The trains in Spain are anything but plain.
España isn’t exactly the first country you think of when European train travel comes to mind, but its train network is no less impressive.
High-speed trains connect cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, and Zaragoza, continuing on into France and Portugal. Many of Spain’s larger cities also have metro systems, connecting you from the central train station to the vibrant neighborhoods you’ll instantly fall in love with.
Still think short flights are the best way to get around Spain without a car? Take a closer look at the country’s rail system and you’ll soon find that train travel is as essential to a Spanish vacation as tapas.
Image Credit: Getty Images, fotoVoyager. Image Location: Madrid Atocha Station, Madrid, Spain
Train Travel in Spain
How do most people get around in Spain?
Spain’s railways are the fastest ways to cross long distances with most lines converging in Madrid. High-speed trains and slower regional trains provide locals and visitors a quick, comfortable, and convenient way to explore the country.
Is it better to travel by car or by train in Spain?
Spain is one of the largest countries in the European Union and is larger than the State of California. Car travel is definitely an option, but is only ideal for those staying in a compact area. For example, the drive from Madrid to Barcelona can take 6 hours without stops while a train ride does the job in as little as 2.5 hours.
Is it easy to get around Spain by train?
Compared to long road trips and all of the inconveniences of short flights, it’s easy to get around Spain by train. Instead of sitting on a cramped bus or spending your time going to and from airports, the trains offer a quick and comfortable way to enjoy the ride to Spain’s dazzling cities.
What’s the best website to buy train tickets in Spain?
Trust Trainline to keep your getaway in Spain from going off the rails. Before you even land in Europe, you can explore dozens of train routes around Spain, see ticket prices and timetables, and purchase e-tickets. We make it easy to plan and manage your trip from start to finish.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari. Image Location: Carrer de les Barques, Valencia, Spain
Popular train routes around Spain
Need a little destination inspiration? Check out these popular train routes around Spain?
- From Madrid to Valencia: From the La Lonja de la Seda to the San Miguel Market, see the best of Spain’s big cities with a journey time under 2 hours.
- Madrid to Barcelona train: Fly into Madrid and waste no time getting to your hotel in Barcelona with train tickets starting under $10.
- Seville to Cordoba train: Take a daytrip from Seville to Cordoba to see Roman ruins, Flamenco shows with a short 45 minute train ride.
A country known for its siestas also knows not to rush the simple pleasures of life. Embrace slow travel in Spain with these stunning, scenic routes.
- Alicante to Benidorm: Explore the Costa Blanca and find a spot on Benidorm’s sun soaked beaches.
- León to Bilbao: Savor Basque Country as it was meant to be: slowly, with plenty of sightseeing stops and views to drink in.
- Almería to Granada: Arid desert and snow capped mountains are both served up right outside your window on this trek from the eastern side of Andalucía to the Sierra Nevada.
Getting around Spain is as scenic as it is speedy. Plus, with dozens of other great connections, including the moonlight Madrid to Lisbon route and the proposed overnight service from Madrid to Amsterdam, train travel in Spain is nothing to sleep on—unless you’re sleeping on one, of course.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, wundervisuals