This journey, between Madrid and Barcelona is made on-board high-speed Alta Velocidad Espanola trains. There are services roughly every half an hour, making this journey very convenient. The AVE service is very punctual, with the operator RENFE offering a refund if your train arrives over fifteen minutes late. This journey is one of the fastest long-distance trains in operation, as you can take a non-stop service between the two cities, which takes only 2hrs and 40minutes.
AVE (Alta Velocidad Espanola)
The AVE is Spain's answer to the TGV; a high-speed service linking key cities within the country. The trains are clean and comfortable, with all the modern amenities you would expect from a high-speed service. There are three classess of accommodation on board: Club Class, Preferente Class and Tourist Class. Wheelchar and companion spaces and a disabled toilet are available on AVE trains, and dedicated staff are available throughout the journey to assist where possible.
Onboard, there is a bar/buffet carriage, selling drinks and snacks. An at-seat meal is included with Club and Preferente Class tickets. Passengers can take a maximum of three bags on board with them, with a total weight of 20kg. Bicycles are not permitted onboard the train (even in a bike bag). Small domestic animals are permitted on board, but must be transported in a pet carrier.
Club Class
Club Class offers passengers first class seats in air conditioned carriages. Onboard, passengers are treated to a free hot meal and drinks served at their seat, as well as access to a radio and tv at each seat, along with power sockets and complimentary newspapers and magazines. Before the journey, passengers also have access to AVE Lounges in key locaions, as well as free car parking.
Preferente
Like Club Class, Preferente passengers have first class seats in air conditioned carriages, as well as access to a radio and tv at each seat. Power sockets are also available, and a meal is included in the price of the ticket. Preferente passengers also benefit from access to AVE Lounges, and free car parking.
Tourist Class
Tourist Class accommodation is in standard class seats, in air conditioned carriages. A radio and TV can be found at every seat, and power sockets are available on most trains.