Billets de train Renfe

Overview

Renfe (pronounced “Ren-Fay”) is Spain national state-owned train company, responsible for running passenger and freight traffic across the country’s railway network. First established in 1941 after the Spanish Civil War, it has been trading under the official name of Renfe-Operadora since 2005.

As Spain’s primary train operator, Renfe plays a vital role in the country’s transportation network, offering a wide range of train services, including high-speed, regional and suburban commuter trains. In addition to connecting Spain’s major cities and promoting regional development, Renfe also provides efficient and sustainable transport options that are championing zero-emission travel.

Country coverage

Renfe operates an extensive rail network throughout Spain, connecting major cities and regions. Its train routes cover over 9,000 miles (15,000 kilometres) of railway throughout the country. This includes 3,966 km of high-speed rail network lines, making it the second longest in the world after China’s.

In 1992, the first high-speed line opened, connecting Madrid, Córdoba, and Seville. The network has since expanded significantly, and today, Renfe’s major hubs are in Madrid and Barcelona. Overall, Renfe’s network covers 875 stations, including Málaga, Seville, Alicante, Zaragoza, Valladolid, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, and many more points in between.

Ongoing work is being done on the Madrid–Galicia high-speed rail line, which will eventually connect Madrid and Galicia via Olmedo, Zamora, and Santiago de Compostela at speeds of up to 350 km/h.

In addition to its extensive Spanish coverage, Renfe trains also serve international routes to destinations in Portugal and France. Services between Spain and France are operated by France–Spain TGV INOUI by SNCF and AVE by Renfe. These routes include Paris to Barcelona, Marseille to Girona, Marseille to Madrid, Barcelona to Lyon, and the Celta train between Portugal and Spain (Porto–Vigo).

The vast Renfe fleet

Renfe trains range from regional services to rural lines, commuter links, and modern high-speed trains. Media Distancia (mid-distance) trains link regional destinations with high-speed train routes, while Cercanías (suburban trains) operate in and around Spain’s large cities like Barcelona and Valencia.

The main trains operated by Renfe are:

AVE (Alta Velocidad Española)

AVE (Alta Velocidad Española) refers to Renfe's high-speed trains, most often used for long-distance routes. Noted for its punctuality and short travel times, AVE trains travel at speeds up to 310 km/h. With reclining seats, buffet carts and family areas, Renfe AVE services aren’t just one of the fastest ways to get around Spain, they’re one of the most comfortable too.

Alvia

Reaching maximum speeds of up to 250km/h, Alvia trains are Renfe’s high-speed, long-distance routes connecting major cities in Spain, including Madrid, Barcelona, Alicante, Valencia, Bilbao, Cádiz and Zaragoza. While not as fast as AVE trains, Renfe Alvia services switch between high-speed rail lines and the slower, “classic” railway lines. This allows them to connect smaller, regional stations with Spain’s larger cities on the country’s high-speed rail arteries, resulting in shorter overall journey times for passengers.

Avant

Renfe Avant trains operate on short and medium-distance journeys in Spain with limited stops en route. Avant trains reach a maximum speed of 250 km/h and share the same lines as high-speed AVE trains, though covering much shorter distances. Because most of the Avant train journeys are less than two hours, these trains are Second Class only.

The main hubs for Avant trains are Madrid, Barcelona and Córdoba, but they also serve Seville, Málaga and major cities in the Galicia region like Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña and Vigo.

Euromed

Renfe’s Euromed trains travel along the eastern coast of Spain from Barcelona to Alicante, connecting Spanish cities like Tarragona, Castellón de la Plana and Valencia. Speeding along at 200km/h, you’ll be treated to stunning Mediterranean Sea views, especially on the route from Barcelona to Valencia.

Intercity (IC)

Renfe Intercity trains usually run on long-distance routes at speeds of 160 to 250 km/h, stopping at numerous stations between their point of departure and final destination. Just like Alvia services, Intercity trains are designed with gauge-changing technology allowing them to travel on both standard and high-speed rails.

Popular routes and destinations

Renfe’s frequent services on hundreds of popular train routes throughout Spain provide endless opportunities for exploration. Here are some of the Renfe’s most popular routes:

Madrid to Barcelona

The Renfe Madrid to Barcelona line is by far the most popular route, connecting Spain’s two largest cities via Zaragoza, Lleida Pirineus (the gateway to the Pyrenees Mountains) and Tarragona. With over 25 daily departures by way of Renfe’s high-speed AVE trains, you can easily travel from the capital to the coast in anywhere from 2 hrs 45 mins to 3 hrs 15 mins, depending on the number of stops.

Taking in two of Spain’s most exciting and celebrated cities, it’s easy to see why the Renfe Madrid to Barcelona service is so popular. In Madrid, cultural behemoths like the Prado and the Reina Sofia invite you to spend hours in the presence of masterpieces, while picturesque spots like El Retiro Park and Plaza Mayor welcome endless scenic walks. Speaking of scenery, nothing beats a sun-kissed stroll along Barcelona’s Barceloneta Beach or a day spent caminando around the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter and El Born neighbourhoods.

Madrid to Seville

Another popular route serviced by Renfe is the one between Madrid (Atocha Station) and Seville. This route whisks passengers from the capital to Andalusia, Spain’s southernmost region. AVE, Altaria, and Alvia trains all serve this route, which takes roughly 2 hrs 30 mins.

From the smell of jasmine perfuming its squares to the sound of flamenco emanating from its bars, Seville is an intoxicating city that offers a feast for the senses. Aside from marvelling at the Real Alcázar de Sevilla’s Moorish architecture and admiring the city’s majestic 15th-century cathedral, Seville is also a great jumping-off point for exploring Andalusia’s ‘Pueblos Blancos,’ stunning whitewashed towns in the provinces of Málaga and Cádiz.

Madrid to Málaga

The Madrid (Atocha Station) to Málaga line via Córdoba takes travellers from Spain’s bustling capital to the capital of the Costa del Sol in approximately 2.5 to 3 hrs, depending on the chosen train. Once you’ve arrived in Málaga, expect to be charmed by the city’s historic centre, sunny beaches, vibrant nightlife and excellent art scene – this is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso after all.

Madrid to Valencia

This route connects the capital with Spain’s third-largest city, Valencia, in 1 hr 30 mins to 2 hrs, depending on whether you travel by AVE or Alvia train.

In Valencia, ogle the city’s otherworldly architecture and spend sunny afternoons basking on its stretch of beach. Valencia is also the birthplace of paella, so don’t miss tucking into umbrella-sized pans of this iconic rice dish, traditionally made with rabbit, chicken, white beans, and, sometimes, snails.

Barcelona to Málaga

Going all the way from Spain's northeast to its south, this train lets travellers take in Barcelona’s Gaudí masterpieces and Málaga's beautiful Costa del Sol beaches in one easy, direct trip. Being a longer journey of 5 hrs 30 mins by high-speed AVE train, there are only a few trains between Barcelona and Málaga per day.

Top Stations

Madrid Atocha

Madrid Atocha (officially Madrid Puerta de Atocha) is Spain’s busiest station and one of the busiest train stations in Europe. Located just a few minutes away from Madrid’s vibrant centre, Atocha station sees more than 18 million passengers travel through it annually. With its 19th-century steel and glass architecture as well as its tropical garden, there’s a reason Madrid Atocha is a sightseeing attraction in and of itself.

Barcelona Sants

Barcelona Sants is the country’s second busiest station, connecting the Catalonian capital to the rest of Spain and parts of France. Constructed in the 1970s, the station sits in the Sants-Montjuic neighbourhood and has 14 platforms located beneath street level, including six for high-speed trains.

Sevilla Santa Justa

Seville Santa Justa train station is Spain’s third busiest train station, welcoming over 8 million travellers annually. The modern station has 12 platforms, seven of which are dedicated to high-speed train services including AVE services to Córdoba, Madrid and Barcelona.

Paris Gare de Lyon

Gare de Lyon is the main station for Renfe's high-speed AVE trains in Paris. Located in the Quinze-Vingts neighbourhood in Paris’ 12th arrondissement, it sits across the Seine River from Gare d’Austerlitz and serves over 700 trains daily.

Arrive early before your departure to enjoy a bite to eat at the famous Le Train Bleu restaurant inside the station. Originally built in 1900, its ornate dining rooms have welcomed everyone from Coco Chanel to Brigitte Bardot and Agatha Christie.

Ticket types and pricing

Classes of service

There are two classes of service on Renfe high-speed trains – Estandár (Standard Class) and Confort (First Class). Most high-speed trains have onboard wifi (though not always free), air-conditioned carriages with spacious seats and a restaurant carriage.

Estandár (Standard Class)

Though cost-effective, Standard Class is very comfortable. Seats are arranged in a 2+2 formation. You’ll find luggage storage racks at either end of the carriage.

Confort (First Class)

First Class carriages are more spacious with leather seats that offer additional legroom, arranged in a 2+1 formation. Plug sockets are available in First Class on all high-speed AVE trains. First Class passengers on longer journeys also receive a complimentary meal at their seat.

Ticket types

Renfe trains offer three different ticket types, priced according to the ticket’s flexibility and the amenities you’ll receive onboard. Here are the three options:

Básico (Basic) ticket

This is the cheapest ticket option. Travellers choosing a Básico ticket can look forward to all the standard Renfe benefits, including plenty of legroom, wifi access, luggage storage and power sockets. Básico tickets cannot be exchanged or cancelled for a refund.

Elige ticket

‘Elige’ means ‘choose,’ and that’s exactly what travellers get to do with these customisable tickets. This fare offers more optional extras and greater flexibility for cancellations and exchanges. You can purchase an Elige ticket for either Estandár Class (Standard Class) or Confort Class (First Class). Seat selection can be added for an extra €5.

Prémium ticket

Exclusive to Confort (First Class) seating, the Prémium fare is the most expensive but offers the most flexibility. Changing to a different service is free of charge and if you miss your train, there’s no fee to catch the next service. You also get free seat selection and access to the Club Lounge at your departure station two hours before your train leaves.

Note that the Prémium ticket option is not available on AVE International high-speed trains between Spain and France.

Travelling with a Eurail or Interrail Pass

If you’re exploring Spain with a Eurail or Interrail Pass, you can absolutely ride Renfe trains, but you’ll still need to reserve your seat in advance. Most high-speed and long-distance Renfe trains require passholders to pay a seat reservation fee, which varies depending on the train type and class of service. Seat availability for passholders may be limited on popular routes, especially in peak travel seasons, so it’s best to book early.

How to buy cheap Renfe tickets

Generally, high-speed long-distance train tickets are the most expensive fares. However, we’re here to give you a few tips and tricks to find the cheapest Renfe train tickets:

Buy your tickets early

Renfe uses a dynamic ticketing system, so fares change constantly. That said, the earlier you book your tickets, the cheaper they’ll be. Básico fares are the most discounted ticket type and become more expensive as the departure date approaches. AVE train tickets can be bought up to 90 days in advance, while Alvia and Avant trains are available for purchase 62 days before travel.

The best way to ensure you don’t miss cheap Renfe fares? Set up a booking alert on our Rail Europe website. As soon as tickets become available, we’ll notify you by email so you can get first access to your desired routes.

Avoid peak travel days and rush hour times

Renfe train tickets are usually cheapest midweek and outside of peak hours. Being flexible with departure and arrival times often results in cheaper fares and emptier, more comfortable trains.

Consider slower trains

If you’re not in a rush, consider choosing a slower train. Trains operating at a lower speed and that make more stops often come with more affordable fares. More scenery at a better price? Count us in.

Compare ticket prices on Rail Europe

With Rail Europe, you can compare all the ticketing options in Spain and across Europe, as well as organise multi-leg journeys using the different train providers that best suit your timings and budget. There’s no need to waste time searching for each individual operator to find the best deal or the most efficient route – we’ve got that covered for you.

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Booking process

Rail Europe allows you to book Renfe tickets quickly and securely while automatically highlighting the cheapest fares and most efficient routes.

To book cheap Renfe tickets with Rail Europe, head to our booking widget and enter your preferred departure and arrival destinations. Add your traveller information. You can also try out other parameters like multi-destination journeys. Click search and select your desired time frame and fare. Choose a ticket delivery method and add your passenger information. Just like that, you’re ready for your Spanish train adventure.

Onboard services

Renfe is known for its high levels of comfort and the quality of its onboard services. In addition to all the trains being modern and air-conditioned, here are some of the other services and facilities you can look forward to with Renfe:

AVE (Alta Velocidad Española)

Renfe AVE trains have two classes of service – Estandár and Confort.

Estandár (Standard)

Estandár Class offers passengers comfortable seats, fold-down tables, plenty of legroom and the option to recline on slightly longer journeys. Wifi is available. AVE trains have a café or buffet car as standard, offering hot and cold snacks and drinks. If you are travelling with small children, there is access to changing facilities and play areas onboard AVE trains.

Confort (First Class)

AVE’s First Class service has all the amenities of the Standard Class, including wifi and fold-down tables, as well as more luxurious touches like leather reclining seats, power sockets and complimentary refreshments throughout the journey. Daily newspapers and headphones for onboard entertainment are provided too. You’ll also have access to Renfe Club lounges at available stations.

Alvia

Renfe Alvia trains have two classes of seats – Estandár and Confort.

Estandár (Standard)

The seats are arranged in a 2+2 configuration with a mixture of normal and table seats. With a Básico ticket in Estandár Class, onboard catering isn’t included. Wifi is available through the PlayRenfe platform but needs to be purchased.

Confort (First Class)

Alvia’s First Class carriages are more spacious and have wider seats. You can travel in the Confort Class with a Prémium or Elige ticket. The catering service is included in your Prémium ticket but for an additional fee, you can also enjoy the onboard catering service with an Elige ticket. Free wifi is available.

Avant

Avant trains only provide a Second Class service, but it’s of a high standard. Expect air conditioning, airline-style seat arrangements and wifi provided via Renfe’s PlayRenfe platform.

Most Renfe Avant train services offer vending machines selling hot and cold drinks, sweets and light snacks.

Euromed

Renfe Euromed trains have two classes of seats – Estandár and Confort. All Euromed services are equipped with air conditioning, power sockets, audio systems and video screens. Wifi is accessible through the PlayRenfe platform.

In Estandár Class, hot and cold drinks and snacks are available to purchase from a catering trolley. In Confort Class, a complimentary hot meal is served, except on Saturdays when complimentary drinks and snacks are available from a catering trolley.

Intercity (IC)

Intercity trains only offer Estandár tickets with assigned seats. All Renfe Intercity trains have a cafe bar but are unlikely to have wifi or power sockets.

Accessibility

Renfe train services come equipped with features that help make them accessible to passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility, including wheelchair ramps and designated seating areas. Renfe trains have reserved spaces for wheelchair users, called "Plazas H” which allow you to stay seated in your wheelchair. These spaces are bookable when purchasing your ticket.

Renfe also offers Adif Acerca assistance services. These include free wheelchair transfers at stations, technical aids and companion travel. The station assistance service can be requested at the Assistance Point anywhere from 72 hrs to 30 mins before your departure time, depending on the station.

Travel tips

Luggage and bicycle policies

The Renfe baggage allowance lets you carry up to three pieces of hand luggage onboard, as long as the sum of the three does not exceed 25 kg or 290 cm. The maximum luggage dimensions allowed are 85x55x35 cm.

Hand luggage refers to suitcases, handbags, rucksacks, laptop bags and similar baggage items. Baby seats and pushchairs should always be folded away.

When it comes to the Renfe bicycle policy, bikes or scooters must be folded or disassembled and carried inside a bag. One bicycle or scooter is allowed per person.

Travel times and punctuality

Renfe trains boast an extensive schedule on most routes, with plenty of departures on over 50 regional rail lines. You can check the train times for any Renfe route by entering your origin station and your destination into our Rail Europe Journey Planner.

Renfe is committed to punctuality, offering up to 100% refunds for delayed services, subject to terms and conditions.

Connections and transfers

Renfe train services offer convenient connections with other forms of transport, particularly for reaching airports and local transit options. For example, the combined Cercanías ticket (Combinado Cercanías) is included free of charge with AVE and long-distance Renfe train tickets. This means you can hop on a regional train to transfer to the station you need to get to next. Or, you can travel onward from your destination station to another place, like your hotel, using these train networks free of charge.

Renfe also offers direct train services to major airports like Aeropuerto de Madrid-Barajas and Barcelona-El Prat, and many Renfe stations are integrated with local metro, bus and tram networks.

Environmental impact

Committed to promoting sustainability and minimising its environmental impact, Renfe prioritises the use of electric trains, which run predominantly on renewable energy sources, significantly lowering their carbon footprint. In fact, Renfe is the top consumer of renewable energy in Spain.

The company is actively investing in infrastructure upgrades to enhance energy efficiency and reduce waste, with an overall goal to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050.

FAQs

How early do I need to arrive for a Renfe train?

Deciding when to arrive for your train is largely down to personal preference but it doesn’t hurt to allow at least 20 minutes before departure. If you’re travelling on an AVE service, you’ll need to go through security checks before reaching the platform at major stations so it’s a good idea to factor this into your travel plans.

How fast do Renfe trains go?

The specific speeds of Renfe trains can vary based on the route, terrain, and type of train. However, Renfe’s high-speed trains are among the fastest in Europe with AVE services reaching top speeds of 310 km/h.

How do I collect my Renfe ticket?

Once you’ve placed your order on the Rail Europe website, Renfe tickets can be printed out prior to travel by downloading them from the booking confirmation we send you. If you’re unable to print your tickets, you can retrieve them from the self-service kiosks located at the stations. Alternatively, go paper-free by presenting your print-at-home tickets on your mobile device.

Do you need a reservation on Renfe trains?

Yes, all long-distance trains in Spain and even some shorter-distance regional trains require a seat reservation. There are usually seats available even on the day of travel, but trains get full at peak times and around holidays like Christmas and Easter. It’s also worth booking tickets in advance in order to get cheaper fares.

Are Renfe tickets refundable? Can I cancel my Renfe reservation?

Renfe ticket refund and cancellation policies depend on the type of ticket purchased. Flexible tickets are usually fully or partially refundable, while non-flexible tickets tend not to be. Always check the specific terms and conditions of your ticket type.

What are the cheapest Renfe fares?

Básico tickets are the cheapest fare type. These fares are always popular so be sure to book them well in advance to ensure you get an available ticket.

Are pets allowed on Renfe trains?

Yes, you can travel with animals on Renfe train services although the conditions vary according to the type of train and ticket type you’ve purchased. Note that you may need a ticket for your pet!