Travelling by Train

There are many ways to travel around Spain, with travel links being some of the best in Europe. Travelling by train can be an enjoyable experience and can give you a great opportunity to relax and unwind. Whether you are planning a long distance trip, or a short trip Spain has 13,000km of train tracks covering the whole of the country.

Although there are a few privately owned companies, most of the rail track in Spain is run by the Red Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Espanoles (RENFE), a state-operated train service, who operate a fast, modern, intercity service. All the major cities are linked to a radial network of routes that centre on Madrid, making travel very easy. It is advisable to book in advance, which can be done by visiting www.renfe.com or www.spanish-rail.co.uk . You can also go into the station a couple of days before you travel to get your tickets, where you will find the staff very helpful.

At the station

Most train stations offer a wide range of facilities to cater for most of your requirements including restaurants and newsagents. If you need assistance at any point, look for the “i” symbol, which is the universal symbol for “information”. Most of the ticket office staff can speak English, but if you have difficulty understanding them ask for assistance at the tourist information centre.
If you have difficulty understanding the timetables and finding your train, follow these basic rules:

Departure timetables are printed on a yellow background.
Arrival timetables are printed on a white background.
Next to the time you will see the name and number of the important stops as well as the track and platform number where the train arrives and departs.

To make sure your journey goes smoothly and safely, follow the guidelines below:

Pay attention to the timetables. They can often change without prior notice. Trains can operate ahead of schedule or can be delayed.
Arrive at the station in plenty of time. The larger train stations can be extremely busy and it can take a while to get your bearings.
As with any other country, train stations in Spain aren’t always the safest of places, even with CCTV in every station. Here are a few guidelines to keep yourself safe:

Stay on the main concourse or in the waiting room until it is nearly time for your departure as there will be more people around.
Keep your luggage with you at all times. Since the bombing in Madrid, security is a lot tighter now and luggage will be x-rayed before getting on the train. Also, leaving your luggage even for a few seconds can create an ideal target for crime.
Women should make sure their handbags are firmly closed and carried close to their bodies.
On the train, sit in a coach where there are other passengers.
Keep your luggage stowed in the racks above your seat, if possible. If not, remove any valuables before storing your bags.
If you have children, don’t let them wander unaccompanied, even to the buffet car.
If you leave your seat, take your valuables with you.
When you leave the train, make sure you leave nothing behind.
Be careful when exiting the train as the step down can be awkward especially to the young and elderly.
Taxi ranks are normally located directly outside the station. Use only the taxis that are properly licensed.