Renfe to return free short- and medium-distance ticket deposits from January 9

Spanish railway operator Renfe will begin returning the €10 and €20 deposits passengers had to pay for fully subsidized short- and medium-distance tickets in 2022 from January 9.

People are entitled to receive the full amount if they used their passes at least 16 times between September 1 and December 31.

Those who paid the deposit by card will receive it automatically in their accounts, while those who paid in cash will have to go to ticket desks in stations from January 15 to have the amount returned.

Over 750,000 people benefitted from the measure put in place last summer with the aim of promoting the use of public transport at a time when fuel prices are high due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Around 80% opted for free short-distance journeys, while 15% used medium-distance tickets, and the remaining 5% had 50% Avant train discounts. 

2023 free train passes

Short- and medium-distance journeys will continue to be free throughout 2023, but passengers with tickets obtained in 2022 will have to acquire new ones for this year. These will be valid until April 30, after which new tickets will be needed.

As was the case last year, tickets can be procured either via the app or in person at ticket machines and desks, and passengers will have to pay a €10 deposit for illimited short-distance journeys or €20 for medium-distance ones which will be returned if the ticket is used at least 16 times in four months.