Why I’m Obsessed With Train Travel in Spain

I’ve always loved riding the rails in Europe. Since my very first high-speed train experience on Renfe’s Alta Velocidad Española between Madrid in Seville in the early 2000s, I’ve been hooked.

However, as a cost-conscious study-abroad student and, later, a frequent flyer enthusiast, I often only flew around Europe and within Spain instead of taking the train, especially when trying to gain elite status (when segments mattered more). In many cases, a train between Barcelona and Madrid was often double the cost of a flight. Still, I never lost my love for trains, and I’ve been taking them since I moved to Spain nearly 2 decades ago.

Fast forward to 2020, when the Spanish government decided to open up competition for its railways, allowing private competitors to launch train service on Spain’s rails. This significantly increased competition and lowered prices, which made it a lot more feasible to take my growing family on the train. These days, I can take high-speed train trips in Spain on Renfe, Ouigo (French), and Iryo (Italian), which offers flexibility in timing, ease, and budget.

8 Reasons Why I’ll Always Pick Train Travel in Spain

These are additional reasons why I’ll continue to take the train when I travel around Spain.

1. Sustainability

Sustainability is something I’m working on improving with my own travel habits, and taking the train is an easy way to start. It’s true that airlines have new, more efficient aircraft on order to help reduce their carbon footprints. Still, according to data from the U.K. Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, taking a train instead of a domestic flight could reduce emissions by up to 86%.

But taking the train may soon be the only option, as Spain has proposed a ban on short-haul domestic flights on routes where passengers can take a train in less than 2.5 hours (with the exception of international flight connections), something France has already done.

2. Convenience

While Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) is only a 20-minute taxi ride from my apartment in the city center, many other airports around Spain aren’t as centrally located. Meanwhile, most train stations in Spain are in the centers of their cities, making arrival and departure much easier. I’ve been to destinations in Spain where I could walk to my hotel from the train station, but I’ve never found that ease when flying.

3. Time Savings

Besides being faster to reach, train stations don’t require the same level of security that airports do. While you may have to wait in some lines to put your luggage through a scanner, you don’t have to take off your belt, shoes, or liquid or go through a lengthy check-in process. I usually show up about 20 to 30 minutes before my train departs, put my luggage through the scanner, show an agent my ticket, and board the train. It’s a far cry from the 2 to 3 hours I would need to arrive at the airport ahead of my flight.

I once was able to test this out with a friend who was flying from Madrid to Barcelona (BCN) while I took the train. Her flight was about 1 hour and 20 minutes, while the high-speed train took 2.5 hours. However, she had to get a taxi to MAD, arrive about 1 hour and 45 minutes ahead, land at BCN, navigate the airport, take the bus to the city center, and then walk to her hotel. Her flight was delayed about 25 minutes, and her entire journey, door to door, took 4.5 hours or so.

My trip took about 3 hours and 15 minutes: 10 minutes to the train station, arriving 20 minutes ahead of my train, strolling aboard, 2.5 hours on the train, and 15 minutes to my hotel. Even if she hadn’t encountered her delay and even though my actual time on the train was longer than her flight, because of distance, airport rules, and general hassle, her trip took longer.

4. Comfort

Each train company has its own layouts and it depends on the route, but many have various classes of service. Even the lowest “economy” class is often much more spacious and comfortable than an economy seat on an airplane.

There’s no turbulence, fewer delays than when flying, no need to fasten your seatbelt, and you can get up and walk around whenever you want. There’s a snack car and plenty of bathrooms. All in all, no matter what class you choose, train travel in Spain is significantly more comfortable than domestic air travel.

5. Fewer Luggage Restrictions

While some train companies have baggage restrictions, they are nothing like those you would find on an airline like Ryanair or even a full-fare carrier like Iberia. You won’t be asked to put your suitcase in a sizer, and in many cases, especially on Renfe, no one will blink an eye at your luggage.

You also don’t have to check bags and can keep them with you (or at least in the racks at the end of your train car). Since luggage doesn’t leave your side (or sight), you don’t have to worry about lost baggage, oversized baggage, or any baggage drama that could occur while flying.

6. Price

This is where the competition comes in. Renfe tickets have historically been pricier than flying. After all, you were paying for convenience and comfort, and there wasn’t any competition. Now that there is, prices have dropped significantly. I’ve been able to snap up round-trip fares as low as €20 (around $21) between Madrid and Valencia, a trip that historically cost closer to €100 (around $105). I’ve also found more affordable tickets between Madrid and cities like Alicante, Malaga, Córdoba, and Barcelona.

In some cases, it can still be cheaper to fly, but unless prices are truly crazy (which is rare), I almost always take the train. Once I add in the cost of checking bags and the taxi price between the airport and the city center, the train usually comes out to be a better deal, anyway.

7. Clear Terms

Booking train travel is straightforward, with restrictions and options clearly outlined when you select your tickets. You can buy fully refundable tickets or tickets you can change for free, and they include options such as meals or extra luggage. While I often feel like booking airplane tickets comes with a lot of hidden stipulations and rules, it’s a lot easier to understand what you’re getting into when buying train tickets. I always book directly to avoid hassle.

It’s also easier to get refunds. Years back, my train had a freak delay. Renfe’s terms are crystal clear, and it was simple to make a claim. For most AVE trains, Renfre refunds you the entire fare if the train is delayed by 90 minutes or more and 50% if the train is delayed 60 minutes or more.

8. Loyalty Programs

Some train companies have loyalty programs. While they may not be as ample or lucrative as large frequent flyer programs, they’re still nice to have.

Final Thoughts

More than ever, train travel in Spain has got me hooked. Of course, I’ll still be flying internationally, but for now, I’m done with domestic flights — I’ll be riding the rails instead.