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!

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.