Trains Schedule & Travel Times in Spain

Spain also has its own national railpasses, all issued by RENFE. For information on train fares, schedules, and destinations, please visit www.renfe.es (in Spanish) or Rail Europe.

Spain Railway Map

Reservations

Reservations are a very good idea in Spain if you’re travelling on holiday, on Friday afternoons or on Sunday nights. Reservations are required for all fast and long distance trains, and are required for passengers who book couchettes or sleeper accommodations. Only slow regional and local trains do not require reservations. All reservations should be made as far in advance as possible. Unless you’re fluent in Spanish and can navigate RENFE’s website, the best way to make reservations in advance of your trip is through Rail Europe. The cost of these advance reservations is built into the ticket price. Price also vary depending on whether you pay by cash or credit card and whether you have a railpass or not. It’s a confusing situation, best discussed on an individual basis with a Rail Europe reservation agent.

If you’re travelling on the same day you purchase your ticket and need a reservation, go to the window marked venta immediate. For future travel, head for the window called venta anticipada. Expect long lines at either window. Sometimes you’ll have to take a number from a vending machine and watch for that number to appear on a digital display board. Before leaving the window, be certain that the fecha (date) and the hora salida (departure time) are correct on your reservation. Railpass validation can also be made at any of these designated windows. For both regular ticket holders and passholders, standard seat reservations start at 9.55 € ($12.40) per passenger for both adults and children and are non-refundable. Reservation prices for more luxurious trains can be higher, beginning at 13.90 € ($18.05) per passenger.

Spain Travel Guides

If you’re planning for an excelent trip in Spain, I strongly recommend investing in Rick Steve’s Spain guide book, and the relevant Lonely Planet Guide for in-depth country information on the sights to see, places to stay, places to eat. They’re both are very very useful.

Service & Amenities

Couchettes, actually foldout bunk beds, are called literas in Spain. We have found that many of these couchettes, which sleep six, are old and dirty. They’re inexpensive, but you might not feel comfortable sleeping in them. If you’re takig a long distance night train, called an estrella, you can see if a TrenHotel (train hotel) option is available for you. These are clean sleeping compartments with their own shower and toilet. Advance reservations are absolutely essential for one of these compartments.

Based on distance, sleeper fares range from 19.10 € to 175 € ($24.85 – @228) per passenger, with couchette reservations costing a flat 24.35 € ($31.65) per person. Reservations can be confirmed up to 2 months prior to the date of travel, but are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.

Most night trains have full restaurant service, and stewards also provide drinks and snacks at all hours. Inquire in advance about dining facilities or services. If they don’t exist, bring your own food and drink to be on the safe side.

Most Spanish trains are air conditioned with adequate toilet facilities. Tickets for gran clase feature sleeping cars with private showers and toilet. In turista class cars, you’ll find berths that sleep four. In economy class, expect a “sleeperette” seat.