Trains to España
Spain has a large and growing rail network, with local and regional lines, coastal train trips with fantastic scenery, plus high-speed AVE services between major cities. You can buy Spanish train tickets on our site and apps via a direct connection to Spain's national rail operator, Renfe.
- Easy-to-use alternative to Renfe.
- Pay in Euros or GBP according to your preference.
- Print-at-home tickets available for every train, with plain English explanations and your Renfe ticket translated.
- International trains to Portugal and France, including the double-decker TGV between Paris and Barcelona.
- Amazing value tickets for 'Preferente' Class for roomier seats and access to the Sala Club (First Class lounges) in major stations.
- Cheap 'Promo' fares offer up to 70% off train travel within Spain. Find more cheap Spanish train tickets, special offers and discounts.
- Chose to pay in Euros, GBP or US Dollars according to your preference
Spain rail map
Image credits: map © 2017-2020 European Rail Timetable Ltd
Spain offers some of the finest rail travel in Europe. The national rail operator in Spain is called Renfe and it still has an effective monopoly on long-distance services. That looks set to change in 2020 when a new consortium called ILSA looks set to bring a whiff of competition to the Spanish rail scene.
It is now easier than ever before to travel by train to Spain - whether from England, France or elsewhere in western and central Europe. New high-speed TGV services from Paris to Barcelona started in 2013, and Barcelona now has direct daytime trains from a dozen French cities including Lyon, Toulouse and Carcassonne. The capital Madrid also has direct trains from Marseille, Avignon and Montpellier.
On the Atlantic coast, modern TGV Atlantique trains, which run daily from Paris to Irun, have revolutionised travel between the French capital and the Basque region. From Irun trains fan out across Spain, with direct services to Madrid, Santiago de Compostela, Burgos, Zaragoza and many other cities. There is also an overnight Trenhotel service to Lisbon.
With such good services, it is easy to plan same-day connections from London to Barcelona or London to Irun 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. You'll find Promo fares in Turista Class are excellent value, while First Class "Preferente" is well worth the upgrade.
Rail travellers in Spain benefit from a growing network of dedicated high-speed lines, modern AVE trains and some daring modern station architecture. Reservations are required for almost all long-distance services and even for many regional routes, so you'll need to book in advance. The 'hop on and ride' culture barely exists on Spanish trains. The number of tickets on sale is limited to the number of seats on the train. At main stations you need to check in and be ready to board the train a few minutes before the advertised departure time.
Bear in mind that at many stations your luggage will go through a simple security scan, so allow plenty of time. This may all sound a hassle, but actually it gives a special ambiance to rail travel in Spain. It is civilised, stylish and relaxed.