I'd like to go on the AVE train. Remind me of the website that is best to purchase the tickets? Do I need to buy in advance or is it just as easy and the same price to buy when I am there? I will be traveling on July 8th. Thanks!!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23266 posts
There are discounts available if you purchase in advance but the ticket comes with restrictions. Use Renfe.com
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16232 posts
Yes, you won't Puerta de Atocha. Or just use the Madrid* option andit will pick the right station ( Atocha). You want the P ( Promo ) fare, not the M ( Mesa) fare. The M fare looks tempting, but that fare is for four people traveling together and sharing a table (Mesa). So you have to pay 4x the Mesa fare.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16232 posts
There are still some Promo fares of 49€ to 57€ left for July 8 on Renfe.com. The regulare fare os 106€ so it is worth buying ahead, if you can make the purchase go through. Register your credit card with Verified by Visa before you try, and also call your bank ( card issuer) to advise you will be making a purchase from Spain so they don't block the transaction.
Posted by
OP
CA, USA
266 posts
Confirming that I should be choosing Sants (Barcelona) and Puerta de Atocha (Madrid), correct? NOT Atocha Cercanias (Madrid)? What exactly is the difference between the "M" and "P" fares? I hovered over the icons, but don't see what the major difference is?
Posted by
OP
CA, USA
266 posts
Oh good! Thank you! I wondered why I would need or want a table (I can understand and read a lot of Spanish, but not all). Looks like we have lots of Promo options on our travel date (which is now the 9th bc we decided to spend a night in Brussels before heading down to Spain). Appreciate the help!