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About Renfe: Spain’s National Rail Network

Heading to Spain and thinking about exploring the country by train? Spanish train tickets are affordable and easy to book, with regular departures to hundreds of destinations across Renfe’s network. Created in 1941 during a process of development and nationalisation, the Red Nacional de Ferrocarriles Españoles, known as Renfe, was created to provide technologically advanced and efficient train systems. Over the last 80 years since its genesis, Spain’s national rail network has built a strong modern infrastructure and a large network of services. From regional rural lines, inter-city and commuter links to the modern, high-speed Renfe AVE trains, today Renfe train routes cover around 9,300 miles (15,000 kilometres) of railway in Spain. Read on to discover different Renfe ticket types, international routes into France and Europe, popular destinations and stations in Spain, how to buy cheap Renfe train tickets and much more!

Sunshine and mountains in Granada, Spain. Credit: Pixabay

Why book Renfe tickets with Omio?

Omio is an official Renfe partner, meaning we’ll offer the latest deals for cheap Renfe train tickets, provide up-to-date information on Renfe schedules, offer easy booking and send live updates and notifications if there are any changes to your journey, and we’ll send you a reminder when it's time to set off. If you need any help along the way, there’s a dedicated helpline to answer questions to make your journey enjoyable and hassle-free. With the Omio app, you can search in the language of your choice, book tickets on the go and keep all your ticket information digitally in one place. Passengers can also choose between a number of travel options using our ticket filters, which can be adjusted according to ticket price, departure times or the journey duration to ensure you find the best ticket for your journey. Download the free Omio app today.

How to book: Renfe AVE Spanish train tickets

• Book smarter with Omio: Omio is an authorised Renfe train ticket seller, providing a full and seamless travel experience. Compare and combine transport options to have ideal flexibility. Your travel, your way.
• See all your options: Compare Renfe tickets and schedules with other popular bus, train or air companies.
• Security. Privacy. Trust: Your privacy is important to us. All payments are secure (PayPal, SOFORT, credit cards, etc.).
• On-the-go booking: Spend more time getting excited about your trip!
• Help, in your language: Our customer service team speak your language, no matter where you are.

Spanish train map | main routes

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Main train stations for Renfe trains

All big Spanish cities have major train stations that connect to other parts of the country as well as international cities. Below is a list of the major stations you’ll come across when searching for Renfe and Renfe AVE trains. We’ve gathered some useful information about each one to help you kick start your journey.

Different types of Renfe train tickets: service, fares and conditions unpacked

When travelling with Renfe you’ll have the option to choose between three different ticket types. Each ticket type is priced according to the flexibility of the ticket, the level of comfort and service you’ll receive onboard.

• Básico (Basic) ticket: these are the cheapest tickets on the standard coaches. Passengers will receive all benefits of travelling on standard including plenty of legroom, Wi-Fi, luggage storage and power sockets. Básico tickets cannot be exchanged or cancelled for a refund. Add-ons can be bought however, and these include seat selection for €5 extra, or bringing a pet for an extra €10.
• Elige (the Pick and mix) ticket: these tickets can be tailored to your needs. Elige ticket holders have more flexibility with exchanging or cancelling their tickets or even changing the ticket holder. The Elige ticket also gives the option to travel on Elige ESTÁNDAR (with standard seats) or Elige CONFORT (with XL comfort seats). Add-ons include seat selection, travelling with pets, or a box of food delivered to your seat for an extra €7.50
• Prémium (Premium) ticket: these tickets offer full first class comfort and flexibility. The perks of travelling with this ticket includes XL comfort seats, unlimited free changes to your ticket, a full refund if you cancel your ticket 7 days in advance, and if you miss your train simply hop on the next one for free. The Prémium includes all add-ons including seat selection, taking pets and food service to your seat.

Snap up cheap Renfe train tickets with Omio

The most sure-fire way of securing the best Renfe train ticket is to book as far in advance as possible. Renfe releases their train tickets around six months to three months before the travel date and prices rise incrementally with demand. If you can be flexible with your travel date, it’s useful to avoid peak hours and busy days when most companies increase their ticket prices. Look for connecting trains, which may be slower, but are cheaper than direct trains. Omio compares the prices at different times on any given date and allows you to choose quickly and easily find the cheapest available option. You can also download the Omio app and get notifications for offers and discounts from different train providers.

Discounts and offers on Spanish trains with Renfe

Renfe offers certain discounts for young travellers, over 60s, groups of four or more, and those with a disability. Throughout the year there are also additional promotions and offers, making rail travel across Spain comfortable, easy, and above all cheap. Here we detail some of the offers available with Renfe tickets.

• Card + Renfe Joven 50: Valid for youngsters between 14 and 25 years old (50% of the ticket price).
• Renfe Gold Card: Valid for young people under 60 years of age or those with a disability (between 25% and 45% of the general rate).
• Buy a round-trip ticket, which can save up to 20% of the total price.
• Children: Under the age of 4 travel free as long as they don’t occupy a seat, plus there’s a discount of 40% for children between the ages of 5 and 13 years old.
• strong>Group tickets: For groups of 4 and up to a maximum of 9 people there can be a discount on selected journeys.

The historic city of Zaragoza, Spain. Credit: Unsplash

Renfe Train Types

Renfe operates a wide variety of services ranging from regional, rural lines and commuter links to the modern, high-speed AVE intercity trains. The different branches of Renfe’s train fleet usually correlate with the routes, lines and the distance of the journey. Media Distancia trains link regional destinations with the high-speed train routes, while Cercanias (suburban trains) operate in and around the country's major cities such as Barcelona and Valencia.Renfe trains also serve international routes to destinations in Portugaland France. Here’s a breakdown of the names you’ll come across when searching for Renfe and Spanish trains:

• AVE: These are Renfe's high-speed trains, most commonly used for long-distance routes. The AVE train from Madrid to Barcelona is the most popular high-speed train route in Spain. AVE trains offer a variety of services, including a "silent car" for those wishing to rest for the duration of their journey.
• Alvia: Alvia trains operate on AVE tracks at lower speeds. Alvia trains are also used to reach destinations in Spain which are not located on AVE routes.
• Euromed: Euromed trains connect cities along Spain's Mediterranean coast. The train from Barcelona to Valencia is the most popular Euromed Renfe route.
• Altaria: The main Altaria train routes are trains from Madrid to Murcia, Madrid to Granada, and Granada from to Algeciras.
• Trenhotel: Renfe's night train service, Trenhotel's most popular routes is the train from train from Madrid to Lisbon.

Popular Renfe Routes

Renfe has major hubs in Madrid and Barcelona, rail services to all the regions of Spain and international routes to France and Portugal. Spain has invested substantially in developing its high-speed AVE services. These lines now connect Madrid and Barcelona, Malaga, Seville, Alicante, Zaragoza, Valladolid, Santiago De Compostela, La Coruna and points in-between, significantly reducing the times of long-distance train journeys across much of Spain.

Trains to MadridSpain
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Trains to BarcelonaSpain
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Trains to ValenciaSpain
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Trains in Spain: timetables and routes with Renfe

Thanks to the number of routes that Renfe offers in Spain, in Omio you can book train tickets to go practically anywhere you want. Did you know that the AVE Madrid Barcelona train route is the most used in the world?

Trains from Barcelona to Valencia	duration: 3h12	from 23,00€
Trains from Madrid to Barcelona	duration: 3h05	from 50,00€
Trains from Salamanca to Valencia	duration: 2h40	from 42,00€
Trains from Cadiz to Malaga	duration: 1h37	from 17,00€
Trains from Madrid to Valencia	duration: 1h42	from 25,00€
Trains from Madrid to Malaga	duration: 2h26	from 43,00€

 

Renfe FAQs

How much luggage can I take with Renfe?

On Renfe trains you can take 3 packages (suitcases, handbags, backpacks, briefcases and similar) that do not exceed 25 kg between the three of them. The largest package should have a maximum size of 85 x 55 x 35 cm (height-width-depth).

What if I have to travel with special luggage?

Cars and folded baby seats, folded bicycles and instruments that do not exceed 30 x 120 x 38 cm can also be transported in Renfe AVE and Renfe long distance.

I have reduced mobility. What does Renfe offer me when I travel?

Atendo is the free service offered by Renfe for Attention and Assistance to travellers with disabilities or reduced mobility. This service informs, guides and facilitates transit through stations and assistance in getting on and off trains.

I can't be separated from my pet. Can I take her on a trip?

We understand, we also love pets! On Renfe trains, a maximum of one animal (dog, cat, bird not belonging to a pen or ferret) per passenger whose maximum weight does not exceed 10 kg is allowed. They should always be placed in a closed container measuring 60 x 35 x 35 cm.

I'm addicted to my smartphone. Is there Wi-Fi on Renfe trains?

Renfe offers its PlayRenfe service on selected routes. With this service, you can connect to the internet and enjoy a catalogue of entertainment content such as series or films.

What if I get hungry in the middle of the journey and didn't bring a sandwich from home?

All Renfe trains have vending machines and the long distance trains also have a wagon with a cafeteria—for when the big hunger pangs set in!

Is there a discount for children?

With Renfe, children under the age of 14 travel with a 40% discount and children under the age of 4 who do not occupy a seat travel for free!

Do we have to print the Renfe train ticket?

When booking with Omio, you’ll get your ticket delivered straight to your email or phone (via the app) so there’s no need to worry about printing or paper tickets. Just turn up and show the conductor your digital ticket. For those that still prefer a paper ticket, you can print these at home or at the station.

What are the conditions for changing or cancelling the Renfe train ticket?

Change of plans? Don't stress! Click on this page to access the Omio cancellation system. Enter the company you are travelling with and your reference number and check the amount you will be refunded. If you have any problems or questions, our customer service are on hand to help.

What do I do if my Renfe train is delayed?

If your train is delayed or cancelled by Renfe, simply get in touch with our customer service and we’ll sort out the compensation for you. Our team is on hand anytime and can help in the language of your choice.