🚂 The Golden Ticket to Train Travel in Spain: Getting Your Renfe Tarjeta Dorada

Retiring in Spain means embracing the Spanish lifestyle, and that includes easy, affordable travel! The Renfe Tarjeta Dorada (Golden Card) is an absolute must-have for anyone aged 60 or over, offering fantastic discounts on almost all of Spain’s national train network, from high-speed AVE to regional services.

Here is everything you need to know to get started and save on your rail adventures.

💰 Key Facts: Cost and Eligibility

Who is Eligible? Anyone aged 60 years or older.
What is the Cost? Just €6 for a one-year validity.
What is it? A personal, non-transferable card that grants you discounts on all your train journeys.
Validity: You can purchase it for one, two, or three years:
- 1 Year: €6
- 2 Years: €12
- 3 Years: €15 (This is the best value, saving you 16%!)

📍 Where to Get Your Tarjeta Dorada

You have a few convenient options to purchase your card:

In-Person at a Station:
- Visit the ticket offices (taquillas) at any major Renfe station.
- You will need to present an official identification document (like your passport or Spanish residency card) to prove your age.
At Travel Agencies:
- Some authorized travel agencies can also issue the card.
Online (If you are a member of the Más Renfe Program):
- If you are registered in the Más Renfe loyalty program (Renfe’s frequent traveler program), you can purchase or renew your card online.

💸 The Discounts You’ll Receive

The Tarjeta Dorada offers significant savings, applied to the General/Base fare price, depending on the type of train and day of travel:

Train Type	Days	Discount
AVE, AVE International (Spain-France), and Long Distance	Every day	25% discount
Avant (Mid-Distance High-Speed)	Monday – Friday	25% discount
Avant (Mid-Distance High-Speed)	Saturday & Sunday	40% discount
Media Distancia (Regional Trains)	Every day	40% discount

Remember:
The Tarjeta Dorada discount is generally not combinable with other offers (like the Round-Trip discount), except for the legally established discount for Large Families (Familias Numerosas).

🔄 Easy Online Renewal

One of the best features is the simple online renewal process, available up to 90 days before the card’s expiration date.

How to Renew Online:

Go to the Renfe website and access the renewal section.
Provide your information: You’ll need to enter your identification document and your current card number, along with the associated email and mobile number for security.
Choose your validity: Select 1, 2, or 3 years.
Pay: You can pay using a credit/debit card or Bizum.
Download: Once the payment is complete, you will receive the renewed card for download in PDF or Passbook format, and a confirmation via email.

Renewing online is fast, convenient, and saves you a trip to the station!

Ready to start exploring Spain by train? Getting your Tarjeta Dorada is a simple, low-cost step that will open up the entire country for your retirement adventures!