I've been logging in everyday since Aug 6th on the Renfe site and Loco2 site and have not been able to make our reservations for 2 adults , departing October 6th from Barcelona Sants Station to Madrid Atocha. I'm aware that booking isn't available earlier than 60 days, but I'm 50 days out.
Does anyone have any suggestions on booking?
Is it true that I can't book for 2 Senior fares without a Tarjeta Dorada card in my possession?
Thanks, Yeman
It's odd that you can book trains both the day before and the day after your date of travel. You can also buy them a week later. Maybe you can start a chat session on-line and see what's up.
Renfe has now made some Oct. 6 departures available but not yet all of them. You do not need the Tarjeta Dorada cards in your possession now; you can buy them at a ticket office when you arrive there. But the advance-purchase Promo fares are cheaper than the Tarjeta Dorada discounts, so you don't need both.
eI haven't had any luck with customer service or been able start a chat session. If anybody has any ideas, please let me know. Tickets are available for Oct 5th and Oct 7th but not Oct. 6th. It's frustrating!!
Yeman
I was having the same issue. My travel date was September 20th and I was not able to book until about a week and a half ago.
In the Renfe site Do not choose Atocha Madrid station, just choose. Madrid ( Todas) and Renfe will automatically choose Atocha Madrid Station for you and I also choose Barcelona (Todas). Rick Steve’s states this site is like Alice in Wonderland and I find that true. I just checked and many choices popped up for your date. Print Rick Steve’s Renfe directions to book your tickets. You have to have your Tarjeta tickets in hand to get the discount and they must be bought in Spain. I my opinion waiting to get to Spain for the senior discount tickets isn’t worth missing an essential connection. Use your Tarjeta Dorada discount for nonessential connections while you are in Spain. Have fun!
I've tried everyday looking on the Renfe site, Loco2, Trainline.eu and Rail Europe sites for AVE-(3 hours non stop) trains from Barcelona to Madrid. Still not available to purchase for October 6th. I tried all the suggested ways from everyone. Any ideas what's going on, on Oct 6th?
I just booked tickets today via www.trainline.eu. I had questions and got an email response within minutes, giving me answers and reassurance. I found the Renfe website confusing. Through trainline you can book a senior fare without the Tarjeta Dorada card.
