Why choose us?


  • 900,000 travellers in 2012

    N° 1 distributor of train tickets.

  • Helpful travel experts

    Our dedicated staff at your service.

  • 15,000 destinations

    All of Europe, one place to buy your tickets!

  • Rail Europe Travel+

    Free coupons, train travel guide and more.

  • Secured payment

    Member of Trusted Commerce program.


Need assistance planning ?

Only we have over 75 years of experience and connect you realtime to more than 35 European railroads

LEARN MORE

Spanish Day trains


Review and ratings (2910)


Comfort
Value for money
Convenience

Read 61 reviews

Travel is all about experiences
Experience comfort and style, upgrade to 1st class!
Spanish day trains. High speed AVE connection between cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Seville etc.

Find a point to point ticket

(26-59)
(Details)
(under 26)
(over 59)

Spanish Day trains network

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).

Popular journeys and travel durations

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 – Valladolid1h 11
Barcelona – Zaragosa1h 29
Madrid – Cordoba1h 44
Madrid – Sevilla2h 20
Madrid – Barcelona2h 38
Madrid – Malaga2h 40
Barcelona – Valencia2h 59

  • Barcelona Madrid 02:30 HK$397
    Madrid Lisbon 09:30 HK$258
    Madrid Seville 02:20 HK$344
    Bilbao Madrid 04:47 HK$204
    Lille Calais 02:28 HK$677
    Granada Seville 03:03 HK$301

Our tips

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.

Booking & Ticket delivery

Booking :
  • Spanish Day trains tickets are open for booking 90 days ahead.
  • Get the lowest prices by booking early and don’t wait until the last minute as cheaper seats sell the fastest.
  • Opt for off-peak trains when you have to travel short notice. They are more affordable than morning and evening trains along with those running on holiday eves, Friday and Sunday afternoon.

Ticket delivery option(s) :

Print @ homePrint your ticket anywhere and anytime before your travel. Skip shipping fees.Printing guide

Seat reservation :
  • Mandatory for this train! The seat reservation is included in the price of your ticket. Please note that seats are auto-allocated by train carriers. Depending on availabilities, carriers will ensure that all passengers of a same party are seated together. Seats can be swapped only once on-board.
  • Pass holders . Book your seat reservation exclusively with Rail Europe.

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.

LEARN MORE

Experience the service

Before you board

  • 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.
  • Ticket control and passport checks will occur before boarding AVE trains.
  • Onboard

    Classes and facilities offered by Spanish day trains
    First classFirst classSecond class
    Carrier’s designationName of class of service as you might see on your ticket.ClubPreferenteTurista
    Bar buffet car Access to the bar buffet car where snacks and beverages can be bought.
    Audio system Listen to your favourite tune while enjoying the passing landscape.
    Video screens Ideal for entertainment, some coaches are equipped with screens.
    Kid’s facilities Intuitive board games are available for children.
    Meal and drink A delicious meal and drinks are served at seat on board.
    AVE lounges at station Get the ultimate treat before any trip, or simply an ideal place to continue working.
    On board conference lounge Ideal for business travellers to conduct any urgent meeting.


    Highlights

    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.

    Onboard

    Interactive travel map

    This map requires Adobe Flash Player
    Learn more about: Destinations / City trips


    F.A.Q


  • Q. What does Gender Specific mean?


  • Q. When do I need to check in before boarding an AVE train?


  • Q. Do I need to book my AVE ticket train?


  • Q. How many luggage can I carry onboard AVE trains?


  • Q. Is there a catering service onboard AVE trains?


  • Q. How far in advance can I book my AVE tickets?


  • Q. How shall I retrieve my AVE tickets?


  • Q. What are the main destinations AVE trains connect to?


  • Q. Should Eurostar, Thalys and other High Speed Train tickets be purchased prior to your departure date?


  • Q. What is the difference between 1st and 2nd class on the Spanish day trains ?


  • 0 | 10

    Browse our FAQ


    Review and ratings

    Overall rating (2910)

    Comfort
    Value for money
    Convenience

    Overall appreciation

    Excellent 49% Very good 32% Average 12% Poor 3% Terrible 3%

    61 Reviews

     Sort by:

    "Bien"

     Brian p. 
    I really enjoyed my travel on Renfe. It was comfortable, affordable and convenient.    Value for money  Convenience

    "Better than flying"

     Michala n.  23/05/2013
    This train was on time, very comfortable (I love the adjustable footrests), and the bathroom was clean as a whistle. I also loved the little info screen that told us how fast we were going.    Value for money  Convenience

    "AVE Renfe Madrid-Toledo"

     Ken c.  20/05/2013
    Brilliant service providing a quick, quiet, comfortable day trip , giving us plenty of time to see the sights of Toledo and be back in Madrid for evening meal.    Value for money  Convenience

    "Fast train trip"

     Dawn l.  20/05/2013
    We found the trip excellent although there was a 45min delay shortly before we arrived in Seville and because we did not understand Spanish we did not know why this happened. We seemed to be on a siding and 1 train passed in the opposite direction and then another passed in the same directin, which seemed a bit strange. We enjoyed the fast train experience.    Value for money  Convenience

    "Easy and fast"

     Gadi a.  19/05/2013
    Easy access to station, no waiting like at airport, train is fast and quiet, seats are comfortable and it arrives to the center of the city with easy access to metro.    Value for money  Convenience

    "Comfort "

     Caroline m.  18/05/2013
    Very comfortable and efficient service. Nothing to complain. Keep up the good service!    Convenience

    "Comfortable and enjoyable. "

     Stacey s.  17/05/2013
    I was running late for the train as I had taken a longer than expected tube line, the train was locked and ready to leave as I arrived on the platform. To my disbelief the driver saw me and opened the doors to let me on, this journey was a crucial part of my trip so it would have caused great inconvenience if I hadn't been allowed to board. Truly grateful, an enjoyable 5 and a half hour trip with plenty of seat room, adequate refreshments, good temperature and a film shown also. Would use these services again.    Value for money  Convenience

    "nice trip"

     Saif a.  17/05/2013
    The train was good, clean and comfort The only issue is that the ticket was very expensive although we had booked it a month ago.    Value for money  Convenience

    "Madrid to Lisbon train hotel"

     Jonathan g.  15/05/2013
    Punctual. Friendly and helpful staff. No hassles I Had spare seat next to me but comfort for sleeping was impossible. I would consider a couchette another time. Not crowded in early May even Saturday night. Buying and using ticket easy.    Value for money  Convenience

    "Much better than flying!"

     Janet b.  14/05/2013
    The train journey from Madrid to Barcelona is just 3 hours. At a similar cost to flights (both of which you need to book in advance to avoid high fees) it's far preferable to travel by rail. The scenery is beautiful - up into the mountains around Zaragoza before diverting to the coast. The train itself is very modern - large, comfortable seats and plenty of room to move amongst them. Loads of luggage racks and good bathroom facilities - the one I used even had a full length mirror, which was a nice touch. I would highly recommend getting a train to Barcelona and booking on Rail Europe means you can avoid the confusing RENFE system.    Value for money  Convenience

    "spanish train from seville"

     Susan f.  13/05/2013
    Great website, easy to follow and good to be able to print tickets. The train trip was fine, except that on the website the information was that there would be a buffet service aboard. It was not, there was a vending machine, but we had planned to have lunch on the train so it was quite a hungry trip!    Value for money  Convenience

    "Review trip "

     Lacrimioara Dorina h.  13/05/2013
    Everything was great. Comfort and speed and views. Thank you    Value for money  Convenience

    "highly recommend"

     Michal h.  13/05/2013
    Fast and comfortable traveling    Value for money  Convenience

    "Madrid-Barca"

     Niclas s.  13/05/2013
    Very good. On time and comfortable.    Value for money  Convenience

    "Mad to Malaga"

     Mohamed a.  13/05/2013
    very nice trip i had from Madrid to Malaga, timing was perfect, seats were comfortable and it was an enjoyable trip. thank you for everything.    Value for money  Convenience

    0 | 15 | 30 | 45 | 60