How to book trains in Spain

Booking Trains in Spain

READ THE MOST IMPORTANT FACT

Renfe the Spanish train operator has a confusing system of not allowing  advanced bookings with a long time in advance. They do not specify the exactly when you can book in advance. Most of the time it seems to be around one month. If you look on internet forums (in 2025)  the most asked question is people confused because they can't buy a ticket in advance and I suspect that most people book a bus instead. This may change in the future. 

Comments: Leire Serrano suggests that:  "Tickets are sold 90 days in advance (AVE) or 60 days (rest) unless you look at an area with construction work ongoing (northern Spain, Madrid Chamartín, etc.) which can go down to one month or less." other people give different information. 

Spain has an excellent high-speed and regional train network, making it a convenient way to travel between cities. Here's a guide to the best ways to book train tickets:

Online Booking (Recommended)

Booking online is generally the easiest and often cheapest way to purchase train tickets in Spain.

Renfe (Official Website)

• www.renfe.com (English version available)
• This is the official website of the Spanish national rail operator, Renfe.
• Pros: Direct booking, often the best prices, access to all routes and schedules, ability to choose seats.
• Cons: The website can sometimes be a little complex to navigate, especially for international users.

Third-Party Websites/Apps

• Websites and apps like Trainline, Rail Europe, Iryo, Ouigo and Omio offer a user-friendly interface and often allow you to compare prices across different train operators (though in Spain, it will almost always be Renfe for long distance).
• Pros: Easier to use interface, support for multiple languages and currencies, sometimes offer small discounts or deals.
• Cons: May charge a small booking fee, might not have access to all available tickets or special offers.

Other Booking Methods

• Train Stations: You can purchase tickets at ticket counters or vending machines at train stations. This is convenient if you are booking last minute, but queues can be long, and you might miss out on online discounts.

Tips for Booking Train Tickets in Spain

• Book in advance: Especially for popular routes and during peak season (summer, holidays), booking in advance can save you money and guarantee a seat.
• Consider AVE (High-Speed) trains: AVE trains are fast and comfortable, but they are generally more expensive than regional trains.
• Check for discounts and promotions: Renfe often offers discounts for seniors, young people, and groups. Look for "Promo," "Mesa," or "Ida y Vuelta" fares.
• Be aware of ticket types: There are different ticket types with varying levels of flexibility (e.g., flexible, semi-flexible, non-refundable). Choose the one that best suits your needs.
• Print your tickets or have them readily available on your phone: You will usually need to show your ticket to the conductor.

You can easily compare buses and trains using OMIO below:

A good website with more information is seat61



3,434 views of this article.
Last Modified on January 10th, 2025
Created on January 1st, 2025
2,543,103 Total Views


This article is part of the following categories. Click on the links to see a list of similar articles:
Go to homepage