Spanish Day trains

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Spanish Day trains

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Spanish AVE in brief

Traveling through Spain is an enchanting experience on an AVE high-speed train. You’ll enjoy your journey on the most modern train fleet in Europe, and also benefit from attentive service in all classes of travel. In fact, it’s so popular (251,754 passengers in July 2009) that air-passenger traffic on the route has dropped almost 40% in 18 months.

The full name Alta Velocidad Española literally means Spanish High Speed, and is also a play on ave, the Spanish for bird. The trains definitely stay true to their name, reaching speeds of up to 300km/h (186mph).

The AVE trains are a luxurious and efficient way to get around the country. With excellent customer service, punctuality and easy to understand fares, the AVE network continues to be a great boost to Spain’s tourism and business.

The Spanish AVE Train network

Main destinations for the Spanish AVE Train include Madrid, Sevilla, Barcelona and Malaga.

Here’s an idea of some of the duration times
JourneyTravel time
Madrid – Valladolid 1h 11
Barcelona – Zaragosa 1h 29
Madrid – Cordoba 1h 44
Madrid – Sevilla 2h 20
Madrid – Barcelona 2h 38
Madrid – Malaga 2h 40
Barcelona – Valencia 2h 59

Our tip

Keep an eye on the clock – the original AVE train route from Madrid to Seville should take just 2h30. If arrival isn’t within 5 minutes the operators will give you your money back.

More details

Renfe is a modern and efficient railway system that offers every level of service in Spain. Among its services, it offers a high-speed rail called AVE, making travel in this country even more delightful.

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Before you board

The stations
 May appear overwhelming, so make sure you get there early to figure out where you are meant to be and to have the time to seek out any help should you need it.

Check-in & boarding
 Ticket control and passport checks will occur before boarding AVE trains.

Onboard

Club Class Preferente Class Turista Class
Access to the bar buffet car √ √ √
Onboard video and audio program √ √ √
Children’s board games √ √ √
Meal and drinks √ √
Access to AVE lounges √ √
Access to conference room on train √
Meals and drinks served at your seat √

Highlights on

AVE trains offer 2 first class options called Club (Business) Class and Preferente(First Class).
 Club class and Preferente Class aboard AVE trains offer large comfortable reclining seats that make you feel at ease. A selection of video and audio programs at your seat will help you take your mind off any work you should be doing! Friendly staff will serve you drinks and light snacks at your seat.
 Dedicated to Business travellers, the Club class also offers an “à la carte” menu. Travel and work in style: the Club class offer leather seats. This class of service also offers tables for each seat.

Travel in comfort even in 2nd class
 Tourist class (2nd Class) on the AVE offers generous legroom, a selection of video and audio programs at your seat and a bar-buffet car offering a selection of food and beverages. Like Club Class and Preferente, Turista Class also offers you puzzle for your children. There is also a dedicated family area for your enjoyment. Turista class offers good value for money, and you can also easily upgrade to 1st class- Club or Preferente.
 It is important to note that all classes offer facilities for disabled people. Other services for all include a bar-buffet car, phone booths, a nursery area and a meeting area.

Luggage Weight Limit
 To ensure the comfort of all passengers, there is a weight limit for individual baggage, which is fixed at 20 kg.

More details

Travelling in AVE trains, operated by Spanish rail operator Renfe, means that you are going through one of the most enjoyable and relaxing travel experience.

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Travel destinations

Learn more about:

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  • A. Yes, you’ll need to reserve your place on AVE trains like in most high speed trains in Europe.


  • A. The AVE offers 2 first class options they are called Club class and Preferente class.

    Club class on the AVE offers access to the AVE lounges at the rail stations, large comfortable reclining seats, a selection of video and audio programs at your seat, and friendly staff serves you drinks and light snacks at your seat. This class of service offers tables for each seat.

    Preferente class on the AVE offers access to the AVE lounges at the rail stations, large comfortable reclining seats, a selection of video and audio programs at your seat, and friendly staff serves you drinks and light snacks at your seat.

    Tourist class (2nd Class) on the AVE offers generous legroom, a selection of video and audio programs at your seat and a bar-buffet car offering a selection of food and beverages for purchase.



  • A. Many trains such as the Eurostar offer discounted tickets for advance purchase. These fares have limited availability and sell out quickly. To receive the best price on the train you want to travel on you should purchase your tickets prior to your departure so you can avoid fully booked trains.


  • A. AVE services offer two different classes of travel: in first class, depending on the train, you will be able to choose between First Class Club and Preferente where you can enjoy a meal served at seat, an access to VIP lounges in the main Spanish railways stations, daily press and free parking (24 hours if you have a single ticket, 48 hours for a return). Turista class, as known as 2nd class, includes a family area, children’s board games, wheelchair facilities as well as audio/video devices.


  • A. First class on the Spanish day train offers large, comfortable reclining seats, friendly staff to serve you drinks and light snacks at your seat and major routes have audio and video programs at your seat.

    Second class on the Spanish day train offers generous legroom, bar-buffet car offering a complete selection of food and beverages for purchase and major routes have audio and video programs at your seat.



  • A. The term "Gender Specific" means that these compartments will not allow male and female passengers to travel in the same compartment. The exception to this condition is if you and your travel companion(s) intend on using all beds within the compartment. Trains in which this condition applies are: Elipsos, CNL, Lusitania, Spanish Night trains.


  • A. Yes. If you’re on Turista class, you could buy some nice snacks and beverages to a bar buffet car. On Ave First class, a catering service will deliver you some meal and beverages directly to your seat. You could also get access to an A la Carte service at seat and even a bar service.


  • A. You can buy all your AVE tickets trains quickly and easily online, with no booking fee, and print them in the convenience of your home.


  • A. High speed AVE trains connect Madrid to cities including Barcelona and Seville, Malaga and Valencia. Travel time between Madrid and Barcelona is 2 hours and 30 minutes. You can also go to Seville from Madrid in 2 hours and 20 minutes. For longer journeys, Barcelona is 5 hours and 45 minutes from Malaga and 5 hours and 37 minutes from Seville.


  • A. All passengers with an AVE ticket may carry up to two pieces of hand luggage, for which they will be responsible and which they must store in the designated areas. The total weight limit is 20 kg and the combined dimensions (length + width + height) of each piece of luggage must not be more than 250 cm.


  • A. AVE trains can be booked up to 60 days in advance, giving you plenty of time to plan the trip of your life is sunny Spain.


  • A. Check-in is usually open 30 minutes before AVE train leaves and is closed 2 minutes before departure. Also, bear in mind that ticket control and passport checks will occur before boarding AVE Trains. For travellers carrying Eurail Pass including Spain – just remember that you need to validate your pass prior to boarding AVE trains and get a reservation.

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