The high-speed trains of Spain are a must-see. The entire country is connected by a modern and well-developed public transportation network. After visiting the famous stations of this beautiful country, you will understand why the public transit systems of Spain are some of the best in the world. Below is information I gathered about the high-speed train system of Spain, operated by Renfe:

What is Renfe?

The high-speed train system of Spain is well known for being one of the best in the world. Imagine riding from Madrid to Barcelona, a 314-mile journey, in 2 hours and 30 minutes. You would be traveling over 180 miles per hour; That’s fast! You can thank the state-owned railway company in Spain known as Renfe. Trainline.com states that:

“Renfe is Spain’s national railway company, running most regional and high-speed AVE trains on the country’s extensive railway system. It’s easy to visit the biggest Spanish cities on the AVE train, such as Barcelona, Madrid and Seville.”

Alta Velocidad Española (AVE) is a high-speed rail service operating in Spain and run by Renfre. If you are planning to use any high-speed trains you will probably be cruising on a Renfe train. Using the Renfe trains, you can travel Most of the country using a simple train ticket.

Two train services to be aware of are Avant and Alvia. Avant trains are for short, and medium-distance travels with limited stops. These trains operate on the same lines as high-speed AVE trains. Rides are usually less than 2 hours, and popular destinations include Madrid, Barcelona, and Cordoba. Alvia trains on the other hand can operate both the high-speed and normal rail networks.

On the Train

Ok, so you know what a high-speed train is, but what is it like riding in one? You will be happy to know the trains are quite comfortable to ride. The type of amenities you can enjoy differ per train and route, but you can expect the following:

Air conditioning
Audio System
Bar
Child supervision
Children’s play area
Coffee bar
Disabled facilities
Newspapers/magazines
Power sockets
Restaurant/bistro
Video screens

How to Use the High-Speed Trains

The next step is understanding how to use this public transportation system. Below we will dive into a few interesting topics on using the high-speed train system in Spain.

How Much is a Train Ticket?

I looked up ticket prices at different times and found some pretty good deals. A one-way from Madrid to Valencia could be as low as $16 if you book a few months out. Last-minute purchases will raise the prices drastically; I’ve seen some tickets for around $100. The farther out you plan, the cheaper your tickets will be. It is important to remember that getting a Renfe Spain Pass or an EU rail pass might be a better option if you use the trains frequently. These passes can range anywhere from $100 to a few hundred dollars depending on how many days and what class you want.

How to Book a Ticket

If you are looking to purchase a ticket, here are a few options:

These websites all connect to Renfe’s ticketing system and sell the same trains at the same prices. If you want to buy the cheapest ticket possible, you should avoid rail passes and just buy your train ticket in advance. Rail passes will allow you to use whatever train you want without planning ahead.

Train Routes

You will be happy to know that all the major cities of Spain are easily accessible through the high-speed train network. The train network branches out from the central hub located in Madrid. To assist you in planning your travels, I have found a train route map that details all the Renfe routes in Spain. I hope this route information is useful to you!

Stations

Spain's main hub stations are Madrid Puerta de Atocha, Barcelona Sants, Irun, and Portbou. These main stations will allow visitors to explore Spain´s main cities and international locations.

Next week we will explore the actual birthplace of the paella. If you are interested in using a quick guide to Valencia transport, you will not want to miss it!

High Speed Trains of Spain