Consult our FAQs about the Renfe´s new Free Pass for regular Cercanías and Media Distancia passengers and the 50% discount on High-Speed Mid-Distance lines

Last update: 26/12/2025

1. What type of services are free passes valid for?

Free passes can solely be used on Cercanías (Commuter) trains in Asturias and Cantabria. For integrated tickets (those that include other means of transport, such as buses, metros or other railways not operated by Renfe), consult the conditions of the different regional and local consortia."
 

2. How can I purchase the Renfe pass?

To obtain the free frequent passenger pass, you must be registered at renfe.com or using the Renfe and Renfe Cercanías apps.

You can obtain your free frequent passenger pass seamlessly using the Renfe Cercanías app, with the exception of Cercanías AM, where passes can be obtained at self-service machines and station ticket offices:

1. Download the Renfe Cercanías app from the Android store or from the Apple store.

2. Select your Cercanías network.

3. Expand the menu and select the "Buy Tickets" option .

4. Choose the "Buy" option and select your usual origin/destination station.

5. From the "Select a fare", drop-down, choose "Free Pass".

6. Enter your details to register. If you already have an account in the app, proceed with the purchase process.

7. The QR generated will be saved in the app's wallet that you can find in the "Buy tickets" – "My tickets" menu .

If you have a Tarjeta Renfe & Tú card, you can also go to your usual place of purchase (self-service machines and station ticket offices) and load the new pass onto it. Always validate your trips before they start. Until you have received the refund of your free pass deposit, you must keep both the QR and the TSC card with which you use your pass, as well as any receipt or proof of purchase as these may be needed to request the refund for the deposit or resolve any issues that may occur as part of the process.  

Remember that in the Cercanías Metric Gauge networks, it is not possible to purchase the pass using the App and you will have to purchase the physical pass at the self-service machines or station ticket offices.

To purchase your pass at ticket offices and self-service machines, you must provide your name and surname (when purchasing at the ticket office), a valid identity document number (Spanish ID number, foreign resident document number, passport or equivalent document) and your telephone number (preferably mobile) for us to contact you in case of any issues that may occur when refunding your deposit.

3. How long is the Renfe free pass valid for?

Cercanías (Commuter): personal, named and non-transferable pass, valid for an unlimited number of journeys, whether one way or return, on the Cercanías (Commuter) train networks of Asturias and Cantabria (all regions) during the selected four-month period.
 

4. Do they have to be renewed every month?

No, the Cercanías (Commuter) pass can only be used during the selected four-month period. For example, during the first four months of 2026, it will be valid for travel between January 1 and April 30.
 

5. Is the Cercanías pass valid for all zones?

Yes, it allows you to make unlimited journeys between any of the stations of the suburban hub for which you have purchased the pass.

6. Are the passes free?


Yes, free travel is guaranteed to recurring travellers. To this end, a procedure has been implemented by which the traveller deposits a refundable deposit of 10 euros, regardless of the origin and destination of the route travelled within the Cercanías hub. 

In the Cercanías hubs of Asturias and Cantabria, it will still be necessary to make a minimum of 16 journeys during the 4 months of validity. This refund will be made at the end of the validity period. In the case of card payment, the refund will be made automatically through the same means. In the case of payment in cash, the refund will be made through the ticket offices of the stations.
 

7. Can I use a credit or debit card as a means of payment?

Yes. Its use is recommended to streamline the process of refunding the deposit paid for the pass.
 

8. How do I get my deposit back?

If you paid for your pass using a bank card, the refund will be made automatically to the card used to make payment, provided that you have made a minimum of 16 trips and your travel pass is not included in the list of anti-fraud infractions.

If you have not received the refund, please visit a Customer Service office to fill in the Refund Form providing your details so that we can review your case.

If you paid the deposit in cash, you must request a refund at any point of sale or from our Customer Service offices. You must present your pass along with your DNI, NIF/NIE as well as any receipt or proof of purchase you have.

You must keep your pass, regardless of the format used, as well as the purchase ticket or receipt until your deposit for the pass has been refunded, since these are required to request the refund or to solve any incident that may occur throughout the process.

Important, remember

If you have not yet requested the refund of the deposit for your passs, remember that you have one year to request it once its validity period ends.

  • 1st four-month period of 2025 pass (January to April). Deadline for applying for the refund of your deposit: 30 April 2026.
  • Passes valid during the second quarter of 2025 (May to August). Deadline for applying for the refund of your deposit: 31 August 2026.
  • 3rd four-month period of 2025 pass (September to December). Deadline for applying for the refund of your deposit: 31 December 2026.

9. Once the period of use has ended, can I dispose of the contactless card or the physical pass?

No, you must keep the pass in whichever format you have used as it may be needed to request a refund of the deposit.

In addition, we remind you that once the deposit has been returned, you can reuse the TSC Renfe&Tú.

10. Can I top up the Cercanías (Commuter) pass with the +Renfe&Tú card?

Yes. All passengers who have a personalised or non-personalised +Renfe & Tú Card will be able to purchase the pass at self-service machines and ticket offices at the station.
 

11. Do I need to download a Renfe app to travel with the pass?

It is not necessary for Cercanías AM hubs, as the pass cannot be purchased online. For the rest of the hubs, it is highly recommended to use the Renfe Cercanías App to avoid queues and waiting at stations. Customers of the Cercanías hubs who purchase the pass through the Renfe Cercanías App will be able to validate it directly at the turnstiles with QR readers or through support staff at stations that do not have readers. Download the App.

You can also obtain a pass in physical form, free of charge, presenting your mobile phone with the QR code at a self-service machine.
 

12. What is the Renfe Cercanías app security code?

During registration, you will be asked for the security code needed to make in-app purchases; this code is chosen by the user and consists of a 4-digit numerical code.
 

13. Can I make several trips on the same day or are you only allowed to make a return trip?

You can use Cercanías (Commuter) passes on unlimited trips.
 

14. Does the round trip count as two trips or as one for the return of the deposit?

A return journey counts as 2 trips.