🇪🇸

Train Stations

Spain has the longest high-speed rail network in Europe and the second longest in the world, with over 3,900 km of AVE (Alta Velocidad Espanola) lines operated by Renfe. The network connects Madrid to Barcelona in 2.5 hours, Madrid to Seville in 2.5 hours, Madrid to Valencia in 1.5 hours, and Madrid to Malaga in 2.5 hours. Trains reach speeds of up to 310 km/h on dedicated infrastructure. IRYO, a private operator launched in 2022, competes on the Madrid-Barcelona and Madrid-Valencia corridors, and Ouigo Spain operates low-cost high-speed services on these same routes, driving prices down significantly. Spain uses standard gauge (1,435 mm) on its high-speed network, while the conventional broad-gauge (1,668 mm) network serves regional and commuter routes. Renfe's Avant trains offer affordable short-distance high-speed services between nearby cities. Spain introduced free or heavily subsidized passes for Cercanias commuter trains, Rodalies (Catalonia), and Media Distancia regional trains in 2022-2023, making regional travel exceptionally affordable for both residents and tourists. For long-distance AVE travel, booking 2-3 months in advance on renfe.com or via the Renfe app provides access to Promo fares starting around EUR 15. The Spain Pass (for non-residents) and Eurail/Interrail cover AVE services, though seat reservation fees apply. Renfe's Combinado ticket integrates AVE with long-distance bus connections to reach destinations not yet served by high-speed rail.

4,420

Stations

Main Stations

Operators

Yes

High-Speed Rail

Rail Infrastructure

Track Gauge

1435 mm

Electrification

25 kV AC

Operators

Iryo

High Speed · 360 km/h

Avlo

High Speed · 300 km/h

Renfe

National · 310 km/h

317 km

Valencia Estaciò Nord Zaragoza Delicias

248 km

Valladolid Campo Grande Valencia Estaciò Nord

440 km

Valladolid Campo Grande Tarragona Estació

502 km

Tarragona Estació Valencia Estaciò Nord

229 km

Stations

Station	City	Type	Connections
Alicante	—	Major	778
Guadalajara Estación	—	Major	778
Betanzos-Cidade	—	Major	778
Medina del Campo Estación	—	Major	778
Santander Estación	—	Major	778
Antequera Ciudad	—	Major	778
Seville	—	Major	778
Tarragona Estació	—	Major	778
Redondela de Galicia	—	Major	777
Cuenca Fernando Zobel	—	Major	778
A Coruña-San Cristovo	—	Major	778
Barcelona Sants	—	Major	778
Bilbao Abando	—	Major	778
Figueres – Vilafant	—	Major	778
Madrid Atocha	—	Major	778
Málaga-María Zambrano	—	Major	778
Segovia Guiomar	—	Major	778
Valladolid Campo Grande	—	Major	778
Valencia Estaciò Nord	—	Major	778
Zaragoza Delicias	—	Major	778
Sabadell Centre	—	Major	778
Lorca-San Diego	—	Major	778
Puente Genil Estación	—	Major	778
Vigo Guixar	—	Major	777
Aranguren Apeadero	—	Major	778
San Fernando de Cádiz	—	Major	778
Martorell Central	—	Major	778
Barcelona El Prat T1	—	Major	778
Girona	—	Standard	0
Arenys de Mar	—	Standard	0
Barcelona Estació de França	—	Standard	0
Briviesca	—	Standard	0
Cabezón del Pisuerga	—	Standard	0
Calatayud	—	Standard	0
Calamocha Nueva	—	Standard	0
Calatorao	—	Standard	0
Caldas de Malavella	—	Standard	0
Guadix	—	Standard	0
Cambrils	—	Standard	0
Camp Tarragona	—	Standard	0
Guimorcondo	—	Standard	0
Guitiriz	—	Standard	0
Cartagena	—	Standard	0
Castejón de Ebro	—	Standard	0
Caudete	—	Standard	0
Ciudad Real	—	Standard	0
Ciudad Rodrigo	—	Standard	0
Herradon – La Cañada	—	Standard	0
Cullera	—	Standard	0
Curtis	—	Standard	0

Frequently Asked Questions

Spain has the world's second-largest high-speed network by length (after China), exceeding France and Japan. Spanish AVE trains reach 310 km/h and run on dedicated standard-gauge tracks, separate from the conventional broad-gauge network. The Madrid hub connects to most major cities within 3 hours.

Yes. Spain offers heavily subsidized or free passes for Cercanias commuter trains, Rodalies (Catalonia), and Media Distancia regional trains. These require registration with Renfe and are available to both residents and tourists, making regional rail travel in Spain exceptionally affordable.

AVE trains use dedicated high-speed standard-gauge tracks and reach 310 km/h. Avant trains also run on high-speed tracks but serve shorter corridors at lower fares. Alvia trains use dual-gauge or gauge-changing technology to travel on both high-speed and conventional tracks, connecting cities not directly on the AVE network.

IRYO launched in December 2022 offering private high-speed services on Madrid-Barcelona, Madrid-Valencia, and other corridors. Ouigo Spain (owned by SNCF) operates low-cost high-speed trains on the same routes. Competition has significantly reduced fares, with Madrid-Barcelona tickets sometimes available from EUR 5-10.

The Transcantabrico Gran Lujo luxury tourist train traverses the northern coast from San Sebastian to Santiago de Compostela over 8 days. For regular services, the Zafra-Huelva line through Extremadura and the Palma-Soller rack railway in Mallorca are highlights. The narrow-gauge FEVE network along the Cantabrian coast is also highly regarded.