Spain

Brief History

Spain's passenger railway history began in 1848 with the inauguration of the Barcelona-Mataró line. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the railway network expanded rapidly, connecting major cities and regions. In 1941, the government nationalized the railway companies and formed Renfe as the national railway company.

In the late 20th century, Spain focused on modernizing its railways, including the development of the high-speed AVE network. The Madrid-Seville AVE line, inaugurated in 1992, was the first of its kind. The success of the AVE led to the expansion of the network, connecting cities such as Barcelona, Valencia, Malaga, and Bilbao.

Today, Spain's railway system includes the AVE high-speed network, regional services, and commuter trains. The AVE network continues to expand, reducing travel times between major cities. The country's railways play a vital role in providing efficient and convenient transportation options for both domestic and international travelers.

General Information and Statistics

Renfe is the main rail operator in Spain. Cross-border trains to France are served by Renfe-SNCF, a cooperation between the French and Spanish national rail companies.

The total length of railways in Spain is approximately 16,026 kilometers (2020). Spain has the second-largest high-speed rail network in the world, with over 3,200km of high-speed railway lines. There are about 2,600 railway stations. According to the Spanish railway company Renfe, the annual number of passengers using trains in Spain was about 487 million (2020).

As of 2017, 9,699 tracks were electrified.

What connections to other countries there are.

There are frequent train services neighbouring countries including the France and Portugal.

Are trains fast in Spain in general? How much time to cross the country?

Trains in Spain generally offer a range of speeds, depending on the type of train and the specific route. Spain has invested in high-speed rail infrastructure, and its high-speed train service is known as the AVE (Alta Velocidad Española).
The AVE trains are designed for high-speed travel and can reach speeds of up to 310 km/h (193 mph) on certain routes.
 The journey from Málaga - Huesca takes 6:27 hours and from Alacant - Santiago de Compostela 7:11 hours.

What railway companies are available?

Renfe is the main rail operator in Spain. There are two new major operators now running in Spain. Iryo is co-owned by Italian train provider Trenitalia and Nostrum airlines and offers high-speed trains to major cities. Ouigo is a low-cost, high-speed train owned by the french train firm SNCF.

What train types are available in Spain

Here is an overview of the train types operated by Renfe in Spain:

AVE: The AVE trains are high-speed trains that connect major cities in Spain, with Madrid as a central hub. They can reach speeds of up to 310 km/h (193 mph). AVE trains offer comfortable seating, spacious interiors, onboard entertainment, and buffet carriages.

Alvia: Alvia trains are similar to AVE trains but make stops at more locations along their routes. They serve both major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, as well as smaller towns and cities such as Cadiz, Pamplona, and Alicante. Alvia trains can operate on both high-speed and conventional railway lines.

Avant: Renfe Avant trains are high-speed trains that operate on shorter routes within the same autonomous region. They are designed for day trips and commuting, offering fast travel times within a specific area.

Avlo: Avlo is Renfe's new high-speed long-distance train service operating on the Madrid-Barcelona-Figueres train line. Avlo trains can reach speeds of up to 300 km/h (186 mph) and offer Economy class seating with assigned seats. Onboard amenities include free WiFi, power sockets at each seat, and vending machines with drinks and snacks.

Are there high-speed-trains available?

The high-speed train service in Spain is known as the AVE (Alta Velocidad Española). AVE trains operate on dedicated high-speed rail lines and can reach speeds of up to 310 km/h (193 mph) on certain routes. They connect major cities across Spain, including Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Malaga, and more.

Most important train stations / hubs.

The main railway hubs in Spain are Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Malaga, Bilbao, Zaragoza, Palma de Mallorca, Valencia, Granada.

Websites to buy train tickets for Spain?

Renfe, Omio, Rail Europe, Petrabax.com

Mobile apps to buy train tickets in Spain?

Renfe - The official Renfe app allows you to search for train schedules, purchase tickets, and manage your bookings.

Possible to buy a ticket at a railway station in Spain?

You can also buy tickets at train stations, travel agencies, and some International agencies around the world. But remember, if you buy tickets online through the Renfe website or app, you will not be charged an administration fee.

Can I buy my ticket by phone?

Renfe train tickets can be purchased by phone. and choose where to receive them: on your smartphone, at home, in the office, on, etc. You can pay by exchanging Más Renfe points, by credit or debit card or in cash if the tickets are sent by mail.

Return the ticket.

In Cercanías (suburban), Rodalies (suburban) and Metric Gauge trains, no changes are allowed.

On AVE trains (high-speed), AVE International between Spain and France, Alvia, Euromed and Intercity, the conditions for changes depend on the option you purchased (Básico, Elige or Prémium):

    • Básico tickets do not allow for changes or cancellations. 
    • Elige and Elige Confort tickets allow a free first change (you will only pay the price difference with the new ticket, if any). Subsequent changes cost €10. If the price of the new ticket is lower than the original ticket, the difference is not refundable, and if the price of the new ticket is higher, the difference must be paid.
    • The Prémium ticket includes the Superflex package. Remember that the Prémium ticket is not available on AVE International.
The place of departure and destination cannot be changed.
On Avant trains (medium-range high-speed trains) and Media Distancia trains (medium-range trains), the change conditions depend on the fare you purchased:

    • If you have a Flexible fare, it allows you to make changes without penalty.
    • If you have a Return fare, changes are allowed without penalty.
    • If you have Ida (Single) fare, changes are allowed with a 10% administration fee on top of the ticket price.
Tickets may be changed a maximum of 3 times during their validity. Departure and destination cannot be changed.

Train ticket prices

"Refne" always offers special discount tickets. If you book well in advance, the ticket prices are cheap. You can buy tickets for most long-distance journeys within Germany for as little as EUR 29 - even on major routes such as Lyon to Barcelona.

Cheapest train to the closest nearby country?

High-speed train tickets to France are not cheap. From Barcelona to Paris from EUR 119 (September 2023).

Where to find timetables.

Find train schedules on https://www.renfe.com/es/en/travel/informacion-util/horarios

Buying tickets in advance or right before the train

In theory, the cheapest tickets for AVE services come on sale 90 days ahead of the date of travel. For other services, such as Alvia and Avant, it’s around 60 days. Básico fares are the most heavily discounted fare option available, offering savings of 70% on the full fare. These fares work like airline tickets – becoming more expensive as the departure date approaches. The further in advance you book, the cheaper they will be.
In practice, Renfe often release blocks of tickets in one go. When that happens, the booking horizon can shrink to 45 days ahead of the date of travel. It’s not ideal – but stay patient and you’ll find a good deal!

Types of tickets.

Básico
Básico fares are for Estandár seating (the equivalent of Standard Class) only. This is the cheapest fare and the best for travellers who aren’t fussed about flexibility. Básico fares cannot be refunded or exchanged – you must catch the specific fare listed on your ticket.

Elige
Elige translates to ‘choose’ – this fare offers a greater array of optional extras and more flexibility for cancellations and exchanges. Firstly, you can purchase an Elige fare for either seating class, Estandár or Confort (the equivalent of First Class).

Prémium
The Prémium fare is the most expensive fare but offers the most flexibility and applies exclusively to Confort (First Class) seating. Changing to a different service is free of charge and if you miss your train, it’s free to catch the next train.

Interrail/Eurail Passes in Spain

The best option is to buy your Eurail or Interrail Pass on the official website.

Saver price.

Básico fares are for Estandár seating (the equivalent of Standard Class) only. This is the cheapest fare and the best for travellers who aren’t fussed about flexibility. Básico fares cannot be refunded or exchanged – you must catch the specific fare listed on your ticket.

Is it cheaper to buy round-trip?

A 20% discount on the base fare is offered if you buy a round-trip ticket.

Flexible tickets.

Flexible tickets are available. You can change your seat and ticket for free up to 30 minutes before departure, or cancel with a 5% fee.

Rules of boarding.

All passengers must provide documents to prove their identity. In the case of foreigners, the documentation required to travel on trains is the same as that needed to enter Spain from the country of origin. As for Spaniards, they can identify themselves with their national identity card or passport.

Discounts for group travel.

If you are a group of between 4 and 9 people, you will be interested in 4 o más, the bet discount for travelling on AVE (high-speed), AVE International between Spain and France and Larga Distancia (Long Distance) trains. Get an 8% discount off the total trip at any available price.
Group trips of 10 to 25 people
Discounts depend on the type of train you want to travel on:

Discounts on AVE trains (high-speed), AVE International between Spain and France, and Larga Distancia trains (long-distance):Get a discount of 8
On Avant trains (medium-range high-speed trains): 15%
On Media Distancia trains (medium-range): 20%. 
On Cercanías (suburban) and Feve trains: One-way: 30%.Return: 40%.

The discount does not apply to Avlo services.

Age groups and discounts.

According to Renfe rules, children under the age of 4 who do not occupy a separate seat can travel for free. However, they must have a Niño gratuito ("Free ticket for children") along with their ticket. 
Children under 14 years of age receive a 40% discount on the full adult ticket price.

Age limitations for minors.

An unaccompanied minor service is offered, which allows children aged 6 to 13 (both included) to travel alone without an adult and under the supervision of on-board personnel.

You can request this service when you buy your ticket at the ticket offices at stations, sales offices, and travel agencies no later than 48 hours before the train's departure.

Please note that this service is available to Premium and Elige Comfort passengers on most AVE (high speed) and Larga Distancia (long distance) trains, with a limit of 4 minors per train and provided that arrival at your destination is no later than 22:00.

On the day of travel, you must arrive at the station at least 45 minutes in advance, as the mother, father or legal representative must fill out a form so that we can provide service with all guarantees.

Handicapped passengers.

People with disabilities or reduced mobility can request the Adif Acerca assistance service for their journeys through any Renfe ticket sales channel, on the Avlo website when purchasing the ticket and through the Assistance Service app.
Two types of this service are offered:  
    • Stations with a service permanent on request up to 30 minutes before train departure.
    • Stations with an ad-hoc service on request up to 12 hours before train departure.

Seat reservations in trains in Spain.

Reservations for Spanish domestic trains are not currently available online. You can buy these tickets
- at a Spanish ticket office
- at the Lisboa Santa Apolónia (it is reported that the Spanish system works there)
- at a Deutsche Bahn ticket office. You will need to provide the train number.
- via Deutsche Bahn by telephone (+49 30 2970). Pick up at a DB ticket machine or receive by mail (€5.90 per order). Train number must be given.
- at a Swiss ticket office or by telephone 
- via RENFE by telephone

Comfort classes on the trains.

There are two classes on high-speed trains – Estandár (Standard Class) and Confort (First Class). Standard Class is comfortable and cost-effective. Seats are arranged in a 2+2 formation and there are luggage storage racks at either end of the carriage.

First Class carriages are more spacious. Seats are arranged in a 2+1 formation and are usually leather, with more legroom than Second Class seats. On some trains, you’ll also find the Business Club Space. Ideal for business travellers or families, this section has eight seats facing each other, with TV screens that can be hooked up to a laptop. 

All carriages on high-speed trains are air-conditioned.

Food and drink in trains / train restaurant in Spain.

Renfe high-speed trains usually have a dining car that serves drinks, snacks, and full meals. There is also a snack cart. 

First-class passengers on long trips are given free meals at their seat. Depending on the time of day you are traveling, you will be offered breakfast, an afternoon snack, lunch or dinner. Meals on site are available every day except Saturdays.

Night trains in Spain?

Renfe and Talgo have designed the ten sets of the new Trenhotel, with four carriages offering highly comfortable super reclining seats, four sleeper cars with double Grand Class suites, a buffet car and restaurant with à la carte dining, and different services for people with reduced mobility. The new Trenhotel has a variable gauge system to be able to travel on both UIC and conventional tracks, with a top speed of 220km/h.

The service offered by the new Trenhotel is designed to satisfy the different ideas of what a train journey at night should be all about. Ranging from the most discerning customers, who demand the quality standards of a luxury hotel in Grand Class compartments, to those travelling on a super reclining armchair, similar to those in airline business class.

Important train routes in Spain.

Barcelona - Madrid / from 2:30 hours / from 29,90 EUR / every hour (September 2023)
Barcelona - Malaga / from 6:01 hours / from 52,40 EUR / every 2-3 hours (September 2023)
Madrid - Granada / from  3:35 hours / from 19,00 EUR / every 2-3 hours (September 2023)
Madrid  - Valencia / from 1:49 hours / from 9,00 EUR / every hour (September 2023)
Madrid - Santiago de Compostela / from 3:00 hours / from 62,80 EUR / every 1-2 hours (September 2023)
Barcelona  - Valencia / from 2:47 hours / from 21,00 EUR / every 1-2 hours (September 2023)
Madrid  - Sevilla-Santa Justa / 2:55 hours / from 19,00 EUR / every hour (September 2023)

International train routes.

There are direct international trains from Spain to the France and Portugal.

Tourist / scenic routes in Spain.

Madrid - Barcelona
The Madrid-Barcelona route is one of the most favorite, and it's easy to see why. The scenery is amazing, and there's plenty to see and do along the way. Whether you're looking for breathtaking mountain vistas, stunning coastal scenery, or charming Spanish towns and villages, this trip has it all. 

Recommended stops include:

Zaragoza, where you can visit the magnificent Aljaferia Palace.
Valencia, where you can explore the charming old town
Barcelona, where you can explore ancient markets, Gaudi architecture and more.

Transcantabrico
Transcantabrico is one of the best trains in Spain. With its elegant cars and luxurious amenities, the Transcantabrico, a popular tourist train in northern Spain, is like a 5-star hotel on wheels. For many, it's the perfect way to see some of Spain's most beautiful and varied landscapes.

The route runs from Santiago de Compostela to Leon, passing through the stunning Cantabrian mountains pictured above. Along the way, passengers can enjoy views of snow-capped peaks, green valleys and picturesque villages. Several stops along the route also allow passengers to explore some of the region's landmarks, such as Altamira Cave and the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

Luggage information.

You can carry up to 3 pieces of hand luggage onto the train, provided that the sum of the three does not exceed 25 kg or 290 cm.
The maximum dimensions allowed are 85x55x35 cm 
When you are travelling on Avlo trains, you can carry the following types of luggage, which are included in the price of your ticket:
1 piece of hand luggage (bag, rucksack, etc.), maximum dimensions: 36x27x25 cm, with no weight limit
1 cabin bag, maximum dimensions: 55x35x25 cm, with no weight limit
If you need to add 1 piece of additional, larger-sized luggage, measuring a maximum of 85x60x35 cm (or no more than 180 cm in total), you can do so when purchasing your ticket for €10 or after purchase up to 30 minutes before your train departs through any of our sales channels for €15. In the last 30 minutes before your train departs, you can add extra luggage at the boarding control point for €30.

Bicycle on the train.

If you travel on AVE (high-speed), AVE International between Spain and France and Larga Distancia (Long Distance: Alvia, Intercity and Euromed) or Avant (mid-distance high-speed) trains:
Your bicycle or scooter must be folded or disassembled and carried inside a bag. One bicycle or scooter per person.
If the sum of the dimensions of the case is less than 180 cm, they are considered as hand luggage. If they exceed 180 cm, they will be considered as special luggage (maximum dimensions allowed 120x90x40 cm.)
Keep in mind that you must add the Bicycle Add-on when you buy your AVE and Larga Distancia (long distance high-speed) tickets if the bicycle exceeds the maximum hand luggage dimensions, it is free!

If you are travelling on Avlo trains:
Only folding bicycles and scooters are allowed, provided that they do not exceed the maximum dimensions established for luggage: 55x35x25 cm (cabin bag, with no weight limit, included free of charge in the price of the Basic fare)
In the case of bicycles and scooters measuring 85x60x35 cm or a maximum of 180 cm in total, the Additional luggage add-on must be purchased, either directly at the time of purchase of your ticket for €10, after purchase and online for €15 or directly at the station, at boarding control, up to 30 minutes before your train departs for €30.

If you travel on Media Distancia (medium-range) trains (not Avant):

Folded bicycles can be carried as carry-on or special baggage, depending on size.
You do not need to include the Bicycle add-on if you are transporting it folded or packed.You need to purchase the Bicycle add-on if your bicycle will not be folded during the trip.
You need to buy a Bicycle supplement if your bicycle will not fold during the journey. The only restriction is that you can bring one bicycle or scooter per person. They do not need to be disassembled or carried in a bag.

On Medium Distance (Media Distancia) trains, your unfolded bicycle is carried in a special place on board the train. up to three bicycles on the train. When you buy a train ticket, when you select a train, you will see a list of extras from which you can choose a ticket for your bicycle. On routes longer than 100 km this ticket costs 3 euros, and on routes less than 100 km it is free, although you will have to reserve a seat when you buy the ticket.

Ski or snowboard on the train.

Golf clubs, skiing equipment, sport fishing equipment, all folded or dismantled scooters and bicycles in their cases, with dimensions greater than 180 cm and maximum 120x90x40 cm (length - height - width) can be taken free of charge and subject to one piece per person

Keep in mind that, when you are travelling on Avlo trains, you can carry the following types of luggage, which are included in the price of your ticket:
1 piece of hand luggage (bag, rucksack, etc.), maximum dimensions: 36x27x25 cm, with no weight limit
1 cabin bag, maximum dimensions: 55x35x25 cm, with no weight limit
If you need to add 1 piece of additional, larger-sized luggage, measuring a maximum of 85x60x35 cm (or no more than 180 cm in total), you can do so when purchasing your ticket for €10, after purchase and online for €15 or directly at the station, at boarding control, up to 30 minutes before your train departs for €30.

Luggage lockers on the stations in Spain.

    • Madrid Chamartin has luggage lockers open 07:00-23:00 daily.  Small locker 3 euros, medium €3.50, large €5.  The lockers are across the road from the main concourse.  There's an X-ray check of all bags entering locker area.
    • Barcelona Sants has a left luggage office, open 05:30-23:00 daily.  €6 up to 2 hours, €10 for 2 to 24 hours.  There's an X-ray check of all bags entering locker area.  However, there are no lockers at Barcelona Franca station.
    • Malaga (07:00-23:00 daily), Valencia Nord (08:30-20:30), Zaragoza (07:00-23:00) also have left luggage lockers, at similar prices to Barcelona & Madrid.
    • Alicante:  New lockers are reported at the head of the platforms on the far side of the concourse from the main station entrance.  Opening hours & prices are not known but they are likely to be similar to other Spanish stations.
    • San Sebastian:  There are no lockers at Amara station or the Renfe mainline station, but the bus station has lockers, €5 for a large locker for 24h.  The bus station is underground, next to the Renfe mainline station.
    • Girona reportedly has a new facility, €4 for up to 24 hours.
    • There are no left luggage facilities at Seville (used to be, but closed), Cordoba, Granada, Algeciras, Ronda, Santander, Bilbao, Figueres, Figueres Vilafant, Segovia, Toledo, Salamanca, Vigo, Santiago de Compostela and all smaller stations.

Lost and Found Items.

There are Lost Property offices in different stations.

You can also use your mobile, computer or another device to remotely search for and recover property lost on trains and at stations via https://adif.findmylost.es/

Lost property, managed by Adif, is kept for 1 month and official documentation regarding it is provided to the police 24 hours after it is found.

Pets on the trains.

You do not need a ticket for small dogs and other small pets (up to the size of a domestic cat). You may take your pet with you free of charge in a transport box, for example.
If your dog is larger, you will need an additional ticket. You only pay half the fare, i.e. the price of a child's ticket.
Assistance dogs always travel free of charge and do not need to wear a muzzle on the train.

A Coruña / A Gudiña / Albacete / Alcalá de Henares / Alcázar de San Juan / Alcorcón / Algeciras / Alicante / Almansa / Almendralejo / Almería / Altea / Altura / Antequera / Aranda de Duero / Aranjuez / Arcos de Jalón / Ávila / Ayamonte / Badajoz / Badalona / Baeza / Barcelona / Benavente / Benicarló / Benicàssim / Benidorm / Bilbao / Binissalem / Blanes / Bobadilla / Buñol / Burgos / Cáceres / Cadiz (Cádiz) / Calañas / Calatayud / Calella / Can Picafort / Canfranc / Cartagena / Cartaya / Caspe / Castelló de Rugat / Castellón de la Plana / Ceuta / Ciudad Real / Ciudad Rodrigo / Consell / Córdoba, Andalusia (Córdoba, Andalucía) / Cortegana / Cuenca / Dénia / Dos Hermanas / El Campello / Elche / Ferrol / Figueres / Flix / Formentera / Fuenlabrada / Fuentes de Oñoro / Gandia (Gandía) / Getafe / Gibraleón / Gijón / Girona / Granada / Granollers / Guadalajara / Guadix / Guernica (Gernika-Lumo) / Guillarei / Huelva / Huesca / Ibi / Ibiza / Inca / Irun / Isla Cristina / Jaén / Jerez de la Frontera / L'Hospitalet de Llobregat / La Molina / La Puebla de Híjar / Las Palmas / Leganés / León / Lepe / Linares / Lleida / Lloret de Mar / Lloseta / Llubí / Logroño / Loja / Lugo / Maçanet de la Selva / Madrid / Málaga / Manacor / Manresa / Maó-Mahón Menorca / Marbella / Marchena / Marratxí / Mataró / Medina del Campo / Melilla / Mérida, Extremadura / Miranda de Ebro / Moià / Monforte de Lemos / Móstoles / Murcia / Muro / Navalmoral de la Mata / O Porriño / Orihuela / Ourense / Oviedo / Palencia / Palma de Mallorca / Pamplona / Petra, Majorca (Petra, Mallorca) / Plasencia / Ponferrada / Pontevedra / Portbou / Puebla de Sanabria / Puerto de la Cruz / Puertollano / Puigcerdà / Quinto / Redondela / Reinosa / Requena / Reus / Ribadavia / Ribes de Freser / Ripoll / Ronda / Sa Pobla / Sabadell / Sagunt / Salamanca / Salou / San Cristóbal de La Laguna / San Roque / San Sebastián (Donostia) / San Vicente de Calders / Sant Just Desvern / Santa Coloma de Gramenet / Santa Cruz de Tenerife / Santa Maria del Camí / Santander / Santiago de Compostela / Segorbe / Segovia / Seville (Sevilla) / Sigüenza / Sineu / Sitges / Sóller / Sorbas / Soria / Talavera de la Reina / Tardienta / Tarragona / Terrassa / Teruel / Toledo / Torre-Pacheco / Torredembarra / Torrejón de Ardoz / Torrelavega / Tortosa / Tui / Utiel / Valencia / Valencia de Alcántara / Valladolid / Vic / Vigo / Vilanova i la Geltrú / Villafranca de los Barros / Villajoyosa / Villarrubia de Santiago / Villatoya / Vitoria-Gasteiz / Xàtiva / Zafra / Zamora / Zaragoza /