Spain Rail Guide: AVE High-Speed Travel and Scenic Rail Journeys

The History: From Iberian Isolation to European Leader

Spain’s railway history is a story of overcoming geographical and political isolation.

The Gauge Decision (1848)

Spain’s first railway opened in 1848 between Barcelona and Mataró. But a fateful decision would shape Spanish railways for over 150 years: Spain chose a different track gauge.

While most of Europe adopted “standard gauge” (1,435mm), Spain selected “Iberian gauge” (1,668mm) — wider, to accommodate more powerful locomotives for climbing the Iberian mountains (and, some say, to prevent French invasion by rail).

This decision isolated Spain from the European railway network for generations. Passengers and freight had to change at the French border.

The National Railway (1941-1992)

After the Spanish Civil War, the Franco government nationalized the fragmented private railways, creating RENFE (Red Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Españoles) in 1941.

RENFE operated a vast but aging network. By the 1980s, Spanish railways were slow, outdated, and losing passengers to roads and airlines. Something had to change.

The AVE Revolution (1992-Present)

Everything changed on April 21, 1992, when Spain launched the AVE (Alta Velocidad Española) — its first high-speed train.

The inaugural line connected Madrid to Seville, built for the Expo ’92 World’s Fair. Crucially, it used standard gauge (1,435mm), allowing future connections to France and Europe.

The AVE was a sensation. Journey time dropped from 6 hours to 2.5 hours. Punctuality became a point of pride — Renfe offered refunds for delays over 5 minutes.

Since then, Spain has built aggressively:

• 2003: Madrid-Zaragoza-Lleida (toward Barcelona)
• 2008: Madrid-Barcelona complete (2h 30min)
• 2010: Madrid-Valencia (1h 35min)
• 2013: Barcelona-French border (connecting to Paris)
• 2015: Madrid-León-Asturias extensions
• 2021: Madrid-Galicia (Santiago, A Coruña)
• 2023: Further extensions to Murcia, Extremadura

Today, Spain has over 3,800 km of high-speed track — more than France, Germany, or Japan.

The Competition Era (2021-Present)

In 2021, Spain opened its high-speed network to competition — a first in Europe:

• Ouigo España: SNCF’s budget brand, operating French trains on Spanish tracks
• Iryo: A new Spanish private operator (joint venture with Trenitalia)

The result? A price war. Madrid-Barcelona tickets that once cost €100+ now start at €9. Spanish high-speed rail became the best value in Europe.

The Operators: Who Runs Spanish Trains?

Renfe (The National Railway)

Renfe is Spain’s state-owned railway operator, running everything from high-speed AVE to suburban Cercanías.

Renfe Strengths:

• Widest network coverage
• Only operator on regional and narrow-gauge routes
• Premium service levels on AVE

Renfe Challenges:

• Website notoriously difficult (improving but still frustrating)
• Booking international tickets can be problematic
• Competition has exposed price inefficiencies

Ouigo España (The French Disruptor)

SNCF brought its budget brand to Spain in 2021, operating TGV trains on Spanish high-speed tracks.

Ouigo España Model:

• Rock-bottom prices (from €9)
• No frills service
• Small bag free, larger luggage costs extra
• Online booking only
• No changes/refunds on cheapest tickets

Ouigo Routes:

• Madrid ↔ Barcelona
• Madrid ↔ Valencia
• Madrid ↔ Seville
• Madrid ↔ Málaga
• Madrid ↔ Alicante

Iryo (The Italian-Spanish Challenger)

Iryo launched in 2022 as a premium alternative to Renfe, jointly owned by Trenitalia (Italian railways) and Air Nostrum (Spanish regional airline).

Iryo Positioning:

• Premium service at competitive prices
• Italian Frecciarossa trains (sleek, modern)
• Free Wi-Fi, generous legroom
• Four-class system from budget to business
• Competitive pricing (often between Ouigo and Renfe)

Iryo Routes:

• Madrid ↔ Barcelona
• Madrid ↔ Valencia
• Madrid ↔ Seville ↔ Málaga
• Madrid ↔ Zaragoza

Operator Comparison: The Price War

The three-way competition has transformed Spanish rail pricing:

Winner: Travelers. Prices have dropped 30-50% since competition began.

FEVE / Renfe Narrow-Gauge (Northern Spain)

The narrow-gauge network of northern Spain — now operated by Renfe — deserves special attention.

This network is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. More on this in the scenic routes section.

Train Types: A Complete Guide

Spain has a complex hierarchy of train types. Here is what each one means.

High-Speed Trains

AVE (Alta Velocidad Española)

Spain’s flagship high-speed train — fast, comfortable, and extensive.

AVE Train Types:

Avlo (Low-Cost AVE)

Renfe’s budget high-speed brand — same tracks, fewer frills, lower prices.

Avlo vs. Ouigo:
Both offer budget high-speed travel. Avlo uses Renfe’s trains and serves Renfe stations; Ouigo uses French TGV trains. Prices are similar; comfort is comparable.

Euromed

High-speed trains on the Mediterranean corridor (not full AVE speed).

Long-Distance Conventional Trains

Alvia

Long-distance trains that run on both high-speed and conventional tracks. Dual-gauge capability.

Alvia trains are a Spanish innovation — they can physically change their wheel gauge at special installations, allowing seamless travel between the standard-gauge AVE network and the Iberian-gauge conventional network.

Intercity

Long-distance conventional trains on Iberian gauge.

Talgo

Traditional locomotive-hauled trains using Spanish Talgo technology.

Regional Trains

Media Distancia (MD)

Regional trains connecting cities within the same region or neighboring regions.

Avant

High-speed commuter trains for short distances on AVE lines.

Cercanías

Suburban commuter trains serving major cities.

Major Cercanías networks:

• Madrid: Extensive network covering the metropolitan area
• Barcelona (Rodalies): Urban network plus airport connection
• Valencia: City and surrounding area
• Seville, Málaga, Bilbao: Smaller networks

Narrow-Gauge Trains (FEVE/Renfe)

FEVE Regional Trains

The narrow-gauge network of northern Spain.

More details in the scenic routes section.

The High-Speed Network: AVE Lines

Spain’s alta velocidad network is the largest in Europe.

The AVE Map

Spain’s high-speed lines radiate from Madrid like a star:

Journey Times from Madrid

Journey Times from Barcelona

Future Expansion

The Price: What Spanish Trains Cost

Spanish train pricing has been revolutionized by competition. Here is the current landscape.

High-Speed Pricing (2024)

The three operators offer dramatically different pricing:

Madrid → Barcelona (2h 30min)

Madrid → Seville (2h 20min)

Madrid → Valencia (1h 35min)

Conventional Long-Distance Pricing

Routes without competition remain more expensive:

Regional Train Pricing

Media Distancia and Cercanías offer fixed, affordable prices:

How to Get the Best Prices

1. Compare All Three Operators: For Madrid-Barcelona/Seville/Valencia/Málaga, always check Renfe, Ouigo, AND Iryo.
2. Book Early: The cheapest fares (€7-15) appear 30-60 days before travel and sell out quickly.
3. Be Flexible: Tuesday-Thursday travel is cheapest; Friday/Sunday most expensive.
4. Consider Avlo/Ouigo: Same speed as AVE, 50-70% cheaper.
5. Use Iryo for Value+Comfort: Often cheaper than Renfe AVE but much more comfortable than Ouigo/Avlo.
6. Check Round-Trip Deals: Renfe offers “Ida y Vuelta” discounts (10-20% off round trips).
7. Youth/Senior Discounts: Renfe offers Tarjeta Joven (under 26) and Tarjeta Dorada (over 60) cards.

Renfe Discount Cards

Rail Passes: Are They Worth It?

Eurail / Interrail Spain Pass

What’s Included:

• All Renfe trains (AVE, Alvia, Intercity, Media Distancia, Cercanías, FEVE)
• Reservation fees extra (€10 for AVE, €6.50 for other long-distance)

What’s NOT Included:

• Ouigo (requires separate tickets)
• Iryo (requires separate tickets)
• Trenhotel night trains (supplement required)
• Private tourist railways

Is a Rail Pass Worth It in Spain?

Usually NO — and here is why:

The price war has made Spanish trains incredibly cheap. When Madrid-Barcelona costs €9-18 with Ouigo or Avlo, a rail pass is hard to justify.

Example Calculation:

Without pass (booking Ouigo/Avlo/Iryo advance):

• Madrid → Barcelona: €15
• Barcelona → Valencia: €15
• Valencia → Madrid: €12
• Total: €42

With 3-Day Spain Pass:

• Pass: €195
• Reservations: €30 (3 x €10)
• Total: €225

The pass costs 5x more!

When a Pass DOES Make Sense:

• Spontaneous travel (cannot book ahead)
• Peak season when budget trains are sold out
• Heavy use of FEVE narrow-gauge in the north (included, no reservations)
• Combined Spain + other countries (Global Pass)
• Lots of regional train travel

Eurail Global Pass

If visiting Spain as part of a larger European trip:

The Global Pass becomes more attractive when crossing multiple countries where competition has not reduced prices.

Scenic Routes: The Beautiful Journeys

Spain offers dramatic scenic railways — from the high-speed glimpses of Castilian plains to the narrow-gauge wonders of the north.

1. The Transcantábrico: Ferrol → Bilbao (FEVE Narrow-Gauge)

The Route: Along the entire Cantabrian coast — green mountains meet Atlantic waves.

This is Spain’s most spectacular scenic railway. The narrow-gauge line hugs the Cantabrian coast, passing through Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and the Basque Country. The journey can be done on regular FEVE trains (cheap but slow) or the luxury Transcantábrico tourist train (expensive but all-inclusive).

Regular FEVE Option:

• Break the journey over several days
• Stop in Oviedo, Santander, Llanes
• Covered by Eurail/Interrail

Luxury Transcantábrico:

• 8-day cruise-style train journey
• All meals, excursions, and hotels included
• €4,000-8,000 per person
• Book through Renfe’s luxury train division

Pro Tip: The section from Llanes to Santander is particularly spectacular, with dramatic coastal cliffs and the Picos de Europa mountains as a backdrop.

2. The Bilbao → León Line (FEVE)

The Route: From the Basque Country through the Cantabrian Mountains to Castile.

This line climbs from the industrial Basque Country into the wild Cantabrian Mountains, then descends onto the Castilian plateau. It passes through landscapes that feel like the Spanish Pyrenees — rugged, green, and almost untouched.

3. The Seville → Ronda Route (Conventional)

The Route: Into the heart of Andalusia’s white villages and dramatic gorges.

The approach to Ronda — a town dramatically perched above a deep gorge — is one of Spain’s most scenic train rides. Olive groves, cork forests, and distant mountains create a quintessentially Andalusian landscape.

4. The Tren de Sóller (Mallorca)

The Route: From Palma across the Tramuntana Mountains to Sóller.

This century-old wooden train climbs from Palma over the Tramuntana Mountains, passing through 13 tunnels and offering stunning views of the UNESCO-listed mountain range. At Sóller, a vintage tram continues to Port de Sóller on the coast.

Note: Not covered by Eurail/Interrail. Tickets: ~€25-30 round trip.

5. The Madrid → Seville AVE (High-Speed Scenery)

The Route: High-speed through the heart of Castile and Andalusia.

Even at 300 km/h, the Madrid-Seville AVE offers spectacular glimpses of Spain. The train crosses the endless Castilian plateau, then descends through the olive-covered hills of Andalusia. The stop at Córdoba allows a break to visit the Mezquita.

6. The Cercedilla → Los Cotos Mountain Railway (Guadarrama)

The Route: Into the mountains north of Madrid.

This commuter line climbs into the Guadarrama Mountains, reaching 1,888 meters at Los Cotos. Popular with hikers and skiers, it offers easy access to mountain scenery just an hour from Madrid.

7. The Costa Brava Line: Barcelona → Portbou

The Route: Along Catalonia’s coast to the French border.

The regional trains along the Costa Brava offer beautiful coastal scenery, especially north of Blanes. The train passes near Figueres (Dalí Museum) and terminates at Portbou, where the border station sits dramatically above the Mediterranean.

Pro Tip: The most scenic section is between Blanes and the French border.

8. The Cremallera de Montserrat (Rack Railway)

The Route: Up the mountain to Montserrat Monastery.

The Cremallera rack railway climbs from Monistrol de Montserrat up the dramatic mountain to the ancient monastery. The strange serrated rock formations of Montserrat are unlike anywhere else in Spain.

Connection: Regular trains from Barcelona to Monistrol de Montserrat connect with the rack railway.

9. The Galician Coast (Ferrol → A Coruña → Santiago)

The Route: Through Galicia’s Celtic coast.

Galicia feels different from the rest of Spain — greener, wetter, Celtic. The railway along the coast passes through a landscape of fjord-like rías, fishing villages, and eucalyptus forests before arriving in Santiago de Compostela, the pilgrimage city.

10. The Algeciras → Ronda Route

The Route: From the Gibraltar Strait into the Andalusian mountains.

One of Spain’s most underrated scenic routes, climbing from sea level at Algeciras into the rugged Serranía de Ronda mountains. The landscape is wilder and less cultivated than most of Andalusia.

Regional Guide: Spain by Area

Madrid and Castile

The central hub from which Spain’s railway network radiates.

Madrid Tips:

• Atocha and Chamartín are connected by Cercanías (25 minutes) — allow time for transfers
• Atocha has a famous indoor tropical garden
• New Chamartín-Clara station (2024) is consolidating more services

Madrid Highlights:

• AVE to Toledo (30 min) for a day trip
• AVE to Segovia Guiomar (27 min) for the Roman aqueduct
• AVE to Córdoba (1h 45min) for the Mezquita

Barcelona and Catalonia

Spain’s second city and gateway to the Mediterranean and France.

Catalonia Highlights:

• AVE to Paris (6h 30min direct)
• Rodalies to Sitges (30 min) for beach day trip
• Montserrat rack railway for mountain monastery
• Costa Brava regional trains for coastal scenery

Andalusia

The romantic south — Moorish heritage, white villages, and flamenco.

Andalusia Highlights:

• Seville-Córdoba-Granada triangle by train
• Ronda scenic route from Algeciras or Seville
• Costa del Sol connections from Málaga
• AVE speed across the olive-covered hills

Valencia and the Levante

Mediterranean coast from Catalonia to Murcia.

Valencia Highlights:

• Direct AVE from Madrid (1h 35min)
• Coastal Cercanías to beach towns
• Euromed along the Mediterranean to Barcelona

The Basque Country, Navarra, and La Rioja

Green mountains, industrial heritage, and gastronomic culture.

Basque Country Tips:

• High-speed connection to France via Y Vasca is under construction (2027+)
• Currently, Alvia trains use gauge-changing technology
• FEVE narrow-gauge connects Bilbao to Santander (scenic alternative)

Northern Spain (Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria)

Green, Atlantic, and dramatically beautiful.

Northern Spain Highlights:

• New Madrid-Galicia AVE (completed 2021-2022)
• FEVE narrow-gauge along the entire Cantabrian coast
• Picos de Europa accessible from multiple stations

The Islands

Mallorca

Mallorca has two railway networks:

• Modern TIB trains to Inca, Sa Pobla, Manacor
• Historic Tren de Sóller to Sóller (must-do scenic route)

Other Islands

Menorca, Ibiza, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and other islands have no railway networks. Use buses, taxis, or rental cars.

International Connections

Spain connects to France by high-speed rail and to Portugal by conventional trains.

France (High-Speed)

France Tips:

• Through TGV/AVE trains — no change at border
• Book via Renfe or SNCF websites
• Eurail/Interrail valid with reservation (passholder quota may be limited)

Portugal (Limited)

Portugal Reality Check:

• Train connections between Spain and Portugal are poor
• Night train (Trenhotel Lusitania) has been suspended since 2020
• Buses are often faster and more frequent
• Vigo-Porto is the best railway option (change at border)
• Future high-speed Madrid-Lisbon line planned but years away

Andorra

No railway to Andorra. The closest stations are:

• L’Hospitalet-près-l’Andorre (France) — 25 km from Andorra
• Latour-de-Carol (France) — 40 km
• Puigcerdà (Spain) — 60 km

Bus connections from Toulouse or Barcelona are more practical.

Gibraltar

No railway. Nearest station: Algeciras (bus/taxi to border).

Night Trains

Spain’s overnight train network has contracted significantly, but some services remain.

Current Night Train Routes

Night Train Tips

• Trenhotel services have been reduced and schedules change frequently
• Check Renfe website for current availability
• Quality of sleeper cars varies — some are quite old
• Book Gran Clase for private cabin with bathroom

European Night Train Connections

From France, you can connect to Spanish cities via:

• Daytime TGV/AVE from Paris
• Future night train plans (Paris-Barcelona has been discussed)

Practical Tips for Spanish Train Travel

Buying Tickets

Online (Recommended):

The Renfe Website Problem:

• Renfe’s website has a reputation for being difficult
• Payment often fails with non-Spanish cards
• The mobile app sometimes works better
• Third-party sites (Trainline, Omio) are more reliable but charge fees
• Consider buying at stations if online fails

At the Station:

• Ticket machines (English available)
• Ticket offices (expect queues, especially at Atocha/Sants)
• Ouigo: Online only — cannot buy at stations

Booking Timeline:

• Renfe AVE tickets open 60-90 days in advance
• Ouigo/Iryo may open 4-6 months ahead
• Cheapest fares sell out 2-4 weeks before travel
• Friday/Sunday trains book up fastest

Station Navigation

Spanish stations are generally well-organized and modern (especially high-speed stations).

Key Vocabulary:

• “Salidas” = Departures
• “Llegadas” = Arrivals
• “Andén” / “Vía” = Platform/Track
• “Taquilla” = Ticket office
• “Consigna” = Left luggage
• “Sala de Espera” = Waiting room

Madrid Stations:

• Puerta de Atocha: Main high-speed station (south Madrid). Famous for its tropical garden.
• Chamartín-Clara: Northern station, being expanded. Some AVE and all northern trains.
• Connected by Cercanías (25 minutes) — allow ample time for transfers.

Barcelona Stations:

• Sants: Main station for AVE, long-distance, and some regional.
• Passeig de Gràcia: Central Barcelona, some AVE stop here.
• França: Historic station, limited services.

Security and Boarding

High-Speed Trains (AVE, Ouigo, Iryo):

• Airport-style security screening before boarding
• Arrive 15-30 minutes before departure
• ID/passport may be checked
• Luggage goes through X-ray

Conventional and Regional Trains:

• No security screening
• Just walk onto the platform

On the Train

Finding Your Seat:

• Coche = Car/Carriage number
• Asiento = Seat number
• Displays show your car position on the platform

Luggage:

• Generous allowances on Renfe AVE (2 bags + hand luggage)
• Ouigo and Avlo have restrictions — check before booking
• Large luggage racks at car ends
• Overhead racks for smaller bags

Food and Drink:

• AVE: Cafeteria car, at-seat service in Preferente/Club
• Avlo/Ouigo: Vending machines or bring your own
• Iryo: Food service in premium classes, bar in all classes
• Regional trains: Usually no catering

Wi-Fi and Power:

• AVE/Iryo: Free Wi-Fi, power at most seats
• Avlo/Ouigo: Wi-Fi available, fewer power outlets
• Regional: Variable — newer trains have Wi-Fi

Delays and Punctuality

Spanish high-speed trains have excellent punctuality:

Renfe Punctuality Guarantee:

• More than 5 minutes late: Partial refund
• More than 15 minutes late: 50% refund
• More than 30 minutes late: 100% refund
• (Applies to AVE only, claim via Renfe website)

Strikes

Spanish railway strikes happen occasionally but are less common than in France or Germany. Check news before travel, especially around labor disputes.

Classes of Service: What to Choose

Renfe AVE Classes

Is Preferente Worth It?

For short trips (under 2 hours): Probably not — Turista is comfortable.
For longer trips (3+ hours): Preferente offers noticeably better space and includes a meal.
For special occasions: Club provides a genuinely premium experience.

Iryo Classes

Iryo’s Inicial class is more comfortable than Ouigo/Avlo, making it a good value choice.

Ouigo and Avlo

Single class only. Functional, clean, but less legroom and no food service. Fine for journeys under 3 hours.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Only Renfe

For Madrid-Barcelona/Seville/Valencia/Málaga, ALWAYS compare Renfe, Ouigo, and Iryo. You could pay €90 on Renfe or €15 on Ouigo for the same journey time.

2. Fighting the Renfe Website

Renfe’s website is notorious. If it refuses your payment:

• Try the Renfe app
• Use Trainline or Omio (small fee but works)
• Buy at the station (arrive early)

3. Missing Platform Security

AVE, Ouigo, and Iryo require security screening. Allow 15-30 minutes before departure.

4. Assuming Eurail Covers Everything

Eurail/Interrail covers Renfe but NOT Ouigo or Iryo. On competitive routes, separate tickets are often cheaper anyway.

5. Ignoring the Narrow-Gauge North

The FEVE network in northern Spain is one of Europe’s best scenic railways — and covered by Eurail/Interrail at no extra cost.

6. Not Checking Luggage Limits on Budget Trains

Ouigo and Avlo have strict luggage policies. A large suitcase can cost €5-15 extra. Check before booking.

7. Booking Last-Minute

Spanish high-speed tickets follow airline pricing. The cheapest fares (€7-15) sell out weeks ahead. Last-minute can cost 5-10x more.

8. Confusing Madrid’s Stations

Madrid has two main stations (Atocha and Chamartín). Check which one your train uses, and allow time to transfer if connecting.

9. Expecting Good Portugal Connections

Train travel between Spain and Portugal is difficult. The night train is suspended, and day trains are slow and infrequent. Consider buses or flights for Spain-Portugal travel.

10. Skipping Córdoba

The Madrid-Seville AVE stops at Córdoba (1h 45min from Madrid). The Mezquita is one of Spain’s greatest monuments, and the stop adds minimal time. Build it into your journey.

Traveling with Bikes

Spain allows bicycles on most trains, but rules vary.

Bike Policies

Bike Travel Tips

• AVE is restrictive — only folding bikes or bikes in bags/boxes
• Regional trains are more accommodating
• FEVE narrow-gauge is very bike-friendly
• Check Renfe website for “Bici” options when booking

Special Trains: Luxury and Tourist Services

Spain operates several luxury tourist trains.

El Transcantábrico

The Transcantábrico is one of Europe’s great luxury trains. It follows the narrow-gauge FEVE route along the Cantabrian coast, with passengers staying aboard in vintage sleeper cars or at hotels along the way.

El Expreso de La Robla

A shorter luxury journey through the Cantabrian Mountains.

Tren de la Fresa (Strawberry Train)

A charming vintage steam train from Madrid to the royal palace at Aranjuez, with hostesses in period costume serving strawberries and cream.

Tren de Cervantes

A theatrical train journey to Cervantes’ birthplace, with actors performing scenes from Don Quixote.

The Two Gauges: Why It Matters

Spain’s railway gauge history affects travelers even today.

The Gauge Problem

When Spain built the AVE, it chose standard gauge to connect with France. This created a dual-gauge network:

• AVE trains run on standard gauge (new high-speed lines)
• Conventional trains run on Iberian gauge (older network)

Gauge-Changing Trains

Alvia and Avant trains can change their wheel gauge automatically at special installations, allowing them to:

• Start on the high-speed network (standard gauge)
• Switch to conventional tracks (Iberian gauge)
• Reach destinations not on the AVE network

This technology is a Spanish innovation and enables cities like Bilbao, Santander, and A Coruña (before the new AVE) to benefit from partial high-speed travel.

What It Means for Travelers

Usually nothing — the system works seamlessly. But it explains:

• Why Alvia trains are slower than AVE (they use some conventional tracks)
• Why the French border required a change before 2013 (different gauges)
• Why some cities have both high-speed and conventional stations

The Best Spanish Train Journeys: A Summary

Summary

Spain built one of the world’s great high-speed rail networks — and then invited competition that made it affordable for everyone.

The AVE is an engineering and commercial triumph. Madrid to Barcelona in 2h 30min. Madrid to Seville in 2h 20min. Sleek trains racing at 300 km/h across the Castilian meseta, through olive groves, into the heart of Andalusia.

And then Ouigo arrived with €9 tickets. Iryo followed with Italian Frecciarossa elegance at competitive prices. Renfe responded with Avlo. Suddenly, high-speed Spanish travel costs less than a restaurant meal.

But Spain is not just about speed.

In the green north, narrow-gauge trains wind along cliff edges above the Cantabrian Sea. The FEVE network — slow, creaky, beautiful — offers some of Europe’s finest scenic journeys. In Mallorca, a wooden train from 1912 crosses the Tramuntana Mountains. In Andalusia, regional trains climb through white villages toward Ronda’s dramatic gorge.

The stations are modern and efficient. The punctuality is excellent. The competition keeps prices low.

This is a country that decided trains mattered — and invested accordingly. From the royal courts of Madrid to the beaches of Barcelona, from the pilgrimage city of Santiago to the Moorish monuments of Seville, Spanish trains connect a nation that stretches from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, from the Pyrenees to the Strait of Gibraltar.

And they do it fast, cheap, and (usually) on time.

Ready to explore?

• Book Renfe at renfe.com (or try the app)
• Book Ouigo at ouigo.com/es
• Book Iryo at iryo.eu
• Compare all at trainline.com

Book early for the best prices. Compare all three operators. And let Spain’s trains carry you from the mountains to the sea, from medieval cathedrals to Gaudí’s fantasies, from jamón to paella.

¡Buen viaje!