Travelling on an Altaria train
At a glance
- High speed train
- Regional train
- Spain
Overview
Renfe-operated Altaria trains provide long-distance rail services in Spain. Altaria trains are articulated, meaning they have shorter carriages than most trains. They are very flexible and can run on both high-speed and traditional lines.
Altaria trains now frequent far fewer routes than just a few years ago. However, they still serve a number of routes running south from Madrid to reach magnificent cities well beyond Spain’s high-speed network such as Cartagena, Murcia, Ronda and Algeciras.
The two direct Altaria high-speed trains to Ronda leave Madrid Atocha station in the morning and the afternoon. The first half of the journey is fast until the train leaves the dedicated high-speed line at Antequera-Santa Ana for its final run to Ronda. Trains stop three or four times on the way, including in Córdoba.
Practical information
Before you board
Tickets and reservations will often be checked on the platform before boarding the train.
Onboard
Altaria trains are air conditioned and spacious. Luggage can be stored both overhead and in racks at the end of each carriage. Altaria trains have a buffet car open to all passengers, offering hot and cold drinks, beer and wine. At lunch and dinner time, hot meals are available.
Booking and printing options
Classes of service
Altaria trains provide two classes of service: Standard Class and First Class.
Altaria First Class
Upgrading to First Class (called Preferente) on Altaria trains means that you gain access to free onboard newspapers. With a 'Flexible' or ‘Promo+’ ticket, you are additionally entitled to use Renfe club lounges at major stations. Seating in First Class is very spacious with three seats across the central aisle rather than four.
Altaria Second Class
In Standard Class (called Turista), seating is arranged in pairs across a central aisle. The open-plan carriages are airy and offer good legroom and footrests at every seat. Most seats face in the direction of travel. Enjoy the onboard audio facilities at your seat.
Featured journeys
- Madrid to Córdoba from $70.62
- Madrid to Granada from $44.82
- Barcelona to Granada from $42.10
- Madrid to Ronda from $24.45