News

Imagine stepping onto the train in Málaga with a cup of coffee in hand, finding your seat, and before you know it, the city is already fading behind you. A few hours later, you step off in Seville, ready for an afternoon on a sunny terrace. Traveling by train in Spain is not only easy, but often the fastest and most relaxed way to get from A to B.

Spain’s railway network is modern and extensive. With the high-speed AVE train, you can (figuratively) fly across the tracks: from Madrid to Seville in just over two hours, to Málaga in about the same time, and to Valencia in an hour and a half. The trains are clean, spacious, and usually punctual. But there’s more than just speed. If you want to go beyond the big cities, you can take regional trains like Cercanías, Avant, or Media Distancia. These take longer but bring you to places you might not otherwise visit.

One tip to remember: book your ticket early. Like plane tickets, prices go up as the departure date approaches, and around holidays or local festivals trains can be fully booked days in advance.

What’s more, the train is not only convenient but also a more sustainable choice than driving or flying. Especially on high-speed routes, CO₂ emissions are significantly lower, so you can travel with peace of mind.

Several companies now operate on Spain’s railways. Previously, the national railway company Renfe was the main player, but in recent years other companies have joined. Since 2021, French Ouigo and Italian Iryo offer tickets often sold for a bargain. Recently, I traveled first class with Iryo from Valencia to Madrid for just 20 euros — including a meal and cava! To avoid overpaying, it’s smart to compare tickets from different companies before booking. This is easy to do via the online platform The Trainline.

In short: whether you want to travel quickly between cities or explore a region at your own pace, the train is often the smartest choice in Spain. And who knows, your next trip might take you exactly to the place where you find your second home.