Trains in Andalucia

Spain's modern day railway system makes travelling by train a delight. Thanks to excellent infrastructure, comfortable trains and good service, more and more people are choosing this relaxing, ecologically friendly form of transport in order to truly experience the best of southern Spain.

The Spanish railway network is run by the state owned company Renfe. In recent years Renfe has made a tremendous investment in Spain's railway network, particularly in the new High Speed (Alta Velocidad) rail system. By 2010, the company will have acquired a total of 560 new trains with 103 dedicated to high speed routes Renfe is also an excellent form of transport for merchandise both within the country and for companies wishing to export products abroad.

Following is a basic look at service, which should be complemented by a consultation with your travel agent or Renfe’s excellent online information service.

International Train Service to Andalucia

International trains from France terminate at either Madrid or Barcelona. From there you can catch a train to many of the cities in Andalucia - or anywhere else in Spain, for that matter. You can also travel by Renfe trains between some of the main provincial capitals on the Avant and Medium Distance trains in the south of Spain, and to some of the smaller villages as well, thanks to the numerous "Cercanías", local train routes.

High Speed Long Distance Trains in Andalucia

The magnificent AVE high speed (alta velocidad) trains runs on a special line between:

Madrid and Cordoba (1 hrs. 45 min.)
Madrid and Seville. (under 2 hrs. 30 min.)
Madrid and Málaga (2 hrs 30 min.) with service to Antequera and Puente Genil as well
Málaga and Barcelona (5 hrs. 30 min. appx.)
Seville and Barcelona (5 hrs. 30 min. appx.)

Medium Distance Trains in Andalucia

This service interconnects the entire country. In Andalucia it brings together such provincial capitals as Málaga, Córdoba and Seville.

There is also a service from:

Sevilla-Cádiz
Sevilla-Córdoba-Jaén
Huelva-Sevilla
Sevilla-Málaga
Sevilla-Granada-Almería
Granada-Linares Baeza
Algeciras-Granada
See these routes on the map below:

AVANT

The Renfe Avant trains are high Speedy trains for medium distance routes. In Andalucia, they circulate between Seville, Córdoba and Málaga.

Sevilla-Córdoba: 45 minutos
Córdoba-Málaga: 1 hora 05 minutos
Sevilla-Málaga: 1 hora 55 minutos

Local Train Networks (Cercanias)

Among the routes of these stopping trains are the following:

Malaga to Fuengirola (Calling at Malaga airport)
Malaga to Álora
Seville to Cazalla-Constantina
Seville to Loria del Rio
Seville to Utrera
Seville C-4 Sevilla Santa Justa – Palacio de Congresos (Congress Hall)
Cadiz to Jerez de la Fronterra

Booking and Tickets

Booking is very easy thanks to an excellent website that simply requires you to enter basic data to obtain information and booking services. It is advisable to book ahead for travel on the High Speed Long Distance trains especially if travelling at weekends and bank holidays. Booking can also be made at main stations and Renfe agents which includes many travel agents.

Tickets are reasonably priced but prices vary depending on the class (Club, Preferente, Turista) of service and the peak hour times (Llano, Valle).

Special Prices

Children six and under ride free on local trains with children four and under free of charge on the rest of trains. In the next category, children up to age 14 have a 40 percent discount on their ticket price that can not be combined with any other offer. If you are travelling with a group of students, inquire about special pricing structures.
If you have 3 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 and 50 percent off for those who fall in the "special" category.

Various special rates are available for citizens over the age of 65 years old. To obtain special rates in this category it is necessary to first acquire the "Tarjeta Dorada" (Gold Card) either from a Renfe agent or a travel agent. The cost of the card is 5 euros and it must be renewed annually. A Renfe agent or cooperating travel agent can determine if you qualify for other discounts, such as the youth card, group rates, cruise rates or the “Estrella” and “Web” special promotions that can save you up to 40 and 60 percent respectively off your ticket prices.

Refunds

Ticket costs may be partially or totally refunded when a train does not arrive on time, depending on the cause of the delay and how late the train arrives to 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 possible refunds.

Pets

One small domestic pet (up to 6 kilos maximum) per passenger is allowed on all trains provided other users do not complain, that there is space available and that safety and hygiene standards are met. Pets must be in a cage (maximum dimensions = 65x35x35 cm) with facilities to eliminate waste. Check for possible additional restrictions on some medium and short distance routes as well as ticket prices.