Train Travel in Spain

Most Spanish trains are operated by Renfe (Red Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Españoles; website www.renfe.es), but there are some small regional train operators such as Euskotren (website www.euskotren.es) in the Basque Country.

Train travel in Spain is generally reliable, but not as fast as the bus unless you take the high speed AVE (Alta Velocidad Español) train from Madrid to Cordoba and Sevilla.

Renfe have an enormous variety of train services ranging from the cercanías suburban services around major cities to slow regionales, run-of-the-mill expresso and rapido to the more expensive Talgos, Euromed and the top-of-the-range AVE.

Euskotren service in the Basque country consist mainly of Euskopullman that link Bilbao, San Sebastian and Hendaye in France. These are complemented by Intercity services linking Bilbao with San Sebastian.

Like Italy, many Spanish trains charge supplements, even on ordinary trains such as some expressos and rapidos. It is always a good idea to check if supplements are required in advance as some conductors could charge you extra on the train. Making a seat reservation in advance is a good way to be sure which supplements apply on your train.

If you hold a rail pass such as Eurail or InterRail you will have to pay a €9.50 supplement if you want to travel on tourist class on the AVE and Talgo 200 trains.

Train tickets are resonably priced in comparision to France or Germany especially if you take advantage of the 20% discounts for Carnet Joven, Euro<26, GO25 and ISIC card holders.

When you buy a return ticket you are eligible for another 20% discount over the cost of two one-way tickets.

EURAIL SPAIN PASS

This pass is valid for unlimited travel on Renfe trains for between three and 10 days in a two month period. Supplements are required for AVE and Talgo trains in addition to seat, couchette and sleeper reservations.

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