Espagne en train
Overview
© gatsi
From beaches to bustling cities, flamenco to fiestas, Spain’s diverse landscapes and cultures reflect a country proud of its heritage, history and traditions. And, with breath-taking vistas as varied as the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, as well as a growing rail network, visiting Spain by train is the perfect way to admire the big beautiful picture.
Train stations in Spain are typically well-maintained and conveniently located in the city centres, making it easy to access various modes of transportation, accommodation, and tourist attractions. From high-speed trains connecting major cities to scenic routes through picturesque landscapes, Spain offers a variety of train journeys for travellers to enjoy. When working out how to travel by train in Spain, you will discover that it offers some of the finest rail travel in Europe. The national rail operator is called Renfe and it still has an effective monopoly on long-distance services. There are TGV services from Paris to Barcelona , and Barcelona has direct daytime trains from twelve French cities including Lyon, Toulouse and Carcassonne. Madrid also has direct trains from Marseille, Avignon and Montpellier.
With such good services, it is easy to plan same-day connections from London to Barcelona and beyond. You can book your rail travel to and from Spain on our site and apps, as well as tickets for all of Renfe's national and local services around the country. Rail travellers in Spain benefit from a growing network of dedicated high-speed lines and modern AVE trains. Reservations are required for almost all long-distance services and even for many regional routes, so you'll need to book in advance. Bear in mind that at many stations your luggage will go through a simple security scan, so allow plenty of time.
It is also worth noting that you can get cheap 'Promo' fares that offer up to 70% off train travel within Spain. To find out more about cheap Spanish train tickets, read our help article. While discounts are delightful, free train tickets in Spain are even better. To find out about one of Spanish rail travel’s best kept secrets, read our blog on Combinado Cercanías , a system whereby you are able to add a free commuter ticket onto a long distance train ticket to or within Spain.
Popular journeys
Some of the many scenic train journeys in Spain include:
• Camino de Santiago: While not a single train journey, the Camino de Santiago is a famous pilgrimage route that covers various paths across Spain, leading to Santiago de Compostela in the north-western part of the country. While many pilgrims walk the Camino, there are also train routes connecting major cities along the way, allowing travellers to experience parts of this historic journey by rail.
• Transcantabrico and Al Andalus: These are luxury tourist trains offering scenic journeys through northern and southern Spain, respectively. Transcantabrico runs along the northern coast, passing through beautiful landscapes and historic towns. Al Andalus explores the picturesque regions of Andalusia in the south, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the area.
• Montserrat Rack Railway: Located near Barcelona, this railway takes visitors to the stunning Montserrat Mountain, famous for its unique rock formations and the Montserrat Abbey.
• Costa Verde Express: This scenic train route runs through the Green Coast in northern Spain, connecting Bilbao to destinations like Santander and Gijón. The journey offers beautiful views of the Cantabrian Sea and the lush landscapes of the region.
• Tren de la Fresa: Known as the Strawberry Train, this heritage railway operates between Madrid and Aranjuez during certain seasons. It provides a nostalgic experience, harkening back to the early days of rail travel, and takes passengers to the Royal Palace and gardens of Aranjuez.
Train companies in Spain
Welcome to rail travel, Spanish style. Travel swiftly between major cities or settle in for a cosy long-distance journey. A new generation of operators means more choices than ever before. There’s long-established national network Renfe, high-speed newcomer iryo and low fare competitor OUIGO Spain. Different trains, different styles: choose your own adventure!
Renfe
Renfe is Spain’s national rail operator and the backbone of the network. Its high-speed AVE trains zip between major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville and Málaga, with frequent departures for comfortable rides. There’s a choice of seating and fare types, plus onboard café service on many routes, making it a solid all-round option for getting around Spain by train.
iryo
iryo brings a fresh feel to Spain’s high-speed rail scene. Running on key routes from Madrid to cities like Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Málaga and Alicante, iryo trains spotlight plush comfort and extra flexibility. With several fare levels to choose from, iryo works well whether you’re after good value or a little extra space and ease on board.
OUIGO Spain
OUIGO Spain keeps it simple and affordable. Their low-fare high-speed trains run on popular routes like Madrid to Barcelona, Valencia and Alicante, offering fast journeys at budget-friendly prices. The experience is no-frills by design, with optional add-ons like extra luggage, if you need them. It’s a great pick when price is your top priority.
Airport train stations
Spain's three main airports are in Barcelona, Madrid and Palma de Mallorca, all of which are easily connected by train. Getting from Barcelona and Madrid airports to their respective city centres by train is particularly easy, as both airports have their own train stations, although tickets for these need to be bought locally. There is a bus to the main train station from Palma de Mallorca airport, also purchased locally.
Please note: Currently, we only sell train tickets to and from Jerez airport in southern Spain, as well as tickets from Jerez airport to Jerez city centre. We do not sell train tickets to or from Barcelona, Madrid and Palma de Mallorca airports.
