Santa Justa Train Station
Spain's modern, extensive, efficient railway system makes travelling by train in Andalucia a delight. Thanks to excellent infrastructure, comfortable trains and reliable service, more and more travellers are choosing this relaxing, ecologically-friendly form of transport in order to get the best out of their time in Andalucia. So just sit back and enjoy the view.
The Spanish railway network is run by the state-owned company Renfe (Red Nacional de Ferrocarriles Españoles). In recent years, Renfe has made a tremendous investment in Spain's railway network, particularly in the new high-speed (Alta Velocidad Española, or AVE) rail system. By the end of 2010, the company will have acquired a total of 560 new trains, of which 103 are dedicated to high-speed routes
Here we offer you a guide to all aspects of Andalucia’s convenient rail network and ticketing system.
TYPES OF TRAINS
| International |  |
AVE |
| International Trains to France and Portugal More > |
High Speed long distance Trains More > |
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| Long & Medium Distance | |
Regional |
| Fast long-distance and medium-distance trains More > |
Ordinary medium-distance cross country trains More > |
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| Cercania | |
Metro & Trams
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| Local commuters trains More > |
Metro & Trams in a number of Andalucian cities More > |
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| Vias Verdes | |
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| The trains no longer run but you can walk the line More > |
TICKETS
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| Medium distance train |
It is advisable to buy tickets in advance, whether on the RENFE website (look out for discounts), by phone, at the station itself, or at a RENFE agent (small commission). You can buy your ticket up to 60 days before your travel date. In the first two cases, you are either given a booking reference, which you then use to print out the tickets themselves from a machine at the station (Seville, Cordoba and Malaga stations), or you can print them out at home. If you're travelling at the weekend or on a holiday or puente (long weekend), it is even more important to buy your ticket beforehand as the station may well be extremely busy, and seats may sell out.
If you're buying your ticket from the station on the same day you're travelling, arrive with plenty of time to spare, as queues can be long as you wouldn't want to miss your train. Make sure you choose the right queue: if you're travelling within six hours, choose venta inmediata; for further in advance, it's venta anticipada. Also, you need to know which type of ticket you're buying. If you're sure you know what you're doing (type of ticket, service etc), you can even buy your ticket at an automatic machine.
FARES AND REFUNDS
Book in advance for the most economical fares; the best offers are online at the RENFE website. Look out for Web and Estrella fares, as these provide excellent deals, although read the conditions carefully: changes or cancellations may incur extra fees. Some services, including the AVE and fast long-distance services, offer a discount on the return leg of your journey.
Children under four travel free (under six on Cercanias), providing they don't occupy a seat; from aged four to eleven get a 40% discount. If you have three or more children and live in Spain, you can apply for a "Familia Numerosa" card and obtain a 20 percent discount for all family members.
You can also find fares reduced by between 25 and 40%, for those aged under 26 years (Carnet Joven), or over 60 (Tarjeta Dorada, for Spanish residents only).
Ticket costs may be partially or fully refunded if a train does not arrive on time, depending on the cause of the delay and how late the train arrives at its final destination. Be sure to save your proof of purchase, and if your train arrives late, ask a RENFE representative for more information regarding whether you're eligible for a refund and, if so, how to obtain one.
CLASSES
The faster trains (AVE, for example - see below) offer different classes (club, preferente, turista) compartments. First class offers reclining seat, refreshments served at your seat; while both classes have audio/video on AVE and fast long-distance services. All trains are non-smoking.
PASSES
Eurail Spain-Portugal pass offers five days of unlimited travel within one-month period.
PETS AND BIKES
You can take a small pet with you on the train (cats, dogs, birds, weighing up to 6kg, in a cage measuring maximum 65x35x35 cm). Only one animal allowed per passenger. The fare is 50% of the normal tariff. You can take your bike on trains, but subject to space available.
REFRESHMENTS
Most local and medium-distance trains will have snack and soft drink dispensing machine; the faster ones also have a cafeteria service, offering hot and cold soft drinks, alcohol, snacks and sandwiches.
You can find out about the different rail services offered in the region:
