Spain and Portugal’s Railways Stick with On-Board Ticket Sales

Why It Matters

On‑board ticketing remains a critical revenue and service channel for Iberian railways, ensuring accessibility in underserved stations and mitigating passenger aggression risks that have driven other European operators to discontinue the service.

Key Takeaways

• Renfe sold 1.8 million onboard tickets in 2025, 51% card, 49% cash
• Onboard sales represent 1.2% of Portugal’s tickets, down from 2% in 2020
• Belgium ended onboard sales after 2,602 aggression incidents in 2025
• Renfe’s conductors carry portable devices for ticketing on all train types
• CP tests card payments on board, currently cash‑only for €20 ($22) tickets

Pulse Analysis

European rail operators are accelerating the shift to digital ticketing, with Belgium’s SNCB leading the charge by ending on‑board sales after a surge in staff aggression and a mere 1.5% share of total tickets. The move reflects broader safety and cost‑efficiency goals, yet the Iberian Peninsula diverges sharply. Spain’s Renfe and Portugal’s CP argue that on‑board sales remain indispensable for passengers in remote stations, where ticket offices or vending machines are absent, and for those making last‑minute travel decisions.

Renfe’s approach underscores the scale of the issue. In 2025 the Spanish state operator moved over 531 million passengers and sold roughly 1.8 million tickets on board, with a near‑even split between card and cash payments. All 1,700 conductors are equipped with portable devices, allowing sales across high‑speed, suburban, and regional services. While internet and app sales incur no surcharge, Renfe adds a 5.5% fee for office purchases and 3.5% for machine or phone sales, highlighting the nuanced cost structure of multi‑channel fare collection.

Portugal’s CP faces a similar but more cash‑centric reality. The €20 (€22) ticket, introduced in October 2024, is sold on board only when stations lack any other point of sale, and passengers must have cash in hand. On‑board sales have slipped to 1.2% of total tickets, down from 2% pre‑pandemic, prompting CP to pilot card‑payment functionality on conductors’ devices. This gradual digital upgrade aims to align Portugal with its Spanish neighbour while preserving the safety net for cash‑dependent travelers, a balance that will shape the future of ticketing across the Iberian rail network.