Explore Spain on its high-speed trains (AVE)

Would you like to travel comfortably by train between Madrid and Valencia in just 95 minutes? And between Madrid and Barcelona in two and a half hours? You'll be able to do so thanks to the extensive network of high-speed trains (AVE) in Spain, which connects unique places in less than 180 minutes. If you decide to take these trains, you'll enjoy discounts on cultural visits, and in a very short time you can also visit some of the country's most important cities for tourism. Get prepared to make the most of it.

The high-speed trains (AVE) in Spain have become an internationally prestigious technological reference. It is an increasingly innovative means of transport that has already been exported to other countries and markets, making Spain a world leader in this sector. We explain which lines are available depending on where you want to travel:

CENTRE - SOUTH OF SPAIN CONNECTION

Madrid-Seville line

Madrid, the capital, is also connected by high-speed train with Seville, in the very heart of Andalusia. In under two and a half hours you can go from the most famous of cosmopolitan Madrid's monuments, such as the Royal Palace and Prado Museum, to enjoy the gastronomy and charm of Seville's most beautiful spots, like the Giralda and Torre del Oro towers.

That same line stops makes various intermediate stops. The first stop is Ciudad Real, a land that is famous because it was immortalised in "Don Quixote", by Cervantes. The second stop is Puertollano. And the third stop is Cordoba, whose historical centre is a World Heritage Site, and where you'll be able to find famous monuments such as the Great Mosque.
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 Malaga-Seville line

Also in Andalusia, just 150 kilometres from Cordoba, AVE trains take you from Madrid to Malaga, where you will be amazed by the Roman Theatre. Sometimes, Renfe (the company that runs the high-speed trains) offers promotions such as a reduced rate visit to one of the most famous museums in Malaga - the Picasso Museum - by presenting the train ticket.

That same line makes various intermediate stops in Cordoba, Puente Genil and Antequera.
 

Madrid-Albacete line

This train stops at Cuenca, World Heritage City where you'll find its famous Hanging Houses and the Ciudad Encantada (Enchanted City), and in at Albacete. When is the best time of year to visit Castile-La Mancha? September, when its most famous festival takes place.
 

CENTRE - EASTERN SPAIN CONNECTION

Madrid-Valencia line

The line from Madrid to the east is a breakthrough in transport because many of the trains connect Madrid and Valencia directly in 95 minutes. Perfect for enjoying places such as the spectacular City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia. Thanks to the success of this line, people arriving on cruises in Valencia will soon be able to enjoy a trip on the high-speed train to Madrid to visit the Prado Museum, on a return journey the same day.

The rest of trains on this line also stop at Cuenca and Requena-Utiel.

CENTRE - NORTH OF SPAIN CONNECTION

Madrid-Barcelona line

Another option is to take the AVE to Catalonia, in north-eastern Spain. Barcelona is the regional capital and one of Spain's most important cities. It has excellent transport connections thanks to the AVE, with a journey time from Madrid to this city in two and a half hours, non-stop. Once you are there, you can see monuments such as the Sagrada Familia Church and the Cathedral.

Some of the trains on this line also make intermediate stops. The first one is Zaragoza, the Expo 2008 site, where you will enjoy a visit to the El Pilar Basilica. The second stop is Lleida. If you like winter sports, then here there are resorts where you can ski (remember that AVE trains are equipped with ski carriers for boards and sticks). And the third stop is Camp de Tarragona, just over 10 kilometres from Tarragona, with the wonderful beaches of the Costa Dorada and the Tarraco archaeological site with its UNESCO World Heritage designation.

Malaga-Huesca line

What other cities are accessible on 21st-century high-speed trains? This line will take you to Guadalajara, where you'll be captivated by the Infantado Palace; Calatayud, Zaragoza, Tardienta and Huesca, with beautiful monuments and perfect for ski lovers.

Madrid-Valladolid line

In Valladolid, a little more than 200 kilometres from Madrid, you can see its 16th-century Cathedral. And if you want to discover Segovia, a World Heritage city, this line also stops at this city, where you'll be amazed at the beauty of its Aqueduct and Alcázar Palace.


As well as these lines that go from the capital to other cities in Spain, there are lines connecting Málaga-Barcelona and Sevilla-Barcelona. There are also many high-speed trains that cover medium distances (such as AVANT), connecting tourist destinations, such as Madrid-Toledo (where the city centre is a World Heritage Site), in just half an hour.


Unbeatable service
The AVE trains offer many services, as well as a commitment to punctuality. A range of restaurant options, café, films, music channels, entertainment activities for children, free internet connection (soon available), special group prices, discounts for museums, and a full timetable of services with guaranteed punctuality are just some of the things to enjoy on your journey.

Now there is no excuse for not discovering Spain - while you enjoy its stunning landscapes from the windows of the train. Don't think twice - come with your friends or family and catch the train.

The AVE railway network is being constantly expanded, so there are more cities being added to the list. You'll find all the information on routes, prices and timetables on the official web page of Renfe High-Speed Trains .