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.

Map with example route in Spain

Example train route in Spain

Visit Spain's most popular cities on a single trip with Eurail. You can follow the suggested route below using a Eurail Spain Pass - 8 days within 2 months, starting from € 301.

1. Barcelona

Barcelona is Spain’s most cosmopolitan city offering surrealist architecture from Gaudí and entertainment galore.

2. Valencia

Valencia offers a charming old town, pleasant beaches and of course, the best paella Spain has to offer.

3. Granada

Granada is spellbinding thanks to the allure of the Alhambra set before the mountainous backdrop of the Sierra Nevada.

4. Seville

Seville – wander the winding cobbled streets of the Andalusian capital and include visits to Seville Cathedral and the Alcázar.

5. Madrid

Madrid has plenty to offer – get lost at the Rastro flea market, explore the Prado Museum and soak up the lively atmosphere of Chueca.

6. Toledo

Toledo is a stone’s throw from the capital and offers a rich history with churches, synagogues and mosques stood side by side.

7. Salamanca

Salamanca is buzzing with a student atmosphere and dressed up in beautiful traditional architecture.

8. Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela – is filled with Medieval charm and is the finishing point for pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago.

9. San Sebastian

San Sebastian proudly boasts some of Spain’s most beautiful beaches – ideal for sunbathers and surfers alike.

Sagrada Familia, Barcelona

Bustling brightness in Barcelona

Known for its modern, forward-thinking style, Barcelona is one of the most progressive cities in Spain. The capital of Catalonia offers music, museums, sun and shopping. A popular attraction is Sagrada Familia, a temple designed by Antoni Gaudi. Its construction began in 1882, and is still underway. Gaudi’s influence is unmissable in Barcelona – from Park Guell to Casa Batlló, one of the most unique residences in Spain.

Plaza de España, in Seville, Spain

Centuries of style in Seville

Seville (Sevilla) captures the sexy Spanish lifestyle, but business and finance are also part of the mix. Tour the city on foot, by bus or by bike. Parque de María Luisa and Plaza de España give a taste of Seville’s nature. The Sevilla Cathedral gives a feel of the Muslim and Christian influence. A steamy nightlife, flamenco dancing and delicious tapas, completes the adventure.

Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao

Quaint and peaceful Spain in Bilbao & Pamplona

Want to see some of the smaller, more quaint Spanish towns? The coastal city of Bilbao offers the famous Guggenheim Museum, designed by architect Frank Gehry and recognized as a work of architectural genius. Further south, Pamplona may be known for the Running of the Bulls (July 6-14), but for the rest of the year, this little town is a fabulous place to explore, eat, and enjoy a dazzling nightlife.

Mercado Central, Valencia, Spain

Sizzling sun in Valencia

Bask in the sunlight along the Costa Blanca (the White Coast) before heading into town for some memorable sightseeing. Once in town, don’t miss the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, which contains an oceanic aquarium, scientific museum, IMAX theater, covered gardens & more. Want to do a bit of shopping? The more than 1,000 stalls at the Mercado Central offers a host of colors, scents and flavors for the modern shopaholic.

Madrid

Voluntary insomnia in Madrid

Madrid has so much to offer, you shouldn’t be surprised if you forget to sleep. Spend your days in the Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace (Palacio Real), the Royal Botanical Gardens (Real Jardin Botanica) or one of the 73 museums. Feast on tapas in the evening, and dance the night away in one of the countless nightclubs that make this city famous. All the while, you’ll be surrounded by some of the most fascinating architecture in the world.

With a Eurail Pass, Spain is so easy to explore by train. Whether you like the look of the sunny beaches of San Sebastian or the Costa Brava, or the lively city life in Barcelona and Madrid, map out your perfect route and take in everything in between with just one rail pass. 

Woman on deck of a ferry, Spain

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

People sitting on a terrace at Atocha Railway Station in Madrid, 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

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 train timetable to check times for trains in Spain.

Regional and intercity trains in Spain

The main rail network in Spain is made up of the following regional and intercity trains:

• Media Distancia trains link regional destinations with larger cities. The network connects with long distance high-speed trains and the trains make frequent stops. 

• FEVE trains operate in the north of Spain, connecting cities like Bilbao, Gijón, León and Santander.

• Cercanías (suburban trains) is a network of trains that operates in and around the larger Spanish cities including Barcelona and Valencia.

High-speed trains in Spain

International high-speed trains in Spain

These high-speed trains operate to and from Spain:

• Renfe-SNCF en Cooperación high-speed trains connect Madrid and Barcelona with Paris (France). 

• Internacional trains connect Vigo with Porto (Portugal).

Domestic high-speed trains in Spain

Spain's extensive high-speed train network is operated by modern trains that offer you high quality service during your Eurail trip.

These high-speed trains operate within Spain:

• Avant trains operate on short-distance routes. 

• AVE trains reach speeds of up to 300 km/h (186 mph) and take you from Madrid to Barcelona in less than 3 hours.

• Altaria trains link Madrid with cities in the south of Spain.

• Alvia and Arco trains operate between Madrid and Spain's nothern cities like Bilbao and San Sebastian.

• Euromed trains operate on the route Barcelona – Valencia – Alicante.

Night trains in Spain

International night trains in Spain

The following night trains connect Spain with France, Luxembourg, Portugal and Switzerland:

• InterCités 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)

• Trenhotel:
  Madrid – Lisbon (Portugal)
  Irún – Lisbon (Portugal)

Domestic night trains in Spain

• Trenhotel trains link the north of Spain with Barcelona and capital city Madrid:
  A Coruna – Barcelona 
  A Coruna – Madrid