Renfe-SNCF First Class
If you’re after Renfe-SNCF First Class tickets, look no further. A joint venture between the main train operators in Spain (Renfe) and France (SNCF), these high-speed trains connect major destinations in the two countries. Their First Class tickets are actually called Preferente, so look out for that in our booking flow.
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 with Renfe-SNCF.
What do you get in First Class on Renfe-SNCF trains?
Whether you’re heading to Paris, Barcelona, Madrid or Marseille, if you want to travel there in style, Renfe-SNCF First Class is the one for you. To simplify the two classes Renfe-SNCF offer on their trains, we’ve broken down the amenities that each one offers.
First Class vs Second Class on Renfe-SNCF trains
|
| Second Class (Turista) |
First Class (Preferente) |
|
Luggage storage |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Power sockets |
✓ |
✓ |
|
WiFi |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Reclining leather seats |
X |
✓ |
|
Headrests and footrests |
X |
✓ |
|
Individual reading light |
X |
✓ |
|
Onboard work space |
X |
✓ |
|
Access to Club Rooms |
X |
✓ |
Find out more about First v Second Class on European trains.
Renfe-SNCF First Class lounges
Renfe-SNCF have a number of First Class lounges (they call them Club Rooms) in Spain that you can relax in before and after your train journey with a First Class ticket. Use these modern, comfortable spaces for work, enjoying a hot drink or just chilling out, WiFi and phone charges available in all.
Renfe-SNCF Club Rooms can be found in all their Spanish stations (except Figueres).
Renfe-SNCF First Class seating plan
You’ll normally find one or two First Class carriages on Renfe-SNCF trains, the seats are more spaced out than in Second 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 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-SNCF's most popular routes.
Barcelona to Lyon
|
Departs from |
Barcelona Sants |
|
Arrives into |
Lyon Part-Dieu |
|
Fastest time |
5h 5m |
|
First Class lounge |
Barcelona only |
Find out more about travelling from Barcelona to Lyon by train.
Madrid to Marseille
|
Departs from |
Madrid Atocha |
|
Arrives into |
Marseille St Charles |
|
Fastest time |
8h 30m |
|
First Class lounge |
Madrid only |
Find out more about taking the train from Madrid to Marseille.
Paris to Barcelona
|
Departs from |
Paris Gare De Lyon |
|
Arrives into |
Barcelona Sants |
|
Fastest time |
6h 41m |
|
First Class lounge |
Barcelona only |
Learn more about travelling by train from Paris to Barcelona.
How to get cheap Renfe-SNCF First Class tickets
There are different ways you can get cheap Renfe-SNCF 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-SNCF 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-SNCF First Class?
As well as more spacious and comfortable seating, First Class tickets on Renfe-SNCF trains include lounge access at the station (where available) and access to onboard work spaces during your journey.
Are food and drinks included when you travel First Class with Renfe-SNCF?
Food and drinks are not included as part of a First Class tickets on Renfe-SNCF trains, there is a dining carriage onboard though.
Do I get access to Renfe-SNCF's First Class lounge?
You can use Renfe-SNCF's Club Rooms 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-SNCF and travel in Europe
So, now you know all about what Renfe-SNCF'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-SNCF, where they can take you, and train travel around Europe in general.