Travelling on an Avant train
At a glance
- High speed train
- Regional train
- Spain
Overview
The Spanish national rail provider Renfe’s Avant trains provide comfortable high-speed services on short and medium-distance routes in Spain, with limited stops en route. Avant trains operate on the same lines as high-speed AVE trains, but Avant routes cover much shorter distances.
Avant trains are reliable, fast and have a very contemporary feel. These trains feature on 12 high-speed routes across Spain, normally on journeys that are less than 2 hrs long. Madrid, Barcelona and Córdoba are the main hubs, but Avant trains also serve main cities in Galicia, like Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña and Vigo.
Avant trains can get quite busy, especially on routes like Toledo to Madrid which, as well as being two superb cities to visit, are also commuter routes.
Practical information
© Renfe
Before you board
Tickets and reservations will often be checked on the platform before boarding the train.
Onboard
Most Avant services have vending machines selling hot and cold drinks, sweets and light snacks.
Some of the Avant trains which are branded as AV City services have a café or buffet car that offers hot and cold drinks, beer and wine during your journey.
Booking and printing options
Avant tickets are open for bookings 60 days in advance.
Seat reservations are compulsory on Avant trains and are included in the price of the tickets.
Get the lowest prices on Avant by booking early and don’t wait until the last minute as cheaper seats sell out quickly.
Opt for off-peak Avant trains when you have to travel at short notice. Off-peak Avant trains are more affordable than ones that run mornings and evenings, Fridays and Sundays or during popular holidays.
Classes of service
Avant trains one provide one class of service, Standard Class.
Avant Standard Class (Turista)
Standard Class (called Turista) seating on Avant trains is a cut above Second Class norms. Expect air conditioned comfort, bright and airy decor with most seats arranged in airline-style pairs rather than around tables. It is a high-quality service.
Featured journeys
- Madrid to Seville from $27.46
- Madrid to Córdoba from $71.41
- Madrid to Málaga from $29.52
- Barcelona to Seville from $22.66
- Barcelona to Málaga from $42.57
- Madrid to Toledo from $17.16
- Barcelona to Toledo from $81.02
- London to Málaga from $235.50
- Barcelona to Tarragona from $6.87
- London to Tarragona from $171.65
