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1. Using the RENFE website to figure out connections, when you can not take a train from A to B without first going to C.
2. How you might book a ticket directly through the RENFE website.

Historically, I have linked to the RENFE website as I believe it provides the most timely reports on train schedules and the site also has a feature that makes it possible to check on connecting stations. Knowing what train stations connect directly to your destination or departure train station can be particularly useful for those of you using rail passes or individuals planning a trip off the beaten track.

1. Figuring out connections
An example: If you check the train schedules on RENFE, or RailEurope, for a train going from Malaga (A) to Jerez de la Frontera (B) you will discover there is no direct route. You can use Rail Europe's, rail , it can help you figure out likely connecting cities, or you could look up the connecting stations for Malaga and Jerez de la Frontera on the RENFE website. To do this, you will likely need to go to the all train station list. On the station list, select Malaga and get the list of train stations connecting to Malaga, print the connecting train station list. Repeat the same process for Jerez de la Frontera. Comparing the two list of connecting stations, you can determine if Malaga and Jerez de la Frontera have any connecting train stations in common. In this example, Cordoba (C) would be a good choice. Now you need to look at the train schedules for Malaga to Cordoba and Cordoba to Jerez de la Frontera to see if the train travel times will work for you.

2. Buying a ticket directly from RENFE from outside Europe
Until recently I did not even know this was possible, any time I had explored the ticket booking option in Renfe I came to a dead end. Below, I share what I have learned about booking with RENFE, all of it from third parties, the information is not necessarily from their direct experience; no one has written me reporting they have actually done this. Also, keep in mind, as you compare train ticket prices between RailEurope and RENFE, you need to add on your over seas credit card fees and bank exchange costs (these can be as high as 4%) to the RENFE price.

The Process:
The key to booking point to point train tickets on the RENFE is to sign up with TIKNET. The Tiknet logo is in the upper right hand corner of the RENFE page (if you prefer English look for the English option). When you click on the TIKNET logo, you will likely end up on a page asking for your customer code. Look for the "new client" button, click on it. Start filling out the form. "Second Name" field, lack one, use your last name, also, as the second name, this field can not be left blank. "ID Card" field, no DNI/NIF number? The ID Card must be 8 digits, use the first 8 digits of your passport, if your passport number is shorter than 8 digits add 0's to the end of the number (you will be required to show this ID when you pick up your tickets). The first time you order a train ticket through TIKNET you will be required to pick it up from a RENFE Station and show identification, major airports have RENFE offices where tickets can also be picked up.

As indicated, I have not had direct correspondence with anyone that had actually booked a train ticket through the TIKNET website, point to point tickets can also be booked through RailEurope, .

For Rail passes, try or (Canada) (USA).

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