hello, i'm arriving in madrid in the morning on 9/16 and want to take a train to cordoba that same day. ive been trying to book a ticket on the renfe site but am having trouble. the first few times it would try to connect with my bank for payment but would end up with an error message (i tried multiple cards, with different banks, so don't think that was really the problem). now it won't even get that far. any tips for using the renfe site successfully? secondly, assuming i can't book the ticket before i get there, is it likely that there will be seats available on the same day i wish to travel? i expect to get to the station around 9:30 or 10 and want to take an 11am train to cordoba. thanks, cheryl
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17456 posts
Hi Cheryl-the Renfe website is notorious for being difficult, especially with American credit cards. There are detailed instructions on Tripadvisor, on the Madrid forum. One key step is to register your card with Verified by Visa. This is what the website is looking for when it contacts your bank for payment. You must also contact your bank and advise them you will be making an Internet purchase from Spain. Some people have had better luck with debit cards. If you still have trouble, do not worry. The main reason for purchasing in advance from Renfe is to get the Web fares, which are a significant discount. We saved a lot on out 6 train trips in Spain that way. But for travel on Sept 16, the discounted fares may be gone. There will still be plenty of seats at the regular price, and you will have no trouble using your credit card to buy tickets at the station that morning. Those AVE trains are great, and Cordoba is lovely enjoy your trip.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
To answer the second part of your question. Should have no problem obtaining a ticket the day of travel. There is a ticket office in the airport across from the TI. And if over 62 (could be 60) you can buy a year card for 5E(last year) that gets you substantial discounts for the train.
Posted by
Los Angeles
1825 posts
.....stays mainly on the plane!