Spain is well-connected by rail so you can easily get just about anywhere quickly and fairly inexpensively. Luckily for travelers, Spain’s rail network has improved immensely over the past few years and its high-speed AVE trains now connect Spain’s major cities at speeds over 180mph. But, of course, it still has a few quirks. In this Spain Train Guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about traveling Spain by train — from navigating the system to buying train tickets for the cheapest price.
HOW TO BUY SPAIN TRAIN TICKETS
There are a number of ways to buy Spanish train tickets but it’s not always super straightforward. Keep reading and we’ll walk you through the process.
Let’s first take look at where and when to buy tickets for the best price…
WHERE TO BUY SPAIN TRAIN TICKETS
Below are the various ways to buy train tickets for Spain and we’ve tried to call out the common quirks of each method.
Omio: Omio is a search engine that lets you compare and book trains (plus buses & flights) anywhere in Europe. It lets you easily book tickets with your credit card at essentially the same prices as Spain’s Railways website. Additionally, Omio searches routes for multiple rail services across Europe so it’s great for international trips (since it can easily combine rail journeys of multiple countries).
TrainLine: TrainLine is a third-party booking site that connects directly to Spain’s National Rail Network (renfe.com) and it gives you the same prices you’d find there (i.e. they don’t charge extra fees). They also take international credit card payments and lets you pick up your tickets at the train station or print your own tickets. Additionally, TrainLine searches routes for multiple rail services across Europe so it’s great for international trips (since it can easily combine rail journeys of multiple countries).
RailEurope.com: Rail Europe is the official North American distributor of Spanish rail tickets so payments and booking instructions are hassle-free for North Americans. The website is user-friendly and you get the benefit of local English-speaking customer support if you have an issue and you can pay in USD. They also usually offer a print-at-home option or the ability to collect tickets at the station.
Rail Europe doesn’t always find the cheapest tickets so be sure to shop around to make sure you’re getting the best price.
RENFE (Spanish Railways): The National Spanish Railway system is called RENFE and anyone is allowed to buy tickets from renfe.com. Like most national rail sites, renfe.com suffers from weird translation issues and sometimes it won’t accept foreign credit cards. When I tried booking I found that the website was only partially translated into English and it would randomly switch to Spanish. Additionally, it’s confusing when you enter your billing address because it’s in the Spanish format. So, we suggest sticking to the other methods outlined above.
TYPES OF TRAIN TICKETS
There are three main types of ticket fares available — each ticket class is available for both first class (Turista Plus) and second class (Turista) tickets. There is also a Preferente class that’s first class + a meal.
- Promo: Promo is the cheapest ticket available but it’s also non-refundable — so you’re out of luck if you miss your train or need to cancel your ticket.
- Promo+: Promo+ is semi-flexible so it’s a bit more expensive but you’ll get a 70% refund if you need to cancel tickets.
- Flexible: Flexible is the most expensive ticket but you get a 95% refund should you need to cancel.
GROUP (MESA) TICKET DISCOUNT
AVE and long-distance trains often offer up to a 60% discount for groups who buy four seats together — this is called a Mesa fare (Mesa means table in Spanish). You have to buy the entire set of four seats but this is usually even a good deal for groups of three since the group still saves money by purchasing the block of four seats.
HOW TO COLLECT YOUR TICKETS
Tickets purchased online can be collected in a few different ways. Most of the time you’re given multiple methods of collecting your tickets but double check as things seem to randomly change.
- Print-At-Home Tickets: You’ll often be sent a PDF that you print at home and show to the conductor on the train when he checks tickets.
- Smartphone: You can save the PDF ticket to your phone and they can scan it from there. We recommend saving it to your iPhone’s Passbook app.
- Pick Up At Station: Use your booking confirmation number to collect your tickets at the train station. This isn’t always an option.
DO I NEED TO BUY SPANISH TRAIN TICKETS IN ADVANCE?
Short answer — Yes. It’s best to book early if you want to save money on your train tickets. This mainly applies to Spain’s AVE (Alta Velocidad Española) high-speed trains and most medium/long distance trains. You’re able to book tickets about two to three months before the departure date — it randomly fluctuates so check back in a few days if you’re not finding many/any results. The longer you wait the more you’ll pay — a ticket purchased day-of will cost around 3x a ticket purchased two months early.
However, local/short distance trains don’t need to be booked early as the prices are fixed.
LATE TRAIN ARRIVAL REFUNDS
One interesting thing that Renfe offers is compensation for delayed/late arrivals on all high speed and long-distance trains — and it doesn’t matter what caused the delay. Each train service has different refund policies but the high-speed AVE trains will refund 50% if the train is over 15 minutes late and 100% if the train is over 30 minutes late.
You can collect your refund at the train station or you can trade in your credit + receive a 20% bonus if you purchase a future ticket.
USING YOUR SPAIN TRAIN TICKETS
Unlike most of Europe, there is never a need to validate your Spanish train tickets — regardless of what kind of ticket it is. On high-speed trains, your ticket is only good for the specific time printed on your ticket. You’ll also be given an assigned seat. On slower trains, you’ll just show the conductor your ticket when they check tickets on the train.
We recommend getting to the train station about 20 minutes before the train departs so you can find your platform. On high-speed trains, you’ll need to go through security but it should only add an extra few minutes to your journey.
RAIL PASSES FOR SPAIN
The cheapest way to travel via train in Spain is by purchasing advanced tickets. It virtually every situation this will be more cost-effective than using a Eurail pass.
However, tickets are expensive if you buy them only a few days in advance so it usually makes more sense, both financial and practical, to use a rail pass if you’re a spontaneous traveler — especially when using high-speed trains.
Check out Rail Europe for Eurail passes.
HOW TO MAKE RAIL PASS RESERVATIONS
High-speed and long-distance trains in Spain require a reservation when using a Eurail pass — the reservation will cost €10-€15/seat. Tip: Always look to see the price of a normal ticket costs because on some routes a normal ticket will cost less than the Eurail reservation fee.
Also, You must make the reservation before you get on the train and some routes limit the number of rail pass holders so it’s wise to book your reservation early. Most of the time you need to make the reservation a minimum of one hour before departure but we suggest doing it as early as you can.
There are a few ways to make reservations:
- RailEurope.com lets you book your reservation online through their platform. Simply look for a button that says “I Have A Railpass” and follow the prompts.
- At The Train Station: You can simply go to the train station and book your reservation from the customer service desk or self-service kiosks. You can book it weeks in advance or you can do it the day you depart. We suggest using the kiosks because the ticket window can take forever.
MORE TIPS FOR RIDING SPAIN TRAINS
- The Departures Board: You’ll find your train platform via the departure board at the train station. Don’t worry if you don’t see your train because they often only display trains departing within the next 10-20 minutes.
- Security Screening: In Spain, all high-speed trains require you to screen your bags via xray. It normally only takes a few minutes.
- Self-Service Machines Are In English: Don’t worry if you don’t speak Spanish because the ticket machines (and train station signs) are all in English.
- Download The Rail Planner App: There are a number of rail apps but we like the Eurail App — it essentially has the timetables/info for every train in Europe and it doesn’t require an internet connection.
- Cheap Tickets Are Non-Refundable: One downside to cheap tickets is that they’re non-refundable and they can’t be changed.
- Pack A Picnic: You’re allowed to bring your own food and alcohol on trains. It’s great for those long train rides.
- Luggage: There aren’t any weight limits on luggage and you can bring as much as you want (well, as much as you can carry). Simply bring it on and store it above your head, behind your seat, or in the luggage racks in each car.
- Making Connections: Your trip might require you to change trains along the journey. Don’t worry if there isn’t much time between trains as switching trains are usually fairly quick and easy (it’s not like flying).
- Get To The Train Station Early: Train stations are usually fairly easy to navigate but they can be a little confusing.
- Know Train Station Names: Most large cities have multiple train stations (Madrid and Barcelona both have two) so this often creates confusion. Double check to make sure you have the right station — especially when booking your ticket.
LEARN MORE ABOUT TRAVELING IN SPAIN
- Barcelona Travel Guide: Tips for visiting Paris
- Best Hostels in Barcelona: Our favorite budget accommodation in Barcelona.
- Madrid Travel Guide: Tips for visiting Madrid.
- Best Hostels in Madrid: Our favorite budget accommodation in Madrid.
- How To Choose The Best Travel Insurance: Travel insurance will help cover those non-refindable train tickets if something goes wrong during your trip.
- Packing List For Europe Travel: Tips on packing light (which makes train travel much easier).
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