Spain and most of its cities are well-connected by practice so it’s a superb technique to journey round. Fortunately, Spain has quickly modernized its practice ticket shopping for course of — however there are nonetheless a number of quirks that you just would possibly run into. That’s why on this information I’ll let you know all the things you should find out about methods to purchase practice tickets in Spain.
Shopping for Prepare Tickets In Spain: A Fast Information
The official Spanish rail web site is renfe.com. Anybody can purchase tickets from renfe.com however the web site is plagued with technical points when utilizing non-Spanish credit score/debit playing cards and odd translation points are additionally frequent. Briefly: I like to recommend avoiding renfe.com
Fortunately, there are a variety of third-party companies which might be rather more user-friendly:
My two favourite methods to purchase practice tickets in Spain are via both Omio & Trainline. Each of those companies join instantly with Spain’s Renfe reserving system and supply the very same routes/costs as Renfe.
Normally, practice tickets bought via Omio & Trainline are e-tickets which might be despatched straight to their smartphone app or by way of electronic mail (i.e. no have to print, simply present the e-ticket in your telephone/pill to the ticket checker). If that choice isn’t obtainable, you possibly can acquire your tickets on the practice station.
Each Omio & Trainline received’t have any points accepting your credit score/debit card both.
You can too use Omio & Trainline to guide any sort of practice ticket — from high-speed to native trains.
E-Tickets, Digital Tickets, & Digital Supply
I do know I discussed it earlier than, however I needed to reiterate that almost all trains in Spain now settle for e-tickets. So, while you purchase your ticket on-line, you possibly can have it emailed to you or will probably be despatched to the Omio or Trainline app. From there, merely present it to the ticket checker on the practice once they verify the tickets.
After all, you may as well print these tickets by yourself printer as nicely should you like.
In case your chosen route doesn’t settle for digital tickets, you possibly can choose up the tickets at any practice station in Spain (both from the ticket window or generally by way of the automated ticket machines).
Shopping for Prepare Tickets At The Station
You can too purchase tickets for any practice station in Spain.
Ideas For Reserving Spain Prepare Tickets
Okay, let’s dive just a little deeper into the ins and outs of shopping for practice tickets in Spain.
How To Discover Routes and Prepare Schedules
The first step is seeing the schedule of the route you’re desirous to take. Fortunately, all route schedules are on-line in order that’s straightforward. Merely plug your cities into Omio & Trainline they usually’ll let you know what tickets can be found.
Whereas routes between main cities don’t usually require altering trains (i.e. it’s a continuous journey), you must nonetheless concentrate when reserving your ticket as a result of some routes would possibly require a change.
Nonetheless, on longer routes or routes connecting smaller cities, you’ll usually be required to alter trains in a much bigger metropolis.
Getting The Finest Worth For for Excessive-Pace, Lengthy-Distance, & Regional Trains
In Spain, the trains are roughly categorised as both Excessive-Pace, Lengthy-Distance, & Regional trains. They every serve a special goal and have totally different pricing buildings.
Excessive-Pace Trains
The high-speed trains in Spain are referred to as AVE (Alta Velocidad Española) they usually attain speeds to virtually 200mph.
The key cities in Spain are related by the high-speed AVE trains so that you’ll almost definitely journey one.
I like to recommend reserving these tickets as quickly as attainable since these tickets get dearer the nearer it will get to the departure date. For instance, some routes can begin round €25 after which value €80 if booked a same-day ticket.
Lengthy-Distance Trains
Lengthy-distance trains usually join each main and medium-sized cities. I additionally advocate reserving these trains upfront to get one of the best worth.
Native/Regional Trains
Native and regional trains join small cities to large/medium cities. These tickets have a set worth so there isn’t a purpose to guide early.
Reserving Prepare Tickets For Common Day Journey Routes
Prepare routes between main cities and common day journey locations usually promote out (e.g. between Madrid and Toledo) so I extremely advocate utilizing Omio or Trainline to guide these tickets not less than 24 hours upfront.
If nothing else, reserving these tickets early will allow you to keep away from the lengthy ticket line on the practice station.
Have A Rail Cross? You’ll Want A Reservation
When you’re touring on a rail go you’ll have to pay just a little further to make a reservation for all high-speed and long-distance trains. You can also make this reservation from any practice station.
Spain’s Prepare Ticket Lessons
There are three totally different courses of tickets in Spain’s high-speed trains — Preferente, Turista Plus, and Turista.
- Preferente (1st Class)
- Often round 1.5x the worth of 2nd class.
- Good seats
- Some weekday routes have scorching meals and wine included
- Entry to particular lounges at practice stations
- Turista Plus (2nd Class)
- Identical seats as 1st class
- A bit dearer than Turista
- Turista (2nd Class)
Fare Variations for Spain’s Prepare Tickets
When reserving you’ll discover three totally different fare variations — Versatile, Promo+, and Promo.
- Versatile: The most costly however could be modified without cost and canceled for a small charge.
- Promo+: Cheaper than versatile however could be modified for a charge.
- Promo: The most affordable choice however can’t be modified and no refunds. That mentioned, the worth distinction between Versatile and Promo is sort of substantial.
Pay Consideration To Prepare Stations
Most giant cities in Spain have multiple practice station so be sure you’re going to the suitable station or you possibly can be in for an costly shock.
Get Extra Spain Journey Ideas
James Feess is the creator of The Savvy Backpacker and the writer of the guide “The Savvy Backpacker’s Information To Europe On A Finances”. He is been running a blog about funds journey in Europe since 2010.
No Humorous Enterprise
The Savvy Backpacker is reader-supported. Meaning while you purchase product/companies via hyperlinks on the location, I’ll earn an affiliate fee — it doesn’t value you something further and it helps help the location.
Thanks For Studying! — James
Questions? Study extra about our Strict Promoting Coverage and How To Help Us.