Buying train tickets online in Spain is a breeze thanks to platforms like Trainline, a trusted partner of major Spanish train operators including Renfe, OUIGO, and iryo.
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Renfe is the primary operator of trains in Spain. It runs the impressive AVE service, which connects Spain's major cities at speeds of up to 310km/h (193 mph). Renfe also runs various other train services in Spain, such as regional trains, the Trenhotel service and suburban Cercanías services.
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.
Avlo, Iryo, Ouigo...Renfe now has a lo-cost brand called Avlo, and competitor operators Iryo & Ouigo now operate on key routes including Barcelona-Madrid, Madrid-Valencia, Madrid-Cordoba/Seville/Malaga. See the Barcelona-Madrid page for a run down of these 3 operators.
In some cases, Trainline's bus and bus/train combo options are worthwhile. In our extensive testing, it's the number one result for the best train fares in Europe.
If you plan on travelling by train on your next getaway, you may find buying a rail pass is more cost-effective than buying individual train tickets. At Trainline, we sell international rail passes for many countries and continents across the globe including Europe, Great Britain and Japan.
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.
The controversy surrounding the size of trains designed for the Asturias and Cantabria tracks that are incompatible with the narrow gauge tunnels has forced the resignation of the president of train operator Renfe, Isaías Táboas, as well as the current Secretary of State for Transport, Isabel Pardo de Vera.
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.
Tarjeta Dorada CardIf you are over 60, make sure you are eligible for a discount on all your train trips for just 6 euros. You can purchase your Tarjeta Dorada, which is named and non-transferable, at station ticket offices or travel agencies. It is valid for one, two or three years.
Since Spain has a number of different climatic conditions, when you go will certainly influence the kind of holiday you have. Typically speaking, Spring (March to May) or Fall (September to November) are considered to be the best times to visit Spain.
Either it is a walking tour or a bus tour, it is appropriate to tip your guide with at least one euro per person, depending on how long the tour was. If it was a bus tour, maybe you'll want to give one euro for the driver and one or two for the guide (it's best to give each their tip, as not always they'll be sharing).
Uber in Spain operates in exactly the same way that it does in every country. Therefore, if you already have the app downloaded and an active account – away you go. However, if you haven't used the platform yet you will need to download the app from your app store (find it for Android here and Apple here).