If you’re after Renfe AVE First Class tickets, look no further. As the national operators of modern, high-speed AVE trains in Spain, you can expect the best from Renfe, and they actually have three different classes onboard, Standard (Turista), Standard Plus (Turista Plus), and First Class (Preferente).
At Trainline, we’ll show you what exactly is on offer, from luxurious seats to complimentary meals and much more. Don’t be put off by the thought of paying more than you would in Standard either, as there are ways to find cheap First Class train tickets too! Read on for a complete guide to travelling First Class on Renfe's AVE high-speed trains.
What do you get in First Class on Renfe's AVE trains?
Whether you’re heading to Madrid, Barcelona, Alicante or Malaga, if you want to travel there in style, First Class on Renfe AVE trains is the one for you. To simplify the three classes Renfe offer on their AVE trains, we’ve broken down the amenities that each one offers.
First Class vs Standard and Standard Plus on Renfe AVE trains
|
|
Standard Class (Turista) |
Standard Plus (Turista Plus) |
First Class (Preferente) |
|
Luggage storage |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Power sockets |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
2+2 seating formation |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
2+1 seating formation |
X |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Seat reservations |
X |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Reclining seats |
X |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Leather seats |
X |
X |
✓ |
|
Complimentary food and drink |
X |
X |
✓ |
|
Access to First Class lounges |
X |
X |
✓ |
Find out more about First v Second Class on European trains.
Renfe AVE First Class food
Renfe offer a complimentary food and drink service for those travelling in First Class on AVE trains*, every day except Saturdays.
Depending on the time of day your journey is, you can enjoy a complimentary breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner served to your seat.
*except Ave trains between Madrid and León.
Renfe First Class lounges
Renfe have a number of First Class lounges, known as Club Rooms, around Spain that you can relax in before and after your AVE train journey with a First Class ticket. Use these modern, comfortable spaces for work, enjoying a hot drink or just chilling out, with WiFi and phone charges available in all.
Renfe First Class lounges can be found at the following stations:
- Alicante Teminal
- Albacete Los Llanos
- Barcelona Sants
- Tarragona
- Cordoba
- Girona
- Lleida-Pirineus
- Malaga Maria Zambrano
- Madrid Chamartin
- Madrid Atocha
- Seville Santa Justa
- Valencia
- Campo Grande
- Zaragoza
Renfe AVE First Class seating plan
You’ll normally find one or two First Class carriages on Renfe AVE trains. The seats are more spaced out than in Standard Class, although they follow the same arrangement on either sitting at a table of four or two seats next to each other.
The extra option in First Class are tables of three or single seats with their own table, perfect for solo travellers who want their own space, or single seats facing each other, as an additional option for two people travelling together.
Popular First Class routes
Check out our guides to travelling First Class on some of Renfe AVE's most popular routes.
Madrid to Seville
|
Departs from |
Madrid Atocha |
|
Arrives into |
Seville Santa Justa |
|
Fastest time |
2h 30m |
|
First Class lounge |
Madrid and Seville |
Find out more about travelling First Class from Madrid to Seville by train.
Madrid to Barcelona
|
Departs from |
Madrid Atocha |
|
Arrives into |
Barcelona Sants |
|
Fastest time |
3h 38m |
|
First Class lounge |
Madrid and Barcelona |
Find out more about travelling First Class from Madrid to Barcelona.
Alicante to Madrid
|
Departs from |
Alicante Terminal |
|
Arrives into |
Madrid Atocha |
|
Fastest time | 2h 16m |
|
First Class lounge |
Alicante and Madrid |
Learn more about travelling First Class by train from Alicante to Madrid.
How to get cheap Renfe AVE First Class tickets
There are different ways you can get cheap Renfe AVE First Class train tickets without having to pay over the odds. Our top tips for saving money on First Class train tickets are:
Buy in advance
Renfe tickets (and train tickets in Europe in general) are usually at their cheapest price when they first go on sale, normally around three to six months before the date of travel.
Travel Off-Peak
Train tickets tend to be more expensive during rush hour (mornings and early evenings Monday to Friday). If you can, be sure to look for tickets outside of these times to see if you can snap up a lower price.
Look out for train deals
There’s a wide range of train deals and discounts in Europe that can help you save money on your journey. Deals can vary based on the country and train company, but if you’re travelling with children, in a group, or fall into a certain age category, you can benefit from discounted ticket prices.
Good to know (FAQs)
What is included in Renfe AVE First Class?
As well as more spacious and comfortable seating, First Class tickets on AVE trains include lounge access at the station (where available) and complimentary food and drinks during your journey.
Are food and drinks included when you travel First Class on Renfe's AVE trains?
Yes. All passengers travelling First Class on an AVE train will get complimentary food and drinks served to their seats.
Do I get access to Renfe’s First Class lounge?
You can use Renfe's First Class lounges if you hold a valid First Class train ticket and there’s a lounge available at either your departure or arrival station.
Find out more about Renfe and travel in Europe
So, now you know all about what Renfe AVE's First Class option has to offer, whether you’re ready to book, or want to find out more about train travel in Europe, we’re here to help.
Start a search for tickets in our Journey Planner at the top of the page or check out some of our guides to travelling with Renfe, where they can take you, and train travel around Europe in general.