Renfe AVE
Spain's national high-speed rail operator with Europe's longest high-speed network, connecting major cities at up to 300 km/h
300 km/h
Free on all AVE trains via PlayRenfe portal
ATENDO free assistance at 146 stations, H-seats for wheelchairs, adapted toilets, boarding ramps
Spain domestic + international to France (Madrid-Marseille, Barcelona-Lyon)
About Renfe
Renfe is Spain's national rail operator, and AVE (Alta Velocidad Espanola) is its premier high-speed brand. Operating on Europe's longest high-speed network with over 4,000 km of dedicated track, AVE trains connect major Spanish cities at speeds up to 300 km/h. The central hubs are Madrid Puerta de Atocha and Madrid Chamartin, with Barcelona Sants serving as the secondary hub. International services extend into France with routes from Madrid to Marseille and Barcelona to Lyon.
The AVE fleet includes several train types built by different manufacturers: the Siemens Velaro S103 (mainstay of Madrid-Barcelona, 404 seats), the Talgo 350 S102/S112 (Madrid-Alicante, known as 'Pato'), the Alstom S100 (international Spain-France services), and the newest Talgo AVRIL S106 (introduced 2024 for Madrid-Galicia). All AVE trains feature free WiFi via the PlayRenfe portal, power sockets at every seat, air conditioning, and a cafe-bar car.
Three travel classes are available on most AVE trains: Turista (standard, 2+2 seating), Preferente (first class, spacious 2+1 seating), and on S103 trains a small Club Executive section. The Premium fare tier in Preferente class includes an at-seat meal service and access to Sala Club lounges at 13 major stations. Spain is unique in European rail for requiring luggage X-ray screening before boarding at all high-speed stations.
AVE Fleet
AVE S103 (Siemens Velaro)
Up to 300 km/h
The mainstay of Renfe AVE services with 26 trainsets. Eight aluminium cars, 404 seats, 200m long with distributed traction. Features phototropic glass allowing passengers to share the driver view. Operates most Madrid-Barcelona, Barcelona-Seville/Malaga, and some Madrid-Malaga services.
Key features: Driver-view glass screen, distributed traction, 404 seats, Club Executive section
AVE S102/S112 (Talgo 350)
Up to 300 km/h
Built by Talgo with articulated low-slung carriages and single-pair wheels at each joint. Nicknamed 'Pato' (duck) by staff for their distinctive power car shape. Operates most Madrid-Alicante services and some Madrid-Seville/Malaga routes.
Key features: Talgo articulated design, gauge-changing capability, smooth low-slung ride
AVE S100 (Alstom/TGV)
Up to 300 km/h
The original AVE fleet from 1992, based on France's TGV Atlantique and refurbished in 2009. Two power cars with 8 passenger cars. Now operates Renfe's international services between Spain and France (Madrid-Marseille, Barcelona-Lyon).
Key features: International Spain-France services, TGV-based design, bilingual crew
AVE S106 (Talgo AVRIL)
Up to 330 km/h
Renfe's newest AVE type, introduced in May 2024 for Madrid-Galicia services. Extra-wide Talgo carriages with 2+3 seating in Standard and 2+2 in Preferente. Additional routes to follow.
Key features: Newest fleet, extra-wide carriages, Madrid-Galicia high-speed service
Travel Classes
Turista (Standard)
Economy class with comfortable 2+2 reclining seats (2+3 on S106), fold-down tables, free WiFi via PlayRenfe, and power sockets at every seat. Access to the cafe-bar car for snacks and drinks.
- ✓2+2 reclining seats with fold-down tables (2+3 on S106 trains)
- ✓Free WiFi via PlayRenfe portal
- ✓Power sockets at every seat (European 2-pin)
- ✓Air conditioning throughout
- ✓Cafe-bar car with hot/cold food and drinks
- ✓Quiet car (coche en silencio) option available at booking
Preferente (First Class)
First class with spacious 2+1 seating, extra legroom, and solo seats on one side of the aisle. With the Premium fare, passengers receive an at-seat meal service and access to Sala Club lounges at 13 stations.
- ✓2+1 seating with extra legroom and solo seats
- ✓Tables-for-two on one side of aisle (ideal for couples)
- ✓Premium fare: at-seat meal service (breakfast/lunch/dinner depending on time)
- ✓Premium fare: Sala Club lounge access at 13 stations (up to 2h before departure)
- ✓Free WiFi, power sockets, and individual reading lamps
- ✓Quieter carriages, more laptop-friendly atmosphere
- ✓Pets travel free with Premium fare
Club (Executive)
Available only on S103 trains. A small exclusive section in the end car featuring a 7-seater meeting table, top-tier service, and all Premium benefits.
- ✓Exclusive section in S103 end car with 7-seater meeting table
- ✓All Premium benefits: meal service, Sala Club access
- ✓Ideal for business meetings during travel
- ✓Shared driver-view through phototropic glass screen
Popular Renfe Routes on EuroTrain
Luggage Policy
Up to 3 pieces per passenger, each no larger than 85 x 55 x 35 cm, with a combined weight limit of 25 kg. No extra fees. Luggage X-ray screening at stations before boarding.
- •Maximum 3 items per passenger: 1 large bag + 1 medium bag + 1 personal item
- •Maximum dimensions per piece: 85 x 55 x 35 cm
- •Combined weight limit: 25 kg for all items
- •No excess luggage fee -- items exceeding limits may be refused
- •All luggage must pass through X-ray screening at the station before boarding
- •Arrive at least 30 minutes early to allow time for security screening
- •Luggage stored in overhead racks and dedicated areas at the end of each car
- •Musical instruments up to 30 x 120 x 38 cm allowed as one of the 3 items
- •Pushchairs and strollers travel free (do not count toward the 3-item limit)
- •Small pets (up to 10 kg including carrier) allowed with a pet ticket
- •Folding or disassembled bikes only, in a carrying case with total dimensions not exceeding 180 cm
Folding or disassembled bikes only, in a carrying case with total dimensions not exceeding 180 cm. Assembled bicycles are not permitted on AVE trains.
Source: Carrier website
Booking Tips
Allow Time for Station Security
Spain is unique in European rail for requiring airport-style luggage X-ray screening at all high-speed stations. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to clear security, especially at busy stations like Madrid Atocha and Barcelona Sants.
Free Suburban Train Connection
Every AVE ticket includes a free Combinado Cercanias -- a free connection on Madrid or Barcelona's suburban train network on the same day as your AVE journey. This can save you a separate ticket to/from the city center or airport.
Infants Under 4 Need a Free Ticket
Unlike most European operators where children under 4 simply board, Renfe requires a free ticket for infants aged 0-3 (without their own seat). Request it when booking online or at the station. Children aged 4-13 get a 40% discount.
Premium Fare Includes Meal and Lounge
Upgrading to the Premium fare tier in Preferente class adds an at-seat meal service and access to Sala Club lounges at 13 major stations. The meal varies by time of day (breakfast, lunch, or dinner). The price difference is often modest when booked early.
Quiet Car Available
Select 'coche en silencio' (quiet car) when booking for a designated quiet carriage. Mobile phones must be on silent, conversations kept to a minimum, and headphones used for any audio. Available in both Turista and Preferente classes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Renfe
Renfe operates four main AVE train types: the S103 (Siemens Velaro, 300 km/h, 404 seats), S102/S112 (Talgo 350, 300 km/h), S100 (Alstom/TGV, 300 km/h, international services), and the newest S106 (Talgo AVRIL, 330 km/h, introduced 2024). Each type has different seating configurations and class availability.
Most AVE trains offer two classes: Turista (standard, 2+2 seating) and Preferente (first class, 2+1 seating). S103 trains also have a small Club Executive section. The Premium fare tier in Preferente adds an at-seat meal service and Sala Club lounge access.
Yes, WiFi is free on all AVE trains via the PlayRenfe portal. Connect to the onboard network and access the portal for internet, entertainment, and train information. No registration is required.
Each passenger can bring up to 3 items: 1 large bag, 1 medium bag, and 1 personal item. Each piece must not exceed 85 x 55 x 35 cm, with a combined weight limit of 25 kg. All luggage must pass through X-ray screening at the station before boarding.
Yes. Spain is unique in European rail for requiring airport-style luggage X-ray screening before boarding all high-speed trains. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. Screening is quick but queues can form at peak times, especially at Madrid Atocha and Barcelona Sants.
Children aged 0-3 travel free but require a free ticket (requested at booking or at the station). They do not get their own seat. Children aged 4-13 receive a 40% discount on the adult fare. Children aged 14+ pay the full adult fare.
Yes. Renfe operates international AVE services between Spain and France using S100 trains with bilingual crew. Routes include Madrid to Marseille (via Zaragoza, Barcelona, Perpignan, Montpellier, Nimes) and Barcelona to Lyon (via Perpignan, Montpellier, Nimes). Journey times vary by route.
Sala Club lounges are Renfe premium waiting areas at 13 major Spanish stations. Access is included with the Premium fare in Preferente or Club class. Lounges offer comfortable seating, complimentary refreshments, WiFi, newspapers, and a quiet working environment. You can enter up to 2 hours before departure.
Yes. All AVE trains have H-seats (wheelchair spaces), adapted toilets, and boarding ramps. The ATENDO service provides free assistance at 146 stations, including help with boarding, luggage, and navigating the station. Request ATENDO assistance at least 12 hours in advance via renfe.com or by phone.
Combinado Cercanias is a free suburban train connection included with every AVE ticket. It allows you to travel on Madrid or Barcelona's Cercanias commuter network on the same day as your AVE journey at no extra cost. Activate it at ticket machines at the Cercanias station using your AVE ticket or booking code.
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