ALVIA: Tickets, Timetables and Facilities

Buy Alvia tickets easily and conveniently at Omio

Alvia trains are one of the most popular means of transport in Spain. The high-speed trains of the Spanish railway company Renfe connect numerous cities, such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Salamanca and Seville, and offer a high level of comfort. Omio makes it easy and convenient to buy Alvia tickets online, saving you a stressful trip to the ticket office. Here, you can quickly and easily find the perfect ticket for your needs and all the relevant information at a glance: the available connections, departure and arrival times, and the best prices.

Want to travel spontaneously or forgot to buy your ticket in advance? No problem! With Omio, you can also buy Alvia tickets at short notice. After purchasing, simply download your ticket or choose to receive it by post. We also offer a wide range of payment options, so you can pay for your tickets conveniently and flexibly. Choose between PayPal, Sofortüberweisung or credit card and buy your ticket with just a few clicks.

Find affordable tickets for Alvia with Omio

Ticket prices are determined by Renfe’s dynamic pricing system. This works in a similar way to airline tickets. The earlier in advance you book, the cheaper the price usually is. This is at least true for the Promo and Promo+ fares. Omio helps you find the perfect ticket for your trip without breaking the bank. Use our website or the Omio app to find the best deals and book your ticket today!

Everything you need to know about Alvia

Alvia is the name for a class of train from the Spanish railway company Renfe. Alvia trains are considered very fast and modern. They reach a top speed of up to 155 miles per hour on some routes. Alvia’s network covers many of the most popular destinations in Spain, including Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Malaga, Huelva, Salamanca and Bilbao. The trains operate on both high-speed and conventional tracks. The focus is on long-distance connections between Spain’s major cities.

With Alvia trains, you always travel in comfort. You can enjoy a snack in the on-board bistro while the scenery whizzes by on the high-speed lines.

Renfe train in Spain. Source: Pixabay

Train ticket types for Alvia 

Renfe offers three types of tickets for travel on Alvia trains, which differ in price and flexibility.

Promo tickets

Promo tickets are the cheapest tickets for Alvia services, but they also have the strictest conditions. They are usually bookable in advance and have limited availability. Changes or cancellations are not advisable and may incur high fees. Extra requests, such as pets, must be booked separately.

Promo+ tickets

Promo+ tickets are slightly more expensive than Promo tickets but offer more flexibility. You can book them in advance, and changes and cancellations are possible at a lower price. Promo+ tickets also offer additional services such as seat reservations and pet travel at a lower price.

Flex tickets

Flex tickets are the most expensive but also the most flexible tickets with Alvia. You travel in Preferente class, with all the amenities that come with it. You can change or cancel these tickets up until the time of departure without incurring additional fees. They also include several additional services, such as free seat reservations and access to VIP lounges.

Classes for Alvia services

You have a choice of two classes when travelling with Alvia trains: Turista and Preferente. 

In Turista class, you get a standard seat with basic amenities. You’ll find overhead bins, for example, to keep your belongings safe. There’s also air conditioning to keep you cool in hot temperatures, a toilet and Wi-Fi access.

If you want an upgrade, you should choose Preferente class – Alvia’s first class. Here, you can expect even more amenities. The seats are wider and have a higher backrest, giving you more comfort and legroom. You also have access to an exclusive lounge at selected stations, where you can relax, work or enjoy a drink. In Preferente class, you’ll be served a meal and a selection of drinks and will have your own power socket and USB ports so you can charge your phone or laptop.

Whichever class you choose, you’re guaranteed a comfortable and relaxing journey with Alvia. Now it’s just a matter of booking the right ticket and enjoying your journey!

Train types: Discover Spain in a variety of ways

Renfe has used different train types and series on the Alvia routes to offer you a pleasant and safe travel experience. With a top speed of up to 155 miles per hour, all high-speed trains are perfect for those who want to travel quickly and comfortably. For technology enthusiasts, here are the key facts about each train type:

120 series

The 120 series is a high-speed train with a four-car railcar that is used on the many Alvia routes, for example, from Madrid to San Sebastian, Bilbao and Pamplona or from Barcelona to Bilbao and San Sebastian.

130 series

The 130 series is another high-speed train from the manufacturer Talgo with an eleven-car unit that is used on selected Alvia routes. You can travel with this series from Madrid to Cadiz, Huelva, Castellon, Gijon and Santander, for example, or from Barcelona to A Coruna, Salamanca, Vigo and Gijon.

730 series

The 730 series is a high-speed train from Talgo with a nine-car unit and hybrid powercars. In these state-of-the-art trains, you can travel from Madrid to A Coruna, Ferrol and Pontevedra.

Timetable information: Timetables and timetable changes at Alvia

Alvia trains travel all over Spain. However, there are a few routes that are more popular than others – for example, the route from Madrid to Gijón, which is offered several times a day. The train departs from Madrid Estación Sur/Gare routière and reaches Gijón station in just over six hours.

Another popular train route in Spain is from Barcelona to Bilbao. This journey takes just under seven hours. Trains run daily from Barcelona-Sants station and arrive at Bilbao-Abando station. This train also goes direct, but makes about ten stops in cities like Zaragoza and Logroño.

There are many daily connections between different cities in Spain, so you are sure to find a suitable departure time for your journey. However, timetables can change at short notice, for example, due to road works or other unforeseen events. For this reason, it is always advisable to check before you leave to see if there are any changes to the timetable.

From Madrid to the coasts: Discover Spain with Alvia

With Alvia, you can travel comfortably and quickly within Spain and also discover the coastal regions. For example, you can reach the beaches on the Costa del Sol from Madrid. The route takes you partly along the coast and offers spectacular views of the sea. Also very popular is the connection from Madrid to Barcelona, where you can marvel at the impressive architecture of Gaudí. The coastal city of Alicante can also be reached quickly via the Alvia connection from Madrid. From there, you can visit the beaches of Benidorm and Calpe, for example. Whatever your destination, with Alvia you can travel comfortably and safely and make the most of your trip through Spain.

Alicante on the Spanish coast. Source: Pixabay

The most popular routes with Alvia

Alvia trains are a popular choice for passengers on the go within Spain. Here are some of the most popular routes and train services operated by Alvia:

• Madrid–Barcelona: 
  The route between Spain’s two largest cities is one of Alvia’s busiest routes. Trains run regularly and offer fast and comfortable connections between the two cities.
• Madrid–Cádiz: 
  The Madrid–Cádiz route crosses the country via Seville and the Atlantic coast of Spain. Alvia offers several direct connections per day between these two destinations.
• Madrid–Huelva: 
  This route takes you from the capital to the Atlantic Ocean in just four hours. There is a connection with one change almost every hour and also several fast direct connections per day.
• Barcelona–Alicante: 
  The route from Barcelona to Alicante passes through some of Spain’s most beautiful landscapes. Alvia offers several connections per day on this route, allowing passengers to travel comfortably between these two destinations.

Sustainable travel: Travel the climate-friendly way with Alvia

Alvia is committed to sustainable mobility and environmentally friendly travel. The trains are equipped with modern propulsion technologies to minimise energy consumption and thus reduce the environmental impact. In addition, Renfe offers its passengers digital tickets to avoid paper waste. The short connections on many routes also reduce travel time and thus save additional energy. Last but not least, you spare the environment with every journey, as train travel is always more environmentally friendly compared to travel by car.

Tips for train travel with Alvia

Are you planning a train journey with Alvia and want to make sure you’re as prepared as possible? Here are some useful tips that will help you make your journey enjoyable and hassle-free.

• Reserve your seat early to ensure you get the seat you want and don’t have to search for an empty seat during the journey. Seat reservation is included with the Flex ticket and can be added to other tickets for an additional charge.
• Book your tickets in advance to get the best price and availability. Avoid unnecessary stress when boarding and disembarking by packing light.
• Check Alvia’s baggage policy before travelling to avoid unnecessary fees. Be at the station on time and allow enough time to check in with luggage and go through security.
• Alvia trains often stop at stations near places of interest, so take the opportunity to find out in advance what experiences you can enjoy when changing trains. Maybe even plan a stopover? On many routes, trains run several times a day, allowing you to hop on and off along the way and simply continue your journey later.
• If you’re travelling with children, be aware that children under four can travel for free on an adult’s lap but need a Niño gratuito ticket (free child ticket). Make sure you add the ticket for your child when booking. Children under 14 receive a 40 per cent discount on the standard fare.
• Renfe allows children aged between 6 and 13 to travel alone, but only in Preferente class. This service can only be booked at station ticket offices.
• For an even easier and environmentally friendly booking, we recommend using digital tickets. You can book them from the comfort of your home and save them on your smartphone. Before booking, always check for possible discounts and special offers that apply for early bookers, group travel or certain target groups, such as students or senior citizens.

Discover Spain: The most important destinations 

With Alvia, you can explore some of the most famous and beautiful places in Spain. One highlight is Barcelona, the Catalan capital by the sea. Unique architecture awaits you here, such as the buildings by Gaudí, including the Sagrada Familia, or his Park Güell. However, the nightlife and culinary delights in Barcelona are also absolutely to be recommended. Discover exciting highlights in Barcelona in our travel guide, The Window Seat.
You can easily reach the Catalonian metropolis by train from all larger and smaller cities. There are direct connections to Barcelona with Alvia, for example from Madrid, Pamplona, Bilbao or Irún.

There are many interesting sights to discover in Valencia, such as Valencia Cathedral, the Mercado Central and the city’s famous aquarium. If you have more time, you should also make a trip to one of the beaches of Valencia and spend the day relaxing by the sea. Travelling with Alvia from Barcelona to Valencia is a stress-free and comfortable option for discovering these two beautiful cities.

Further north in Spain, San Sebastián is a charming city on the Bay of Biscay with a beautiful beach promenade and breathtaking views of the sea. In addition to the beach, you can also explore the historic city centre and Monte Igueldo. There is a direct connection to San Sebastián from Madrid.

Not far from San Sebastián is Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country. Here, you will find the world-famous Guggenheim Museum, which impresses with its futuristic architecture. The old quarter of Casco Viejo and the Ría de Bilbao river are also worth a visit.

If you are interested in history and culture, Pamplona in northern Spain is a worthwhile destination. Pamplona is famous for its traditional bullfights. The city offers a beautiful old town and a fascinating museum of modern art. You can reach Pamplona with Alvia without changing trains from Barcelona and Madrid.

Building in Pamplona, Spain. Source: Pixabay

Alvia: Offers and deals

The Spanish railway company Renfe offers various offers and discounts for you to save money and travel more cheaply. One possibility is its special savings fares, which are offered regularly and are valid on selected connections. There are also discount cards, such as the Tarjeta Dorada, which is available for people over 60 or people with disabilities and offers discounts on the fares. Families can also benefit from discounts by using the family ticket. When booking, you should also always check if there are any special offers or promotions that can reduce the price.

Of course, you should also book as early as possible to get the best price. As a rule, the more last-minute you travel, the more expensive the tickets.

Alvia: FAQ