Spain by train: sustainable connections are a treat

17.07.2024 - 23:52 / lonelyplanet.com

Sponsored by

Jul 17, 2024 • 6 min read

With Europe’s longest high-speed rail network, Spain is a joy to traverse by train. Such is the efficiency of its most sustainable mode of public transport that in a single day you can admire Gaudí’s Modernist architecture in Barcelona in the morning, have lunch in Madrid, and then be in Seville in time for dinner and a flamenco performance.

But there’s more to train travel in Spain than speed: slower journeys along Green Spain’s narrow-gauge northern tracks, and scenic meanders into Andalucía’s mountains are a wonderful way to acquaint yourself with Spain’s diverse scenery. Whether you opt for a wallet-friendly cercanías train ticket or splurge on a multi-day extravaganza aboard the luxurious Transcantábrico train, you’re in for a treat.

Most trains are operated by Renfe, Spain’s national railway company. These include high-speed long-distance AVE (Alta Velocidad Española) intercity services that reach up to 193mph; its low-cost competitors are Avlo, Iryo and Ouigo services. High-speed routes include Barcelona – Madrid, Madrid – Seville, Madrid – Valencia, and Córdoba – Málaga. Avant is Renfe’s brand name for high-speed, short-distance hops such as Madrid – Valladolid and Barcelona – Girona; they tend to be single cars on long-distance AVE services.

Mid-distance (media distancia) Alvia and Intercity services reach speeds of up 250km/h (155mph) and cover routes such as Barcelona – Pamplona, Madrid – San Sebastián, and Madrid – Cádiz.

Slower Renfe trains include Cercanías (the equivalent of Catalonia’s Rodalies) commuter services. In addition, some slower scenic routes are run by regional operators such as Euskotren that connects Irun and Hendaye’ on the French border to Bilbao and San Sebastián via narrow-gauge tracks. Other narrow-gauge services along Spain’s north coast include Bilbao – Santander and Gijon – Ferrol, while Barcelona is connected to the Montserrat monastery via the slow, picturesque FGC route.

Since dynamic pricing is used by Spain’s rail operators for high-speed and long-distance services, and since seat reservations are mandatory, it pays to book ahead. Iryo and Ouigo release tickets for early purchase months in advance; Renfe’s ticket release varies from 11 months to 15 days, depending on the route. Book your ticket via the Renfe website or Trainline.

Travel on long-distance and mid-distance trains is divided into Standard (2nd class or Estándar) and Comfort (1st class or Confort) classes. Fares are divided into Básico (basic, non-refundable, valid for 2nd class travel); Elige (semi-flexible, valid for 2nd class or 1st class if you pay an Elige Confort fare); and Premium (flexible fare for travel in 1st class on AVE or Euromed services, with an