I don't ask for help often but need it now regarding train Madrid T4 to Pamplona

[HalfDomeOrBust]

I have reviewed and re-reviewed all the threads on getting train tickets and still have trouble. I want to buy two tickets Mad T4 to Pamplona on 3 September and cannot get the renfe site to work for me. It keeps coming up that there are no trains available. I have even changed my date and still the same message in Spanish. Would someone please try this and see if you get the same message? perhaps there really are no trains available for that date. At least I would know then...Thank you. Ed

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Only buses go from T-4 to Pamplona. Try ALSA.

For the train you have to go into Madrid by train/subway or bus.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

 

[Tincatinker]

Hi Ed. I'm getting constant error messages from the RENFE site, bless'em. http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/ is showing plenty of trains from Madrid- Atocha (Cercanias) but not from Barajas T4. Seems you might need to factor getting to Atocha into your trip, or consider using the bus as Falcon suggests. The ALSA site www.alsa.es/ is showing plenty of availability. Seems like a 5 hour trip for between €35 & €40

 

[peregrina2000]

Hi, Ed,
You've got the bus information from others, but if you still are leaning towards train, there are two things to know:

-- Trains to Pamplona, leave from Atocha, which will require a ride on the Cercanias train line from T4 to Atocha. Those trains (the C1 line) take 26 minutes and leave at 28 and 58 after the hour. There is also an airport express bus, which goes from the airport to Atocha. The only problem is that you are then subject to the whims of traffic, but in "normal" traffic it should take about 40 minutes. Info here: http://www.aena.es/csee/Satellite/A...02/Autobuses-urbanos.html?other=1237554327072

-- The RENFE web site is a disaster to use for most of us in North America, though a few lucky souls have figured it out. Seems that using paypal may be the best way to actually make a purchase. If not, and if you go to a ticket broker, I would suggest petrabax, rather than Rail Europe, it seems their prices are cheaper and they offer all web fare specials that the RENFE site does. They are showing availability on four trains from Atocha to Pamplona on Sept. 3 -- at 7:35 am, 11:35 am, 13:05, and 19:35. Prices range from $41 US to $8s.

And your Cercanias ticket is also included free in the price if you are on the Alvia or Ave.

Hope this helps. Laurie

 

[Castilian]

I want to buy two tickets Mad T4 to Pamplona on 3 September and cannot get the renfe site to work for me.

There aren't direct trains from the T4 to Pamplona. You have to take a commuter (Cercanías) train from the T4 to Atocha where you take the train to Pamplona (The cercanías will leave you in the cercanías area of Atocha while the train to Pamplona will depart from Puerta de Atocha but both are on the same rail complex). Therefore, as the RENFE web isn't good with routes involving changes of trains, the easier for you should be to book just the ride from Madrid to Pamplona. The ride from the T4 to Atocha most likely will be free of charge with your Alvia ticket from Madrid to Pamplona and you could get your free ticket once on the ground (if you are using a self-service ticket machine, insert your "Combinado Cercanías" code when requested).

As you are based in the USA, to book a train ride (even a direct one like Madrid Puerta de Atocha-Pamplona) on the web of RENFE may arise some problems so take a look at www.seat61.com/Spain-trains.htm#How_to_use_www.renfe.com to know how to (try to) sort some of them and at www.seat61.com/Spain-trains.htm#How_to_buy_train_tickets_for_Spain to know about alternative webs where you can book your ticket if you don't success making it directly on the web of RENFE.

P.S.: Alsa buses from the T4 to Pamplona mean a change of buses in Soria. PLM (http://plmautocares.com) has a direct bus from the T4 to Pamplona at 12:15 p.m. from Mondays to Saturdays... if that's any useful for you.

 

[whariwharangi]

Renfe trains to Pamplona leave from adif Madrid Puerta de Atocha Renfe Station.

Airport to Puerta de Atocha
-EMT Madrid Airport Express bus 203 from either T1-T2-T3 or T4 to Atocha
- Cercanias Light Rail Transit train (operated by Renfe) from T4 to Atocha. You can use airport shuttle to get from T1-T2-T3 to T4.
-Metro - take line 8 from airport T1-T2-T3 or T4 to Nuevos Ministerios; line 10 to Tribunal; and, line 1 to Renfe Atocha.

Madrid Barajas Airport
http://www.aena.es/csee/Satellite/Aeropuerto-Madrid-Barajas/en/Home.html

Puerta de Atocha Renfe Station Madrid
http://www.adif.es/es_ES/infraestructuras/estaciones/60000/informacion_000070.shtml

EMT Madrid Aeropuerto Express
http://www.emtmadrid.es/lineaAeropuerto/index.html

Renfe Cercanias - See Madrid
http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/cercanias/index.html

Madrid Metro
http://www.metromadrid.es/en/index.html

Madrid Metro Map
http://www.metromadrid.es/export/sites/metro/comun/documentos/planos/Planomayo2013.pdf

Renfe
http://www.renfe.com/

 

[jefferyonthecamino]

I have reviewed and re-reviewed all the threads on getting train tickets and still have trouble. I want to buy two tickets Mad T4 to Pamplona on 3 September and cannot get the renfe site to work for me. It keeps coming up that there are no trains available. I have even changed my date and still the same message in Spanish. Would someone please try this and see if you get the same message? perhaps there really are no trains available for that date. At least I would know then...Thank you. Ed

works fine from 'all stations in Madrid' but not T4, so i am guessing you will have to go into town (easy), Chamartín or Atocha... Buen Camino

 

[Caminofácil]

The RENFE web site is a disaster to use for most of us in North America, though a few lucky souls have figured it out.

Not just for those of you in North America, if it makes you feel better. The RENFE website is well known among spanish train users (and train nerds) as an horror of Lovecraftian proportions.

 

[Anniesantiago]

To me, it's much easier to catch a bus!
Buses leave T4 and go directly to Pamplona.
Otherwise, nab a Circanias to Atoche station and then a train to Pamplona.
But that takes longer.
Just walk outside and hop on a bus!
Buy your ticket from the driver.
It's easy.

 

[HalfDomeOrBust]

Well, everyone sure has been helpful!!!!!

I thank each and everyone for your replies. I did know that I needed to go to Atocha first but kept trying to get a train ticket from Madrid T4 to Pamplona. Seems as though I need to get back on Renfe site and try to get a ticket from Atocha to Pamplona then get a free token to get to Atocha from Mad T4 at Madrid Aeroport. Looks like it may have been my error afterall...

I also thought that taking a bus would take longer to get to Pamplona overall. Is this still true? I have reservations at Corozon Pure the night of 3 Sept so I do need to get to pamplona in time for Istvan to pick me up. My flight arrives in Madrid from the USA at 0930.

 

[whariwharangi]

Well, everyone sure has been helpful!!!!!

I thank each and everyone for your replies. I did know that I needed to go to Atocha first but kept trying to get a train ticket from Madrid T4 to Pamplona. Seems as though I need to get back on Renfe site and try to get a ticket from Atocha to Pamplona then get a free token to get to Atocha from Mad T4 at Madrid Aeroport. Looks like it may have been my error afterall...

I also thought that taking a bus would take longer to get to Pamplona overall. Is this still true? I have reservations at Corozon Pure the night of 3 Sept so I do need to get to pamplona in time for Istvan to pick me up. My flight arrives in Madrid from the USA at 0930.

The train takes less time and is more comfortable than the bus. The ALSA bus runs more frequently and is cheaper. It usually starts from Avenida de America, which can be reached by Metro or EMT bus 200. Some buses pick up at the airport T4 obviating any time for getting to the train or bus station. If time is the deciding factor, you'll have to compare schedules and do your own time appreciation.

As pointed out by Castilian, PLM Autocares also offers trips from Avenida de America to Pamplona with some buses picking up at T4.

ALSA
https://www.alsa.es/en/

 

[movinmaggie]

Hi, Ed,
You've got the bus information from others, but if you still are leaning towards train, there are two things to know:

-- Trains to Pamplona, leave from Atocha, which will require a ride on the Cercanias train line from T4 to Atocha. Those trains (the C1 line) take 26 minutes and leave at 28 and 58 after the hour.

-- The RENFE web site is a disaster to use for most of us in North America, though a few lucky souls have figured it out. I would suggest petrabax, rather than Rail Europe, it seems their prices are cheaper and they offer all web fare specials that the RENFE site does. They are showing availability on four trains from Atocha to Pamplona on Sept. 3 -- at 7:35 am, 11:35 am, 13:05, and 19:35. Prices range from $41 US to $8s.

And your Cercanias ticket is also included free in the price if you are on the Alvia or Ave.

Hope this helps. Laurie

Having been through the Renfe quandry, I had to give up and go with Rail Europe. In reading this thread I realize I still don't have a lay of the land. I land at T4 but need to get a hotel to overnight because it will be too late for the Corazon Puro folks. I was hoping to find something near Atacha because I am booked from Atocha to Pamplona. Is it some distance from T4 to Atacha? Can I taxi? Appreciate any suggestions...

 

[OTH86]

I just got train tickets thru the Renfe web site a few days ago without any problem -- using Google Translates to be sure which boxes to check. I'm also being met by Istvan (from Corazon Puro) at 14h40 having taken the 11.35 train on 7 Oct. But I arrive on the 6th at 10h05, so will stay overnight at Hostal Bruña - short walk to Atocha. My tickets are printed, and I'm READY TO GO!!
Buen Camino HalfDome!
Terry

 

[peregrina2000]

Having been through the Renfe quandry, I had to give up and go with Rail Europe. In reading this thread I realize I still don't have a lay of the land. I land at T4 but need to get a hotel to overnight because it will be too late for the Corazon Puro folks. I was hoping to find something near Atacha because I am booked from Atocha to Pamplona. Is it some distance from T4 to Atacha? Can I taxi? Appreciate any suggestions...

Hi, maggie,

I think the easiest thing for you would be take the Cercanias train to Atocha, if you are interested in saving a few dollars. It's just a few euros and the line is modern, fast, and clean (and no pickpockets). It's the C1 line and it is a direct shot to Atocha. Follow the Cercanias signs (a white C with a red background) and the station is right at T4.

This thread has a number of recommendations of places to sleep near Atocha station. https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/madrid-accommodation.25274/#post-198728

Atocha is a good location. If you are not too jet lagged and are looking for something to do, you are very close to the beautiful Retiro Park, across the street from the Reina Sofia art museum (Guernica is there), and not far from either the Prado or Thyssen museums.

Buen camino, Laurie

 

[movinmaggie]

I just got train tickets thru the Renfe web site a few days ago without any problem -- using Google Translates to be sure which boxes to check. I'm also being met by Istvan (from Corazon Puro) at 14h40 having taken the 11.35 train on 7 Oct. But I arrive on the 6th at 10h05, so will stay overnight at Hostal Bruña - short walk to Atocha. My tickets are printed, and I'm READY TO GO!!
Buen Camino HalfDome!
Terry

OTH86, I'll see if I can find contact info for Hostal Bruna on booking.com. Do you know how far Atacha is from T4? Is it best by taxi? Thanks

 

[Anamya]

Do you know how far Atacha is from T4? Is it best by taxi?

Movinmaggie, as Laurie said, the best way to get from T4 to Atocha is by Cercanias train (a type of subway). There is an entrance in T4 that connects directly with the line that goes to Atocha.

I think it takes around 20min-30 by train, can't remeber well (I was quite asleep). By taki it will cost 30+ euro and take the same time, so much better the Cercanias.

 

[peregrina2000]

OTH86, I'll see if I can find contact info for Hostal Bruna on booking.com. Do you know how far Atacha is from T4? Is it best by taxi? Thanks

Hi maggie, we were writing at the same time -- I answered your question about T4 and ATocha in the post above your most recent one.

About the Hostal Bruna. I love that place, it is run by a wonderful family, it is cheap and clean, and it's right across the street from the Prado. But it's about a km away from Atocha, which may be further than you want to walk. Some of the places mentioned in the link I posted above are much closer. Buen camino, Laurie

 

[movinmaggie]

Hi maggie, we were writing at the same time -- I answered your question about T4 and ATocha in the post above your most recent one.

About the Hostal Bruna. I love that place, it is run by a wonderful family, it is cheap and clean, and it's right across the street from the Prado. But it's about a km away from Atocha, which may be further than you want to walk. Some of the places mentioned in the link I posted above are much closer. Buen camino, Laurie

Hi Laurie, yes I did check the Hostal Bruna because someone else had mentioned it, but it was a tad pricey I took Annie's suggestion and went with Hostal Residencia Fernandez. It looks quite nice, is a bit cheaper and seems close to Atocha. Thank you so much for your continued help. Maggie.

 

[movinmaggie]

To me, it's much easier to catch a bus!
Buses leave T4 and go directly to Pamplona.
Otherwise, nab a Circanias to Atoche station and then a train to Pamplona.
But that takes longer.
Just walk outside and hop on a bus!
Buy your ticket from the driver.
It's easy.

Annie I could not find the last thread about the Hostels in Madrid, so just to let you know I booked the Hostal Fernandez. It looks quite nice and looked like a competitive price, so thanks for that….and I got further info on how to get there from T4.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Annie I could not find the last thread about the Hostels in Madrid, so just to let you know I booked the Hostal Fernandez. It looks quite nice and looked like a competitive price, so thanks for that….and I got further info on how to get there from T4.

Hi Maggie. Yes, it's clean and very close to the Atocha station.
And (literally) across the Square from the Sofia Reina.
Have fun!

 

[NualaOC]

Not just for those of you in North America, if it makes you feel better. The RENFE website is well known among spanish train users (and train nerds) as an horror of Lovecraftian proportions.

I found the Renfe site incredibly confusing at first, but it's worth persevering. There's some helpful information here about the ticket buying process http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Travel-g187514-c80518/Madrid:Spain:Buying.Renfe.Tickets.Online.html

 

[ortemio]

Have you considered blablacar ? I have used them in the past and it is cost effective and easy to book ::

https://www.blablacar.fr/search?fn=...na,+Espagne&tc=42.812526|-1.645775&tcc=ES&db=

have a fun camino...

 

[whariwharangi]

Having been through the Renfe quandry, I had to give up and go with Rail Europe. In reading this thread I realize I still don't have a lay of the land. I land at T4 but need to get a hotel to overnight because it will be too late for the Corazon Puro folks. I was hoping to find something near Atacha because I am booked from Atocha to Pamplona. Is it some distance from T4 to Atacha? Can I taxi? Appreciate any suggestions...

Airport to Puerta de Atocha - Airport site says its located 12 km NE of the city.
You can taxi but its relatively expensive. Suggest using public transport with following options:
-EMT Madrid Airport Express bus 203 from either T1-T2-T3 or T4 to Atocha
- Cercanias Light Rail Transit train (operated by Renfe) from T4 to Atocha. You can use airport shuttle to get from T1-T2-T3 to T4.
-Metro - take line 8 from airport T1-T2-T3 or T4 to Nuevos Ministerios; line 10 to Tribunal; and, line 1 to Renfe Atocha.

Madrid Barajas Airport
http://www.aena.es/csee/Satellite/Aeropuerto-Madrid-Barajas/en/Home.html

Puerta de Atocha Renfe Station Madrid
http://www.adif.es/es_ES/infraestructuras/estaciones/60000/informacion_000070.shtml

EMT Madrid Aeropuerto Express
http://www.emtmadrid.es/lineaAeropuerto/index.html

Renfe Cercanias - See Madrid
http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/cercanias/index.html

Madrid Metro
http://www.metromadrid.es/en/index.html

Madrid Metro Map
http://www.metromadrid.es/export/sites/metro/comun/documentos/planos/Planomayo2013.pdf

Renfe
http://www.renfe.com/

 

[suzannejmartin]

I have reviewed and re-reviewed all the threads on getting train tickets and still have trouble. I want to buy two tickets Mad T4 to Pamplona on 3 September and cannot get the renfe site to work for me. It keeps coming up that there are no trains available. I have even changed my date and still the same message in Spanish. Would someone please try this and see if you get the same message? perhaps there really are no trains available for that date. At least I would know then...Thank you. Ed

I had a terrible time until a kind member suggested. PayPal. Bingo. Hope it works for you.

 

[movinmaggie]

I found the Renfe site incredibly confusing at first, but it's worth persevering. There's some helpful information here about the ticket buying process http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Travel-g187514-c80518/Madrid:Spain:Buying.Renfe.Tickets.Online.html

My tickets are purchased now, albeit through Rail Europe. I did read through this link and found the most important part that relates to Renfe. You must have a Windows/PC OS. Their website also still operates on Windows XP. A great operating system, but one that went out years ago here. In this link, they even suggests that you purchase a PC to make the reservation…..really? just to book a ticket? As my Scottish mother would say "I hae me doots". I have an iMac, so I guess therein lies the glitch that I could not get around. I only write this for those who have yet to enter realm of Renfe.

 

[momof34man]

Movinmaggie, as Laurie said, the best way to get from T4 to Atocha is by Cercanias train (a type of subway). There is an entrance in T4 that connects directly with the line that goes to Atocha.

I think it takes around 20min-30 by train, can't remeber well (I was quite asleep). By taki it will cost 30+ euro and take the same time, so much better the Cercanias.

http://www.aena.es/csee/Satellite/A...4326802/Local-trains.html?other=1237554327698

I haven't made the journey myself, but this is the link to the subway train that will take you to the Atocha train station from the airport fron T4. (I'm doing research for my spring camino.) If you arrive late, they have a room at the airport you can stay in which is near the subway station.

 

[movinmaggie]

http://www.aena.es/csee/Satellite/A...4326802/Local-trains.html?other=1237554327698

I haven't made the journey myself, but this is the link to the subway train that will take you to the Atocha train station from the airport fron T4. (I'm doing research for my spring camino.) If you arrive late, they have a room at the airport you can stay in which is near the subway station.

Thanks for the link. I have printed it out. Ask me how much of love this forum and all who dwell therein.

 

[Jodean]

Trying to figure out all of the buses and trains made me give up and I ended up just booking my flight on through to Pamplona. I land in Madrid 10:40, 2 hour layover and am in in Pamplona at 13:30.

 

[NualaOC]

My tickets are purchased now, albeit through Rail Europe. I did read through this link and found the most important part that relates to Renfe. You must have a Windows/PC OS. Their website also still operates on Windows XP. A great operating system, but one that went out years ago here. In this link, they even suggests that you purchase a PC to make the reservation…..really? just to book a ticket? As my Scottish mother would say "I hae me doots". I have an iMac, so I guess therein lies the glitch that I could not get around. I only write this for those who have yet to enter realm of Renfe.

I hadn't noticed that bit Maggie. I also use an iMac and I (eventually) managed to book two trenhotel tickets, following most of the instructions. It definitely seems a lot easier for those of us in Europe!

 

[peregrina2000]

Thanks for the link. I have printed it out. Ask me how much of love this forum and all who dwell therein.

Maggie, one other little bit of information to scribble on the map printout -- the C1 Cercanías line leaves T4 every half hour, at 28 and 58 after the hour. Knowing that might put a little pep in your step or make you realize you can lollygag along because you have a lot of time. Buen camino, Laurie

 

[camino07]

I just walked out of the door at T4 and got a yellow airport bus to Atocha. In 2012 it cost 6 euros. Easy peasy!

 

[HalfDomeOrBust]

Trying to figure out all of the buses and trains made me give up and I ended up just booking my flight on through to Pamplona. I land in Madrid 10:40, 2 hour layover and am in in Pamplona at 13:30.

What airline are you on Mad to pamplona? Thank you.

 

[HalfDomeOrBust]

I just got train tickets thru the Renfe web site a few days ago without any problem -- using Google Translates to be sure which boxes to check. I'm also being met by Istvan (from Corazon Puro) at 14h40 having taken the 11.35 train on 7 Oct. But I arrive on the 6th at 10h05, so will stay overnight at Hostal Bruña - short walk to Atocha. My tickets are printed, and I'm READY TO GO!!
Buen Camino HalfDome!
Terry

Maybe I need to contract you out to but my train tickets for me Terry. I am still failing... Ed

 

[HalfDomeOrBust]

Hi Ed. I'm getting constant error messages from the RENFE site, bless'em. http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/ is showing plenty of trains from Madrid- Atocha (Cercanias) but not from Barajas T4. Seems you might need to factor getting to Atocha into your trip, or consider using the bus as Falcon suggests. The ALSA site www.alsa.es/ is showing plenty of availability. Seems like a 5 hour trip for between €35 & €40

Thanks Tincatinker. I may just walk from Madrid to Pamplona. I am going to try using a different computer to see if that helps. It may be this old laptop has a problem. Ed

 

[movinmaggie]

HalfDomeOrBust….can links be hacked? (yours or mine?) I have 9 likes from you in my Alerts all the same :>) ? I'm sure not but thought I'd mention it. movinmaggie

 

[movinmaggie]

I have reviewed and re-reviewed all the threads on getting train tickets and still have trouble. I want to buy two tickets Mad T4 to Pamplona on 3 September and cannot get the renfe site to work for me. It keeps coming up that there are no trains available. I have even changed my date and still the same message in Spanish. Would someone please try this and see if you get the same message? perhaps there really are no trains available for that date. At least I would know then...Thank you. Ed

See my message re alerts; just received the 10th one…..

 

[whariwharangi]

Maybe I need to contract you out to but my train tickets for me Terry. I am still failing... Ed

Here is Renfe link to International sales point. Select United States from the drop down list and a list of US agencies that sell Renfe tickets appears. You can then select your favorite agency and use their site to purchase a ticket.
http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/viajes_internacionales/puntosventa_internacional.html

 

[Jodean]

My flight from Madrid to Pamplona is on Nostrum. I booked it through Iberia Airlines website together with my flight from Frankfurt to Madrid.

 

[OTH86]

I hadn't noticed that bit Maggie. I also use an iMac and I (eventually) managed to book two trenhotel tickets, following most of the instructions. It definitely seems a lot easier for those of us in Europe!

I also use a Mac and live in North America, and have had no problems using Renfe, with patience and following the instructions on the Spanish site, not English. I'm 70 years old and my Spanish is very basic, I have problems using verbs (!), but using Google translates works for me. I've found that when I do things with Renfe (and other websites I'm not used to) using as much patience as I can come up with, and follow their instructions (even reading them several times) I get GREAT deals on travel. For me it's part of the delight in travelling - learning to do things in a different way.
Buen Camino a todos!!
Terry

 

[OTH86]

For those of you trying to book Renfe train tickets from Madrid T4 to Pamplona, it may be because Madrid trains to Pamplona leave from Atocha train station in downtown Madrid. I think someone else has mentioned this on another thread on this same topic. If you are going anywhere from Madrid on Renfe, you should probably use the *MADRID indicator - that way all trains from all stations will pop up and you can select the station that's best for you. BUSES go directly from MAD T4 to Pamplona, but not trains.
Buen Camino!
Terry

 

[HalfDomeOrBust]

HalfDomeOrBust….can links be hacked? (yours or mine?) I have 9 likes from you in my Alerts all the same :>) ? I'm sure not but thought I'd mention it. movinmaggie

I dont think either one of us is hacked. I just like you alot!!!

 

[HalfDomeOrBust]

My flight from Madrid to Pamplona is on Nostrum. I booked it through Iberia Airlines website together with my flight from Frankfurt to Madrid.

Thank you. I will take a look at that flight. Ed

 

[HalfDomeOrBust]

For those of you trying to book Renfe train tickets from Madrid T4 to Pamplona, it may be because Madrid trains to Pamplona leave from Atocha train station in downtown Madrid. I think someone else has mentioned this on another thread on this same topic. If you are going anywhere from Madrid on Renfe, you should probably use the *MADRID indicator - that way all trains from all stations will pop up and you can select the station that's best for you. BUSES go directly from MAD T4 to Pamplona, but not trains.
Buen Camino!
Terry

Thanks Terry. I did manage to figure that out after a few days.....I think I am getting close now. Patience patience....and time. Ed

 

[movinmaggie]

I dont think either one of us is hacked. I just like you alot!!!

awwwwww…and I like you too HDORB

 

[Saint Mike II]

Hi Ed. I'm getting constant error messages from the RENFE site, bless'em. http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/ is showing plenty of trains from Madrid- Atocha (Cercanias) but not from Barajas T4. Seems you might need to factor getting to Atocha into your trip, or consider using the bus as Falcon suggests. The ALSA site www.alsa.es/ is showing plenty of availability. Seems like a 5 hour trip for between €35 & €40

Yes its Atocha - I have booked 2 seats - I think I ended up using the whole of Western Europe rail booking system. I have used RENFE back in 2013 but its not overly English user friendly. Cheers

 

[HalfDomeOrBust]

Success. Finally, Success!!!!
After all the discussion and hints I managed to get my train tickets on the Renfe site today. I did have to use Pay Pal to get them paid for and not my regular card as it was denied. All the pieces have now come together for us so we are feeling much better about this second Camino now. I want to thank everyone again who contributed to this thread. Your posts were helpful to me and I suspect others that have been having the same issues.

Now, where do I stay in Zubiri???? Is there a Privado in Zubiri that anyone likes?

 

[AdaR]

HalfDome, I hope you have been able to book your train. And I am so glad you asked for help, as this thread was perfect for me.
I did get my Renfe ticket, finally, in July. But I had to use Petrabax to circumvent the Renfe website, that apparently doesn't care for USA web domains. The surcharge was minor, (less that Rail Europe) and it was quite simple. My ticket was emailed to me within 24 hours. I found them after doing an extensive google search on the error messages Renfe was giving me.
But this thread was extremely helpful for me to nail down all the details of getting from Barajas T4 terminal to my Renfe train.
I am set and some of my butterflies are calming down. Leaving California in 2 weeks, and planning to arrive in Pamplona on 9/7. Hoping to get on the Camino on 9/8. Hope to see you or Saint Mike, but likely you will be far ahead of me, even though I will be cycling.
Buen Camino!

 

[Dean1954]

I have reviewed and re-reviewed all the threads on getting train tickets and still have trouble. I want to buy two tickets Mad T4 to Pamplona on 3 September and cannot get the renfe site to work for me. It keeps coming up that there are no trains available. I have even changed my date and still the same message in Spanish. Would someone please try this and see if you get the same message? perhaps there really are no trains available for that date. At least I would know then...Thank you. Ed

Hi Halfdome, I was having the same trouble but my sister used the USA site for Renfe and it also worked for me in South Africa using credit card payment. http://www.petrabax.com/

 

[Griffin57]

Success. Finally, Success!!!!
After all the discussion and hints I managed to get my train tickets on the Renfe site today. I did have to use Pay Pal to get them paid for and not my regular card as it was denied. All the pieces have now come together for us so we are feeling much better about this second Camino now. I want to thank everyone again who contributed to this thread. Your posts were helpful to me and I suspect others that have been having the same issues.

Now, where do I stay in Zubiri???? Is there a Privado in Zubiri that anyone likes?

Hi Ed
I like El palo de Avellano - the Hazel stick, in Zubiri. Has some flat none bunk beds as well as bunks and a couple of double rooms. sorry can't seem to put in a link Google takes me straight to the site. Think you can book by email or phone, does not seem to be on Booking.com. Great food here.
Buen camino
Sarah

 

[mspath]

Hi Ed
I like El palo de Avellano - the Hazel stick, in Zubiri. Has some flat none bunk beds as well as bunks and a couple of double rooms. sorry can't seem to put in a link Google takes me straight to the site. Think you can book by email or phone, does not seem to be on Booking.com. Great food here.
Buen camino
Sarah

I like it also! Here is their web link. Hope to be there once again mid October.

MM

 

[Griffin57]

I like it also! Here is their web link. Hope to be there once again mid October.

MM

Thank you Margaret I just emailed then for a bed on the 20th of September meeting @julia-t there

 

[HalfDomeOrBust]

HalfDome, I hope you have been able to book your train. And I am so glad you asked for help, as this thread was perfect for me.
I did get my Renfe ticket, finally, in July. But I had to use Petrabax to circumvent the Renfe website, that apparently doesn't care for USA web domains. The surcharge was minor, (less that Rail Europe) and it was quite simple. My ticket was emailed to me within 24 hours. I found them after doing an extensive google search on the error messages Renfe was giving me.
But this thread was extremely helpful for me to nail down all the details of getting from Barajas T4 terminal to my Renfe train.
I am set and some of my butterflies are calming down. Leaving California in 2 weeks, and planning to arrive in Pamplona on 9/7. Hoping to get on the Camino on 9/8. Hope to see you or Saint Mike, but likely you will be far ahead of me, even though I will be cycling.
Buen Camino!

Glad that this post also helped you as it did me. We plan to arrive into Pamplona on Sept 8th so we may be there when you are. Buen Camino.

 

[HalfDomeOrBust]

Hi Halfdome, I was having the same trouble but my sister used the USA site for Renfe and it also worked for me in South Africa using credit card payment. http://www.petrabax.com/

So many people having trouble on the Renfe site. There must be an effort to make it more user friendly I would think??

 

[HalfDomeOrBust]

Hi Ed
I like El palo de Avellano - the Hazel stick, in Zubiri. Has some flat none bunk beds as well as bunks and a couple of double rooms. sorry can't seem to put in a link Google takes me straight to the site. Think you can book by email or phone, does not seem to be on Booking.com. Great food here.
Buen camino
Sarah

Thank you Sarah for the recommendation. I have that one in my sights!! Ed

 

[whariwharangi]

So many people having trouble on the Renfe site. There must be an effort to make it more user friendly I would think??

The only problem that I am aware of is people who try to purchase tickets with a US credit card. There are solutions: buy from an international sales point, such as Petrabax, which is an option on the Renfe website; pay using paypal; or, buy a card reader so the website can do an electronic handshake as is the norm in Europe. Given the relatively small number of people who can't figure out that dilemma ... why would Renfe make changes?

 

[HalfDomeOrBust]

The only problem that I am aware of is people who try to purchase tickets with a US credit card. There are solutions: buy from an international sales point, such as Petrabax, which is an option on the Renfe website; pay using paypal; or, buy a card reader so the website can do an electronic handshake as is the norm in Europe. Given the relatively small number of people who can't figure out that dilemma ... why would Renfe make changes?

Read the thread and you will see some of the issues people have had.

 

[HalfDomeOrBust]

Thank you Margaret I just emailed then for a bed on the 20th of September meeting @julia-t there

Okay Sarah and Margaret, I too have just emailed them requesting a room. Thank you!!

 

[whariwharangi]

Read the thread and you will see some of the issues people have had.

Yeah, I have. The issue is buying tickets with a US credit card.

 

[peregrina2000]

Yeah, I have. The issue is buying tickets with a US credit card.

Not quite, because I easily bought a ticket online with my US credit card when I was in Pamplona just a few weeks ago. I was stunned, it was bought in a matter of minutes. So it must be a combination of North American credit card AND North American presence.

But I can't wait to try next year, using PayPal.

And as far as RENFE going to the trouble to make it easier for us, I know they did a LOT of work a few years ago and supposedly solved the problem. But they never solved it for me and my credit card. Whari is right, I think, to suggest that if RENFE has very few online purchasers from North America, it may not make economic sense for them to figure out how to make the system work for them. And since PayPal is so easy to use, I think that they have essentially solved the problem anyway!

 

[whariwharangi]

Read the thread and you will see some of the issues people have had.

The other problem is trying to book tickets in advance of the schedule being in place. 30 days is a rule of thumb except for the high profile fast trains between places like Barcelona and Madrid.