Spain By Train

Spain has an extensive high-speed train network, which will get you where you want to go a lot faster compared to the regional train system. However, for the high-speed trains you'll need to book a seat reservation. We'll explain you more about reservations a bit further down on this page.

View approximate train travel times between Spain's key cities with high-speed trains and regional trains.

We suggest the following routes to travel between Spain and other European countries:

• France – Spain
  There is a direct train connection between Barcelona and Paris (6hr 25 min).

• Portugal – Spain
  Take a regional train to travel from Vigo to Porto (3hr 30min).

International ferry connections to and from Spain

You can also travel between Spain, Italy and Morocco by ferry with Grimaldi Lines ferries. Get a 20% discount on the following routes:

• Barcelona – Civitavecchia (Italy)

• Barcelona – Porto Torres (Italy)

• Barcelona – Tangier (Morocco)

Many Spanish trains require an advance reservation, including domestic and international high-speed trains and night trains (prices depend on your chosen sleeping accommodation or seat type). 

Please note that the number of seats available for Eurail Pass holders is limited on InterCitè de Nuit trains. We advise you to reserve these trains as soon as possible during peak season (May to September) and public holidays.

How to make reservations for Spanish trains

The only way to make reservations for domestic and long-distance trains is directly at the ticket offices of local Long Distance stations (not commuter stations). You can make reservations on the day of travel or up to 3 months in advance.

It is also possible to pre-reserve a seat by phone, by calling +34 91 232 03 20 (Renfe phone sales).

• This is possible up to 24 hours before a train's departure. 
• You will receive a PNR code which you must use to pick up and pay for your reservation at a local station ticket office, making sure to show your Eurail Pass. 
• You must collect your reservation within 72 hours. After this time the pre-reservation will expire. 

Please note that a pre-reservation is not the same as a reservation. It only holds a seat for you for 72 hours.

If you have a disability or reduced mobility and you want to travel by train in Spain, you can request help from Atendo Service. You can contact them by phone:

• Phone number: +34 91 214 05 05
• Opening hours: 24/7

Find out more about reservations

There are various train types in Spain ready to transport you both day and night. Most of the Spanish railway network is operated by RENFE. Use the Eurail timetable to check times for trains in Spain.

Regional and intercity trains in Spain

The main rail network in Spain is made up of the following regional and intercity trains:

• Media Distancia trains link regional destinations with larger cities. The network connects with long distance high-speed trains and the trains make frequent stops. 

• FEVE trains operate in the north of Spain, connecting cities like Bilbao, Gijón, León and Santander.

• Cercanías (suburban trains) is a network of trains that operates in and around the larger Spanish cities including Barcelona and Valencia.

International high-speed trains in Spain

These high-speed trains operate to and from Spain:

• Renfe-SNCF en Cooperación high-speed trains connect Madrid and Barcelona with Paris (France). 

• Internacional trains connect Vigo with Porto (Portugal).

Domestic high-speed trains in Spain

Spain's extensive high-speed train network is operated by modern trains that offer you high quality service during your Eurail trip.

These high-speed trains operate within Spain:

• Avant trains operate on short-distance routes. 

• AVE trains reach speeds of up to 300 km/h (186 mph) and take you from Madrid to Barcelona in less than 3 hours.

• Altaria trains link Madrid with cities in the south of Spain.

• Alvia and Arco trains operate between Madrid and Spain's nothern cities like Bilbao and San Sebastian.

• Euromed trains operate on the route Barcelona – Valencia – Alicante.

Night trains in Spain

International night trains in Spain

The following night trains connect Spain with France, Luxembourg, Portugal and Switzerland:

• InterCités de Nuit:
  Portbou – Toulouse – Paris (France)
  Portbou – Montpellier – Nancy – Luxembourg (Luxembourg)
  Portbou – Montpellier – Strasbourg (France)
  Irún – Lourdes – Paris (France) 
  Irún – Bordeaux – Marseille – Nice (France)
  Irún – Toulouse – Lyon – Geneva (Switzerland)

• Trenhotel:
  Madrid – Lisbon (Portugal)
  Irún – Lisbon (Portugal)

Domestic night trains in Spain

• Trenhotel trains link the north of Spain with Barcelona and capital city Madrid:
  A Coruna – Barcelona 
  A Coruna – Madrid 

Ferry travel in Spain

Discounted ferry travel is an extra benefit of Eurail passes that are valid in Spain.

Get discounted ferry travel between Spain and:

• Italy

• Morocco

Bus travel in Spain

Eurail pass holders can also travel for free (pay only a reservation) on these international bus routes:

• Canfranc - Oloron (France)

• Valencia S. Joaquin sorolla – Valencia Nord station

See all pass benefits for Spain

Quick facts

• Capital: Madrid

• Population: 47.2 million

• Language: Spanish

• Currency: Euro (EUR)

• Dialing code: +34

Spanish hub stations

Spain's main hub stations are Madrid Puerta de Atocha, Barcelona Sants, Irun and Portbou. At these train stations, it's possible to connect to trains to Spain's main cities and many international destinations.

Station facilities

Stations in Spain usually have excellent facilities, often including:

• Luggage lockers

• Foreign exchange desks

• Restaurants and cafés

• Tourist information offices

• ATM cash machines

• Elevators and escalators

• Access for disabled passengers

Spelling of city names

On Spanish train timetables and at train stations in Spain, you'll usually find the local spelling of Spanish cities and stations.

Here is the local spelling of some popular Spanish cities:

• Alicante = Alacant

• Seville = Sevilla