Guide to the different types of Renfe trains and routes in Spain

(Credit: Renfe)

Although the Spanish rail network is excellent, it can be confusing for newcomers. Renfe is the government-owned company that runs almost all the trains in Spain. Our simple guide explains the different Renfe train types as well as routes, facilities and speed, so you can identify which service is right for you.

Ranging from the grand to the humble, Renfe trains include the excellent high-speed AVEs to regional services Feve and Euromed, as well as local and suburban trains that operate throughout Spain. Unusually, Spain uses four different tracks gauges (the space between the rails). Most trains run on tracks wider than the rest of the world, although new high-speed tracks are built to the standard gauge used in most of Europe and North America. Other trains run on small narrow-gauge tracks.

Note: you’ll need a seat reservation (which comes with your ticket) on all long-distance Renfe trains as well as some regional ones – you can’t just turn up and jump on board. We also recommend you pre-book tickets where possible, as prices can be up to 60% cheaper than the full fare on the day of travel.

AVE: Spain’s fastest trains
High-speed connection between many large cities in Spain and into France, including Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Seville, Valencia (note the double-decker Euroduplex operates on the Paris-Toulouse line) AVE (Alta Velocidad Española) trains travel up to 320km/h on special tracks 3 classes of service Seats facing the same way (which may not be the direction of travel) have the most legroom. Other seats face across tables. Have cafe area and air conditioning Most have power points (plugs) at every seat and WiFi is being installed over the next two years AVE trains leave from Puerta de Atocha in Madrid and Barcelona Saints in Barcelona Madrid to Barcelona takes just 2.5 hours Popular routes: Madrid to Barcelona Barcelona to Madrid Madrid to Valencia Madrid to Seville Madrid to Malaga Barcelona to Malaga Barcelona to Seville
Alvia: Fast trains across Spain
Run from Barcelona and Madrid to a wide range of destinations, as well as some trains from Alicante Top speed is 200km/h Have the usual 2 classes of service, a cafe/bar car and air conditioning No WiFi Popular routes: Madrid to Cadiz Madrid to Alicante Madrid to Pamplona Barcelona to Pamplona Barcelona to Bilbao Alicante to Santander
Euromed: Fast trains along Spain’s northeast coast
Run from Barcelona to Valencia and Alicante Top speed is 200km/h Have the usual 2 classes of service, a cafe/bar car and air conditioning No WiFi Popular routes: Barcelona to Valencia Valencia to Barcelona Barcelona to Alicante Alicante to Barcelona
Altaria: Fast trains south from Madrid
Run from Madrid to Algeciras, Granada, Murcia and Cartagena Hybrid trains that can run on both normal Spanish broad gauge and the narrower standard gauge used on high-speed AVE lines Has the same good level of comfort and service as Alvia trains Top speed is 200km/h No WiFi Popular routes: Madrid to Murcia Madrid to Granada
Avant: Fast services on medium-distance routes
Mainly run from Madrid, Barcelona and Cordoba as well as in Galicia No WiFi Popular routes: Málaga to Córdoba Córdoba to Sevilla Madrid to Toledo Barcelona to Girona Barcelona to Figueres
Intercite: Intercity trains
Traditional trains on conventional tracks Not fast Offers Turista class only No WiFi
Trenhotel: Night train
Operates within Spain and into Portugal 4 types of accommodation, from a seated option (not recommended) to deluxe 1- or 2-berth cabins No WiFi Popular routes: Barcelona to A Coruña Barcelona to Vigo Madrid to Lisbon
Cercanias: Commuter trains
Commuter networks around major cities, including San Sebastian, Asturias, Madrid, Barcelona, Seville and Valencia. See here for full list
Feve: Serves Spain’s north coast
Small narrow-gauge trains serving the north coast west from Bilbao and Santander Not fast, but some segments of track on the coast have great views Trains have one class NOTE: Feve tickets aren’t available online; buy them at the station before you board Popular routes: Oviedo to Santander
Euskotren: Serves Bilbao and San Sebastian
The only significant train operator in Spain that’s not Renfe Has a 180km network of narrow-gauge trains serving the Basque cities of Bibao and San Sebastian Connects to French trains at the border station of Hendaye Popular routes: Bilbao to San Sebastian