AVE trains have revolutionised travel across Spain, representing the ultimate service for quick, comfortable, and efficient travel. With speeds of up to 310 km/h, you can reach iconic cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Malaga in record time.

Travelling on AVE trains isn't just a matter of getting from A to B: it's about enjoying a high-speed experience complete with modern services, spacious seats, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and amenities that let you enjoy every journey to the fullest. From business trips to weekend getaways, AVE trains have become the benchmark for modern and sustainable transport in Spain.

How to buy AVE train tickets

Buying AVE train tickets involves a number of different variables: price, journey duration, train schedules and seat type. TrainPal lets you easily compare all these choices, allowing you to choose the quickest or cheapest option according to your needs.

AVE train schedules

AVE train schedules vary according to each journey, with frequent departures throughout the day. From Madrid or Barcelona, the first AVE train leaves first thing in the morning and the last one at the very end of the day, offering flexibility for business and leisure travellers. For destinations like Malaga, Seville, or Valencia, you’ll also find direct and combined AVE services with routes that can be adapted to the needs of each passenger.

Checking the latest Renfe schedules is key to planning a comfortable trip without any setbacks. What's more, TrainPal lets you view the status of trains in real time, so you can stay in the loop if your train experiences a delay, check for platform changes, and track the progress of the journey.

Free local commuter ticket with your AVE (Combinado Cercanías)

When you buy an AVE ticket, it includes the Combinado Cercanías service in participating cities. This allows you to travel to or from your station of origin or destination without additional costs. As such, you can connect to the city centre or take other local transport to continue your journey.

How to buy AVE train tickets

Discounts on AVE tickets

Renfe offers multiple discounts to make AVE trips more affordable. Young people and students with a Spanish Youth Card (Carné Joven) or recognised international youth cards can benefit from discounts on AVE, Avant, and Media Distancia train tickets. Additionally, Renfe’s Gold Card (Tarjeta Dorada) provides discounts to the over-60s, while benefits for families include discounts for children and large families. If you want to find cheap AVE tickets at the best price, book in advance and explore all special fares to maximise your savings on upcoming journeys aboard Spain's flagship high-speed service.

Below are the best cheap AVE tickets:

Return tickets

Return tickets

Enjoy a discount of up to 20% on the base fare when you buy a round-trip ticket, perfect for anyone planning a trip or weekend getaway.

Básico tickets

Básico tickets

Perfect for those looking for the most affordable option who still value high-speed travel.

Elige tickets

Elige tickets

With discounts of up to 65%, they offer more flexibility for changes or cancellations and the possibility to choose your seat.

Free children's tickets

Free children's tickets

Kids under 4 travel free of charge on all AVE trains.

AVE Gold Card

AVE Gold Card

Travellers aged 60 and over, veterans with a permanent disability and passengers with a disability degree of at least 33% all qualify for a 25% discount on AVE and long-distance trains. This benefit requires Renfe’s Gold Card (Tarjeta Dorada) and must be applied at checkout (does not apply to add-on services).

Más Renfe Joven Card

Más Renfe Joven Card

Discounts on train fares are available for holders of the Carné Joven (Spanish Youth Card, issued by individual Autonomous Communities). This card—available to young people between 14 and 30—offers discounts of up to 20% on Avant, medium-distance, and regional trains in the Feve network. Discounts of 5% apply to AVE or long-distance train fares.

Carné Joven (Youth Card)

Carné Joven (Youth Card)

Discounts on train fares are available for holders of the Carné Joven (Spanish Youth Card, issued by individual Autonomous Communities). This card—available to young people between 14 and 30—offers discounts of up to 20% on Avant, medium-distance, and regional trains in the Feve network. Discounts of 5% apply to AVE or long-distance train fares.

Carné Joven holders can also access other benefits if they hold associated international cards. Recognised international youth cards include the European Youth Card (issued by countries associated with the EYCA), the ISIC International Student Card, the IYTC International Youth Card, and the IYTC GO 25 International Youth Travel Card.

What are the AVE Cards and Loyalty Programmes?

Renfe offers various cards and loyalty programmes that allow you to earn points and benefit from discounts on AVE trains and other high-speed services.

AVE Points Cards (Más Renfe)

AVE Points Cards (Más Renfe)

The Más Renfe card allows you to earn points for each trip you take on AVE, Avant or medium-distance trains. These points can then be exchanged for tickets, journeys or Renfe member products, giving frequent travellers better value for money.

AVE Golden Card (Tarjeta Dorada)

AVE Golden Card (Tarjeta Dorada)

The Gold Card (Tarjeta Dorada) is aimed at over 60s and provides significant discounts on AVE, medium-distance and Avant train tickets. It also offers additional benefits such as priority access and discounts for travel companions.

Más Renfe Young Card (Tarjeta Más Renfe Joven)

Más Renfe Young Card (Tarjeta Más Renfe Joven)

The Más Renfe Joven youth card is available for young people aged between 14 and 25 years old and offers savings of up to 30% on AVE, Avant, and medium-distance train tickets. It’s ideal for students and young passengers who want to enjoy fast and affordable travel around Spain.

What onboard services do AVE trains offer?

Taking an AVE train offers more than just speed; it also ensures a comfortable experience, with the utmost attention to detail. That’s why Renfe always guarantees a high-end service complete with dining carts, spacious seating, Wi-Fi access, and pet-friendly travel.

  • Children

    Kids under 4 travel free if they don't need their own seat, and under 14s travel with discounts on Avlo and medium-distance trains.

  • Luggage

    AVE trains offer plenty of space for large suitcases, hand luggage and personal items, with flexible travel policies that include up to three pieces of luggage weighing up to 25 kg (55 lbs) and maximum dimensions of 290 cm/114 inches (height, width, and depth). Renfe also categorises prams and musical instruments up to 30 x 120 x 38 cm (12 x 47 x 15 inches) as hand luggage.

  • Pets

    On AVE trains, you can travel with a pet as long as it meets Renfe’s policy, which has specific conditions for pet and carrier sizes. Cats, dogs, ferrets or birds weighing up to 10 kg (22 lbs) may travel in a carrier (maximum size 60 x 35 x 35 cm/24 x 14 x 14 inches) with their own ticket. Pets travel free with a Premium ticket, while Basic or Elige tickets incur a €10 supplement (about $11.50).

  • Wi-Fi (PlayRenfe)

    Surf the internet for free while travelling at speeds over 186 m/h on AVE trains, perfect for working or streaming entertainment on board. Renfe also offers other rates for enjoying higher speeds and data limits on their PlayRenfe platform.

  • Bicycle

    On AVE trains, you can bring your bicycle as long as it is folded and placed in a bag. If the dimensions do not exceed 180 cm (width, height, and depth), it qualifies as carry-on baggage. For bicycles exceeding these dimensions, you must select the free bicycle extra when booking your ticket, with maximum allowed dimensions of 140 x 90 x 40 cm. Ensure the handlebars are turned 90° and the pedals are removed. Only one bicycle per person is permitted, and it must remain in its bag from access control until the journey ends.

  • Accessibility

    The Adif Acerca assistance service is tailored to support travellers with disabilities or reduced mobility. This complimentary service aids in station access, train boarding, and disembarkation. Request assistance when booking your ticket or via the assistance service app. Depending on the station, requests should be made 30 minutes to 12 hours in advance. Specify your needs for suitable support, including mobility assistance, accompaniment, communication, or guide dog access.

  • Food and drinks

    Travel on AVE trains with Renfe and enjoy a variety of dining options – you’ll never go hungry! Choose from Box Menus like the Iberian, Nordic, Hot, or Sweet, served directly to your seat, and add this food supplement up to 12 hours before departure. Premium ticket holders can enjoy the complimentary Premium Menu. Additionally, access the cafeteria or mobile bar for your favourite snacks and drinks during the journey. Enhance your trip with these convenient and delicious dining options!

The AVE network in Spain

The AVE network connects Spain's major cities and allows quick and efficient travel between provincial capitals, tourist destinations, and business hubs.

Spain boasts an extensive high-speed rail network, with 15 cities with stations served by AVE trains—some of the most significant ones highlighted below:

AVE Madrid

The country's main high-speed hub, with connections to destinations like Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Malaga, Zaragoza, Valladolid, and more from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha and Madrid-Chamartín.

AVE Barcelona

Barcelona-Sants station offers connections to Madrid, Zaragoza, Valencia, Figueres and international destinations like Paris.

AVE Valencia

You'll find direct connections to Madrid, Malaga, and Alicante, as well as quick access to the city centre from Valencia-Estació del Nord station.

AVE Seville

Connections to Madrid, Malaga, Córdoba and Granada. Perfect for cultural and foodie getaways from the iconic Sevilla-Santa Justa station.

AVE Malaga

Arrive in Madrid, Seville or Córdoba from Malaga-María Zambrano station. This station also offers direct links to the resort area and beaches.

AVE to France

AVE to France

The AVE rail system connects Spain to France via routes from Barcelona or Madrid to Marseille, Lyon or Paris, operated by the International AVE service.

Below, you'll find more information about the most popular high-speed routes:

Train RoutesJourney DurationDaily FrequencyPrices Starting From
Barcelona to Lyon5 hours 6 minutes3€77.01
Madrid to Marseille8 hours 15 minutes1€41.02
Madrid to Montpellier6 hours 30 minutes1€29.00

AVE high-speed train stations

AVE train stations are more than just departure and arrival points: they are full-service centres. With easy access to public transport, shops, dining options, and customer service points, each station is designed to offer a comfortable travel experience from the second you arrive to the moment you head off to your destination.

Madrid-Puerta de Atocha Station is the most important high-speed station in the country. Moreover, it’s also one of the city’s most iconic buildings. Inaugurated in the 19th century and famous for its tropical greenhouse to while away the wait for your train, it not only offers AVE trains on its 15 tracks, but also long-distance, medium-distance and Cercanías (commuter) trains.

Address

Address:

Pl. del Emperador Carlos V, Arganzuela, 28045 Madrid, Spain

Closely following Atocha is Barcelona-Sants station. Located in the Sants-Montjuïc district, the late-70s building is a focal point in the Catalonian Capital, with medium- and long-distance connections as well as passenger services and Rodalies commuter trains.

Address

Address:

Pl. dels Països Catalans, 1 - 7, Sants-Montjuïc, 08014 Barcelona, Spain

Just a few minutes from the historic centre of one of Spain's most charming cities, you'll find Sevilla-Santa Justa station. With its 12 tracks, it is Spain's third-busiest station.

Address

Address:

41007, C. Joaquin Morales y Torres, 41003 Sevilla, Spain

Zaragoza–Delicias

Zaragoza-Delicias Station is one of Spain’s most modern transport hubs, renowned for seamlessly integrating rail and bus services within a single complex. Inaugurated in 2003, the contemporary and practical design of Zaragoza-Delicias has established it as a cornerstone of Spain’s high-speed rail network. AVE, OUIGO, iryo, and Renfe trains depart from their platforms with direct connections to major cities such as Madrid and Barcelona.

Address

Address:

Av. de Navarra, 80, 50011 Zaragoza, Spain

Madrid Chamartín

Madrid-Chamartín Station is one of Spain’s most significant high-speed rail hubs, particularly for AVE routes serving the country’s northern regions. Currently undergoing extensive renovation, it aims to become a flagship national intermodal transport centre. The station hosts services operated by Renfe, OUIGO, and iryo, offering modern facilities and efficient services.

Address

Address:

Chamartín, 28036 Madrid, Spain

Valencia-Joaquín Sorolla

Valencia-Joaquín Sorolla station was provisionally opened in 2010. Since then, it has become a critical hub along the Mediterranean Corridor. Its strategic location provides seamless connections to the city centre, while its modern facilities are designed to streamline passenger flow. You can travel on high-speed rail services operated by Renfe, OUIGO, and iryo.

Address

Address:

C/ de Sant Vicent Màrtir, 171, Extramurs, 46007 València, Valencia, Spain

AVE vs. other trains

AVE trains are among the fastest and most comfortable options for both domestic and international journeys. If you're searching for the best travel option, review the comparison table below that contrasts AVE trains with other services. This will help you select the ideal route that perfectly suits your travel plans!

TrainsAVEAvantAvloiryoOUIGO
OperatorRenfeRenfeRenfeILSASNCF
Max. speed310 km/h250 km/h300 km/h300 km/h300 km/h
Combinado Cercanías󰾅󱕤󱕤󰾅󱕤
Classes
  1. Básico
  2. Elige Estándar
  3. Elige Confort
  4. Prémium
  1. Sencillo
  2. Ida y vuelta
  3. Con enlace
  1. Básico
  1. Inicial
  2. Singular
  3. Singular Only YOU
  4. Infinita Bistró
  1. OUIGO ESENCIAL
LoungeAvailable for passengers with Premium tickets󱕤Available for members of the Silver, Gold, or Platinum categories of the Más Renfe program󱕤󱕤
Key featuresExclusive high-speed serviceHigh-speed trains for medium-distance journeysAffordable high-speed trainsFlexible and premium optionsLow-cost high-speed trains
<h3>AVE</h3> <p>Travelling by AVE means comfort and speed, with trains reaching up to 310 km/h, connecting numerous key destinations across Spain and France. Enjoy spacious, comfortable seats, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and individual power outlets. AVE trains also offer a cafeteria car, mobile bar service, and onboard digital entertainment, making them one of the top choices for a comfortable and enjoyable journey.</p>

AVE

Travelling by AVE means comfort and speed, with trains reaching up to 310 km/h, connecting numerous key destinations across Spain and France. Enjoy spacious, comfortable seats, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and individual power outlets. AVE trains also offer a cafeteria car, mobile bar service, and onboard digital entertainment, making them one of the top choices for a comfortable and enjoyable journey.

<h3>Avant</h3> <p>Renfe's Avant trains provide high-speed medium-distance services, perfect for short journeys between nearby cities. Reaching speeds of up to 250 km/h, they offer a fast and comfortable solution for daily commutes. Operating in a single class without a café car, Avant trains are equipped with free Wi-Fi and power outlets at every seat, making them ideal for travellers seeking efficiency and comfort on short trips.</p>

Avant

Renfe's Avant trains provide high-speed medium-distance services, perfect for short journeys between nearby cities. Reaching speeds of up to 250 km/h, they offer a fast and comfortable solution for daily commutes. Operating in a single class without a café car, Avant trains are equipped with free Wi-Fi and power outlets at every seat, making them ideal for travellers seeking efficiency and comfort on short trips.

<h3>Avlo</h3> <p>Experience accessible high-speed travel with Avlo, Renfe's low-cost service reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h. Enjoy a comfortable journey with reclining seats, power outlets for device charging, free Wi-Fi, and reading lights. Avlo trains also feature luggage storage, vending machines for drinks and snacks, and accessible restrooms for passengers with reduced mobility. Starting from just €7, Avlo offers a fast, comfortable, and affordable travel option.</p>

Avlo

Experience accessible high-speed travel with Avlo, Renfe's low-cost service reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h. Enjoy a comfortable journey with reclining seats, power outlets for device charging, free Wi-Fi, and reading lights. Avlo trains also feature luggage storage, vending machines for drinks and snacks, and accessible restrooms for passengers with reduced mobility. Starting from just €7, Avlo offers a fast, comfortable, and affordable travel option.

<h3>iryo</h3> <p>Iryo offers a superior high-speed train service, providing a premium travel experience with speeds up to 360 km/h on ETR 1000 trains. Enjoy fast and comfortable journeys between Madrid and Barcelona, featuring 5G Wi-Fi, a mobile bar service, and four distinct comfort areas, ensuring each journey is unique and enjoyable.</p>

iryo

Iryo offers a superior high-speed train service, providing a premium travel experience with speeds up to 360 km/h on ETR 1000 trains. Enjoy fast and comfortable journeys between Madrid and Barcelona, featuring 5G Wi-Fi, a mobile bar service, and four distinct comfort areas, ensuring each journey is unique and enjoyable.

<h3>OUIGO</h3> <p>OUIGO, a low-cost high-speed train service, launched in Spain in 2021. Featuring double-decker trains with a single seating class, OUIGO offers up to 590 seats per train at competitive prices starting from €9. Tickets are exclusively available online. Onboard amenities include a café car, with the option to enhance your journey through the OUIGO Plus service, offering more space, additional luggage, and other benefits. Perfect for travellers seeking an economical option without compromising on speed.</p>

OUIGO

OUIGO, a low-cost high-speed train service, launched in Spain in 2021. Featuring double-decker trains with a single seating class, OUIGO offers up to 590 seats per train at competitive prices starting from €9. Tickets are exclusively available online. Onboard amenities include a café car, with the option to enhance your journey through the OUIGO Plus service, offering more space, additional luggage, and other benefits. Perfect for travellers seeking an economical option without compromising on speed.

FAQs about Renfe AVE

  • What speeds do AVE trains reach?

    AVE trains reach speeds of about 300 km/h (186m/h) in commercial operation, which guarantees consistently shorter travel times between Spain's major cities. Some models, such as the Series 103 or 102/112, can reach speeds of up to 350 km/h (217 m/h) and 330 km/h (205 m/h) respectively.

  • How can I get cheap AVE tickets?

    You can find cheap AVE train tickets by comparing prices and train times on platforms like TrainPal, and utilising discounts for young people, large families, or over 60s. Booking as far in advance as possible will also help you find the best price.

  • What does the AVE ticket include?

    AVE tickets included various basic facilities (such as sockets, tray tables, Wi-Fi on some trains, and air conditioning) as well as other extras, depending on your service class (such as seat reservation and on-board dining).

    In addition, AVE tickets include the Combinado Cercanías service free of charge, which allows you to comfortably travel around participating cities in the 4 hours before your departure and the 4 hours after your arrival at your destination.

  • Can I travel with pets on the AVE?

    Yes, you can travel with your pet on AVE trains, as long as you abide by the conditions set out by Renfe. Small animals of up to 10 kg (22 lbs) can travel on any service, as long as they travel in an appropriate carrier. Larger dogs, weighing up to 40 kg (88 lbs), are permitted on specific AVE routes as well as some served by other lines, as long as they travel with their own ticket and have a reserved seat.

    In any case, pets require a ticket and must travel with up-to-date health documentation. This is to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for both the animal and other passengers.

  • How does seat selection work on the AVE?

    When you buy your ticket, you can select your seat based on availability, choosing a window seat, an aisle seat, or a more spacious seat in higher fare classes. This applies to AVE Básico, Elige Estándar, Elige Confort and Prémium tickets.

  • Can I combine AVE with other Renfe trains?

    Yes, the purchase of an AVE ticket includes the Combinado Cercanías service, which allows you to take Cercanías (commuter) trains without any additional cost in the 4 hours before your departure at your origin station as well as in the 4 hours after your arrival at your destination.

  • What are the most important AVE stations in Spain?

    The main stations are Madrid-Puerta de Atocha, Barcelona-Sants, Sevilla-Santa Justa, Malaga-María Zambrano, Valencia-Joaquín Sorolla and Zaragoza-Delicias, all of which offer public transport, dining outlets and a comfortable service. Stations like León, Huesca, Valladolid, Ciudad Real, Córdoba, Alicante, Albacete, Castellón and Cuenca are also served by AVE trains.

Other train operators in Spain

Other train operators in Spain
Avant