RENFE is to extend its free rail passes offer on commuter and medium distance routes until at least January next year, says Eugene Costello
RENFE is to extend its free rail passes offer on commuter and medium distance routes until at least January next year.
RENFE users will be able to purchase free commuter and ‘Media Distancia’ travel passes.
Regular travellers have specific multi-journey tickets that are valid for each four-month period of the year.
RENFE users will be able to purchase from today, August 1st and during the whole period of validity, free passes for Cercanías, Rodalies and Media Distancia. This is for travel between September 1st and December 31st, 2023.
The quickest way to do this is to buy via the Cercanías RENFE app. In the case of Media Distancia passes, via the renfe.com website or the usual sales channels (stations, automated machines, etc.). To do so, however, you must be previously registered.
For Avant rail services, the 50% discount will still apply. This same discount applies to other high-speed routes that have been declared Public Service Obligations (OSP). These operate under the same conditions as an Avant Pass.
Obtaining a free travel card quickly and easily
The Cercanías app allows you to buy Cercanías and Rodalies recurrent season tickets in a quick and simple way. This generates a QR code that will download to your mobile phone. You can then use this at the automatic barriers at your registered station.
To buy the pass, you will have to deposit 10€ in the case of Cercanías and Rodalies. It’s 20€ for each conventional Media Distancia service. Payment by card will give you an automatic refund of the deposit. It will come once you have made 16 trips during these four months.
For children under 14 years of age without an ID card, there is also a recurring pass for Media Distancia services. You can buy these at renfe.com or via the RENFE app. The father, mother or guardian will be able to buy a maximum of four child travel cards. These must have one origin and destination, during the valid period. You will need a NIF, NIE, TIE or passport,
Passengers who have used the free travel cards in the second four-month period of 2023 will receive a refund of the deposit. This is provided that they have complied with the conditions of the pass. Those who have paid the deposit by credit card will be refunded automatically.
• RENFE has set up a specific telephone line to provide information on these free passes. Call 91 919 15 67
