Train travel in Spain is reliable but buses can be faster and more economical and it's always best to compare schedules and prices. Although the high speed AVE train from Madrid to Cordoba and Seville is the quickest option on this line. Spanish trains are predominantly operated by RENFE (http://www.renfe.es) but there are also regional train operates like Euskotren (http://www.euskotren.es) in the Basque Country.

- TYPES OF TRAINS
- TICKETS
- RAIL PASSES
- CLASSES
- SAFETY
- USEFUL LINKS


TYPES OF TRAINS
RENFE have a number of train services. Regionales are all stop trains and are generally cheaper but slower. Cercanias travel between major cities to surrounding suburbs and hinterland and sometimes cross regional boundaries. Expresso and Rapido are the next step up and then InterCity (IC) trains which are quicker and make fewer stops. Talgo is faster still but more expensive as is Euromed. AVE is the top of the range high-speed train between Madrid and Seville (2.5 hours).

Largo recorrido are long distance trains. Daytime trains are diruno, night trains are estrella.

Euskotren service in the Basque country consist mainly of Euskopullman that link Bilbao, San Sebastian and Hendaye in France. These are complemented by Intercity services linking Bilbao with San Sebastian.

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TICKETS
Tickets in Spain are generally cheaper than in France or Germany. Try and make use of some of the discount cards and passes for more savings. You can save up to 20% on Carnet Joven, Euro<26, GO25 and ISIC. Purchasing return tickets usually enables another 20% discount.

Spanish trains often require supplements even on ordinary trains like the expressos and rapidos. Check in advance so you are not fined on the train. If you are making a reservation in advance you will definitely need to pay a supplement.

For example if you want an accommodation berth on an overnight train you will probably pay about €7.80 for a litera (a bunk in a six berth 2nd class compartment). If you have a Eurail or InterRail pass a seat reservation will cost a supplement of about 500pta.

InterRail (zone F), Eurail, Eurodomino and Europass tickets are valid on RENFE trains and are supplemented by the Spain Flexipass.

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RAIL PASSES
The Spain Flexi Pass (Tarjeta Turistica) is valid on RENFE trains for 3-10 days in a two month period. The pass provides unlimited travel but supplements are required for the high speed trains AVE and Talgo and for sleeper reservations. You can order the pass online at http://www.directtrack.com
An idea of the prices are as follows: 3 day pass in 2 months costs US$215 in 1st class and US$165 in 2nd class. A 10 day pass in 2 months costs US$460 in 1st class and US$375 in 2nd class. For full information on Spanish train passes check out the RENFE site (http://www.renfe.es).

We recommend you look into buying your rail passes before you leave as they can be more expensive overseas. Also remember that rail passes do not guarantee seats on trains. You still need to book a reservation ahead of time as many trains are often crowded.

Backpackglobe.com sells train passes to locations in Europe. We encourage you to buy your passes through us as any revenue raised goes directly back into improving the site. Rail Connection www.railconnection.com has more details on the Eurail pass. Europrail www.europrail.net offers Eurail and other European passes.The Eurail pass is considered by many as the best option for travelling through Europe as it covers 17 countries and is especially good for those with limited time. There are 15, 21, 30 and 60 day passes available and prices vary depending on the countries chosen for travel. Discounts are available for those under 26 years.Make sure you check out what discounts are available to you as a senior, student or child.

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CLASSES
All Spanish trains have first and second classes and prices will vary accordingly. On local trains the higher first-class fare might not get you much more than in 2nd class but on long-distance trains the wider seats and more legroom can make the journey far more comfortable. Remember to always make seat reservations in advance, for either class.

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SAFETY
Traveling by night is inexpensive, but never leave your belongings unattended and make sure the door of your compartment is well locked. Train stations in Spain are not the best places to spend the night although they are generally well attended by police.

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