What is the main train provider in Spain?


What is the main train provider in Spain? The Spanish national train operator is Renfe (pronounced Ren-fay), originally Red Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Españoles but now a brand name in its own right. Its website is www.renfe.com. Renfe runs Spain's superb high-speed AVEs and other mainline trains, as well as local and suburban trains nationwide.


Is Renfe and AVE the same?

So exactly what is AVE? The AVE is a commercial passenger rail transport service provided by Renfe, using trains that can travel at 300 km/h, with a cafeteria and restaurant service and different spaces of comfort.


What is the difference between Iryo and Renfe?

Renfe's AVE trains offer a premium experience with a wide range of destinations, while OUIGO Spain provides affordable prices and a straightforward ticketing system. The new kid on the block, Iryo Trains, provides a luxury experience with a focus on sustainability.


Does Renfe include luggage?

You can carry up to 3 pieces of luggage per train ticket, with the same departure and arrival. These include normal luggage (bags, handbags, rucksacks, computer carrier cases and the like) and special luggage (skis, golf clubs, pushchairs and bicycles, provided they are properly packed).


Why are Renfe tickets so expensive?

All railway operators in Spain have a dynamic ticketing system, so fares change constantly. Renfe only offers a limited number of tickets with promotional prices. So when these tickets are sold, only the most expensive fares remain. The same applies for the other operators (Avlo, OUIGO and iryo).


What is the most scenic train in Spain?

There are many reasons to love the Transcantabrico, one of Spain's top train journeys. With its elegant cars and luxurious amenities, the Transcantabrico, a popular tourist train in northern Spain, is like a 5-star hotel on wheels. For many, it's the perfect way to see some of Spain's most beautiful and varied scenery.


What are the biggest train companies in Spain?

Renfe is Spain's national railway company, running most regional and high-speed AVE trains on the country's extensive railway system. It's easy to visit the biggest Spanish cities on the AVE train, such as Barcelona, Madrid and Seville.


Who competes with Renfe in Spain?

Avlo, Iryo, Ouigo... Renfe now has a lo-cost brand called Avlo, and competitor operators Iryo & Ouigo now operate on key routes including Barcelona-Madrid, Madrid-Valencia, Madrid-Cordoba/Seville/Malaga. See the Barcelona-Madrid page for a run down of these 3 operators.


Do you get free food on Renfe First Class?

Renfe offer a complimentary food and drink service for those travelling in First Class on AVE trains*, every day except Saturdays.


Can you choose seats on Renfe?

The Seat Selection add-on allows you to choose the seat in which you will travel. Travel with your most loyal friend for just €10 more.


How do you pay on Renfe?

You can pay for your purchases at renfe.com by credit or debit card, with Renfe Points, PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay and Bizum. Renfe offers you a secure purchase system, eliminating the possibility of fraud. All confidential data generated when using the system is encrypted.


What is the rapid train service in Spain called?

AVE (Alta Velocidad Española) high-speed services, operated by Spanish national rail company Renfe, constitute the top-end of Spain's range of long-distance trains, running at up to 310km/h. Playing on the spanish word for bird, “ave,” AVE trains use high-speed routes to connect major Spanish cities.


Is Trainline cheaper than Renfe?

Trainline is the official reseller of Renfe and Avlo, the brands of Spain's national railway company, OUIGO and iryo as well. So you all have ALL the options in just one place. Trainline sells train tickets for the same price as the Spanish carriers.


Should I buy train tickets in advance Spain?

Reserving point-to-point tickets in advance (available up to 60 days ahead of travel) is the best way to save money and to guarantee a seat on your preferred train. Furthermore, many areas of Spain aren't well served by its train system — for many trips, buses and even flights may be a better option.


Is Trainline or Rail Europe better?

In some cases, Trainline's bus and bus/train combo options are worthwhile. In our extensive testing, it's the number one result for the best train fares in Europe. Rail Europe works just as smoothly as Trainline but its coverage is not as extensive.


What trains do Renfe use?

Discover all our trains
  • Alta Velocidad (High-speed) We have the most modern and versatile fleet of high-speed trains in our environment. ...
  • Variable gauge. ...
  • Tourist. ...
  • Mercancías. ...
  • Metric gauge.


Which is better TrainPal or Trainline?

If you don't want to see ads interspersed with journey results, your best bet is either Railboard or TrainPal. The Trainline app mixes in banner ads with its results. TrainPal will show you offers and promotions, but we wouldn't consider these adverts, and they're certainly not mixed in with the journey results!


What is the best train to take in Spain?

  • The Transcantabrico Train. ...
  • La Robla Express. ...
  • Galicia's tourist trains. ...
  • Tren dels Llacs. ...
  • The Al Andalus. ...
  • Campos de Castilla Train. ...
  • The Cervantes Train. ...
  • Philip II Train.