Spain Travel Forum

I'm about to purchase a ticket through renfe.es from Madrid to Granada. In doing so, will it require me to pick up the ticket at the station? Or will I be able to print it once I pay for it? Thanks!

The Renfe website had been improved ( = has problems) - the way things used to work, if memory serves me right, is that you were able to *purchase* one ticket, but had to show the credit card that you paid with at the train station. I did remember printing something, but I think I had to show the card. More than one, you could make a reservation but it would not really be official ...

Once they saw your card, however, you are supposed to be able to print your tickets. I took my time and make sure to ask if all was set, and they said yes. Well, I cannot even log on any more. Have not sent Renfe a note - but will eventually.

Not much help-my experience. Not sure if things are really improved.

Thanks Nomad.

I would normally use raileurope but for some reason it doesn't have the 2nd class fare Renfe offers. Odd because it usually does. Should I just wing it or do you think it'll be difficult to get on a train from Madrid to Granada?

Also, when selecting my tickets it shows that I can get a 40% discount on the ticket if I purchase it 7 days in advance. However, when I go to pay for it it shows the original price. Is this available for foreigners?

Thanks.

Personally, I would buy it now. Not sure when you're traveling but I was in some trains in August that were pretty full - but these were going north towards Pontevedra.

You can also try to send Renfe an email if you have problems - to do this click on the "Atencion al Cliente" icon, and you have to work your way to get an email form.

In the summer, in case you have not done it before, you need to take a number and budget around an hour as the ticket line gets pretty full.

The good part is ... you'll end un in Granada - which is an awesome place.

BTW, (assuming you're visiting the Alhambra) you can also get Alhambra tickets on the web, and these do save lots of time. Much easier than train tickets ;=) Just have to pick up a time for Nazaries as they try to regulate how many people are in that section at a time.

Try to get your tickets online as it's the only way you can get the discounts (it does not matter from where you are to be eligible for these). But the RENFE site is (put your swearing word of choice there)

have a look at this detailed post on TA forum
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187514-i126-k1807519-Buying_Renfe_Tickets_Online-Madrid.html

definitely, if you're visiting La Alhambra (it would be a sin you didn't LOL) buy your tickets in advance

So I've read that since I'm a first time buyer, I will have to show my ID and credit card before buying another ticket. I'll be traveling from Madrid to Granada on 19 Sept and from Sevilla to Madrid on 29 Sept. Does this mean I can only buy my Sevilla-Madrid ticket after I pick up at Mad-Granada ticket on the 19th? Is there a way to reserve a seat? I just really want to take advantage of the great fares.

Also, I'm not sure if I have printing capabilities in Spain. Will I always have the option to pick up my tickets at the station?

Thanks!

Showing my credit card and ID is how I had to proceed. As far as the ability to reserve the return trip - I would try it, although I'm not sure if it will help you. Perhaps try it, and print it, just to show the date you tried to buy it and perhaps they will honor the 14 days. I have not logged on to purchase tickets in a while and don't know if they've changed the site.

Although they were supposed to have reset my id so I could purchase tickets, I have not been able to do it and ended up giving up. Before I return to Spain, probably around December, I will send Renfe an email to see if they can get my account fixed. Last December I just ran to Chamartin and bought my ticket to Avila.