appreciate it! I booked 2 tourist class+ tickets. This means we have assigned seats, which I think will take some tress off. The snack car etc. with 1st class, not sure we need as it is only a 4 hour trip.
Lois
See my posting under the Transportation section regarding how to purchase discounted PROMO fare tickets on the RENFE website.
I'm looking for a Renfe train that provides a senior discount. I looked up the fares for Sept 5 and the trains did not provide the discount. Am I doing something wrong. Also, Where is the "Travel Section" in this forum.
Dgreeney,
You will need to purchase the, 'Targeta Dorada' ( Golden Card ), to obtain the senior discount.
Here is the information on the Renfe website:
http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/tarifas/tarjeta_dorada.html
If you have more questions, please start a new topic... You wouldn't want to hijack Lois' post ;-)
dgreeney: you can only buy a Tarjeta Dorada when you are in Spain. You purchase them at a Renfe office only.
I have been traveling all over Spain the last two moths. There isn't that much difference between Tourist Class & business class. Tourist class is fine. The seats are comfortable, the trains are clean. The main difference I note is that the business class section does not have many passengers! Thus it is quieter. The seats are 2 - 1 configuration, are a little more comfy and wider. Not a big difference, not enough for the $20 E price difference or more! Also, it does depend on which train you are on. The diferences vary. Some trains have plugs for your devices at the seat, some do not. Surprisingly the Ave trains have NO plugs except in the bathroom. If you need to recharge your phone or device while on the train, you have to sit in the bathroom and charge there!
