Overview

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Talgo is the brand name of a train type operated by Renfe, Spain's national railway company. Renfe’s Talgo-branded trains offer comfortable travel on a small number of Spanish routes. Talgo trains are used on rail routes that start, end or pass through Valencia. This includes services from Valencia to Barcelona, Alicante, Lorca, Seville and Murcia.

A key long-distance Talgo train is the Torre del Oro which runs daily from Barcelona to Seville via the Despeñaperros Pass route. Talgo trains are also used for twice-daily services from Madrid to Almería. The cross-border Talgo services between Spain and major French cities have all now been replaced by sleek new high-speed AVE or French TGV trains.

Practical information

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Before you board

Before boarding any high-speed train at a Spanish mainline station, travellers are required to put their luggage through an X-ray security check and undergo a ticket inspection. While this shouldn’t take too long, it is recommended to arrive at the train station with enough time to go through the appropriate checks, especially at busier times of day. The check-point usually closes 2 mins before departure.

Onboard

Luggage can be stored in vertical luggage racks at the end of each Talgo carriage or in overhead racks above your seat.

Most Talgo trains have a buffet car open to all passengers, offering hot and cold drinks, beer and wine during your journey. Hot meals are available at lunch and dinner time.

Booking and printing options

Talgo tickets are open for bookings 60 days in advance.

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

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

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

Classes of service

Talgo trains generally provide two classes of service: Standard Class (Turista) and First Class (Preferente). However, some Talgo trains provide a third class of service, Standard Plus (Turista Plus).

Talgo First Class (Preferente)

Seating in First Class (called Preferente) on Talgo trains is identical to Standard Plus Class. Travellers with a ‘Flexible’ or ‘Semi-Flexible’ ticket are additionally entitled to use Renfe’s club lounges at major stations.

Talgo Standard Plus Class (Turista Plus)

Upgrade to Standard Plus Class (called Turista Plus) on Talgo trains to gain more legroom. Seating is more spacious than in Standard Class, with three reclining seats across the aisle rather than four.

Talgo Standard Class (Turista)

Standard Class (called Turista) on Talgo is comfortable and spacious with large windows and plenty of luggage space. Four seats per row is the norm, with a pair on either side of the central aisle. Some seats are in groups of four around a table.

Featured journeys

• Barcelona to Valencia from $14.35
• Paris to Valencia from $49.89
• Madrid to Almería from $29.39
• Barcelona to Benicassim from $12.30
• Barcelona to Almería from $110.04
• Barcelona to Tarragona from $6.83
• London to Tarragona from $170.87