Where does the AVE train go in Spain?

AVE high-speed trains interconnect over 10 most popular destinations among tourists featuring such cities as Barcelona, Madrid, Zaragoza, Valencia, Alicante, Cordoba, Seville, and Malaga.

AVE High-Speed Train

Convenient train travel with impressive natural surroundings!

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About the AVE High-Speed Train

Fastest train speed:

350 km/h (217 mph)

Daily departures:

up to 15 for popular routes

Travel classes:

3

AVE stands for Alta Velocidad Española — meaning "Spanish High Speed" — and is also the Spanish word for bird. Renfe, the National Network of Spanish Railways, operates the AVE system as its flagship high speed service, connecting over 10 major Spanish cities including Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Malaga, Seville, Alicante, and Cordoba. The AVE network primarily operates as a hub-and-spoke system radiating from Madrid to all corners of the country, with several direct inter-regional and international links.AVE trains take passengers from city center to city center, saving hours of travel time compared to airports. Traveling on the Renfe AVE high speed train offers significant advantages over flying, driving, or taking the bus.

AVE High Speed: Speed and Performance

AVE trains can reach a maximum speed of 350 km/h (217 mph) on Spain's high speed rail lines, making them among the fastest trains in Europe. Most AVE services operate at cruising speeds of 300–310 km/h on dedicated high speed lines. The Madrid–Barcelona high speed railway line is 621 km long, with direct trains covering the distance in just 2 hours and 30 minutes. The fastest AVE service between Madrid and Malaga takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, covering a distance of 530 km.
Barcelona Madrid
The Barcelona Madrid corridor is the busiest AVE route in Spain, with direct trains departing at least every half hour during daytime peak hours. The journey covers 621 km in just 2 hours and 30 minutes. Services stop at Zaragoza and Lleida/Camp de Tarragona on some services, while the fastest direct AVE trains make no intermediate stops.
Madrid Seville
The Madrid Seville route was the first AVE line in Spain, opened in 1992. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 15 to 30 minutes non-stop via Cordoba. This route runs along one of the most scenic high speed lines in the country, cutting through the wild Sierra Morena.
Madrid Alicante
AVE trains connect Madrid with Alicante via the high speed line through Albacete. The Madrid Alicante journey takes approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes. This route is served by the AVE S102 and S112 Talgo Avril trains, known for their smooth ride and comfortable seating.
Alicante Madrid and Other Routes
Direct AVE trains also serve Alicante Madrid in the reverse direction, making this one of the most popular leisure routes in Spain. Other routes served by direct AVE trains include Madrid to Valencia, Madrid to Malaga, Madrid to Bilbao, Madrid to Santiago de Compostela, and Madrid to Ciudad Real. The AVE system connects all major cities across Spain with fast connections from the central hub in Madrid.

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AVE Trains: Onboard Features

AVE trains offer free WiFi on board — the network name is PlayRenfe — and power outlets are available at all seats. All AVE trains are equipped with comfortable seating, air conditioning, and entertainment options such as TV screens and audio systems. Passengers can purchase food and drinks from the cafe-bar car, which serves snacks, hot dishes, coffee, soft drinks, beer, and wine. AVE trains feature clean, air-conditioned cars with distinct travel experiences depending on ticket types.
Small Pets and Children
Small pets are permitted on AVE trains in approved carriers at no extra cost. Infants under 4 years old require a free ticket to travel on AVE trains, which can be obtained at Renfe points of sale at major train stations in Spain. Children aged 4 to 13 travel at a discounted fare on all AVE services.
Luggage
Passengers on AVE trains can bring up to 3 pieces of luggage weighing up to 25 kg total, with maximum dimensions of 290 cm. Luggage is stored in overhead racks and in dedicated areas near the carriage doors. The Talgo Avril (S106) trains have particularly generous luggage space due to their wide carriage design.

Booking AVE Train Tickets

Reservations on AVE high speed trains are mandatory, and it is recommended to make them as far in advance as possible. Tickets for AVE trains can be purchased online on Rail Ninja, allowing for reservations up to two years in advance. When booking AVE tickets online, passengers can indicate their seat preferences, which helps in securing the best available option. Buying AVE tickets at the train station is possible, but it comes with risks such as sold-out tickets and long queues — making online booking a more convenient option.
Book your AVE train tickets on Rail Ninja for the best prices across all AVE routes in Spain. The earlier you book, the better the available fare — especially on the popular Madrid Barcelona and Seville Madrid routes.

AVE Train Classes & Features

AVE trains offer three classes of travel: Standard (2nd class / Turista), Comfort (1st class / Preferente), and Premium — each providing different levels of amenities and services. Regardless of the class you choose, all coaches are equipped with air conditioning, comfortable seats, power sockets, TV screens, and ample luggage areas.