Trains in Spain
Train travel in Spain – who runs Spanish trains, where to go and how to buy tickets
Welcome to our guide on trains in Spain! You can buy tickets for Spanish trains using our app and website. We’re a trusted partner of Renfe, OUIGO and iryo, the train companies operating in Spain, 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, OUIGO or iryo.
Trains in Spain give you the chance to explore one of the most vibrant and colorful destinations in Europe. With great weather and a stellar high-speed railway network, Spain is a great country to explore by train.
This guide will show you how to book Spanish train tickets, how to find the cheapest advance fares, whether you need a Eurail pass, and how to understand your Renfe ticket. You'll also see what it's like on the inside of a high-speed AVE train, how to travel to France from Spain by rail, and helpful FAQs at the end.
What's in this guide?
- Spain train tickets
- Renfe fare types
- Buying tickets in advance
- How to book online
- Your Renfe ticket explained
- Buying tickets at the station
- Interrail and Eurail passes in Spain
- High-speed AVE trains
- AVLO and OUIGO
- Other train types in Spain
- Cercanías services
- Other train companies in Spain
- Trains to France
- Airport transfers in Spain
- Frequently Asked Questions
Spain train tickets
All tickets bought through Trainline are valid for travel on trains in Spain. As a trusted partner of Renfe, our clever tech connects directly to their ticket inventory – we don’t buy and re-sell tickets.
Train companies in Spain
Renfe is Spain’s state-owned train company. It runs high-speed AVE trains which connect Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia, Cordoba, Malaga and other Spanish cities at speeds of up to 310km/h (192 mph). The AVE route from Barcelona to Madrid is the busiest high-speed service in Spain.
How far in advance do Renfe train tickets go on sale?
In theory, all Renfe tickets should be available 60 days ahead of time. AVE tickets are usually on sale slightly earlier, 90 days before the date of travel.
However, in practice this isn’t always the case. Renfe will often release tickets in large blocks and not always 60 days in advance. If you search for a journey over a month in advance and you don’t see as many departures as you’d expect, it’s likely the trains aren’t open for booking yet. Renfe can open bookings quite late when making bi-annual timetable changes. These take place on the 2nd Saturday in June and 2nd Saturday in December, when the furthest you can book in advance is just 30 days.
Renfe fares explained
A new fare system has been in operation since July 2021. The changes apply to long-distance services – namely, AVE, Alvia, Intercity and Euromed services.
The aim of updating the ticketing system is to make fares more navigable for passengers and allow them to access the most applicable fare for their travel needs. There are three new fares for Renfe trains: Básico, Elige and Premium; the conditions of the fares are explained below.
Básico
Básico fares are for Estandár seating (the equivalent of Standard Class) only. This is the cheapest fare and the best for travelers who aren’t fussed about flexibility. Básico fares cannot be refunded or exchanged – you must catch the specific train listed on your ticket.
Please make sure that the name you book your ticket with matches the one you have on your ID, as it cannot be amended once you buy your ticket.
You will not be able to select your seat, however, this option can be purchased for an additional €8 ($8.70). Pets are also not allowed to travel with you on a Básico fare. Note: trading up to an Elige or Premium fare will cost €12 ($13.15) and €30 ($33) respectively.
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).
The first exchange for an Elige Confort or Elige Estandár ticket is free of charge. Other changes are subject to a €10 ($10.90) fee, plus the difference in price when compared to the new ticket, as applicable. If the new ticket is cheaper, no refund will be offered for the difference.
Seat selection is also available as an optional extra for €5 ($5.50) and upgrading to a Premium fare costs €20 ($22). Pets can be added after booking for €10 ($10.90). Catering is available from the cold tray.
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.
In-seat meal service comes as standard and you can bring a pet for free.
Benefits of buying tickets in advance
Booking tickets in advance is a great way to access Renfe’s discounted fares. Plus, you’ll have more chance of reserving a seat by the window. Here are some of the benefits of booking ahead of time.
Discounted fares
For high-speed AVE and Alvia trains, ticket prices work in a similar way to airline tickets, becoming more expensive as the travel date approaches. If you time your purchase perfectly, you can achieve discounts of up to 70% off the full price of a Básico fare. These heavily discounted tickets can sell out very quickly, so we’d recommend setting a reminder in your calendar 60 days before you plan on traveling (or 90 days if it’s an AVE route).
Seat reservations
You don’t have to pay extra for a seat reservation on Spanish trains. A seat reservation is automatically included with your ticket. However, by booking in advance you can specify seating preferences (rather than being randomly allocated a seat). Secure yourself a window seat to watch the countryside roll by!
As well as offering the choice of window/aisle, we allow you to request a solo seat and specify whether you would like to face the direction of travel. We’ll try our best to fulfil all seat preferences but that totally depends on how many seats have already been reserved by other passengers. All the more reason to book nice and early.
Print your ticket at home
We will email your ticket as a printer-friendly PDF. It will have your seat reservation, departure & arrival station, coach number and train number listed on it.
While the ticket will be completely valid if you show the PDF on your phone (or better yet, keep it in our app), who doesn’t like the peace of mind that comes with a paper copy? Below, we’ll show you exactly what your ticket will look like.
OUIGO - the new low-cost high-speed train service - arrives in Spain
The French company OUIGO started operating in Spain for the first time in 2021. The main difference between OUIGO and its competitors is that the cars have two floors (Euroduplex). As for the French version of the OUIGO trains, the Spanish version has only one class, with slightly less space than conventional TGV trains, so there are approximately 590 seats per train. However, unlike the French trains, the Spanish OUIGO trains do have a cafeteria car. OUIGO Spain train tickets can only be purchased online, with prices starting from €9 ($9.90). With the OUIGO Plus service, you can enjoy a host of benefits for just €9 ($9.90) extra. Choose the OUIGO Plus option and you can enjoy an XL seat (subject to availability), your suitcase and one additional piece of baggage not exceeding 200 cm (78 inches) and weighing no more than 30 kg (66 lbs).
Enjoy high-speed travel between Barcelona, Madrid, Zaragoza, Tarragona and Valencia, as well as some idyllic French destinations such as Paris, Strasbourg, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux or even Le Mans.
Learn more about OUIGO Spain.
New iryo trains from Madrid to Barcelona
iryo is a new Spanish train company that launched their first high-speed service from Madrid to Barcelona on 25th November 2022. iryo trains depart from Madrid Atocha and Barcelona Sants stations and stop in Zaragoza along the way.
Their latest-generation Frecciarossa 1000 trains can reach speeds of up to 223 mph (360 km/h), so you can travel with iryo from Madrid to Barcelona in just 2 hours and 30 minutes.
And that’s not all! With iryo, you’ll get to travel in the most comfortable way thanks to their super-quiet trains, latest-generation 5G WiFi and onboard restaurant service. iryo trains are also good for the environment as 98% of the parts of the trains are 100% recyclable, making this trip sustainable as well! Learn more about iryo trains.
AVE trains between France and Spain – from just €29!*
Forget about flying: it’s time to take the train between France and Spain! Renfe, Spain’s national train company, has just launched new routes between France and Spain. Whether you’re planning a trip from Lyon to Barcelona or Marseille to Madrid, you can travel in style on a high-speed AVE train. Tickets start from €29 when traveling from Lyon or Marseille to Spain.
Sit back and relax as you enjoy free WiFi and power outlets at your seat, plus the freedom to stretch your legs and grab a coffee from the onboard café-bar at any point throughout the journey. Tickets available now with Trainline.
*Prices subject to availability.
What’s the difference between AVE, Avlo, OUIGO and iryo trains?
Keep reading for more information on the main differences between the train companies operating on the route from Madrid to Barcelona.
Journey times
Speed
Price
Baggage
WiFi
Child fares
Food and drinks
How to book Renfe tickets online
We make it easy to book train tickets in Spain. Here’s what you’ll see when you search for tickets with Trainline.
When you make a search in our Journey Planner, we will list all the trains running on your chosen day of travel. For each train, we'll show you the following info:
Lowest price
By default, we select the cheapest fare option available on that service. In this case, it's Renfe's Básico fare – a cheap, non-refundable advance fare. However, you can opt for a semi-flexible fare or a fully flexible fare for an additional cost.
Train number
Underneath the fare options is the train number for that service. This will be displayed on your ticket. 'AVE 2361’ means that you'll be taking a high-speed AVE train.
Departure time and stations
Finally, we will show you the time this train is meant to depart and the departure and arrival stations. Some cities have more than one station – Madrid Atocha is different to Madrid Chamartin – so this is important! For most Renfe routes, you must catch the specific train you've booked. Don’t just jump on the first one that arrives on the platform!
Understanding your Renfe train ticket
Did you know that your ticket includes a code giving you free public transport access to your departure station? Learn how to read a Renfe e-ticket.
Combinado Cercanías code – One of the first things you'll see on your ticket is the 5-digit Combinado Cercanías code. This gives you free travel on the Cercanías suburban commuter train network (present in 12 Spanish cities) to your departure station and onwards from your arrival station. Use the ticket machine in your nearest Cercanías station to redeem Combinado Cercanías. Usually, you'll simply be asked to scan the barcode on your ticket but older machines may ask you to manually input the code. Check out our Combinado Cercanías tickets page to learn more about how to use Combinado Cercanías.
Train number and car number – Your train number denotes the exact service you have to take with your ticket – this will be displayed on the departure boards at the station. The Coche number specifies which car your seat is in.
Departure time – Shown in the top right corner of the ticket. This is non-negotiable (unless you exchange your ticket), so make sure you get on the right train!
Seat Number – Shown as Plaza on the ticket. This is your seat reservation, guaranteeing a seat on the train.
Buying tickets at the station
Ticket machines in Spanish stations look something like this! To switch to English, use the language buttons at the bottom of the screen. The machine will instruct you in English how to book your tickets. Of course, we'd love you to buy them online (if only to save paper!) but we’ll let you off if you occasionally forget!
Tickets for short regional journeys will cost the same on the day as they would in advance, so there's no harm in buying them at the station before you depart.
Popular Spanish railway stations:
Madrid Atocha | Barcelona Sants | Sevilla Santa Justa | Valencia Estació del Nord
Ticket machines at Barcelona Sants station.
Security checks for high-speed trains
If you're traveling on an AVE service from a mainline station, you will have to pass through a quick X-ray security check. The security guards will only scan your baggage, not you.
This should only take a few minutes but can be longer for busy services. Factor this into your planned arrival time at the station – we'd like to think you'd be leaving yourself plenty of time anyhow!
Security checks at Barcelona Sants station.
Interrail and Eurail passes in Spain
What’s the difference between Interrail and Eurail?
Interrail passes are only available for European citizens. Eurail passes are for everyone else. Simple! Both passes cost the same and work in exactly the same way when traveling. For brevity, we'll use 'Eurail' to refer to both passes from now on.
Eurail passes give the holder unlimited train travel in one country (One Country Pass) or multiple countries (Global Pass). It's valid in 33 countries, including Spain. Eurail passes work on all Renfe trains, including high-speed AVE trains, Media Distancia, Regional and Cercanías public transport. You can't just hop on whichever train you feel like, however. For the majority of trains in Spain, you have to book a seat reservation ahead of time. More on that below.
Eurail pass prices
The One Country Pass for Spain starts at €155 ($170) for travelers aged between 12-27, €179 ($196) for adult travelers and €161 ($176) for senior (60+) travelers. The pass entitles you to unlimited train travel on a set number of days in a month.
You can also choose between a 1st Class Pass – giving you unlimited travel in First Class – or a 2nd Class Pass. The table breaks down the prices* of each Eurail option.
Whichever pass you choose, make sure you always carry proof of identity (a passport or equivalent ID document), as the pass is invalid without proper identification documents. Failure to produce a passport can land you with a fine of up to €200 ($219) and you may be required to pay for a full-price ticket. Check out the latest Eurail Conditions of Use for more info.
*Prices correct as of August 2023.
3 day pass prices
4-day pass prices
5-day pass prices
6-day pass prices
8-day pass prices
Do I need a Eurail pass in Spain?
Not as useful for - Planners and bookers-in-advance
If you have a very good idea of where you want to go in Spain, and when, a Eurail pass won't be as useful for you. All high-speed and long-distance trains need a seat reservation to go with a Eurail pass. But reservations are difficult to book ahead of time. And they're not free. Reservations cost €10 ($10.90) on high-speed services and €23.50 ($25.80) in First Class. The best way to book a seat reservation is in the station, but obviously you can’t do this in advance!
Verdict: the seat reservation system makes it difficult to book seats ahead of time. If you're a meticulous planner who likes to have an itinerary ironed out before landing, book point-to-point tickets.
Recommended for - Travelers without a fixed itinerary
Eurail passes offer unrivalled flexibility – even with the seat reservation system. It's not quite hop-on-hop-off, but it's the next best thing. If you're someone who isn't fussed about having a travel itinerary mapped out in advance, a Eurail pass may well be perfect for you. Madrid too crowded for your liking? Hop on the next train to Toledo. Málaga's seaside not quite what you expected? Jump on a train to Cordoba. Plus, no reservations are required for suburban Cercanías public transport trains, making it super-easy to explore a city in a day. Just hop on and flash your Eurail pass.
Verdict: the flexibility of a Eurail pass shines through if you're not worried about booking stuff in advance. Just wander into a station and buy a seat reservation to a destination that takes your fancy. Point-to-point tickets bought on the day can also be quite expensive, so you'll be saving money by using a pass. Want more info? Check out our guide to the Eurail Pass in Spain.
Eurail seat reservation prices
Reservations will cost around €10 ($10.90) on average in Spain, varying slightly across different train types. First Class reservations are more expensive and trains without First Class cars charge a flat rate of €4 ($4.40) for a reservation. The only services which you can simply walk on are Cercanías suburban services and Regional trains.
| Train type | Reservation needed? | 1st Class fee | 2nd Class fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVE | Yes | €23.50 ($25.80) | €10 ($10.90) |
| Alvia, Euromed, Altaria | Yes | €23.50 ($25.80) | €6.50 ($7.15) |
| AV City | Yes | €6.50 ($7.15) | €10 ($10.90) |
| Avant, MD | Yes | N/A | €4 ($4.40) |
| Regional Expres | Yes | N/A | €4 ($4.40) |
| Regional | No | - | - |
| Cercanias | No | - | - |
High-speed AVE trains – interior, classes and routes
AVE trains are some of the fastest trains on the Spanish railway network, capable of speeds of 310km/h (193 mph). AVE stands for Alta Velocidad Española, translating to "Spanish High Speed", but the name is also a play on the Spanish term for "bird" - ave. AVEs are the pride of Renfe's fleet.
The first AVE service ran in 1992 and since then, Spain's high-speed network has become the second-largest in the world. Traveling over 3,240km of high-speed railway lines, AVE trains can get you from Barcelona to Madrid in 2 hours and 30 minutes, Madrid to Seville in 2 hours and 21 minutes and Málaga to Cordoba in 48 minutes.
All trains have First Class cars and a cafe bar, and trains on the main routes have been fitted with WiFi. First Class (known as Confort Class) contains reclining leather seats arranged in a 2+1 formation, plus power outlets. Seat reservations on AVE trains are included with your ticket at no extra cost so you won't be left standing in the aisle – your ticket will tell you where you're sat.
High-speed domestic trains
The following high-speed services run in Spain:
- AVE trains are the primary high-speed service in Spain, linking major cities and capable of reaching speeds of 310km/h (192 mph).
- Alvia trains run on long-distance routes into the north of Spain, traveling at a maximum speed of 250km/h (155 mph).
- Altaria trains connect Madrid to cities in southern Spain, including Algeciras and Cádiz and Granada.
- Euromed trains run along the “Mediterranean Corridor” at 220km/h (136 mph), connecting Barcelona, Valencia and Alicante.
- Avant trains cover short and medium-distance routes at high speeds and are used heavily by commuters.
Check out our Spain Train Map for more info on where high-speed services in Spain can take you.
What's it like onboard?
Most AVE services have two comfort classes – Estandár (Standard Class) and Confort (First Class).
Estandár (Standard Class)
Estandár class is the cheapest on AVE trains. Seats are comfortable and there is baggage storage space above the seats. If the train is equipped with WiFi (look out for the WiFi symbol on the side of the train), it costs Estandár passengers a few euros to connect.
- Seat reservation included with ticket
- Fabric seating
- Power outlets
- 2+2 formation
Confort (First Class)
Confort is available on all AVE trains. Wide, reclining leather seats come as standard. You will be served a complimentary meal at your seat (except for Saturdays) and will have free access to onboard WiFi.
- Seat reservation included with ticket
- Reclining leather seats
- Power outlets
- 2+1 formation
- Complimentary food and drink
- Access to Renfe pre-departure lounges
Find out more about Renfe AVE First Class.
Food on board the AVE
All AVE trains are kitted out with a cafe-bar car, serving hot and cold meals, coffee, soft drinks and alcohol. Confort passengers will be served an in-seat complimentary meal on weekdays and Sundays. And of course, feel free to bring your own food onboard - it's a train, after all!
In-seat meal service
A Confort Class ticket entitles you to an in-seat meal service on weekdays and Sundays. Depending on what time you're traveling, you'll be served breakfast, aperitivo (snack), lunch, merienda (a mid-afternoon snack) or dinner. While this isn't a hard and fast rule, trains departing before 11:00 am will be serving breakfast, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm is lunch, and 7:00 pm onward is dinner. Aperitivo is on offer between breakfast and lunch, and a merienda comes between lunch and dinner. Mealtimes are probably an hour later than what you're used to in Spain – get used to it!
To check what meal will be served on your train, you will have to use the Renfe website. Use the timetables widget to find your train and click on the + icon. Under the Prestaciones heading click on Más detalle. The resulting pop-up will list whether you will be served desayuno (breakfast), aperitivo, almuerzo (lunch), merienda or cena (dinner).
On Saturdays and public holidays, the in-seat meal service is replaced by a snack wagon. Confort tickets on these services are usually cheaper.
Restaurant car
All AVEs contain a cafe-bar car where you can order hot/cold drinks, sandwiches, hot meals and salads. There is space to stand and eat – great for stretching your legs on a long journey. On Saturdays, a snack trolley will also be in use, so you'll still be able to order from your seat.
Avlo trains are the latest addition to Renfe’s fleet. Traveling at the same high speeds as their AVE cousins, Avlo trains are fitted with Standard Class seating only and do not contain the cafe-bar car, allowing for much cheaper fares. They serve some of the most popular Spanish destinations, including Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia and Zaragoza.
There is only one fare type for Avlo services: Básica (Basic). This fare is strictly non-exchangeable and non-refundable.
Does my Avlo ticket include a seat reservation?
Yes, all tickets for Avlo services include a seat reservation. You can specify preferences for your seat reservation at checkout – such as aisle, window or solo seats – but we can’t guarantee your preference will be available. However, your ticket will always include a reserved seat.
For more information on Avlo services, visit our information page for Avlo.
Other train types in Spain
Renfe operates several other passenger services in Spain which feed into its high-speed network. These include medium-distance services, slower regional trains and suburban commuter trains.
Alvia
Media Distancia
Altaria
Avant
Euromed
AV City
Cercanías services
Operated by the Cercanías Renfe, the commuter rail division of Renfe, Cercanías networks are present in twelve cities in Spain. They operate much like the TfL network in London, linking suburban areas to the urban city centers.
In most cities, Cercanías services operate under the shared “Cercanías” brand name, except for Barcelona, where the service is known as Rodalies de Catalunya.
Buying Cercanías tickets
You can buy tickets at Cercanías stations from the self-serve ticket machines. Staff may also be on hand to give you a helping hand at larger stations.
If you have a long-distance train ticket, it’ll include a Combinado Cercanías code which you can redeem for free Cercanías travel to your departure train station and free travel onwards from your arrival station. Learn more about what’s on your train ticket.
Cercanías networks in Spain:
- Cercanías Madrid
- Rodalies de Catalunya
- Cercanías Valencia (Rodalia de València in Valencian)
- Cercanías Málaga
- Cercanías Bilbao (Bilboko Aldiriak in Basque)
- Cercanías Sevilla
- Cercanías San Sebastián (Aldiriak Donostia in Basque)
- Cercanías Asturias
- Cercanías Murcia/Alicante
- Cercanías Cádiz
- Cercanías Santander
- Cercanías Zaragoza
Other train companies in Spain
Euskotren Trena
Not available on Trainline
Managed by the Basque Government, Euskotren Trena operates commuter rail services in the Basque Country. The line runs in the provinces of Biscay and Gipuzkoa, connecting their respective capital cities (Bilbao and San Sebastián) to other towns and cities in the Basque Country.
FGV
Not available on Trainline
FGV stands for Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat Valenciana, or the “Valencian Government Railways”. Owned by the government of the autonomous Valencian Community, FGV operates the metro system in Valencia (Metrovalencia) and the tram system in Alicante (Alicante Tram). Note: FGV operates independently of Cercanías Valencia.
FGC
Not available on Trainline
FGC stands for Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya, or the “Catalan Government Railways”. It is owned by – yep, you guessed it – the government of Catalonia. FGC operates metro and commuter lines in Barcelona, plus a handful of tourist mountain railway lines and rural lines. Note: FGC operates independently of Rodalies de Catalunya.
SFM
Not available on Trainline
SFM stands for Serveis Ferroviaris de Mallorca, the train company operating Majorca’s railway network. The 85km network on the island runs from Palma to Inca, Sa Pobla and Manacor.
Where to travel in Spain
Looking for some inspiration on trips to take in Spain and beyond? You're in luck! Take a look at some of our guides below and grab a ticket - what are you waiting for?
Trains from Spain to France
Spain's high-speed rail network extends over the border into France, making train travel between the two countries easier than ever. Cross-border trains are run by TGV INOUI, SNCF's high-speed railway operator.
TGV InOui trains
TGV InOui trains are the refurbished train sets from SNCF's high-speed TGV fleet, used for all routes from Spain to France. They come equipped with a cafe-bar, power outlets at each seat and free WiFi access. Seats in First Class are arranged in a 2+1 formation and are very spacious.
Popular routes to France
Click on one of our most popular cross-border train routes below to check train times, ticket prices and journey FAQs.
Airport transfers in Spain
Instead of taking an expensive taxi, consider using Spain’s excellent Cercanías suburban railway system to get to/from the airport. It’s cheap, easy and trains are designed to accommodate travelers with large bags. Here’s how to transfer to/from Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia and Málaga airports.
Barcelona El Prat airport
Madrid–Barajas airport
Málaga airport
Valencia Airport
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’ve made it this far and still need answers, we’ve got answers to some of the most commonly asked questions by rail travelers in Spain.
What if I get on the wrong train?
If you have a non-exchangeable Básico ticket and you take a different train to the one listed on your ticket, you could face a fine or possibly being asked to get off the train. If you want to stay on the service, you will likely be asked to pay the difference.
What if I miss my train?
Tough luck! You'll have to buy another ticket to reach your destination. If you've bought a Flexible fare ticket, you can exchange your ticket for a later service ahead of time if you know you won't make your train. The cheaper Básico fares do not give you this flexibility, however.
The exception to this rule is if you miss a connection because your first train was late/delayed. You will normally be allowed to catch the next available service and your right to do so is protected under European Law.
Are there security checks for Spanish trains?
Major Spanish railway stations have security checks for passengers on high-speed trains. They won't X-ray your person - only your baggage. These checks only take a few minutes but factor this into the time you plan to arrive at the station.
Is it cheaper to buy Spanish train tickets in advance?
In most cases, yes - it's cheaper to buy tickets in advance for Spanish trains. The cheapest Básico fares for high-speed AVE services tend to be available for purchase around 90 days in advance, but this depends entirely on when Renfe decide to upload blocks of tickets to their online inventory. Be patient and wait for trains to become available for purchase. If you time your purchase right, you can save up to 70% on the price of a full ticket.
Are trains in Spain punctual?
According to the Administrator of Railway Infrastructures (ADIF), 98.5% of trains in Spain reach their destination on time. Similarly, a report commissioned by the European Commission recorded a punctuality rate of around 95%, the best among European countries with a large railway network.
What is the fastest train in Spain?
The AVE (Alta Velocidad Española) is the fastest train type in Spain. It can reach speeds of 310km/h (193mph).
Do kids need a train ticket?
Children under the age of 4 who aren't using their own seat can travel for free. However, they must have a Niño gratuito ('Free Child Ticket') to go with your ticket. You can easily do this on Trainline by adding a 'Youth' passenger to your booking. Don't worry – we won't charge you anything, but you will see two passengers on your booking overview before paying for your ticket.
Do children need a train ticket?
Children under the age of 14 get a 40% discount on the price of a full adult ticket. Simply add them as a passenger to your booking as you're searching for tickets. Their ticket will appear as a Niño fare in your booking overview.
Learn more about train travel in Europe
So, you've got to the end of our guide about trains in Spain. We've covered how to buy Renfe tickets, the different fares available, whether you should consider a Eurail pass, high-speed AVE trains and cross-border travel. Hopefully, this will give you the confidence to travel across Spain by rail!
If you're ready to book, why not start a search in our Journey Planner at the top of the page? If not, there's still plenty to learn about rail travel in Spain and beyond - why not have a look at our other useful resources? Gracias!