Overview

© querbeet

Alvia high-speed trains run along Spain’s main long-distance rail routes. Another of Renfe’s trains, the Spanish national rail company, Alvia trains usually consist of three First Class carriages, six Standard Class carriages and a café/buffet coach.

For high-speed Alvia journeys, opt for the purpose-built high-speed lines that fan out from Madrid. You’ll also find Alvia trains on traditional lines with services extending to the very extremities of Spain and right across the country, from Irun on the French border to Cádiz on the south coast.

Practical information

© Renfe

Before you board

Tickets and reservations will often be checked on the platform before boarding your Alvia train.

Onboard

Alvia trains are comfortable and air conditioned. Luggage racks are available overhead and at the end of each carriage.

Most Alvia trains have a buffet car open to all passengers, offering hot and cold drinks, beer and wine during your journey. You can order hot snacks too at lunch and dinner time.

Booking and printing options

Alvia tickets are open for bookings 60 days in advance.

Seat reservations are compulsory on Alvia trains and are included in the price of the tickets.

Get the lowest prices on Alvia by booking early and don’t wait until the last minute as cheaper seats sell out quickly.

Opt for off-peak Alvia trains when you have to travel at short notice. Off-peak Alvia trains are more affordable than ones that run mornings and evenings, Fridays and Sundays or during popular holidays.

Classes of service

Alvia trains provide two classes of service: Standard Class and First Class.

Alvia First Class

In First Class (called Preferente), seating is more spacious than in Standard Class with three seats across the aisle rather than four. Passengers with a ‘Flexible’ or ‘Promo+’ ticket have access to Renfe’s club lounges, located at major stations, and can browse the onboard selection of newspapers and magazines.

Alvia Second Class

Even in Standard Class (called Turista) you have plenty of legroom on Alvia trains. Seating is arranged in pairs across a central aisle. All seats have footrests.

Featured journeys

• Madrid to Seville from $27.27
• Madrid to Valencia from $15.68
• Madrid to Córdoba from $70.90
• Madrid to Alicante from $22.50
• Barcelona to Valencia from $14.32
• Barcelona to Seville from $22.50
• Barcelona to Zaragoza from $17.73
• Bilbao to Madrid from $65.45
• Madrid to Santiago de Compostela from $20.45
• Madrid to Bilbao from $17.73