Donostia-San Sebastian to Girona train with Renfe ALVIA

Renfe Alvia are high-speed trains with top speeds of up to 250km/h operated by Renfe, Spain’s national railway company. Alvia trains cover most cities in Spain, including Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Valencia, Alicante, Zaragoza and Cadiz. They are somewhat slower than Renfe AVE and AVLO (high-speed and low cost) but cover more destinations and are a comfortable and effective way of travelling around Spain. Onboard facilities include free WIFI, bike storage and luggage allowance. Alvia trains have two seat classes – Estándar and Confort. Top routes for Renfe Alvia include Barcelona to Pamplona, Madrid to Cádiz and Alicante to Gijón.

SNCF Intercités is the brand used by France's national railway company, SNCF, for its non-high-speed, long and medium-distance services on the classic rail network. Established in 2006, it encompasses routes not served by the TGV network, including both day and overnight trains. Intercités connects major regional cities and offers an alternative for destinations not on the high-speed lines, such as Paris to Clermont-Ferrand, Bordeaux to Marseille, and Nantes to Lyon. These trains are known for being comfortable and air-conditioned, with services like luggage space and, on some lines, Wi-Fi.

SNCF Intercités de nuit is the regular overnight train service offered by France's national railway company, SNCF, since 2012. These trains, primarily using Corail coaches, provide a time-effective way to travel across France, connecting Paris to various destinations in the south, including the Alps, the Côte d'Azur, and the Pyrenees. Passengers can choose from reclining seats, 6-berth couchettes in second class, or 4-berth couchettes in first class, with the option to book an entire compartment for privacy. Services can include Wi-Fi, pre-ordered meals, and even shower access at select stations for first-class travelers. Popular routes include Paris to Nice, Toulouse, Briançon, and Lourdes.