Train travel in Spain is an environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and scenic means of getting around this huge country.
Operated by Renfe, the train system in Spain is sophisticated and efficient. It links major Spanish cities with smaller towns inland and on the coasts of Spain. You can rely on Spanish trains to get you from city to city as part of a wider travel itinerary as well as for independent day trips from Alicante, Málaga, Valencia, Seville, Barcelona, and more.
This guide is a window into what you need to know about traveling by train and how to buy train tickets in Spain.
All you need to know about train travel in Spain
Renfe (pronounced Ren-fay) is responsible for the national train system in Spain. The company operates mainline, regional, suburban, and local trains across the country.
High-speed AVE (Alta Velocidad Española) are specific trains that service major cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Malaga, and Seville in a fraction of the time it takes by road. AVE trains reach maximum speeds of 300 km/h (186 mph).
Avlo trains are low-cost high-speed services. These have fewer onboard frills that save passengers money but journey times are on par with AVE trains.
Several other providers operate within the Renfe umbrella. Renfe Feve serves northern Spain and FGC operates around Barcelona.
Visit OpenRailwayMap to view all railway routes.
There are so many modes of transportation around Spain, but train travel is one of the most comfortable and convenient.
What’s it like traveling by train in Spain?
Trains in Spain are very comfortable and modern with onboard bathrooms and air-conditioning. High-speed AVE trains often advertise that they have Wi-Fi although it’s not always guaranteed that it will work. In some cases it’s patchy at best. It’s wise to use a VPN to protect yourself against cyber threats.
Seats are sold as per Standard Class (2nd class) and Comfort Class (1st class).
Básico (Basic) is the cheapest fare available and applies only to Standard Class.
Elige (Choice) is a semi-flexible ticket and gives you a choice of Elige Standard Class or Elige Confort in Comfort Class.
Premium is totally flexible and is available in Comfort Class. It often involves other perks such as onboard dining and/or lounge access.
Seats are generally configured as airline rows of twos or as four-person table seats. First-class carriages sometimes have the added perk of solo seating for those traveling alone.
Standard classes are comfortable for the average traveler although first-class train travel in Spain has additional legroom.
Most regional Spain trains are equipped with a cafe bar where you can buy food and drink. It’s fine to take your own food which was purchased elsewhere onboard. Alcohol is permitted on trains but rowdy behavior is not.
Valencia has two different train stations depending on whether you are traveling locally or further afield on the fast trains.
How to buy train tickets in Spain
The best way to book train travel in Spain is via the Omio or Trainline websites or apps. These are the safest and most user-friendly websites for booking rail tickets in Spain. You’re required to register an account and type in your passport number as part of the booking process.
The benefit of downloading the apps is that you can store mobile tickets here and scan them at the gates just as you would a ticket. Here’s a tip: ensure the brightness on your screen is set moderately high before scanning your smartphone ticket. It’s best to switch off dark screen mode if you use it. These tricks help speed up the process.
The apps also let you keep an eye on service interruptions and monitor your journey. They’re pretty accurate at reporting service delays.
Specific seat reservations sometimes carry a surcharge of a few euros. This all depends on the service. Ultimately, seat reservations are included for free but you sometimes have to pay to choose which seat you want.
Subject to availability, you’ll at least be able to state a preference for window/aisle seating. The classes may be listed differently than stated earlier but it’s easy to figure out what you’re getting with each tier.
They list prices in different currencies and accept most foreign credit and debit cards. Both sites apply a minimal service charge to your booking.
Omio v The Trainline
Omio is the most popular app for booking rail tickets in Spain. It displays more information about what to expect onboard, such as Wi-Fi and meal availability.
The Trainline has more flexibility in terms of amendments and cancellations. This British-based platform is more popular with travelers from the UK but it also supports US credit cards.
You can align yourself to one app if that’s easier or download both if you are on a budget and would rather compare options.
Both platforms charge a fee of around €2.40/$2.50/£2 per booking. While the two sites list payments in a variety of currencies, Omio carries a greater diversity.
It’s important to pay attention to the terms and conditions regarding validity. Most tickets are valid on the selected train and refunds/amendments are not possible unless you pay extra for a flexible ticket at the time of booking.
Elige Confort reservations generally allow one adjustment for free, a second with a 10 percent surcharge, and a refund of up to 70% of the ticket price.
Of course, if the service is canceled then you will either be assigned to the next available train at no additional cost or receive a refund.
Free rides on Cercanías trains
Some bookings on medium to long-distance journeys also include free travel on Cercanías trains – commuter trains. There is no zone limit and these rides apply up to four hours before departure and up to four hours after arrival.
Booking Spanish train tickets with Renfe
It’s also possible to book Spain train travel directly on Renfe. This website lists the fares in euros and as an added perk, does not apply a service fee. However, it’s cumbersome to use and not recommended.
You must use the Spanish names of each city (and spell them correctly). The Spanish-English translation isn’t always very clear. The site doesn’t always accept non-Spanish payment cards.
It is, however, the best website to check for train times and to compare prices. But often, you can get a better price on Omio or Trainline, even with the small transaction fee applied. Compare each website to see which is offering the best deal.
It’s worth having a quick look at the schedules but heading to Omio and Trainline to make a reservation. Besides, these sites are easier to search using the standard English-language spellings of Spanish locations.
Renfe’s Spain Rail Pass
Renfe is introducing a new Spain Rail Pass for domestic and international travelers for 2025.
The pass provides access to all high-speed and commuter trains with a choice of Standard and Comfort. Each pass covers 4, 6, 8, or 10 journeys.
Prices start at €215 for four journeys and up to €450 for 10 journeys in standard class. A Spain Rail Pass in comfort class costs €295 for four rides and €615 for 10 journeys.
These passes are valid for six months from the date of purchase. They are available to buy via the Renfe website and at train stations in Spain.
Trains in Spain can take you to some pretty spectacular places.
When to book train travel in Spain
Practically all Spain trains require a seat reservation. These are free and mean there’s no chance of spending the journey dangling over other passengers in the aisle (a far cry from the sardine-style approach of British trains).
Due to this rule, booking rail tickets in Spain ahead of travel time is often mandatory.
Long-distance and high-speed train travel in Spain always requires advanced booking. This is crucial during summer as well as peak times such as Christmas, New Year, and Easter when Spanish nationals are visiting friends and family.
It’s also recommended when traveling at peak times – mornings, evenings, and weekends – at any time of year.
It’s also wise to check out regional and local festivals in Spain as this can result in certain routes being oversubscribed.
Booking train tickets in Spain ahead of time is also much cheaper. You can save over half the full-price fare when you plan ahead by a few weeks or more.
Shorter journeys of an hour or less generally don’t require notice and can be booked on the day. That being said, it’s always wise to pre-book, especially during peak travel seasons and if you’re on a commuter journey (like Barcelona to Girona, for example).
Trains in Spain are usually open for booking 60 days in advance. AVE services may open up to 90 days ahead.
There is a confusing number of train stations in Barcelona, but most long-distance trains will go through Barcelona Sants.
A quick guide to Barcelona-Sants Train Station
Barcelona-Sants (Sants Estación) is the main and largest railway station in Barcelona. It’ll never win any awards for its architecture but it functions well as a travel depot.
Sants is located in the Sants-Montjuïc district.
Platforms 1-6 receive TGV services to and from Paris and AVE high-speed trains to and from Madrid, Seville, and Málaga, as well as other French cities. This is also where to go for Alvia trains to San Sebastian and Bilbao in northern Spain.
Platforms 7-14 are used for suburban trains and EuroMed services to Valencia and Alicante.
Barcelona-Sants is a huge station and it can take longer than expected to reach your platform. Airport-level security checks operate which means you need to put all bags, including small wallet-sized bags, through the scanners. It’s fast and efficient but at busy times you might have a few people ahead of you.
Always aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before your train departs to avoid missing it!
There are several day trips from Barcelona possible by train. Note that not all of these depart from Barcelona-Sants so it’s important to check.
Espanya, Plaça de Catalunya, Francia, and Passeig de Gràcia are other major train stations in Barcelona.
Getting to Barcelona-Sants
Barcelona-Sants is connected to the Sants Estació metro station which is served by lines 3 (green) and 5 (blue). Line 3 heads to the Gothic Quarter and Plaça de Catalunya.
Taxis will drop you right outside the station and you can hail them easily upon arrival at Barcelona-Sants. Consult our guide to Uber in Barcelona and alternative services such as Free Now and Cabify.
Where to stay near Barcelona-Sants
Hotel Barceló Sants is located within the terminal. There are better areas to stay as part of a longer travel itinerary in Barcelona although it’s handy if you have an early arrival or late departure. Rooms are ultra-modern and practically equipped. The best ones have city views.
The Madrid Atocha Train Station is probably my favorite station in Spain thanks to the tropical garden inside.
A quick guide to Madrid Atocha Train Station
Madrid Atocha Train Station (Madrid Estación de Atocha) is the main railway terminal in the Spanish capital. In complete contrast to Barcelona-Sants, this trainshed is an architectural masterpiece.
The art nouveau facade is simple yet majestic and almost perfectly symmetrical. The concourse houses an indoor “rainforest” of around 400 different species of plants and flora. Considering the green nature of Madrid it’s very fitting, and also a welcome treat during the arid summer months.
Most high-speed trains depart from platforms 1-15. This extended part of the station is known as Madrid Puerta de Atocha (Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes).
Madrid Atocha-Cercanías is a separate area with platforms labeled 1-10. Cercanías means commuter and indicates that suburban services arrive and depart from here. This route map of Cercanías Madrid is useful for getting around the suburban areas.
Tickets will specify which part of the station your train departs from. Omio makes it very clear ahead of booking although Trainline doesn’t confirm which station you’ll be using until the confirmation email is sent.
Departures marked as Planta Primera means that the train leaves from the upper level. Planta Baja refers to the ground floor.
As with Barcelona-Sants, Atocha Station is massive and extremely busy. Again, you will need to allow 30 minutes to pass through the station and reach your platform.
Madrid Chamartin (Estación de Madrid-Chamartín Clara Campoamor) is the other train station. It’s located eight miles north of Atocha and somewhat far from the city center.
This station serves connections to the north – such as San Sebastian, Bilbao, Santander, and Santiago de Compostela. It’s also the cheapest place to get the fast train to Valencia, so you may very well find yourself here. You can get here easily on the metro.
Every northbound Cercanías train from Atocha stops at Chamartin.
Getting to Madrid Atocha
Madrid’s train station is located in its namesake Atocha neighborhood, just off the southern end of El Retiro Park and the botanical garden.
It connects to two metro stations: Estación Del Arte and Estación Atocha. Both are served by Line 1 (blue). Taxis are plentiful and there is a designated drop-off zone for Uber, Cabify, and Bolt which is signposted. Uber in Madrid works much better than in Barcelona.
If you want to visit the rainforest at Madrid Atocha, allow plenty of time. It’s hidden at one end of the station and takes some time to walk there and then locate your platform.
Where to stay near Madrid Atocha
Only YOU Hotel Atocha is so close you can practically smell the succulents! Rooms feature cool decor like exposed brick walls and vintage-inspired desks. Top-tier rooms have balconies and their suites may tempt you to blow your life savings.
Seeing as Atocha is quite central, you can also check out accommodation in some of the best areas to stay in Madrid. Lavapiés and Retiro are worthy contenders.
There are a lot of regional trains in cities like Barcelona, Valencia, and Madrid that can take you on great day trips.
Interrail Spanish train travel
Interrail passes are available for use on Spain trains.
The Interrail Spain One Country Pass is valid for European citizens and residents. It comes as a three, four, five, six, and eight-day flexi pass. Seat reservations are required for high-speed, international, and night train services.
The Global Pass is also available as a flexi or continuous pass for Europeans.
Eurail passes are available for non-Europeans.
For both passes you will need to make sure that you book your
Traveling Spain by train versus rental car?
Traveling by train in Spain or renting a car? The pros and cons of train travel and hiring a car in Spain are listed below.
Before we get there – you could always consider a hybrid approach. It might make sense to cover greater distances by train (such as Madrid to Barcelona) and then hire a car locally.
Pros of train travel in Spain
- Spanish train travel is kinder to the environment than driving or taking short-haul flights
- Booking train tickets in Spain is straightforward with Omio/Trainline
- The train system in Spain is well-connected and efficient
- No need to worry about parking a hire vehicle
- Spanish trains are comfortable and maintained
- Train travel in Spain means you can catch up on work, trip planning, or indulge in relaxation time
- Pets are permitted on most routes although terms and conditions apply
Cons of Spain train travel
- Can be expensive when tickets are not reserved in advance
- Cheaper fares are non-transferable
- Booking rail tickets in Spain last minute isn’t always possible
- Antisocial behavior on public transport is always a risk
- Trains aren’t always comfortable for travelers with babies and younger children
- Pets aren’t permitted on all trains
The fast trains in Spain are sleek and comfortable. Getting from Madrid to Valencia in under two hours is one of my favorite (and most frequented) journies.
Pros of renting a car in Spain
- Allows more flexibility to an itinerary
- Greater opportunities to travel beyond classic vacation destinations in Spain
- Road conditions in Spain are exemplary
- More comfortable for families with young children
- Driving in Spain is awesome for US folks – they drive on the right!
Cons of car hire in Spain
- It can be expensive – especially for solo travelers or if an accident occurs
- Petrol costs need to be included in your budget
- Not eligible for lead drivers under the age of 21
- Younger drivers (under the age of 25) might have to pay a surcharge
- Driving in Spain is less awesome for Brits – remember to drive on the right!
The Madrid Atocha station is well connected so if you arrive in Madrid, you can get almost anywhere in Spain from this station.
Packing checklist for Spain train travel
Once you’ve committed to traveling by train in Spain, it’s just a case of packing your bags and not missing your departure.
The official luggage limit is 25 kg per passenger although it’s not enforced. Baggage is stowed in overhead racks or in designated areas in the carriage.
Stations often scan bags for long-distance train routes in Spain.
- Water – long-distance trains have a cafe bar onboard. However, it’s good to reduce plastic consumption when possible. Tap water in Spain is safe to drink so remember to take a reusable bottle. This stainless steel water bottle is my go-to (I have a few colors now and they last for years). It comes in two sizes and keeps liquids ice-cold for up to 24 hours.
- Snacks – pick up some pastries or a sandwich for your journey in case there are issues with food supply. You might also want to buy fresh fruit, nuts, and olives (maybe some cheeses) from the market – these stackable container pots are great for organizing your haul.
- Warm layer – air-conditioning can result in a nippy carriage. Pack a practical blanket scarf as a snuggly cover-up or an oversized hoodie.
- Book/eReader – not that you’ll tire of the scenery, but having something to read is always wise for train travel in Spain (or any other country). The Kindle Paperwhite comes out tops for eye comfort, portability, and battery life. It also works with Audible audiobooks.
- Noise-canceling headphones – don’t be that person watching videos on your device without headphones. Noise-canceling headphones block out any irritating noises from other passengers while you tune into a podcast. These over-the-ear Sony headphones are super comfy or you might prefer a pair of noise-canceling earbuds.
- Combination lock – an obvious one, but you’ll need a padlock for your main suitcase or backpack.