Trains in Spain
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Thanks to the fast, modern and comfortable trains in Spain, journeys between Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Seville are more enjoyable than ever before. From the magnificent Andalusian mountains to the divine cuisine of the Basque Country, the best way to experience Spain's vibrant culture is on a rail adventure!
Train types in Spain
The majority of trains you'll take on the Spanish rail network are run by RENFE the country's national train company. High-speed and night trains connect Spain to other European countries. You can search for Spanish train times in the Interrail timetable as well as on the RENFE website.
Regional and Intercity trains in Spain
Media Distancia (RE)
Connects larger cities with smaller destinations over medium distances.
Fast trains making frequent stops along their routes.
Reservations are required on most services.
Cercanías (RE)
Suburban trains serving Spain's largest cities such as Barcelona and Valencia.
No reservation required.
Domestic high-speed trains in Spain
Avant (AVN)
High-speed services for short journeys along short to medium routes.
Faster and more comfortable than Media Distancia with similar coverage.
Reservations are required.
AVE (AVE)
Covering Europe's largest high-speed rail network, these trains travel on speeds of up to 310 km/h (193 mph).
Takes you from Madrid to Barcelona in under 3 hours.
Reservations are required.
Altaria (ALT)
Comfortable, long-distance trains connecting Madrid to destinations in the south of Spain.
Reservations are required.
Alvia (IC)
Comfortable, long-distance trains connecting Madrid and Barcelona to destinations throughout Spain.
Reservations are required.
Arco (IC)
Limited long-distance services in the north of Spain.
Reservations are required.
Euromed (EUR)
High-speed, air-conditioned trains running along the Mediterranean coastline of north-eastern Spain.
Connects key cities in the Levante region: Barcelona to Valencia in just over 3 hours then onwards to Alicante.
Reservations are required.
International high-speed trains in Spain
Renfe SNCF Cooperation (RSC)
Trains co-run by the Spanish and French railways.
Routes include Barcelona to Paris and Madrid to Marseille.
Reservations are required.
Celta (IC)
Intercity trains that link Spanish train station Vigo Guixar with Porto in Portugal.
Reservations are required.
Night trains in Spain
Trenhotel domestic (HOT)
Connects major cities within Spain.
Operates on several routes including:
Barcelona to Granada
A Coruña to Madrid
You need to reserve a seat or bed in advance.
Trenhotel international "Lusitania" (HOT)
Connects Madrid with Lisbon (Portugal).
You need to reserve sleeping accommodation. To ensure you get a place, it's best to do so 2 or 3 months in advance.
Trenhotel international "Sud Expresso" (HOT)
International night train connecting Irún and San Sebastian to Lisbon in Portugal.
Reservations are obligatory. Make you reserve as early as possible to avoid missing out.
InterCités de Nuit (NT)
International night trains connecting Spain to France, Luxembourg, Portugal and Switzerland.
Operate on the following routes:
Port-bou to Paris (France)
Port-bou to Luxembourg City (Luxembourg)
Port-bou to Strasbourg (France)
Irún to Paris (France)
Irún to Nice (France)
Irún to Geneva (Switzerland)
You need to reserve sleeping accommodation prior to taking this train. Places are limited, especially during peak season from May to September, so it's worth making your reservation as soon as possible
Reservations for trains in Spain
Domestic connections in Spain
If you wish to take a high-speed train, you have to reserve your seat in advance. By travelling with slower regional trains you do not need to make reservations.
For example, there's a direct regional train ride from Barcelona to Madrid that takes 9 hours 4 minutes. That's 6 and a half hours longer than the high-speed train journey.
International train connections to and from Spain
Spain rail passes
A rail pass gives you the freedom to explore all of Spain's beautiful cities without having to buy separate train tickets. We offer 3 passes for train travel in Spain!
Interrail Pass options for Spain
Interrail Spain Pass
Offers you rail travel in Spain
Discounts available for youth, senior and families
Extra benefits include bus routes plus discounted ferry crossings to the Balearic Islands, Italy and Morocco
Prices from € 148
Interrail Global Pass
Offers you rail travel in 31 European countries including Spain
Discounts available for youth, senior and families
Extra benefits include free bus routes plus discounted ferry crossings to the Balearic Islands, Italy and Morocco
Prices from € 208
Train stations in Spain
What are the main train stations in Spain?
Spain's 4 main hubs have connections to many domestic cities as well as international destinations. They are:
Madrid Puerta de Atocha
Barcelona Sants
Irun
Port-bou
Railway stations in Spain have a range of useful facilities:
Lockers for storing your stuff
Cash machines and foreign exchange desks
Cafés, restaurants and shops
Tourist information offices
Elevators, escalators and access for disabled passengers
Spelling of cities in Spain
That's not a mistake on your train map! Spain has several cities that are named differently in English and Spanish. Such spellings include:
Alacant = Alicante
Sevilla = Seville
Zaragoza = Saragossa
