From 2025, the free Renfe pass for Cercanías and Media Distancia trains could disappear, according to the declarations of the Minister of Transport, Óscar Puente. This measure, implemented in 2022 in response to the economic crisis and rising inflation, may not be renewed next year. Puente repeatedly emphasized that free service was a temporary solutionfocused on alleviating the economic burden on families, but it is now necessary to redirect efforts towards improving the situation quality of services.
The minister stressed that priority in public transport must be punctuality, comfort and frequencyaspects that he considers essential to attract more users, beyond the reduced price of tickets. Although he end of free subscriptions It is not yet final, everything indicates that the measure could conclude at the end of 2024. Puente also mentioned that the government is working on alternatives that continue to benefit groups such as young people, vulnerable people and frequent usersbut without travel being completely free. In this way the emphasis seems to shift towards implementation of new policies which make public transport more accessible to certain groups, while maintaining a focus on improving service.
Goodbye to free Renfe passes
In 2022 they were implemented free passes for frequent travelersrequiring a deposit of 10 euros for Cercanías and 20 euros for Media Distancia, which is returned if at least 16 trips are made in a four-month period. These passes allow you to travel without restrictions on Cercanías, and up to four times a day on Media Distancia. The third and final quarter of these subscriptions began on September 1 and will end on December 31, 2024.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility is studying new measures. Even if the end of free passes seems imminent, Minister Óscar Puente assured that aid would be maintained for certain groups, such as young people and vulnerable people, with the aim of facilitating access to public transport. In addition, the objective is to improve the quality of service, focusing on punctuality and train comfort.
Renfe Cercanías price in 2025
He limited monthly subscription It allows you to make two trips per day, one outward and one return, for a month. This pass is individual, personalized and non-transferable, and is valid exclusively on the route selected at the time of purchase. It is valid for a full month, regardless of the day of purchase, and is available both at station ticket offices and at Cercanías vending machines. The prices are as follows: 1/2 zones at €28.90, 3 zones at €36.70, 4 zones at €59.15, 5 zones at €68.70, 6 zones at €80.95 and 7 zones at €92.90.
On the other hand, the university quarterly pass It is aimed at students and employees of various universities in Madrid. It allows unlimited travel for three calendar months on specific routes, provided the origin or destination includes certain university stations. This subscription is individual and non-transferable, with prices which vary depending on the number of zones: 1/2 zones at €87.75, 3 zones at €110.90, 4 zones at €179.00, 5 zones at €208.35 €, 6 zones at €258.75 and 7 zones at €328.45.
He Bonotrenideal for those taking up to 10 trips per month, is not personalized and is transferable. It is valid for one month and can be purchased in advance. The prices for this voucher are: 1/2 zones at €10.00, 3 zones at €13.70, 4 zones at €18.55, 5 zones at €24.30, 6 zones at €28.55 and 7 zones at €38.45.
Finally, the single invoicesvalid for a single journey, have prices which vary according to the zones: 1/2 zones at €1.70, 3 zones at €1.85, 4 zones at €2.60, 5 zones at €3.40, 6 zones at €4.05, 7 zones at €5.50 and the Green Zone at €8.70. Over-60s, children, young people, large families and school groups can benefit from additional discounts on their tickets.
Free train tickets
On the other hand, Renfe launched a new promotion for its customers, allowing those who have taken advantage of the “Verano Joven” campaign and are members of the “Más Renfe” loyalty program to enjoy a free trip on AVE or Long Distance trains. From October 7 to December 31, 2024, beneficiaries will receive a discount code that will cover 100% of the ticket price on selected routes and times. This code is entered on the Renfe page when searching for the route, and if valid, it will be applied automatically, making the discounted price appear zero.
The offer is aimed at young people between 18 and 30 years old who participated in the “Young Summer” initiative, a campaign that, between July and September, offered discounts on travel for this age group. In addition, it is necessary to be registered with the “Más Renfe” program, which grants points (Renfecitos) for each trip made. These points can be exchanged for train tickets and other services, rewarding user loyalty. Benefits include an upgrade within the program, providing additional perks like lounge access and special discounts on future travel.
