Spanish trains run on schedule well over 90% of the time, while flights are only on schedule around 65%.
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Spain trains: Media Distancia routesThe Media Distancia (regional trains) and Avant trains cover the whole country and are solely operated by Renfe. These trains are also very modern and quite punctual but they are not as fast as the long distance ones.
RENFE punctuallity rate is higher than 99%. As Holakjs said, high speed trains include a compromise of punctuallity that consist of a 50% refund if the train arrives 15 min late and 100% refund if it arrives 30 min late or more.
Arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before your train departs. This is because there is a security check, with a scanner for your bags and a ticket check, before you can enter the platform. Give yourself time to get to and from the train station.
Spanish trains don't operate on a normal booking horizon, although most trains open around 60 days in advance. This is when you'll find the cheapest tickets. We always recommend booking as far in advance as possible to get the cheapest Spanish train tickets.
With close to 4000 kilometres of track, the Spanish high-speed AVE trains operate on the longest high-speed network in Europe. Running at speeds of up to 310 km/h, this extensive network allows for fast connections between cities in Spain. Travel from Madrid to Barcelona in less than 3 hours!
On board services: Eating and drinking are permitted on all trains. Most long distance trains offer dining cars. If your train does not have a dining car, it likely offers a buffet bar car.
If you're delayed and arrive at your destination more than half an hour late, you'll usually be able to get some money back. Some train companies will also give you compensation if your train is more than 15 minutes late. You need to keep your train tickets to get a refund.
You will also have the right to accommodation if the wait lasts until the next day. In delays between 60 and 119 minutes, you will be entitled to a minimum compensation of 25% of the ticket price. If the delay is greater than 120 minutes, you will be entitled to at least 50% of the price.
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.
“Competition between state-owned train company Trenitalia and privately owned Italo on the main high-speed line has driven up quality and passenger numbers, but pushed down prices by between 20 and 25 per cent,” he explains. “It's to the benefit of everyone except domestic airlines.”
Train routes between major cities and popular day trip destinations often sell out (e.g. between Madrid and Toledo) so I highly recommend using Omio or Trainline to book these tickets at least 24 hours in advance.
Remember that you will get the best deal if you buy your ticket in advance. The Prémium Ticket option is not available for AVE International high-speed trains between Spain and France, but you can choose one of the other options (Básico, Elige Estándar and Elige Confort).
The earlier you book your tickets, the more likely you are to get the lowest fare available for the dates you want on the routes along your journey. You may book your travel up to 11 months in advance.
(2) Madrid Atocha in effect three stations in one building: the main terminal, known as Puerta De Atocha, which is the part of the station used by the high speed trains. the Cercanias station used by the local trains (the Cercanias trains), the Media-Distancia trains; AND the non-high speed long distance trains.