The Spanish rail system is one of Europe’s best, with extensive routes, comfortable trains and low prices (by European standards). Renfe is the government-owned company that runs almost all the trains in Spain. There’s a huge range of services, from the high-speed AVE train to local city networks to the cute little trains running along Spain’s north coast.
Over the past three decades, an enormous amount of money has been spent upgrading tracks and building high-speed lines, making Spain’s railway network a fantastic way to explore the country. Rome2rio gives you the lowdown on how to best navigate the nation, from Alicante to Zaragoza.
All long-distance trains require a seat reservation (which comes with your ticket).
Although you can get a ticket + reservation on the day of travel, it can be up to 60% cheaper to pre-book.
There is a rule limiting passengers to 25kg of luggage that is never enforced. Otherwise store your bags wherever you can find space around your seat.
Almost all trains are air-conditioned.
You may have to run your bags through an X-ray machine at larger stations, so allow extra time.
Although food is available to buy on many Renfe trains (and 1st-class AVE and Euromed tickets usually include a hot meal + wine served at your seat), you’re free to bring and consume your own food and drink, even alcohol.
Although the network is extensive, some areas lack train service. The most notable is much of the Costa del Sol in the south. To reach the major tourist town of Marbella, for example, get an AVE train to Malaga and then transfer to a bus.
Most long-distance tickets allow you to use local Cercanias commuter trains at the start/end of your journey or to any connections within a city. Tickets have a Combinado Cercanias password printed on them, which you can use to get your free local tickets from ticket machines.
Preferente (1st class) train tickets allow access to special lounges in major train stations.
Children under 4 travel for free on an adult’s lap – but you’ll still need to get them a ticket in advance.
On the Cercanias trains, 2 kids per adult up to 6 years can travel for free.
Only some AVE (high-speed) trains have WiFi. If you’re in 1st class (preferente), WiFi is free. Other passengers should sign up to Renfe’s free +Renfe loyalty scheme to save the few euro cost.
Which train class should I choose?
All Spanish long-distance trains have at least two classes, but some have three.
On AVE trains a meal is included on weekdays, served at your seat
Access to special lounges in major train stations
Turista Plus:
Only on AVE and a few other high-speed trains
Uses preferente seats, usually 1+2
Does not include a meal or lounge access
Turista:
2nd class
Seats usually 2+2
What are the different Spanish train tickets?
Tickets on reserved trains come in three types:
Flexible: Full fare and good only on a specific train, but can be changed for free or refunded for asmall fee
Promo+: Discounted fares that can be changed to another train for a variable fee
Promo: Cheap tickets that cannot be changed or refunded
What if I’m travelling with children?
Child fares(ages 4–13) save about 20% off the cheapest fare in each class
Children under 4travel free if on an adult’s lap, but require a ticket. You can get these for free from booking sites or at stations before you depart.
How do I book Renfe train tickets?
All medium- and long-distance trains require a seat reservation, which is included with your ticket. These trains price tickets are like the airlines: the sooner you buy, the cheaper the seat. Ticket sales usually open 30 to 90 days before departure. Advance-purchase ticket prices can be 60% less than the full-fare ticket sold on the day of travel.
You can buy all Spanish train tickets online onG2Railfor the same price as booking direct with Renfe (but eliminating language and payment difficulties). Rome2rio offers all types of discounted tickets, as well as 24/7 customer service. You’ll need a printed ticket to board: print your tickets at home, or at larger stations (see a list here); you’ll need the ticket’s booking reference number.
If you prefer to book in person, larger stations in Spain have information desks with staff who speak English. Stations also have ticket machines that take cash and credit cards. However, don’t use the machines to buy cheap fares in advance; they are best for same-day sales.
Madrid to Barcelona Barcelona to Madrid Madrid to Valencia Madrid to Seville Madrid to Malaga Barcelona to Malaga Barcelona to Seville Barcelona to Valencia Valencia to Barcelona Barcelona to Alicante Madrid to Cadiz Madrid to Alicante
Should I buy a rail pass to travel in Spain?
Neither Eurail or InterRail passes offer good value if you’re mostly travelling in Spain, as fares are so cheap. However, Renfe’s Spain Pass may be a good deal for some. See below for details:
Eurail Pass and InterRail Pass
Seat reservations are required on most trains other than Cercanias local trains
Reservations with a rail pass surcharge cost €7–15
Buying a rail pass reservation is cumbersome
Renfe.com does not offer Eurail or InterRail reservations
Eurail.com sells e-ticket rail-pass reservations you print yourself
Raileurope.com will only deliver reservations by mail and tacks on hefty surcharges
Your best option is to buy your rail-pass reservation at Spanish train station ticket windows
Spain Pass
Good for 4, 6, 8 or 10 trips in a 30-day period
Available for 1st or 2nd class
A connecting itinerary using 2 trains would count as 2 trips
Compare the pass cost against buying separate tickets, as it’s not a slam-dunk bargain
Spain Pass reservations can be made for free atrenfe.com
What if I’m travelling from Madrid?
Madrid has two main train stations, each with service to different parts of Spain. Some connecting itineraries may require you to transfer between them.
Madrid Atocha: Trains to the south and east, including BarcelonaMadrid Chamartin: Trains to the north and west
Scores of Cercanias local trains transit between the two stations and take about 15 minutes. Fares are cheap; however, you may qualify for a free ticket, see the tip above.
NEED TO KNOW: Train vocabulary
Train station: estación de tren| Train schedule:horario del tren
Train ticket:billete de tren| Which platform:qué andén
If you are over 60, make sure you are eligible for a discount on all your train trips for just 6 euros. You can purchase your Tarjeta Dorada, which is named and non-transferable, at station ticket offices or travel agencies. It is valid for one, two or three years.
Furthermore, individual, seat-specific reading lights have been installed and table lamps are located on the tables between the seats facing one another. The toilets on the train, one adapted for people with reduced mobility, are located on the platforms between carriages, where the luggage racks are also located.
Of course, you're also free to take your own food and even wine or beer onto the train. Add a snack box to your booking in Elige Confort on AVE & EuroMed. You can add a snack box to your booking if you buy an Elige fare for Confort class on an AVE or EuroMed train at Renfe.com.
You can carry up to 3 pieces of luggage per train ticket, with the same departure and arrival. These include normal luggage (bags, handbags, rucksacks, computer carrier cases and the like) and special luggage (skis, golf clubs, pushchairs and bicycles, provided they are properly packed).
You are eligible to apply for your Senior Railcard up to two weeks before your 60th birthday if you buy it online or through the Railcard App. If you wish to buy your Senior Railcard from a station ticket office you will need to wait until the day of your 60th birthday. How much is a Senior Railcard?
To be fair, the only trains that, as far as I know, don't require seat reservations in Spain are: Rodalies - suburban trains in Catalonia, including Rodalies MD services.
You can buy tickets for Spanish trains using our app and website. We're a trusted partner of Renfe, Spain's national train operating company, meaning every ticket bought on Trainline will always be valid for travel. We connect directly to their ticketing system – so it's as if you're buying tickets direct from Renfe.
Every AVE train uses high-speed routes to connect major Spanish cities, being Renfe's principal train service. Renfe is Spain's national train operator, and their premier high-speed trains are branded AVE which stands for Alta Velocidad Española (Spanish High-Speed).
Always travel with your passport or residence card, which proves you are a resident outside Spain. You will have to present it, together with the Renfe Spain Pass and your ticket, at the boarding controls.
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. (height-width-depth).
Travelers in Economy (Turista class) have the option to purchase food and drinks depending on the train. Bathrooms are easily accessible on all trains and are frequently marked with the letters WC (Water Closet). Usually found at the front or back of each train car, they include a sink, toilet and locking door.
Details. With a Senior Railcard anyone 60 years or over can save 1/3 on all Standard and First Class, Anytime, Off-Peak and Advance fares for £30. Take a look at all the ticket types you can make savings on with a Senior Railcard. There are plenty of ways you can use your Railcard, for both long and short trips.
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