Spain Rail Map and Transportation Guide

This map is intended to be used for travel planning and to get an idea of the extent of Spain's rail network. It shows the major Spanish cities and rail lines. The lines in blue show high-speed train routes. The red lines are only suitable for slower trains. 

Spain is also well served by bus service. The bus is often cheap and slow, the train sleek and fast(er). Check out the expert's opinion: Everything you need to know about public transport in Spain.

See also: 

Types of Trains

In Spain the highest speed trains are called AVE - Alta Velocidad Española. The line that runs from Madrid to Sevilla takes 2.5 hours to complete, much of the distance traveled at nearly 186 miles per hour.

The Euromed is a high-speed train that operates between Barcelona, Valencia and Alicante.

A reservation is necessary to travel on any train other than Regional Exprés or Cercanías (suburban train).

You may also wish to check out the special touristic trains.

Spain Rail Passes and Discounts

A variety of different Spain rail passes are available, including the two-country France-Spain Pass and Spain-Portugal Rail Pass.

If you have achieved 60 years of age or more, you can purchase a Tarjeta Dorada Card for €6 at Renfe stations, Ticket Offices and Travel Agencies. It offers a considerable discount on all trains, ranging from 25% to 40%.

You can book many tickets online, including the AVE trains: AVE Booking Center.

Don't understand which of the many rail passes might be for you? See Rail Passes - Which Eurail Pass is Right for You?

Where You Should Go

If you are unfamiliar with European train travel, you might be surprised at the places you can get to by rail. Damian Corrigan, About's expert on Spain, offers his choice for the best rail trips: Best Train Journeys in Spain.