Anyone who travels with Renfe regularly may not know about the railway firm’s loyalty cards.
For a small fee, certain travellers can obtain a variety of ‘tarjetas’ that can save them up to 40% off journeys.
Below are the loyalty cards available. They can all be found on the Renfe website.
Tarjeta Dorada (Golden Card)
Eligibility: Available to individuals aged 60 and over, pensioners, retirees with permanent disability and some disabled persons.
Discounts:
- 25% off on AVE, AVE International (Spain–France), and Larga Distancia (long distance) trains.
- 25% off on Avant trains from Monday to Friday, and 40% off on weekends.
- 40% off on Media Distancia (medium distance) trains.
Cost: €6 for 1 year, €12 for 2 years, or €15 for 3 years.
Renewal: Can be renewed online up to 90 days before expiration.
Mas Renfe Joven (Young person’s card)
Eligibility: For young travellers aged between 14 and 25.
Discounts: Up to 30% off on AVE, Larga Distancia (long distance), Avant, and Media Distancia trains.
Additional Benefits: Earn Renfecitos (Renfe points) that can be redeemed for free trips or services from partner companies.
Cost: €50, valid for one year
Renewal: The Mas Renfe Joven Card can be renewed 60 days before its expiration date. The renewal fee is €50 (VAT included).
Spain Rail Pass
Eligibility: Exclusively for non-residents of Spain.
Features:
- Allows travel on authorised trains (excluding sleeper trains) based on the number of journeys selected (four, six, eight or 10).
- You have up to six months from the date of purchase to make your first trip, and a one month validity after your first trip.
- Personal and non-transferable; identification with a passport is required.
- Renfe explains: ‘At the time of purchase, you can choose the number of trips you want to make (4, 6, 8 or 10), as well as the type of seat you want to travel in: Standard or Comfort (not available on Premium)… You can use your Spain Rail Pass on all our national Larga Distancia (Long Distance) trains (including AVE, high-speed train) and regional trains (Media Distancia (Mid-distance) and Avant (mid-distance high-speed) with seat reservation).’
Cost: Starting from €220 for four trips and €455 for 10 trips
Mas Renfe Loyalty Programme
Eligibility: Open to all travellers.
Benefits:
- Earn Renfecitos (Renfe points) with each trip, which can be redeemed for train tickets or services from partner companies.
- Receive a 10% discount on your next ticket upon signing up.