I've read that some folks have have some problems with processing their credit card on Renfe's site. I have several trips to purchase, and didn't know if I should start with using their site, or if there was a more efficient, third-party site that others use to book train travel in Spain. I'm hesitant to use a third-party rather than going to the source, but if there's some popular, easier-to-use site that other use, that's fine. Also, does Renfe have an app for easy ticketing use?
Posted by
4 posts
I used the Renfe app and had cc issues too. I was able to use my PayPal account instead (that uses the same cc) and then purchase tickets.
Also used the iryo app to purchase tickets. All pretty straightforward- did some searches first using train line, but reddit suggested not using third party apps for train ticket purchases.
Posted by
Chicago
1100 posts
thetrainline.com is a perfectly good 3rd party site to consider using for train tickets.
The issues generally have to do with the security protocols the credit card providers
use vs what the Renfe site expects/wants to see. If you have different cards from
different banks, good chance one of them will work. You may also need to review
your settings for how security issues are handled.
As previous poster noted, there is more than one train provider in Spain, so you'll
want to do some comparison shopping. Also, buses in Spain are a very reasonable
alternative to taking the train for a short/medium hop, especially away from the major
cities.
I would avoid sites like Rail Europe, you can find comments related to this in various
sub-forums on this site.
Posted by
Uppsala, Sweden
7760 posts
If Iryo is an option on your routes, their website is generally much easier to use.
Posted by
425 posts
Don't know if the OP had an account with RENFE but I have an account with a linked credit card and use the app,never had any problems. Also had money refunded to my credit card when I couldn't use my booked reservations because I was in Valencia during the floods.
Posted by
Vancouver, BC, Canada
1516 posts
Trainline.com +1.
Posted by
Vermont, USA
841 posts
I’ve booked a lot of tickets directly with Renfe. Use PayPal; it works flawlessly.
If you are making multiple bookings, set up an account and load your passengers’ info. That way, you can pull it in to each booking rather than re-entering it every time.
Posted by
Chicago
1100 posts
Good point about Paypal. If you really want to put the tickets on a credit card that Renfe is not
accepting, you can put that card in your Paypal profile and then choose that card as the method of
payment (if you choose Paypal in the Renfe transaction, you will be prompted to log into Paypal
and can choose credit card from there).
Posted by
Jacksonville, Florida
238 posts
I also endorse Trainline. It is very easy to use and has all the trains on it.
Posted by
OP
39 posts
Thanks to all. I was able to connect my PayPal account with Renfe's app, and will prioritize that when purchasing. Most of our trips should be between cities that they should cover. I have looked into trainline, and it seems to be a useful tool, so will shop for trains and times when the trip gets closer.
Posted by
54 posts
We are in Spain now. We like Trainline. It works great for us non-Spanish speakers. Plus you can compare services and times.