Someone told me they had a rail card that gives great discounts on rail fares. I have a NI number. Does anyone know anything about this? thanks.

The Tarjeta de Oro is 6 euros for a year and gives great discounts on rail fares but this is for people over 60. In order to purchase the card you have to have proof of NIE and age, I used my residency certificate for this. I understand that there other ways of gaining discounts but do not know them.

Rosemary

The only one I know of is known as the "tarjeta dorada" (golden card) which gives between 25-40% reduction, depending on when you travel during the week.
I believe it's available only for those over 60 and costs less than €10 annually, though we haven't bought one for several years now.
Others may know better than me.

Ok Thanks. I'm too young to qualify.

I think that they have recently introduced different ways of gaining discounts so well worth looking in your local station for information.

Rosemary

There are several ways of getting discounts; students get discounts, familia numerosa allows one to get discounts as does the card you mention.


I'm sure there are other ways too.

If you can travel in a foursome, book a table and four seats together for a substantial discount.

Alicante/Madrid (one way) (2 hours 27 minutes) 25.95 pp instead of 38.95
or 1st class 43.75 instead of 65.65 pp

1st class usually includes a meal, movie, and complimentary bar; as well as comfy seats.

booking up to three months in advance will help in getting cheaper fares.

The Tarjeta Dorada only gives discounts off the full fare, not the reduced fares unlike the UK senior railcard. The best fares for long distance trains are the promo and promo plus fares, with discounts up to 60 and 65%. Also watch the tourista plus and preferente fares as they can often be cheaper than tourist class fares if all the discounted fare allocation is sold out.
Tourist class is generally very comfortable with plenty of space compared with British trains, tourista plus and preferente just give you even more space and a few freebies on some trains.
Here in Cataluna the card gives 40% off all local trains, very useful.

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Please let me know if you need any further help.

Rosemary