Booking tickets on the Renfe site

[LynneC]

I've been trying to book train tickets for our group and get all the way to the end of the payment process and then get an error message- I've tried with 2 cards but no luck- anyone else struggle to book tickets online with Renfe?

 

[Paul McAmino]

What does the error message say?

 

[LynneC]

What does the error message say?

Errors found:
The sale cannot be continued (U010)

 

[Bradypus]

A lot of people have had problems paying with foreign cards on the RENFE website. I tend to use the Trainline website to make my bookings. Very small markup on the ticket price and the site is far more user-friendly for a Brit to use.

 

[J Willhaus]

Can you try it on Trainline? Renfe does not accept my credit card on their app, but Trainline does. Some people use PayPal with success on the Renfe site.
edit: typed this the same time as @Bradypus

 

[DoughnutANZ]

My card denominated in NZD works fine. I bought two tickets today using their app. Have you tried the RENFE app?

 

[LynneC]

I haven't tried the RENFE app yet- thank you for the suggestion!

 

[geot]

Did you by chance register as a user on the RENFE site? If so and you haven't done so already, try making the purchase without logging in.

 

[Saint Mike II]

I've been trying to book train tickets for our group and get all the way to the end of the payment process and then get an error message- I've tried with 2 cards but no luck- anyone else struggle to book tickets online with Renfe?

I remember having a similar experience back in 2013. Eventually I worked through from start. I think I had to select English and then when it came to payment I had to get my Australian Bank to provide a NETCODE number. Oh and you can't book more than 60 days in advance. Hope this helps. Cheers

 

[trecile]

I had trouble with my US credit card being accepted so switched to PayPal and didn't have any problems.

 

[Rebecky]

I've been trying to book train tickets for our group and get all the way to the end of the payment process and then get an error message- I've tried with 2 cards but no luck- anyone else struggle to book tickets online with Renfe?

I've been trying to book train tickets for our group and get all the way to the end of the payment process and then get an error message- I've tried with 2 cards but no luck- anyone else struggle to book tickets online with Renfe?

I used my credit card from St Jean to Burgos with no problem, but when I tried to use it to purchase a rideshare in Burgos, my credit card blocked it, sending me an email to approve the purchase. I didn't get the email for several hours, so did not know why my credit card was blocking the sale.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I always use Trainline like @Bradypus. It's an English website and none of my credit cards have ever been denied. As an American (not very techy) I gave up on the Renfe site quite a few years ago.

 

[VintageCowgirl]

Yes another vote for Trainline. Even though I'm in England for awhile it calculates my fare in Canadian dollars and charges it in Canadian and no problem at check out. Perhaps it defaults currency based on mailing address? I don't recall doing anything in particular to switch my currency, it just comes up like that and that's no problem for me. For reference it cost me $30.61 Canadian from Madrid on Sept 19 arriving in Pamplona at 10:34 so I should have plenty of time to catch the one bus a day to SJPP at noon.

On another hand, the bus ride cost me 22 Euros that went though my card with the exchange ended up $33.29 Canadian, so the 3 hour train rider is cheaper!

 

[dbier]

At the moment, I'm using RailEurope website and app, and, theoretically, I have a seat on the 13 Sep 0706 train from Madrid-Chamartin to Oviedo.

I'll let you know on the 14th if I was successful.

 

[TMcA]

Another vote for Trainline. My experiences with them are more than 5 years old, but I have used them multiple times. They answer emails written in English promptly. I began usuing Trainline after encountering the same issues with my US credit card - wouldn't work. Tried again, wouldn't work. Started over and tried a different card - didn't work.

I had successfully used the RENFE site with a US card before the site started rejecting my card, so I think the issue may have to do with train security (maybe after terrorist attacks at the Stade de France and the Bataclan Theater in November 2016). Not sure about this, tho.

 

[linkster]

I had issues using the app to book my ticket, so I tried online. I also had issues online. I finally figured out that there are some credit cards that just would not work (US). I was finally able to book a ticket online, and then I added it to the app. I also had issues using the kiosk at Atocha with my credit card and had to purchase my tickets at the window.

 

[Bill's_Walking]

I. Also use PayPal for the Renfe site and app. It works just fine that way. One of the benefits I found of using the Renfe app and linking the website to it is that if you have travel delays, you can easily rebook trains using the app. There are also more trains available to see by going directly to Renfe than what they seem to let third party sites have access to.

 

[trecile]

At the moment, I'm using RailEurope website and app, and, theoretically, I have a seat on the 13 Sep 0706 train from Madrid-Chamartin to Oviedo.

I'll let you know on the 14th if I was successful.

You don't have to worry. I used RailEurope to buy Paris to SJPdP tickets for a group of 5, and everything was fine.

I had successfully used the RENFE site with a US card before the site started rejecting my card, so I think the issue may have to do with train security (maybe after terrorist attacks at the Stade de France and the Bataclan Theater in November 2016). Not sure about this, tho

Nothing to do with train security, but with banking security.

The Renfe website's payment page asks for 2 step verification. If your credit card cannot handle this requirement you cannot use it. Credit cards issued in Spain or elsewhere in Europe don't have an issue with this.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Also use PayPal for the Renfe site and app. It works just fine that way.

Paypal is not an option for me and do not plan to sign up in the future.

 

[Jimmer]

We use both Omio and Trainline. Omio is super easy but Trainline seems to have more options.

 

[kaney55]

I've been trying to book train tickets for our group and get all the way to the end of the payment process and then get an error message- I've tried with 2 cards but no luck- anyone else struggle to book tickets online with Renfe?

Tried to book this morning first with traimline then with renfe. Renfe was €50 cheaper they s
Wouldn't except a credit card but excepted PayPal.

 

[frbobs]

Also had trouble with the credit card transaction not going through on Renfe (my bank even "froze" the card). Subsequently, I've used raileurope.com, and it worked perfectly. They even sent down-loadable tickets to my e-mail.

 

[SuefromVegas]

I know PayPal might not be a desirable option but discovered it was the best option not only for Renfe but also for accommodations. And, you want to book thru Renfe as other booking sites do not tell you of time changes, etc as I discovered needing to get from Santiago to Madrid to catch a flight back home.

 

[MikeyC]

We are fans of Trainline ever since rail strikes in the UK caused a group of us to change travel plans.
Those that had booked directly with the train operator had to jump through hoops to get a refund. Trainline refunded us with just two clicks on their website.

 

[Marbe2]

I used Renfe, yesterday with USA Visa card. Check with your bank. I don’t think it is Renfe,vbut your bank that maybe rejecting the charge. do call them and let them know you wanttomake the purchase.

 

[Gumbolover]

I am from USA and always use PayPal for Renfe purchases with no problems at all.

 

[SFHoneybee]

As many ppl have said-PayPal- is what is preferred by Renfe.

 

[Steven Dwyer]

One advantage with booking direct on Renfe is that if there is a cancellation of your train, they will send you an email notice. I had this happen last year in Spain and I was easily able to rebook before heading to the train station.

 

[henrythedog]

One advantage with booking direct on Renfe is that if there is a cancellation of your train, they will send you an email notice. I had this happen last year in Spain and I was easily able to rebook before heading to the train station.

Trainline now has ‘native’ notification via RENFE, so you get the same emails and cancellation/rebooking options that you would get with RENFE direct; that changed about 12 months ago.

 

[Albertagirl]

I once had a booking rejected by Renfe because they insisted on getting my phone number filled in on the booking and then rejected it because it was not a Spanish number. Since I discovered Trainline, that is what I always use.

 

[Damien Reynolds]

I haven't tried the RENFE app yet- thank you for the suggestion!

Always better luck on the app.

 

[LeahB]

A lot of people have had problems paying with foreign cards on the RENFE website. I tend to use the Trainline website to make my bookings. Very small markup on the ticket price and the site is far more user-friendly for a Brit to use.

I am doing the Camino next year. I downloaded Trainline and it looks good. I was just doing a trial search to see how it works looking at trains from Madrid Atocha to Pamphlona and it keeps saying “ no trains available” no matter what date or time I put in? What am I doin wrong please? Thanks Leah

 

[Bill's_Walking]

I am doing the Camino next year. I downloaded Trainline and it looks good. I was just doing a trial search to see how it works looking at trains from Madrid Atocha to Pamphlona and it keeps saying “ no trains available” no matter what date or time I put in? What am I doin wrong please? Thanks Leah

Try again closer to your trip. Renfe does not post trains schedules for purchase very far in advance.

 

[LeahB]

Try again closer to your trip. Renfe does not post trains schedules very far in advance.

I thought that might be it so I tried dates in September 2023 - no luck. The I clicked on the sugggested day and price in the line above and still nothing available?