We are planning to take the 3 wk trip thru Spain that RS recommends (more or less). Do the distances btween Madrid/Granada/Toledo/Salamanca/Santillana/San Sebastian/Barcelona/Valencia make a Rail pass worthwhile, or should we do pay as you go? If we buy a pass will there be an supplemental fee for AVE? We are seniors, are there fee discounts for us? Help please. we do plan to pay for the shorter distances in the sout eg,Cordoba to Sevilla/Arcos etc. Carmen and Jack
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
If you are over 60 years old, RENFE has a Tarjeta Dorado (Gold Card). It costs 5.05Euro and is good for one year. 40% discount on tickets for travel Mon-Thur. 25% discount on tickets for travel Fri-Sun. You may have to purchase the tickets in advance while in Spain. We've had the Gold Card and it works.
Posted by
Ottawa
1446 posts
I seem to recall that elsewhere on this website, there is a tool/worksheet provided that helps you figure out exactly what you are asking about. Look under the Railpasses section.
Posted by
Whittington
984 posts
If you have a plan, it will be highly unusual if any pass purchased from an agency will bring the budget in cheaper than purchasing in advance for, on some routes, a 60% or 40% discount. And yes you pay supplemental fees with a pass, read the terms and conditions of use for whatever pass. Read, for discounts and purchase, this concise guide - http://www.seat61.com/Spain-trains.htm#How_to_use_www.renfe.com and if necessary this hugely comprehensive guide covering all known problems - http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Travel-g187514-c80518/Madrid:Spain:Buying.Renfe.Tickets.Online.html Additionally, in the last few weeks, RENFE have introduced there own pass - http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/viajes_internacionales/spainpass/index.html which on the face of it appears value. The Gold Card may also work for you, but read the terms and conditions. Only you can do the maths. comparisons. You did not ask, but you mention eleven destinations in a 21 day period, quite possibly this includes your arrival and departure days - please think again. P.S. There is no rail network to Arcos de la Fronterra