The best train routes in Spain.
Find out all about them with Renfe!

 

Spain is the perfect country to be discovered by train. Infinite landscapes ranging from the greenery of the north to heavenly beaches in the south, taking in the peninsula's authentic architectural jewels. At Renfe, we're proud to tell you all about the best train routes in Spain, for you to discover them and enjoy the best that these trips have to offer. Let's go!

Top train routes in Spain

Spain has an extensive rail network infrastructure and an impressive fleet of high-speed and regional trains that connect the entire country.

As well as the Alta Velocidad (high-speed) options we will see a little later, the Media Distancia (mid-distance) trains offer some of the Spanish rail service's most popular routes, as they connect different points of the peninsula. Some of these routes, operated by Avant (mid-distance high-speed) trains and regional trains, connect Madrid - Toledo, Barcelona - Girona, Granada - Córdoba - Seville or València - Requena Utiel.

Check out our line maps!

Main high-speed routes

Did you know that Spain has the second most extensive high-speed network in the world? And the most extensive network in Europe! At present, Spanish high-speed rail serves approximately 3762 km with trains that travel at speeds of over 200 km/h.

The high-speed service currently operates along four main corridors in Spain:

 

 
  • NAFA: the southern corridor that connects the centre of the peninsula with Andalusia, and its main lines are Madrid-Seville and Cordoba-Malaga.
  • The Northeast Corridor: this line connects Madrid , Zaragoza, Barcelona , and the French border.
  • The Northern corridor: this high-speed line connects the north of Spain, Madrid, Segovia and Valladolid.
  • Mediterranean - Levante Corridor: these trains connect Madrid, Valencia, Alicante, Cuenca and Castellón.

Luxury train routes

As well as our network of high-speed trains and regional trains, Renfe also offers Luxury Tourist Trains. Enjoy a unique experience while taking in spectacular landscapes aboard authentic railway treasures. Fancy giving it a go? The routes covered by our luxury trains are as follows:

  • Tren Al Ándalus. Travelling in a palace on wheels? It is possible! Discover the luxury and sophistication of this train while you let yourself get carried away by the magic of Andalusia on the journey between Seville and Malaga.
  • Costa Verde Express. A cultural and gastronomic tour of Spain's greenest regions, taking in the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia aboard a luxury train that will transport you back to the golden age of railway. The route connects Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela and lasts 6 days, allowing you to enjoy the journey with all your senses.
  • Transcantábrico Gran Lujo. Enjoy all the splendour of luxury in this vintage train which will transport you back to the 1920s. Its five-star rooms offer guests eight dream-like days travelling between San Sebastian and Santiago de Compostela.
  • El Expreso de la Robla. Comfort, gastronomy and a high-quality service are guaranteed in this tourist train that runs on two different routes: La Robla, which will transport you to the heart of nature and culture on the Camino de Santiago French Way between Bilbao and León, and the Pilgrim itinerary, allowing you to trace the Camino de Santiago with stages on foot and by train, in a different kind of pilgrimage between Oviedo - Santiago de Compostela - Oviedo.

Routes on tourist trains

If you are looking for a fun plan to relax, enjoy yourself and sightsee in a different and sustainable way, our thematic trains are just what you are looking for. These tickets include the return trip to the destination, guided tours, product tasting, discounts on attractions and many other surprises!

There are also options to suit all tastes! From routes to take in landscapes such as the Asturias Tourist Trains or the Galicia Tourist Trains, and authentic cultural experiences such as the Antonio Machado Train or the Mediaeval Train.

Looking for more experiences and plans to discover the best of Spain? Take a look at our tourism by train proposals and enjoy travelling with Renfe!