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Popular AVE Routes

TrainJourney TimePrice
Madrid to Barcelona2 hours 37 minutesBuy from €45.98Book Now
Madrid to Valencia1 hour 54 minutesBuy from €17.91Book Now
Madrid to Malaga2 hours 39 minutesBuy from €23.63Book Now
Alicante to Madrid2 hours 18 minutesBuy from €37.24Book Now
Madrid to Seville2 hours 29 minutesBuy from €20.30Book Now

What is AVE?

What is AVE?

First operated in 1992, Renfe’s AVE (Alta Velocidad Española) trains are the earliest high-speed trains in Spain, known for travelling at speeds of up to 300 km/h (186 mph).

AVE trains pass through major cities and towns in Spain, including Madrid, Sevilla, Barcelona, and Valencia. Alternatively, AVE International trains can take you to popular destinations in France, such as Marseille and Lyon.

AVE trains offer up to four types of tickets and two classes of seating, ensuring an excellent and comfortable train journey for all travellers. While onboard, you can also enjoy unlimited free WiFi, reclining seats, and conveniently located charging ports.

Top Destinations

  • Book trains to Madrid

    Madrid

    Madrid, the capital of Spain, is centrally located and boasts a rich historical heritage and ancient architecture. It’s also a leading commercial centre, meaning diverse nightlife, abundant retail opportunities and vibrant festivals in the summer.

    Main station:

    →Madrid Chamartin station

    →Madrid Atocha station

    󱐿Train types available:

    High-speed trains (AVE), commuter trains (Cercanías) and regional trains

    Top attractions:

    Museo del Prado, Palacio Real, Parque del Buen Retiro, Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, Mercado de San Miguel, Catedral de la Almudena

  • Book trains to Barcelona

    Barcelona

    Barcelona, located in northeastern Spain, is defined and shaped by the Balearic Sea and the Serra de Collserola mountain range - not to mention its bustling and diverse culture - making it a world-renowned tourist destination.

    Main station:

    →Barcelona-Sants station

    →Barcelona França station

    󱐿 Train types available:

    High-speed trains (AVE, Avlo, iryo, OUIGO, TGV INOUI), and regional trains

    Top attractions:

    Sagrada Família, Parc Güell, Casa Batlló, Barri Gòtic, La Rambla, Barceloneta Beach, Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria

  • Book trains to Valencia

    Valencia

    Valencia is a coastal city in eastern Spain where you can walk from the city centre to the beach to enjoy the sea breeze. Don’t miss the largest aquarium in Europe, Oceanogràfic, which is also located here within the landmark building, The City of Arts and Sciences.

    Main station:

    →Valencia-Joaquín Sorolla station

    →Valencia-Estació del Nord station

    󱐿 Train types available:

    High-speed trains (AVE), commuter trains (Cercanías) and regional trains

    Top attractions:

    Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, Catedral de Valencia, Mercado Central, La Lonja de la Seda, Playa de la Malvarrosa, Plaza de Toros de Valencia

  • Book trains to Seville

    Sevilla

    Sevilla, located in southern Spain, is one of Europe's warmest cities. It boasts three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the grand Seville Cathedral (the largest Gothic cathedral), and hosts vibrant festivals year-round.

    Main station:

    →Sevilla Santa Justa station

    󱐿 Train types available:

    High-speed trains (AVE) and commuter trains (Cercanías)

    Top attractions:

    Catedral de Sevilla, La Giralda, Real Alcázar, Triana, Barrio Santa Cruz

AVE Train Ticket Types

AVE trains offer four ticket types, while international trains provide only the first three listed here. Each type is suitable for passengers seeking fast travel but has its own advantages, so it is worthwhile researching the differences to ensure you have an enjoyable journey.

AVE Train Ticket Types

Básico

Básico is the cheapest ticket option, offering Standard (Estándar) seating, ideal for budget or short-trip travellers

  1. Standard seating
  2. Seat selection and small pet (up to 10kg) travel are available for an additional fee.
  3. Non-refundable and non-changeable tickets
  4. Free to bring up to three pieces of hand luggage

Elige Estándar

Elige Estándar provides Standard (Estándar) seating, though it offers the ability to pay more for many add-ons, such as refunds and changes to the ticket with an additional fee. Ideal for value-seeking travellers who want flexibility.

  1. Standard seating
  2. Refunds of up to 70% and the option to change tickets at an additional cost
  3. Additional fees apply for seat selection, pet travel (including dogs up to 40kg), and onboard food and drinks
  4. Free to bring up to three pieces of hand luggage

Elige Confort

Elige Confort offers XL Comfort (Confort) seating. Perfect for comfort-seeking travellers who desire flexibility when travelling.

  1. XL Comfort seating offering greater space and wider seats
  2. Refunds of up to 70% and the option to change tickets at additional cost
  3. Additional fees apply for seat selection, pet travel, and onboard catering
  4. Free to bring up to three pieces of hand luggage

Prémium

Prémium is the superior ticket choice when it comes to luxury, designed for those who want to travel in style.

  1. XL Comfort seating offering greater space and wider seats
  2. Free and full refunds and changes included
  3. Access to Renfe Club Lounges at the station
  4. Enjoy a Premium Menu delivered to your seat, choosing from a five-star menu, as well as a snack box and wine on selected routes
  5. Pets up to 10kg are free to bring
  6. Free to bring up to three pieces of hand luggage
AVE Ticket TypesBásicoElige EstándarElige ConfortPrémium
Seating typeStandardStandardXL ComfortXL Comfort
WiFi and power socket
Onboard food and drinksCafeteria and food trolley€5.50 add-on available€5.50 add-on availableFree
Club Lounges in the station
Silent coach
Hand luggageUp to 3 bagsUp to 3 bagsUp to 3 bagsUp to 3 bags
One pet under 10kg€10 add-on available€10 add-on available€10 add-on availableFree
One dog under 40kg€35 add-on available
Refunds & ChangesFor additional feesFor additional feesFree

AVE On-Board Facilities & Services

AVE trains are fully equipped and expertly designed to help ensure all passengers enjoy a pleasant journey.

  1. Seats: Standard Seat and Comfort seats (depending on ticket type)
  2. Luggage: Free to bring up to 3 pieces of hand luggage
  3. WiFi: Available for free on all carriages for all ticket types
  4. On-board food: This includes premium menus, snack boxes, and wine for Prémium ticket holders, as well as access to a cafeteria and mobile bar service for all ticket types.
  5. Silent coach: Available for purchase at the station for all ticket types
  6. On-board entertainment: Access to audio and video entertainment on-board
  7. Accessibility: Wheelchair spaces and other assistance services
  8. Pets: One small pet under 10kg in a carrier per traveller for an additional €10, though free for Prémium ticket holders. Dogs up to 40kg are allowed on certain AVE routes with Elige Estándar tickets for a fee of €35.
  9. Free cancellation: All ticket types can be cancelled free of charge within 2 hours of purchase.