Travelling by train in Spain is the most comfortable, fastest and most sustainable way to get around the country thanks to its extensive network of high-speed, regional and local trains. In addition, Spain has several metro and tram networks that make urban travel easier.
So that you can plan your trips well, in Trainveling we offer you all the necessary information so that you know all the railway services you can enjoy and we will tell you how to buy the cheapest tickets.
You will also discover the varied offers of tourist and historical trains in which the enjoyment becomes the protagonist of the journey, taking you to places with the maximum charm on board trains that will take you to other times.
It’s time to get on the train!
High-speed trains in Spain
Spain’s high-speed rail network is one of the most modern and advanced in the world, with more than 3,400 kilometres of track (the longest in Europe) connecting 28 provinces and 47 stations. This network allows travel at speeds of up to 300 km/h, reducing travel times and favouring sustainable mobility.
Adif Alta Velocidad is the public entity managing and building the high-speed railway infrastructure, while the trains belong to the railway operators.
Train companies in Spain
After the liberalisation of rail passenger transport in Spain three operators are competing in high-speed services on the Madrid-Barcelona, Madrid-Valencia/Alicante and Madrid-Andalusia corridors.
In addition, SNCF competes with Renfe on international high-speed trains between Spain and France with a TGV service inOui Barcelona-Paris.
Finally, ALSA operates several tourist trains, such as the Tren de Felipe II, and charters on conventional (non-high-speed) lines.
By clicking on each logo you will access all the information about the operator, such as its services, routes, luggage policies…
Buy train tickets in Spain
To buy train tickets to travel in Spain you can go to the website of each company and use their own online booking and sales system.
But from Trainveling we recommend you to search and buy your train tickets through Trainline.
Without paying commissions you will be able to compare all the trains that run on the route you want to travel and choose the cheapest or the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
Cercanías and Media Distancia
The commuter (Cercanías) and regional (Media Distancia) trains are operated by Renfe as a PSO, through a contract with the State.
In the case of Cercanías, Renfe divides the service into hubs. In general, these are groups of lines that cover one or more regions.
Cercanías tickets are purchased from the ticket machines at each station or by their mobile app. They do not have a seat reservation, so they can be used for any train that travels the route for which you have bought the ticket.
Tourist trains
There are times when the train is not just a means of transport but an experience in itself that is worth enjoying.
This is the case of the many tourist trains, most of them historic, that run throughout Spain. Renfe also offers a wide range of luxury tourist trains that have nothing to envy from legendary trains such as the Orient Express.