AVE Train Travel: Exploring Spain at High Speed with AVE Tickets

Experience Spain at high speed with AVE, the renowned high-speed train service that connects major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia. With speeds reaching up to 310 km/h, AVE trains offer a quick and comfortable way to explore Spain’s vibrant culture and scenic landscapes. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, AVE provides modern amenities, spacious seats, and a smooth journey. With frequent departures, convenient city-center stations, and stunning views along the way, AVE ensures a hassle-free and enjoyable travel experience across Spain’s most iconic routes.

AVE - Need to know

Frequency

More information

Must-know facts

Facilities and services

Frequent and fast connections between major destinations across Spain.

Madrid to Seville: 16 trains per day
Madrid to Valencia: 19 trains per day
Alicante to Madrid: 14 trains per day
Madrid to Alicante: 14 trains per day
Madrid to Barcelona: 30 trains per day
Seville to Madrid: 15 trains per day
Madrid to Málaga: 13 trains per day
Barcelona to Madrid: 30 trains per day
Valencia to Madrid: 19 trains per day
Málaga to Madrid: 13 trains per day

Note: You must remember that these are average numbers and may vary depending on the day of the week and time of year.

You can find the exact timetable for your desired route on the Renfe website

Schedule: The trains are available from early morning to around 8:30 pm
Duration: Journeys range from under 3 to 4 hours 25 minutes, depending on the route.
Recommended tickets: AVE tickets
Reservations: AVE tickets automatically include a seat reservation.1 This means that when you buy an AVE ticket, you are also reserving a specific seat on the train for your journey.
Stops: Vary by route, but include cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia
Requirements: Valid ticket and reservation, passport for international travel

AVE stands for Alta Velocidad Española (Spanish High-Speed).
AVE is the brand name for Renfe's (Spanish Railways) premier high-speed trains.
The network covers much of eastern, central, and southern Spain.
AVE trains can run at up to 190 mph (310 km/h).
AVE trains are used on all services between Spain and France, except for trains running to Paris and Toulouse.

Free Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available in all classes so you can stay connected throughout your journey. You can also avail power outlets provided in every class for every passenger.
Luggage storage: There is ample space for your belongings in luggage racks near your seat. However, you are allowed to bring up to 3 pieces of luggage on AVE trains. There is also a weight restriction of 25 kg (55 lbs) for the combined weight of all three pieces Additionally, you can store larger suitcases on floor-standing racks located at the end of each car.
Own vehicle storage: Bicycles are allowed on board for free, but you must fold or disassemble and pack it in a bike bag.
Accessible travel: Passengers with reduced mobility get on-train assistance and seat reservations for free on AVE trains.
Food and drinks: The cafe-bar car serves snacks, hot dishes, coffee, soft drinks, beer & wine. If you pay the premium fare, you get a hot meal (or on some departures, a snack box) with wine served at your seat. You are free to bring your own food and drink.
Sala club: If you pay the Premium fare, you can use the Sala Club lounge at main stations, which offers complimentary tea, coffee, snacks and beer.

How to buy AVE tickets

Direct booking through Renfe

Visit the Renfe website (www.renfe.com).
Enter your departure and arrival stations, date, and preferred accommodation.
Select your preferred connection and complete the booking process.
Prices vary based on route, class, and how far in advance you book.

At the station

Purchase tickets at Renfe ticket counters or self-service machines.
Be aware that prices may be higher and availability limited for last-minute bookings.

Through a rail pass

If you have an Interrail or Eurail pass, it's valid on AVE trains.
You'll still need to pay a reservation fee for your seat.
You can book your reservation through the Renfe website or at a station ( as mentioned above).

Tips for buying AVE tickets:

Booking at least 2-3 months early for the best prices and availability is essential, especially during peak seasons like summer, Christmas, or public holidays. AVE trains can get fully booked well in advance during these times, and prices tend to rise as the travel date approaches especially for popular routes like Madrid to Barcelona. By securing your tickets early, you can not only lock in the best seats but also take advantage of lower fares.
If your travel schedule is flexible, comparing different travel dates can save you money and help you find better options. For example, traveling on weekdays rather than weekends can often result in lower fares and fewer crowds. This flexibility allows you to choose the best times for your trip, especially if you're looking for more affordable tickets or less busy trains.
If you're planning multiple train journeys across Europe, consider purchasing a rail pass. Passes like the Eurail or Interrail can offer significant savings, especially if you're traveling to multiple cities. These passes allow unlimited travel within a set period and often come with additional perks, like flexible travel times and discounts on other services, giving you greater freedom while saving on individual ticket costs.
Choosing the slower journeys can be a great way to save money, especially if you’re not in a rush. Slower AVE services tend to have cheaper fares compared to high-speed trains, but they still offer comfortable travel with scenic views along the way. Opting for a longer journey can make a significant difference in cost, giving you more budget to explore at your destination.

Plan your AVE journey

Ticket types

Classes

Special considerations

Basico

These AVE train tickets are the equivalent of standard class.
Basico tickets are the cheapest.
Basico tickets cannot be refunded or exchanged, and you won’t be able to select your seat, though this option is available for an additional cost.
Pets are not allowed to travel with you on a Basico fare.
Trading up to an Elige or Premium fare will cost €12 and €30, respectively.

Elige

Elige tickets offer more flexibility for exchanges and cancellations.
With Elige tickets, you can change trains, cancel, and if you miss your train, you’ll get the next one at a discounted price.
Seat selection is also an option for an additional cost, and you can also upgrade to Premium.
Pets can be added for €10 after booking.
Catering is available from the cold tray.

Premium

Premium Renfe AVE tickets are the most expensive and offer the most flexibility.
They only apply exclusively to Confort.
Changing to a different train is free, and if you miss your train, you can catch the next train for free.
At-seat catering of hot food comes as standard and you can bring a pet for free.
The Prémium fare will only be available once hot food is available again on Renfe trains.

Estandar (standard)

Offers passengers comfortable seats, Wi-Fi, and the option to travel with a fold-down table.
Seats are large and with plenty of legroom, while some also recline.

Comfort (first class)

Provides you with all the amenities of the Standard Class like WiFi and fold-down tables, with the bonus of leather reclining seats, power sockets and complimentary hot and cold drinks and snacks throughout the journey.
You can also lay your hands on daily newspapers to connect yourself with the world around you as you travel to Spain’s most exotic locations.
Confort also provides you with headphones to watch onboard entertainment.
Some stations on AVE train also provide you with access to Renfe Club lounges

Children's fares

Children between 4 and 13 will need to use the AVE kid’s service to travel unaccompanied, and by using that they can avail a 40% discount on any available price, with their own child ticket and seat.
Children below three years old who do not occupy a seat can travel for free.
Children under four years can travel for free onboard AVE trains, but they must share a seat with a passenger over four and also carry a ‘free child ticket’.
Children older than 14 can travel alone on AVE trains.

Group bookings and Accessibility

If you’re traveling in a group of between four and nine people, you are eligible for discounts on AVE tickets. You can enjoy an 8% discount on the trip’s total price.
AVE trains are wheelchair accessible. They offer accessible seating options and electric wheelchair ramps for easy access and assistance on the train.

Pet travel

Pets under 22 lbs. (10 kg) are allowed on AVE trains. Pets should remain in their carrier when on the train, and passengers with Basico tickets aren’t allowed pets on board.
Small pets can travel on AVE train services. This includes dogs, cats, ferrets and non-poultry birds under 10 kg, if they are transported in a cage that doesn’t exceed the measurements 60 x 35 x 35 cm.
Animals may travel for free in Confort Class (First Class); in Estandár Class (Standard Class), you must purchase an Integrated ticket (25% of the price of an Estandár ticket).

Perks of traveling with AVE tickets

Time-efficient travel: AVE trains enable you to cover long distances quickly, maximizing your time at your destination.
Comfortable and modern: With AVE trains, you can experience the comfort of high-speed rail travel coupled with modern amenities like reclining seats, WiFi, and power outlets.
Convenient connections: AVE trains offer frequent connections between major cities, making planning your itinerary easy.
Eco-friendly: Renfe operates electric trains, including the AVE train, with zero emissions. Moreover, the electricity is sourced from renewable sources, making your travel environment-friendly.

Must-see destinations on AVE routes

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Barcelona

Explore the Sagrada Familia, wander down La Rambla, and enjoy the city's vibrant culture.

Frequently asked questions about AVE tickets

Can I change my AVE ticket?

Yes. However, the conditions will depend on the type of ticket. Passengers with premium tickets can change their tickets for free; other tickets usually have a fee for changing.

What's included in my AVE ticket price?

Your AVE ticket includes transportation and a reserved seat. Additional services, such as meals, lounge access, and extra luggage, may be available for an additional fee.

How far in advance can I book AVE tickets?

You can book AVE trains up to 90 days in advance, giving you ample time to plan your trip. Booking early is a great way to secure the best availability and often better fares. Popular routes, like Madrid to Barcelona or Seville to Madrid, tend to sell out quickly, especially during peak travel periods like summer holidays or long weekends, so it's wise to book ahead.

Is there an onboard restaurant on AVE trains?

AVE trains have a buffet car or café that serves food and drinks and is accessible to all passengers. You can also bring your own food and drinks.

What happens if I miss my AVE train?

This depends on the type of ticket you purchased. The Ticket Types section provides details on each ticket type's flexibility.

What type of hand luggage is allowed on the AVE train?

Suitcases, handbags, laptop bags, rucksacks, and similar are allowed on AVE trains. Baby seats and strollers need to be folded before traveling on AVE trains. Musical instruments in their cases and folded bikes in bike bags are also allowed on board.