The operators
- Renfe: the state operator. AVE is its standard high-speed service; Avlo is its low-cost brand. Renfe also runs regional (Media Distancia) and commuter trains (Cercanías / Rodalies).
- Ouigo: low-cost high-speed trains (part of French SNCF) on Madrid to Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante, Andalusia and other routes.
- Iryo: high-speed trains (backed by Italy’s Trenitalia) on similar main routes.
Typical high-speed times from Madrid
| To | Time |
|---|---|
| Barcelona | about 2h30 to 3h |
| Seville | about 2h30 |
| Málaga | about 2h40 |
| Valencia | about 1h50 |
| Alicante | about 2h20 |
| Zaragoza | about 1h20 |
| Toledo | about 33 min |
| Segovia | about 30 min |
| Santiago / A Coruña | about 3h20 to 3h30 |
Booking tips
- Book early: low-cost fares sell out first, especially for Fridays and Sundays.
- Compare all three operators; they do not appear on each other’s websites.
- Luggage rules differ: low-cost fares may charge for larger bags.
- Arrive 20 to 30 minutes early: high-speed trains have a quick bag scan.
- Some routes have different stations (Madrid Atocha vs Chamartín); check your ticket.
Regional and commuter trains
Cercanías networks serve Madrid, Barcelona (Rodalies), Valencia, Seville, Málaga, Bilbao and other cities. In the north, the narrow-gauge lines (formerly FEVE) run slow, scenic routes along the coast.
Official sources: Renfe
