Some routes are simple, open seating.However, others, such as long-haul trains, have assigned seating. However, you'll usually find there are plenty of open seats you can switch to; just make certain with the conductor that the seat isn't reserved for passengers boarding at a stop further ahead.
In most circumstances, you must purchase a ticket before you board a train. Most trains require reservations and you should not board reserved trains without a reservation. Passengers who do so are not guaranteed a seat and may be instructed to get off the train at the next station stop.
Renfe is Spain's national train operator, and their premier high-speed trains are branded AVE which stands for Alta Velocidad Española (Spanish High-Speed). This is a premium high-speed train service, with the most frequent departures.
The train operator may not have released seat reservations at that time. The train operator will only open seat reservations when the train path has been confirmed by Network Rail. This is usually 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. The train on which you wish to travel is full at the time of booking.
All railway operators in Spain have a dynamic ticketing system, so fares change constantly. Renfe only offers a limited number of tickets with promotional prices. So when these tickets are sold, only the most expensive fares remain. The same applies for the other operators (Avlo, OUIGO and iryo).
You can carry up to 3 pieces of hand luggage onto the train, provided that the sum of the three does not exceed 25 kg or 290 cm. The maximum dimensions allowed are 85x55x35 cm. (height-width-depth).
Trainline is the official reseller of Renfe and Avlo, the brands of Spain's national railway company, OUIGO and iryo as well. So you all have ALL the options in just one place. Trainline sells train tickets for the same price as the Spanish carriers.
There are many reasons to love the Transcantabrico, one of Spain's top train journeys. With its elegant cars and luxurious amenities, the Transcantabrico, a popular tourist train in northern Spain, is like a 5-star hotel on wheels. For many, it's the perfect way to see some of Spain's most beautiful and varied scenery.
Reserving point-to-point tickets in advance (available up to 60 days ahead of travel) is the best way to save money and to guarantee a seat on your preferred train. Furthermore, many areas of Spain aren't well served by its train system — for many trips, buses and even flights may be a better option.
On every AVE or Larga Distancia (long distance high-speed) train trip, you can choose the level of comfort and features you are interested in, by purchasing a Básic (Basic), Elige (Pick & Mix) or Prémium (Premium) ticket and enhancing your experience with extra services.