Spain By Train

Spain has an extensive high-speed train network, which will get you where you want to go a lot faster compared to the regional train system. However, for the high-speed trains you'll need to book a seat reservation. We'll explain you more about reservations a bit further down on this page.

View approximate train travel times between Spain's key cities with high-speed trains and regional trains.

We suggest the following routes to travel between Spain and other European countries:

• France – Spain
  There is a direct train connection between Barcelona and Paris (6hr 25 min).

• Portugal – Spain
  Take a regional train to travel from Vigo to Porto (3hr 30min).

International ferry connections to and from Spain

You can also travel between Spain, Italy and Morocco by ferry with Grimaldi Lines ferries. Get a 20% discount on the following routes:

• Barcelona – Civitavecchia (Italy)

• Barcelona – Porto Torres (Italy)

• Barcelona – Tangier (Morocco)

Many Spanish trains require an advance reservation, including domestic and international high-speed trains and night trains (prices depend on your chosen sleeping accommodation or seat type). 

Please note that the number of seats available for Eurail Pass holders is limited on InterCitè de Nuit trains. We advise you to reserve these trains as soon as possible during peak season (May to September) and public holidays.

How to make reservations for Spanish trains

The only way to make reservations for domestic and long-distance trains is directly at the ticket offices of local Long Distance stations (not commuter stations). Find a list of long distance stations here. You can make reservations on the day of travel or up to 3 months in advance.

It is also possible to pre-reserve a seat by phone, by calling +34 91 232 03 20 (Renfe phone sales).

• This is possible up to 24 hours before a train's departure. 
• You will receive a PNR code which you must use to pick up and pay for your reservation at a local station ticket office, making sure to show your Eurail Pass. 
• You must collect your reservation within 72 hours. After this time the pre-reservation will expire. 

Please note that a pre-reservation is not the same as a reservation. It only holds a seat for you for 72 hours.

If you have a disability or reduced mobility and you want to travel by train in Spain, you can request help from Atendo Service. You can contact them by phone:

• Phone number: +34 91 214 05 05
• Opening hours: 24/7

Find out more about reservations

There are various train types in Spain ready to transport you both day and night. Most of the Spanish railway network is operated by RENFE. Use the Eurail timetable to check times for trains in Spain.

Regional and Intercity trains in Spain

Media Distancia (RE)

• Connects larger cities with smaller destinations over medium distances.

• Fast trains making frequent stops along their routes.

• Reservations are required on most services.

Cercanías (RE)

• Suburban trains serving Spain's largest cities such as Barcelona and Valencia.

• No reservation required.

Domestic high-speed trains in Spain

Avant (AVN)

• High-speed services for short journeys along short to medium routes.

• Faster and more comfortable than Media Distancia with similar coverage.

• Reservations are required.

AVE (AVE)

• Covering Europe's largest high-speed rail network, these trains travel on speeds of up to 310 km/h (193 mph).
  
• Takes you from Madrid to Barcelona in under 3 hours.
  
• Reservations are required.

Alvia (IC)

• Comfortable, long-distance trains connecting Madrid and Barcelona to destinations throughout Spain.

• Reservations are required.

Intercity (IC)

• Comfortable, long-distance trains connecting Madrid to destinations in the south of Spain.

• Reservations are required.

Euromed (EUR)

• High-speed, air-conditioned trains running along the Mediterranean coastline of north-eastern Spain.

• Connects key cities in the Levante region: Barcelona to Valencia in just over 3 hours then onwards to Alicante.

• Reservations are required.

International high-speed trains in Spain

Renfe SNCF Cooperation (RSC)

• Trains co-run by the Spanish and French railways.

• Routes include Barcelona to Paris and Madrid to Marseille.

• Reservations are required.

Celta (IC)

• Intercity trains that link Spanish train station Vigo Guixar with Porto in Portugal.

• Reservations are required.

Domestic night trains

Trenhotel domestic (HOT)

• Connects major cities within Spain.

• Operates on several routes including:

  • Barcelona to Granada

  • A Coruña to Madrid

• You need to reserve a seat or bed in advance.

International night trains

Lusitania (HOT)

• Connects Madrid with Lisbon (Portugal).

• You need to reserve sleeping accommodation. To ensure you get a place, it's best to do so 2 or 3 months in advance.

Sud Expresso (HOT)

• International night train connecting Irún and San Sebastian to Lisbon in Portugal.

• Reservations are obligatory. Make you reserve as early as possible to avoid missing out.

InterCités de Nuit (NT)

• International night trains connecting Spain to France.

• Operate on the following routes:

  • Port-bou to Paris (France)

• You need to reserve sleeping accommodation prior to taking this train. Places are limited, especially during peak season from May to September, so it's worth making your reservation as soon as possible 

Ferry travel in Spain

Discounted ferry travel is an extra benefit of Eurail passes that are valid in Spain.

Get discounted ferry travel between Spain and:

• Italy

• Morocco

Bus travel in Spain

Eurail pass holders can also travel for free (pay only a reservation) on these international bus routes:

• Canfranc - Oloron (France)

• Valencia S. Joaquin sorolla – Valencia Nord station

See all pass benefits for Spain

Quick facts

• Capital: Madrid

• Population: 47.2 million

• Language: Spanish

• Currency: Euro (EUR)

• Dialing code: +34

Spanish hub stations

Spain's main hub stations are Madrid Puerta de Atocha, Barcelona Sants, Irun and Portbou. At these train stations, it's possible to connect to trains to Spain's main cities and many international destinations.

Station facilities

Stations in Spain usually have excellent facilities, often including:

• Luggage lockers

• Foreign exchange desks

• Restaurants and cafés

• Tourist information offices

• ATM cash machines

• Elevators and escalators

• Access for disabled passengers

Spelling of city names

On Spanish train timetables and at train stations in Spain, you'll usually find the local spelling of Spanish cities and stations.

Here is the local spelling of some popular Spanish cities:

• Alicante = Alacant

• Seville = Sevilla