We are making our first trip to Spain in April/May. Since a couple of our train routes are mostly or totally high speed trains, I need some advice regarding making reservations. We (2 seniors) are planning to get the Senior Pass (Dorada Card) once we get to Spain. Once we get that, can we reserve a seat for the AVE from Barcelona to Madrid (10 days later) from any train station in Spain (i.e. Gerona)? I know I can try to reserve in advance online, but do I really need to do that for a Monday in April if I can get the 40% discount with the Dorada Card?
We will also be continuing that same day to Toledo (after leaving our heavy cases in the luggage storage at Atocha). Since I don't know where the luggage storage is or how long it will take to process, I'm not sure I want to be tied to a specific train to Toledo. Do I need to be concerned about availability (or hassle) for those tickets once I arrive in Madrid (mid-afternoon on a Monday)? Should I still try to reserve 60 days ahead online for the Barcelona-Madrid train? I have found that neither Capital One (no transaction fee) or Chase (3% fee) support "Verified by Visa" which has been stated as important for using renfe.com from the USA. Since it's too early to even try to book the Barcelona-Madrid train, I haven't tried. Any advice is welcome - don't want to pay full price for AVE, but don't need to watch every single penny :-). Thanks, Karen
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16293 posts
If you are content with the 40% discount you will get with the Tarjeta Dorada, you should be fine purchasing the Barcelona to Madrid ticket when you arrive. It is the Web fares that sell out; the card discounts are not limited to a certain number of seats. You can buy the tickets at any train station in Spain. If you want to try for the 60% discount Web fare, there are other options besides Renfe, although all come with a handling fee: Petrabax, Rumbo.es, and even RailEurope off er tickets at something close to the Web fare when it is available. And with RailEurope you won't have a foreign transaction fee. It might be worth checking prices on these agencies' websites just to compare. And you should try Renfe first. I bought lots of tickets with a Chase card; no problem registering it with Verified by Visa. But maybe that has changed since 2011?
Posted by
OP
Colorado Springs
334 posts
FYI - The message I got back from Chase was that they no longer use Verified by Visa - I think since early 2012. Thanks for the reply.
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, USA
543 posts
Karen, my husband and I just returned from Spain in November. I think you're making good choices and I'd like to add a few hints about train travel in Spain. I saw no need for first class seats; everything on the high speed trains was comfortable and clean. Although we heard far more English on this trip than on earlier trips to Spain, the rail employees often did not speak English. So, when you go to the rail station to purchase tickets, I'd suggest neatly printing out the specifics (dates, train numbers, number of passengers, etc.) and handing the written request to the ticket agent. Also, be aware that there are now security checks before boarding. This is less extensive than security to board a plane, but just be aware that you'll need to go through a quick security check and that in some stations, access to the platforms is limited until shortly before your train arrives. Happy travels.
Posted by
LaGrange, Ga, USA
1178 posts
Senior Citizen pass -- Will need your passport to purchase this when in Spain. Just go to the information desk, and purchase it and begin using it instantly as I did in the spring. It is a good savings. Train tickets will all show the car number and the seat number. The train personnel will direct you if you have questions. Your suitcases are deposited in the rack area as you enter the train. Madrid - Toledo -- trip time is 25 minutes, only one stop going, Toledo, and one stop returning at Atocha. Many trains throughout the day. You should have no trouble getting a ticket when you arrive. I am not familar with the left luggage storage area, but others have used it. The Atocha complex is rather large. I have managed to navigate the RENFE site several times and purchase tickets in advance for substantial savings. But, I will use the discount card in the future...the ticketss can not be exchanged once purchased, and there have been adequate seats on every train I have traveled over the country in the past few years.
Posted by
San Jose, California, U.S.A.
117 posts
Karen, the luggage storage is on the concourse level(where the tropical garden is also located). It is near the Burger King concession. While I had no need to use it during my last visit, I did check it out and it appears to be automated.
I was there on a weekday at around 10 a.m. and it was deserted. Hope you will come to love Spain and her people as much as I do. I have experienced many "good Samaritan" acts from her people during the numerous times I have been there.