Spain Railway Information
Most of the Spanish railway network is run by RENFE and various types of trains operate in Spain. So no matter if its day or night, you can be sure you will always have a train connection to take you somewhere in Spain.
Train Service:
There are several types of train that will take you to your destination in Spain.
Trains have 1st and 2nd class seats.
Some trains have a restaurant car and others a mobile mini-bar offering hot and cold drinks, snacks and a range of light meals.
Domestic connections:
There are several types of trains within Spain, so you can be sure that you will always be on the move!
Regional and intercity trains:
The main rail network in Spain is made up of the following regional and intercity trains:
- Media Distancia trains: These link regional destinations with larger cities. The network connects with long distance high-speed trains and the trains make frequent stops.
- Cercanías (suburban trains): This is a network of trains that operates in and around the larger Spanish cities including Barcelona and Valencia.
High-speed trains:
Spain's extensive high-speed train network is operated by modern trains that offer you high quality service during your InterRail trip:
These high-speed trains operate within Spain:
- Avant trains: These are trains which operate on short-distance routes within Spain.
- AVE trains: At speeds of up to 300 km/h (186 mph) these trains take you from Madrid to Barcelona in less than 3 hours.
- Alaris trains: These trains connect Madrid with major Spanish cities.
- Altaria trains: These trains link Madrid with cities in the south of Spain.
- Alvia and Arco trains: These trains operate between Madrid and Spain's nothern cities, such as Bilbao and San Sebastian.
- Euromed trains: These are trains which operate on the route Barcelona – Valencia – Alicante.
Note: The high-speed route between Madrid and Barcelona is extended to Girona and Figueres.
Night trains in Spain
Estrella trains: These trains connect major Spanish cities by night. Routes served by these trains are:
- Madrid – Barcelona – Portbou
- Bilbao – Malaga
Trenhotel trains: These link the north of Spain with Barcelona and capital city Madrid. Routes served by these trains are:
- A Coruna – Barcelona
- A Coruna – Madrid
International train connections:
High-speed international trains: These high-speed trains operate to and from Spain:
- Talgo du Jour (Mare Nostrum): Links Valencia, Murcia and Barcelona with Montpellier (France).
- Internacional trains: These trains connect Vigo with Porto (Portugal)
International night trains:
The following night trains connect Spain with France, Luxembourg, Portugal and Switzerland:
- Elipsos: Madrid / Barcelona – Paris (France)
- InterCité de Nuit:
Portbou – Toulouse – Paris (France)
Portbou – Montpellier – Nancy – Luxembourg (Luxembourg)
Portbou – Montpellier – Strasbourg (France)
Irún – Lourdes – Paris (France)
Irún – Bordeaux – Marseille – Nice (France)
Irún – Toulouse – Lyon – Geneva (Switzerland)
- Lusitania:Madrid – Lisbon (Portugal)
- Sud Expresso: Irún – Lisbon (Portugal)
Train Services Update's:
FEVE Trains:
From April 1st, customers with an Interrail Pass which includes Spain as a destination, will have free access to all Feve regular trains.
Facilities and services on trains:
High-speed trains:
Most high-speed trains supply additional services such as:
- Phone facilities
- Snack bar or a restaurant
Bikes on trains:
You will able to take your bike on most trains once you have bought a special bike ticket.
For some international trains you will need to make a reservation to be able to board the train with your bike.
Trains do not always have a dedicated space for bikes; you can leave it in the vestibule area or consult the ticket inspector for assistance regarding the storage of your bike.