Renfe.com Bookings Errors

[vartera2]

I keep trying to book a train Madrid-Chamartin to Leon on 5/12/2012 but everytime I get to the final page within Renfe.com it says my transaction can't be processed. I live in the USA and have tried my debit card and also several credit cards but the same thing keeps coming up.

I was wondering if anyone else has ever had this problem?

I want to try and book my train ahead of time to make sure I secure 2 seats but it doesn't appear the site will let me. Will I have a problem buying 2 tickets the day off (probably only 3 hours prior to departure) for the 4:30pm ALVIA04141 train up to Leon?

 

[peregrina2000]

Oh, if I only had a penny for each time I've heard this cry or said this same thing, I'd be a wealthy woman. Renfe.es is a notorious website, and in my opinion, it's hit or miss. Last year I bought my ticket online without a hitch, using a debit card, this year it wouldn't take my credit card. Some have suggested getting the Visa card "verified by Visa."

BUT, a much easier solution is to go to raileurope.com or petrabax.com and buy the tickets through them. They add a $5 or so booking fee, but you can decide whether you're ahead by spending the fee and eliminating the aggravation.

At this date, you are unlikely to get any special web fares, they go on sale 60 days prior to departure and are usually snatched up very quickly. But you will at least have a ticket!

Buen camino, Laurie

 

[vartera2]

Laurie,

Thank you so much for the advice! I just went and bought my tickets on RailEurope.com....so much easier than that darn Renfe.com!