Can you travel around Spain by train?

Yes, trains are considered to be the best option for traveling around Spain. They offer an extensive schedule, and you can also opt for different types of trains, including regular, high-speed, and overnight trains.

What is the Renfe in Spain?

Renfe is a state-owned company that operates freight and passenger trains.

Spanish Trains: Tickets, Map & Schedule

Discover Spain effortlessly by train. Plan your routes, tickets, and schedules with this complete guide to trains in Spain.

BOOK TRAIN TICKETS ONLINE

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Trains in Spain

50+ Scenic Train Routes

Check out the information about the best routes in Spain and choose one that matches your travel plans the most!

Popular Routes

Modern Regular & High-Speed Trains

There are several types of trains operating on the Spanish rail lines, select one that suits your travel preferences, timetable and prices the most.

Renfe Train Types

Travel Classes for Any Budget

Learn more about the travel classes and available facilities onboard modern Spanish trains. Enjoy your ride to the final destination in full comfort.

Coach Classes

Trains in Spain: Overview

The Spanish rail network is one of the most impressive in Europe, combining an extensive high speed network with regional, intercity, suburban, and overnight services covering the entire country. Spain has an extensive high speed rail network with AVE trains capable of reaching speeds up to 300 km/h (186 mph), connecting major cities across the country. The Spanish rail network includes both high speed and conventional trains, with a total of approximately 15,000 kilometers of track — one of the largest rail networks in Europe. Renfe is Spain's state-owned national railway operator and runs the majority of passenger and freight trains. High speed rail services in Spain have been opened to competition, with operators like Iryo and Ouigo.

High Speed Trains in Spain

Spain's high speed lines use standard gauge (1,435 mm) separate from the older Iberian gauge conventional network, allowing trains to run at very high speeds on dedicated tracks. High speed trains in Spain are categorized into High Speed/Long Distance, Mid Distance, and Commuter/Regional networks, offering varying levels of speed and comfort depending on the route. The high speed ave network now connects Madrid with Barcelona, Seville, Malaga, Valencia, Alicante, Bilbao, Santiago de Compostela, Vigo, A Coruña, Valladolid, León, Burgos, and many other destinations in northern Spain, southern Spain, and north eastern Spain.
Alvia Trains
Alvia trains are Renfe's high speed tilting trains that run on both high speed lines and conventional gauge track, making them ideal for routes where the full AVE network has not yet reached. Alvia trains serve destinations across the Spanish rail network that are not directly connected by pure AVE high speed lines, including routes to northern Spain and other regions. They offer the same travel classes as AVE services and reach speeds of up to 250 km/h.
Avant Trains
Avant is Renfe's brand for short hop high speed trains on the high speed lines, offering a cheaper fixed price for shorter journeys between nearby cities. High speed trains like the Avant operate at speeds up to 250 km/h for shorter distance trips. Avant is available on routes such as Madrid to Toledo, Seville to Cordoba, and other popular routes between cities close together on the same high speed line.

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Intercity Trains and Long Distance Routes

Long distance trains in Spain connect all major cities and many smaller destinations across the country. The most popular long distance routes include Barcelona Madrid, Seville Madrid, Madrid Malaga, and Madrid Valencia. Tickets for high speed trains in Spain typically go on sale 60 to 90 days in advance, and booking early can secure cheaper fares. Most trains in Spain require advance seat reservations, which can be made online, at railway stations, or by phone.
Altaria Trains
Altaria trains are Renfe's long distance tilting train service for routes not covered by the AVE or Alvia networks. They serve routes in southern Spain and connect cities across Andalusia and the southeast of the country. Altaria trains offer standard and first class seating and are a comfortable option for long journeys on conventional gauge lines.
International Trains and French Border
Spanish trains also connect with French trains and international routes via the French border. Renfe operates international routes including Madrid–Barcelona–Marseille and Barcelona–Lyon. You can also reach Paris and other European countries via connecting services at the French border. With Spanish trains you can also reach Lisbon and other main cities of neighboring countries. Book high speed tickets and international routes online on Rail Ninja, which compares all available operators in one place.

Regional and Suburban Trains

Regional Trains and Slower Regional Trains
Regional trains in Spain — known as Media Distancia (MD) — are conventional trains that stop at most stations, offering a more affordable alternative to high speed options for shorter journeys. These slower regional trains serve smaller towns and rural areas not connected by the high speed network. Spain's rail system includes both standard and narrow gauge lines, with a total of 1,250 km of metre gauge railways serving various regions, particularly in northern Spain.
Cercanías Suburban Trains
Cercanías (or Rodalies in Catalonia, operated by the Catalan Government Railways FGC) serve as the suburban rail network connecting city centres with their metropolitan peripheries. Suburban commuter trains in Spain operate with frequent stops and are designed for daily commuters or short duration trips. In the Basque Country, Euskotren operates local trains as part of the Valencian Government Railways and regional networks.
Local Trains and Same Trains
Local trains in Spain operate across all regions, with many local services sharing the same trains as longer distance services on the conventional gauge network. Private companies and regional governments also operate local rail services in several areas, particularly in Catalonia, the Basque Country, and Valencia.

Spain Train Tickets: Fares and Classes

Travel Classes on Spanish Trains
Renfe offers two main classes on its trains: Standard (2nd class / Turista) and Comfort (1st class / Preferente). Standard seats are typically arranged 2+2 across the car width, while Comfort seats are arranged 2+1 providing more space. In July 2021, Renfe introduced a new fare structure for long distance trains, which includes three types: Básico (Basic), Elige (Choice), and Premium — each offering different levels of flexibility and amenities.
Básico (Basic) fares are the cheapest option for Standard class travel but are non-refundable and non-changeable unless an extra fee is paid. A semi flexible fare (Elige) allows changes with a fee. Premium fares include additional benefits such as meals and lounge access. The premium fare is worth considering on longer journeys such as a Madrid to Barcelona 2.5 hour run.
First Class Reservations and Seat Reservation
First class reservations on AVE trains offer wider seats, more legroom, a meal or snack service, and access to station lounges at major Spanish stations. Seat reservations for long distance trains in Spain typically cost between €10 and €35 depending on the class and type of train. Most trains in Spain require advance seat reservations — these can be made online on Rail Ninja, at railway stations, or via vending machines.

When booking on Rail Ninja journey planner, you will need to enter your departure station, arrival station, and travel date to check train times and available seats. Each ticket displays a train number for identification at the platform. The ticketing system in Spain is straightforward — most trains allow online booking up to 90 days in advance.