Renfe is the main Spanish rail provider, offering many intercity routesbetween Madrid, Seville, Barcelona, Malaga and Valencia.
Mainly offers two types of classes: Turista (2nd class) and Preferente (1st class) and on the super fast AVE trains it also offers Club (Premium). All Perferente and Club passenger receive complimentary food and get access to 1st class lounges, available at Madrid Chamartin, Barcelona Sants, Cordoba, Seville, Malaga, Alicante, Zaragoza and several other major stations.
Most trains provide facilities to meet the special needs of customers with reduced mobility.
Tickets work out cheaper if you book online. Advance booking is definitely recommended. Tickets can be brought up to 60 days in advance. Pay on the day and you pay the full fare. Online only web fares can sometimes often be between a 40% discount (Estrella) and a 60% discount (web) off the standard price.
All long distance trains in Spain and even some shorter one require seat reservations. This can be done online or at the station. There is a charge for seating reservation on the super fast AVE and Avant and Arco, Targo, Diurno, Euromed, Alvia, Alaris and Altaria.
No luggage restrictions with Renfe. Small pets are allowed onboard trains. Bikes are only allowed on sleeper trains.
Train Types
Ave Trains operate Madrid-Seville, to Barcelona, to Huesca, to Valladollid, to Malaga, to Albacete, to Valencia, Malaga and Seville to Barcelona. Alaris Trains offer first class (including free parking) and standard. There are facilities for people with reduced mobility. Alvia Trains run from Alicante, to Barcelona, to Bilbao, Madrid and Santander
Elipsos is a Spanish overnight hotel train that runs between Spain and France, Italy and Switzerland. Compartments include; single, double, or 4-beds and comfort (Gran Classe, Business, Tourist). Every compartment has air-conditioning and are equipped with individual washbasins (some have shower and WC). Breakfast may also be included depending on your ticket. Tickets are available for the Elipsos trains Francisco de Goya (Paris-Madrid) and Joan Miró (Paris-Barcelona).
Special Offers & Discounts
Groups of 10 to 25 people receive a discount on trains – varies depending on train. 30% discount on all travel to Exhibition and Conference. AVE and Long Distance – discount if the purchase is made seven days prior to day of travel.
Gold Card holders (pensioners, over 60 years and people with a disability can avail of discounts. Web Rates: Book 15 days prior to the date of travel and get a discount on AVE and long distance trains.
Discounts for children aged 4-13 years ol. Children under 4 travel for free, except on suburban trains where children under 6 may travel for free. Discounts are available for large families. Youth cards available for those aged 12-25 years old. Monthly pass available which offers discounts is available.
Student – monthly pass with discounts of 40%. Youth discount for young people under 26. Senior Discount – Spain’s RENFE rail system offers senior travellers aged 60 and older the Tarieta Dorada (‘Gold Card’), enabling a senior to save 25-40% off train tickets. Tareta Dorada cards are sold at the RENFE station for five Euros, with one year’s validation.
Business – Contact grupos@renfe.es to avail of business benefits.
Renfe is the main Spanish rail provider, offering many intercity routesbetween Madrid, Seville, Barcelona, Malaga and Valencia.
