Discount train card for pensioners

[bkkboy]

Hi.
I believe older pilgrims get a 30% discount on trains on production of a pensioner card. I assume I can buy the card at Madrid station or preferably the airport. Any advice will be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[OZAJ]

I last bought one from the train station in Bilbao. From memory it cost 6 euros. The discount varies but is certainly worth having. I think the card is called targeta dorada and is available to over 60s. You don't have to be Spanish or an EU citizen: just old.

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

: just old.

 

[J Willhaus]

You can only get them at the train station window in person. You'll need to show a passport with your date of birth. (There is a train station window in terminal 4 at the Madrid Airport.) Almost every time I ride the train, I also need to show the card with my discounted ticket. Don't lose it! It's just a little paper card. Last year I renewed mine for 3 years for only 15 euros.

 

[bkkboy]

Thanks.

 

[BarbaraW]

It may be cheaper to buy a ticket at an advance purchase fare online, than to buy it with a Tarjeta Dorada when you get there. Much depends on how much you are travelling in Spain and whether you are able to plan in advance. Details at https://www.seat61.com/train-travel-in-spain.htm
In Portugal you just have to show your passport to get a 50% discount on train travel.

 

[David with new Kit!]

You can only get them at the train station window in person. You'll need to show a passport with your date of birth. (There is a train station window in terminal 4 at the Madrid Airport.) Almost every time I ride the train, I also need to show the card with my discounted ticket. Don't lose it! It's just a little paper card. Last year I renewed mine for 3 years for only 15 euros.

Hello @jwillhaus
I also bought a 3yr ticket (September 2023) and the ticket is easy to misplace (currently with my passports). I have however taken a good photo of it and it could easily tie it in with my passport details. Do you have any experience of using photographic proof instead of the actual ticket?

BTW - Loved your recent blog

 

[JCLima]

In Portugal you just have to show your passport to get a 50% discount on train travel.

And it is 65+ instead of the 60+ for the tarjeta dorada

 

[alexwalker]

And it is 65+ instead of the 60+ for the tarjeta dorada

In Spain: All previous years it was +60, and it is now as well.

Tarjeta Dorada Discounts, Seniors, Retirees, AVE (high-speed) | Renfe

Discount with Renfe Tarjeta Dorada for seniors and retirees ✅ Up to 40% off on AVE (high-speed), Alvia, Avant (mid-distance high speed), Larga Distancia and Media Distancia (long and mid-distance) trains.

www.renfe.com

 

[trecile]

It may be cheaper to buy a ticket at an advance purchase fare online, than to buy it with a Tarjeta Dorada when you get there. Much depends on how much you are travelling in Spain and whether you are able to plan in advance.

That's very true. If you book as soon as tickets are released for your date/route the price can be much lower than the savings with a Tarjeta Dorada. However, it's definitely worth getting, because it's renewable online, and once you have it you can purchase advance tickets with the discount.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

In Spain: All previous years it was +60, and it is now as well.

Tarjeta Dorada Discounts, Seniors, Retirees, AVE (high-speed) | Renfe

Discount with Renfe Tarjeta Dorada for seniors and retirees ✅ Up to 40% off on AVE (high-speed), Alvia, Avant (mid-distance high speed), Larga Distancia and Media Distancia (long and mid-distance) trains.

www.renfe.com

I think you might have misread @JCLima - she’s quoting @BarbaraW post about Portugal, i.e. you have to be 65+ to get the discount in Portugal.

 

[alexwalker]

I think you might have misread @JCLima - she’s quoting @BarbaraW post about Portugal, i.e. you have to be 65+ to get the discount in Portugal.

I understood that. Thats why I wrote "In Spain:"

 

[Maurice Frank]

When I was using my Tarjeta Dorada in September and October 2023 I had to buy tickets using a web browser on my phone. The Renfe app had an option for this discount as a type of ticket but no way to enter the discount at checkout.

 

[Tincatinker]

When I was using my Tarjeta Dorada in September and October 2023 I had to buy tickets using a web browser on my phone. The Renfe app had an option for this discount as a type of ticket but no way to enter the discount at checkout.

you enter your tarjeta number before you purchase the ticket. Not at checkout..

That said RENFE's website is a pile of shite. That's why I buy my tickets at railway stations

 

[JCLima]

In Spain: All previous years it was +60, and it is now as well.

Tarjeta Dorada Discounts, Seniors, Retirees, AVE (high-speed) | Renfe

Discount with Renfe Tarjeta Dorada for seniors and retirees ✅ Up to 40% off on AVE (high-speed), Alvia, Avant (mid-distance high speed), Larga Distancia and Media Distancia (long and mid-distance) trains.

www.renfe.com

I never said it wasn't?

 

[Stivandrer]

Hi.
I believe older pilgrims get a 30% discount on trains on production of a pensioner card. I assume I can buy the card at Madrid station or preferably the airport. Any advice will be appreciated.
Thanks

At the ticket service I was told that they can usually issue almost the same discount to you without ther Tarjeta Dorada card....

 

[henrythedog]

At the ticket service I was told that they can usually issue almost the same discount to you without ther Tarjeta Dorada card....

For the somewhat trivial cost you might as well get a Tarjeta Dorada and see what the cheapest option is when you come to purchase a ticket. Compared to UK prices (and not allowing for the fact that a proportion of UK trains are not operating on any given day) an advance purchase RENFE ticket is remarkably inexpensive.

 

[judydaisy]

If you are in a city which has a Corte ingles travel agency, you can also get the Tarjeta Dorada there plus train tickets… beats queuing in major train stations!

 

[J Willhaus]

Hello @jwillhaus
I also bought a 3yr ticket (September 2023) and the ticket is easy to misplace (currently with my passports). I have however taken a good photo of it and it could easily tie it in with my passport details. Do you have any experience of using photographic proof instead of the actual ticket?

BTW - Loved your recent blog

I have never tried a photo, but they usually ask to see my actual card. I usually buy in advance through trainline and not at the station which saves my Dorada number in my profile and applies it automatically to my purchases. It also keeps track of my expiration date.

 

[Damico Walking]

In this past October my wife and I used our "old people card". I had my physical card, but had renewed hers online. At the train station in Madrid when going through the ticket check/security they wanted to see the physical card. They had her go back to the ticket counter where they printed a fresh copy for her. Just something to think about since the pictures we had were not good enough.

 

[DwainS]

That's very true. If you book as soon as tickets are released for your date/route the price can be much lower than the savings with a Tarjeta Dorada. However, it's definitely worth getting, because it's renewable online, and once you have it you can purchase advance tickets with the discount.

That's great to know that you can renew on line.

 

[J Willhaus]

That's great to know that you can renew on line.

I tried, but Renfe rejects my US credit card online so I renewed in person last year for 3 more years. PayPal is an option if you have that.

 

[Damico Walking]

I tried, but Renfe rejects my US credit card online so I renewed in person last year for 3 more years. PayPal is an option if you have that.

That is odd. Renfe worked fine with my US credit card. It even took AMEX.

 

[J Willhaus]

I try it at least once a year...Trainline works for me with tickets. Renfe does not.

 

[Steven Dwyer]

When I was using my Tarjeta Dorada in September and October 2023 I had to buy tickets using a web browser on my phone. The Renfe app had an option for this discount as a type of ticket but no way to enter the discount at checkout.

When you select the Tarjeta Dorada ticket option, the website should adjust the fare without a code. They will ask the number of you Tarjeta Dorada somewhere in the process.

 

[Steven Dwyer]

Do you have any experience of using photographic proof instead of the actual ticket?

Somehow I was able to add the Tarjeta Dorada to the Apple Wallet on my phone. That was sufficient proof for the conductor on the train.

 

[Maurice Frank]

When you select the Tarjeta Dorada ticket option, the website should adjust the fare without a code. They will ask the number of you Tarjeta Dorada somewhere in the process.

@Steven Dwyer, I had no problem using the discount on the website. I could not get the discount to apply in the Renfe app on my iPhone. I contacted customer service and they said (at that time in Sept/Oct, maybe that's changed) the Dorada Tarjeta discount only worked on the website not the app. The problem for me was the app.

 

[Canche]

You can get the senior discount cards at the train station.

 

[bkkboy]

"It may be cheaper to buy a ticket at an advance purchase fare online than to buy it with a Tarjeta Dorada when you get there." How much in advance do you need to buy a ticket to get a decent discount? I will be traveling with a younger person.

 

[trecile]

"It may be cheaper to buy a ticket at an advance purchase fare online than to buy it with a Tarjeta Dorada when you get there." How much in advance do you need to buy a ticket to get a decent discount? I will be traveling with a younger person.

Buy the tickets as soon as they are released if you can.

 

[Damico Walking]

I got myTarjeta Dorada on line several months before I left home and used them to purchase my tickets as soon as they were available, on line. Great discount and easy to do. Oh and I did get a three year Tarjeta Dorada card so I won't need to renew them every time.

 

[trecile]

I got myTarjeta Dorada on line several months before I left home and used them to purchase my tickets as soon as they were available, on line. Great discount and easy to do. Oh and I did get a three year Tarjeta Dorada card so I won't need to renew them every time.

I thought that you had to buy it in person for your original card, but that you can renew online.

 

[Damico Walking]

I thought that you had to buy it in person for your original card, but that you can renew online.

Now that you mention it I’m not sure. I had purchased cards a few years ago and renewed them online, after they had expired, but didn’t try to get a brand new card online.

 

[bkkboy]

I did a comparison using Omio on different dates. One-way train fare from Madrid to Pamplona on the 7:35 am train is:
22 February: 84 Euros
22 March: 32 Euros
22 April: 26 Euros (over three times cheaper)
Booking as much in advance as possible is certainly a cost saver.

 

[bkkboy]

Pity airfares do not operate the same way.

 

[J Willhaus]

Now that you mention it I’m not sure. I had purchased cards a few years ago and renewed them online, after they had expired, but didn’t try to get a brand new card online.

You have to buy the first one in person so they can check your passport and enter the info. You are supposed to he able renew online although we had to do it in person since Renfe would not accept my credit card online.

 

[Canche]

I got myTarjeta Dorada on line several months before I left home and used them to purchase my tickets as soon as they were available, on line. Great discount and easy to do. Oh and I did get a three year Tarjeta Dorada card so I won't need to renew them every time.

How did you get one for yeard? Did you get it online?

 

[Canche]

Pity airfares do not operate the same way.

Got that right

 

[Damico Walking]

You have to buy the first one in person so they can check your passport and enter the info. You are supposed to he able renew online although we had to do it in person since Renfe would not accept my credit card online.

Odd. I have never had any problems with Renfe accepting my credit cards. Luck of the draw I guess.

 

[J Willhaus]

How did you get one for yeard? Did you get it online?

The first card you have to get in person at the train station so they can enter your information into their system. I am often asked to show my card at the train station or on the train, especially if I have purchased the ticket online so be sure you carry and protect the card when traveling. (Mine is just a little paper card issued by the clerk at the train station.

 

[Damico Walking]

How did you get one for yeard? Did you get it online?

We did get our first card at a train station. We renewed them on line. The link is buried in the Renfe site but this should get you there: Renfe Senior discount information

 

[Canche]

Odd. I have never had any problems with Renfe accepting my credit cards. Luck of the draw I guess.

I have but I think it was my bank's problem because it was from Europe. Next trip I will notify the bank that I'll be in Europe.

 

[Damico Walking]

I have but I think it was my bank's problem because it was from Europe. Next trip I will notify the bank that I'll be in Europe.

I used my amex at the Renfe site without notifying anyone. Amex doesn't require notification, I spoke with them direct years ago, but Visa and Mastercard like to know where you are traveling. Not sure about the others.

 

[trecile]

I haven't bought a Tarjeta Dorada yet, but when I've booked online with Renfe I used PayPal when I had trouble with my US bank credit card bring accepted.

 

[Damico Walking]

I haven't bought a Tarjeta Dorada yet, but when I've booked online with Renfe I used PayPal when I had trouble with my US bank credit card bring accepted.

Of course you must be too young.
I know the Renfe site can be a little, shall we say wonky. It doesn't really display in the languages you select since they do seem to post "picture" or PDF content which is never translated so you get some translations on a page and some not. Fortunate for me my wife is a native spanish speaker that helps with something I don't get or feel might be important.

As for the credit card, I always use amex and it happens to work fine for me, but maybe I am special? You might check that your card is not really a debit card since they can frequently restrict international usage, or sometimes only work if the site allows you to enter a pin if needed. The good news is it has never failed me and once I got used to the quirks it became easy for a couple times every year or two.

 

[trecile]

Of course you must be too young.

I wish!

As for the credit card, I always use amex and it happens to work fine for me, but maybe I am special? You might check that your card is not really a debit card since they can frequently restrict international usage, or sometimes only work if the site allows you to enter a pin if needed

It was definitely a credit card, but it's been several years since I bought a Renfe ticket.

 

[J Willhaus]

My US card is rejected by Renfe online, but Renfe can use it in person. Another forum member explained that some of the US cards do not have the same level of security required as some of the EU issued cards for the overseas transaction. I have not tried to use it for several years so that may have been resolved. Instead I purchase through Trainline if I have to buy tickets and they do accept my Chase card.

 

[trecile]

This thread reminded me that I need to purchase a ticket for my journey from Barcelona to Zaragoza. This time I was able to use my credit card to purchase it directly on the Renfe site.

 

[JimG59]

The first card you have to get in person at the train station so they can enter your information into their system. I am often asked to show my card at the train station or on the train, especially if I have purchased the ticket online so be sure you carry and protect the card when traveling. (Mine is just a little paper card issued by the clerk at the train station.

It looks like you can purchase a Tarjeta Dorado for one year on-line. It gives you the 1, 2 or 3 year option.

Separately, can you use a digital card or do you need a physical card.

 

[alexwalker]

Separately, can you use a digital card or do you need a physical card.

I suppose you received an email confirmation of your Tarjeta Dorada purchase, preferably in Spanish. I suggest you print it and take it with you.

 

[trecile]

It looks like you can purchase a Tarjeta Dorado for one year on-line. It gives you the 1, 2 or 3 year option.

I only see the option to renew the Tarjeta Dorada online, not to purchase one for the first time.

Tarjeta Dorada Discounts, Seniors, Retirees, AVE (high-speed) | Renfe

Discount with Renfe Tarjeta Dorada for seniors and retirees ✅ Up to 40% off on AVE (high-speed), Alvia, Avant (mid-distance high speed), Larga Distancia and Media Distancia (long and mid-distance) trains.

www.renfe.com

 

[JimG59]

I only see the option to renew the Tarjeta Dorada online, not to purchase one for the first time.

Tarjeta Dorada Discounts, Seniors, Retirees, AVE (high-speed) | Renfe

Discount with Renfe Tarjeta Dorada for seniors and retirees ✅ Up to 40% off on AVE (high-speed), Alvia, Avant (mid-distance high speed), Larga Distancia and Media Distancia (long and mid-distance) trains.

www.renfe.com

your absolutely correct, my bad. Not paying enough attention

<<<Tarjeta Dorada Card​

If you are over 60, make sure you are eligible for a discount on all your train trips for just 6 euros. You can purchase your Tarjeta Dorada, which is named and non-transferable, at station ticket offices or travel agencies.>>>

 

[Damico Walking]

It looks like you can purchase a Tarjeta Dorado for one year on-line. It gives you the 1, 2 or 3 year option.

Separately, can you use a digital card or do you need a physical card.

like so many security checkpoints it is not consistent. Departing from Madrid we only needed to show the digital pictures but departing Santiago they wanted the paper cards, which was easy enough since they just printed them at the ticket counter upon request. So I guess it is determined by the individual checking?

 

[J Willhaus]

like so many security checkpoints it is not consistent. Departing from Madrid we only needed to show the digital pictures but departing Santiago they wanted the paper cards, which was easy enough since they just printed them at the ticket counter upon request. So I guess it is determined by the individual checking?

I have also been checked on board the train and saw another passenger fined because he did not his card on his person. It was a Media distance train with no security checkpoint, but a conductor on board.

 

[Canche]

I tried to renew online and it kept saying my mobile number was in the incorrect format. I tried several ways using my US cell phone number and my Guatemalan cell phone number with dashes and without.

 

[bkkboy]

I did a comparison using Omio on different dates. One-way train fare from Madrid to Pamplona on the 7:35 am train is:
22 February: 84 Euros
22 March: 32 Euros
22 April: 26 Euros (over three times cheaper)
Booking as much in advance as possible is certainly a cost saver.

Would some kind soul with a concession card check how much the concession fare from Madrid to Pamplona, on the 7:35 am train, be if traveling within the next few days? This would be a good comparison.

 

[J Willhaus]

Next Tuesday through Renfe the ticket price begins at 50.25 for a TD fare.

 

[Maurice Frank]

you enter your tarjeta number before you purchase the ticket. Not at checkout..

That said RENFE's website is a pile of shite. That's why I buy my tickets at railway stations

Thanks, that was not clear to me. I thought having the number in my profile would be enough. Silly me.

 

[J Willhaus]

Thanks, that was not clear to me. I thought having the number in my profile would be enough. Silly me.

Yes, and you have to re-enter your passport number each time you purchase as well. My Trainline profile saves my TD number, but not my passport.