Board Spanish Trains For An Immersive Yet Leisurely Vacation
From the sparkling shores of the Mediterranean to cosmopolitan cities stacked with history and culture, Spain is a land of plenty for travelers. Spanish trains open the possibility to weave a Spain itinerary of astonishing variety.
Regional services combined with Spain’s slick high-speed rail network allow vacationers who like to rove across the country, unpeeling cultural layers city by city.
But where to begin? From the distinctive traditions of Catalonia and the Basque Country to the sun-drenched beaches and historical landmarks of Andalusia, Spain is a country of compelling contrasts. Home to 45 UNESCO World Heritage sites, the art of Dali and Goya, Gaudi’s architecture, and the literature of Cervantes. There is mouthwatering gastronomy to tuck into, world-class museums, thrilling festivals, and sparkling nightlife. With Spanish trains, you can blend it all into one magical Spain itinerary.
Rail Travel is the Ultimate Way to See Spain
What could be easier than strolling up to a station minutes before departure and melting into your seat, ready to drink in the views as you glide between cultural heartlands?
Spain’s national rail provider, Renfe, operates modern high-speed intercity trains (AVE) between Spain’s busiest cities and across the border into France, while slower regional trains connect compelling destinations big and small.
Competing with Renfe are two high-speed rail operators:
SNCF – the French rail operator runs Spanish trains under the budget Ouigo banner and operates cross-border inOui services from Paris to Barcelona and Madrid.
Iryo – A newcomer to Spanish rail who recently brought sleek Italian Frecciarossa 1000 trains to the busiest rail routes.
Our travel team is expert at finding the best trains to maximize vacation time and minimize the hassle. Inquire to arrange a seamless journey with tickets booked and premium hotels reserved in prime locations.
With so many options to thread together a sublime Spain itinerary, we’ve got a few tours to inspire you.
A Spain Itinerary Through Spain’s Most Exciting Cities: Barcelona to Madrid Via Valencia
Spain’s three largest cities – Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia – are perhaps the most absorbing. They are leading high-speed rail hubs, popular city break destinations, and magnetic destinations for a Spain itinerary by train.
Our four-city Mediterranean Tour Through Sunny Spain visits all three before branching south to Malaga for a few nights in Andalusia.
Start A Spectacular Spain Itinerary In Gaudi’s Barcelona
Barcelona is the capital and the cultural epicenter of the autonomous community of Catalonia. A beach city with a colorful heritage and a singular personality.
The architecture of Gaudi defines a cityscape hiding a mouthwatering culinary milieu and a dynamic nightlife. From animated tapas bars to the laidback vibes on Barcelona’s four beaches, there are good reasons why Barcelona is among Europe’s leading city break destinations.
For rail travelers, Barcelona is a compelling start or end point to an enthralling Spain itinerary.
Here’s a flavor of what to do before your train leaves the station:
- Revel in Gaudí’s world, from the Sagrada Família cathedral – 140 years in the making and still unfinished – to his kaleidoscopic flights of imagination in the view-filled Park Güell.
- Join the Catalan vibe in the historic Gothic Quarter, stroll along the lively boulevard, La Rambla, then forage for foodie delights in Mercat de la Boqueria. Later, kick back with tapas and an ice-cold Estrella Damm at Barceloneta Beach.
- Admire works by Spain’s most celebrated artist at Barcelona’s Picasso Museum, home to an enormous collection of paintings and sculptures.
- Sports fans in the family can tour Camp Nou, home to FC Barcelona, one of the biggest names in soccer, aka fútbol.
- Tag another short rail adventure to your Spain itinerary on the local Rodalies de Catalunya train service from Barcelona to the easygoing beach town Pineda de Mar.
Hop on High-Speed Trains Down The Mediterranean Coast To Valencia
High-speed Renfe Euromed trains transport travelers from Barcelona to Valencia in around three hours, tracking the coast for a scenic ride on comfortable, modern carriages.
Past and present coexist harmoniously in Spain’s third-largest city. Europe’s Green Capital for 2024 is somewhere you can spend the day poking around grand historical sites or expanding horizons in the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences.
There are 12 miles (20 km) of beaches stretching to the dunes of the Albufera Natural Park and characterful streets dotted with cultural diversions.
The reasons to include Valencia on your Spain itinerary don’t end there.
With a few nights in the port city, you could:
- Feast on paella Valenciana in its home city. The origin story will take you to the picturesque village of El Palmar in the Albufera Natural Park just outside the city limits, reputedly the precise birthplace of Spain’s iconic dish.
- Appetite sated, sail through the ages in Valencia’s atmospheric historic center, where you can see the Holy Grail and Goya artworks at the Valencia Cathedral.
- Glimpse the future at the hyper-modern City of Arts and Sciences, a contemporary architectural jewel and one of the 12 Treasures of Spain (you can see another one in Barcelona, the Sagrada Família).
- Grab bocadillos from foodie haven Mercat Central de Valencia for al fresco dining in the urban green spaces of Jardin del Turia or on lively Malvarrosa Beach.
- Visit in March, and it’s party time. The festivities and papier mâché creations of the Las Fallas festival light up the streets and are recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. At any other time of the year, you can see the enormous caricatures (aka falla) at the Fallas Museum.
Roll Inland To The Dynamic Spanish Capital Madrid.
Madrid, Spain’s capital and largest city, is pivotal to many cross-country rail journeys.
High-speed trains from Valencia to Madrid take around two hours. Aside from Spain’s busiest airport, Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, multiple high-speed rail connections link via Madrid. With three different rail operators on the route, Madrid is a vital destination for a Spain itinerary that crisscrosses the country.
Happily, Madrid is a city for all seasons.
Along its elegant boulevards lie an array of world-class museums, an avant-garde culinary scene, and a nightlife that rarely stops. An excellent Metro system propels visitors to vestiges of Spain’s royal heritage or to family tavernas in lively neighborhoods.
Among Madrid’s highlights are:
- World-class museums, notably the immense Prado and the extraordinary 20th-century art collection at the Reina Sofia National Art Centre.
- The grand old Royal Palace of Madrid, home to the Spanish monarchy and one of Europe’s largest kingly abodes.
- An alfresco lunch of jamon serrano and Castilla La Mancha cheese from the Mercado San Miguel, leisurely consumed by the boating lake in Parque del Retiro.
- An uplifting flamenco show followed by late-night hot chocolate and churros watching Madrid’s fabled nightlife stir into life.
- The flea markets and traditional tavernas of La Latina; Madrid’s feistiest neighborhood radiates madrileño character. For a polished shopping experience, hit the designer boutiques along the elegant 1.2 miles (2 km) of the Gran Via.
Finish This Spain Itinerary On The Golden Sands Of Malaga
Sunseekers and history buffs will relish heading south to Andalucia and the beach city of Malaga.
The Andalusian city founded by Phoenicians on the southern coast of Spain boasts 16 beaches, plus several noted Moorish landmarks among varied historical sights. Malaga is also the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and home to a bubbling nightlife and good seafood restaurants.
Effortlessly while away days and nights in Malaga by:
- Voyaging through Spanish history, stopping at the Roman amphitheater before heading above the city to those striking exemplars of Moorish architecture, the Alcazaba and Castillo de Gibralfaro. Then skip forward to the Catholic era at the Renaissance-influenced Malaga Cathedral.
- Learning more about Malaga’s celebrated son, Pablo Picasso, at the museum bearing his name. Or expand your knowledge at Malaga’s offbeat museums, from the Malaga Automobile and Fashion Museum to the intimate Museo Carmen Thyssen.
- Dip your toes in the Med at one of Malaga’s 16 pretty beaches and build an appetite for fresh seafood and local wines. Try Malaga Virgen with your dessert, a sweet wine similar to another Andalusian specialty, sherry.
More Ideas For The Ultimate Spain Itinerary By Rail
We relish customizing rail tours across the Iberian Peninsula.
But we know you can’t see it all on one vacation. However, you can craft a one to two-week Spain itinerary that moves between destinations yet gives you time to appreciate the moment, as our next suggestion illustrates.
A Rail Pilgrimage From Madrid to Santiago de Compostela
A history-laden Spain itinerary departing from Madrid onboard high-speed trains heading west to the pilgrimage city of Santiago de Compostela, the capital of Galicia. It’s a three to four-hour trip from city to city. Stop at a few historic cities along the way for a fascinating seven to ten-day Spain itinerary by train.
Santiago de Compostela has beckoned travelers for over a thousand years. Pilgrims still journey on foot along the legendary Camino de Santiago pilgrim trail that links the city with other European pilgrim trails, but frequent high-speed trains will get you there a shade quicker.
The UNESCO-recognized old town retains a timeless character. The target for pilgrims is the venerable cathedral that has welcomed worshippers since 1211.
Fold several absorbing cities in the history-laden region of Castile and Leon between Madrid and Galicia to elevate the journey into a thrilling multi-stop rail tour.
Salamanca (two to three hours from Madrid) – A timeless university town with a UNESCO World Heritage historic center that is endlessly enjoyable to roam around.
Valladolid (one to two hours from Salamanca) – Stop for a night or two on this high-speed pilgrimage to visit medieval churches, a royal palace, and a museum dedicated to former resident Christoper Columbus.
Zamora (one to two hours from Valladolid / two to three hours to Santiago de Compostela) – An uncrowded and less spectacular alternative to Salamanca, with a handful of eye-catching churches, a gorgeous cathedral, and agreeable walks along the Douro River. Drop anchor for a night or two and enjoy convivial moments in the many friendly tapas bars.
Segovia (27 mins from Madrid) – You can’t overlook the immeasurable appeal of Segovia on a history-filled Spain itinerary. Home to an emblematic Roman aqueduct and stunning Gothic cathedral and medieval castle, this UNESCO World Heritage Site dazzles. Segovia sits on the high-speed line to Valladolid and Salamanca and is reachable on a day trip from Madrid.
Andalusian Escapades By Rail
We started with a Spain itinerary that took high-speed trains from Catalonia in the north and breezed to Andalusia via Spain’s biggest cities. But you don’t have to leave Andalusia for a memorable rail vacation that could comfortably fill a 10-14 day Spain itinerary.
Spain’s largest and arguably most fascinating region benefits from an extensive rail network, with high-speed Spanish trains connecting all its hottest destinations.
We’ve already explored Malaga’s charms. With Madrid three to four hours away by high-speed train, it’s a well-placed hub and a stimulating opener to Andalucian rail escapades. After a few nights in Malaga, you can enjoy short scenic train rides to several cities steeped in history.
Cordoba (one hour from Malaga) – A thriving city in the Roman Empire and Al-Andalus during the Middle Ages, brimming with old-world character. Visit the striking Mezquita Cathedral de Cordoba, opened in 785, the medieval alcazar, and spend time roving around the cobbled streets of the UNESCO-designated Centro histórico.
Seville (one hour from Cordoba) – The capital of Andalusia packs in a bit of everything that makes the autonomous region so enchanting. From the canals of the fabulous Plaza de España to the Moorish alcazar, Seville’s landmarks distill regional history. With vibrant neighborhoods rewarding leisurely exploration, this is a city you’ll want to spend at least several nights in.
Granada (two to three hours from Seville) – Overlooked by the Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada is home to the Alhambra Palace and fortress, Europe’s most impressive and significant Islamic monument. Nearby, the Generalife palace gardens and the timeless Moorish quarter, Albayzin. All UNESCO World Heritage sites. Granada’s extraordinary heritage spills over to a dreamy city for travelers who love strolling through history.
Spain’s Luxury Tourist Trains: The High Life On Rails
For a rail experience where the journey is even more memorable than the destinations, consider Renfe’s three luxury tourist trains. Redolent of the Orient Express, these opulent hotels on wheels follow several scenic routes.
Private suites with sumptuous trimmings recall a golden age of rail travel; lounge cars, fine dining, live entertainment, and 24/7 silver service ensure every minute of the journey is an experience.
One of Renfe’s tourist trains is the Al Ándalus which carves a palatial path through Andalusia.
Spain’s two remaining luxury trains follow routes at the opposite end of the country, along the Bay Biscay and the northern coastline.
The most lavish are the 1923 Pullman cars of the El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo. Trundling gently from the Mediterranean shores of San Sebastien to the hallowed churches of Santiago de Compostela, this ritzy Spain itinerary calls at a series of diverting spots along the route. Off-train tours visit medieval Santillana del Mar, the Picos de Europa National Park, and cosmopolitan cities like Bilbao and Santander.
A (slightly) dialed-down experience is available on the Costa Verde Express, which packs this classy experience into two-night trips from Bilbao to the medieval streets of Oviedo or Leon.
They are not the only European rail journeys where the trains elevate the experience (see our Switzerland tours through the Alps for prime examples). Yet few can eclipse the extravagant comforts of Spain’s luxury trains.
Elevate A Spain Itinerary Into A pan-European Tour
The Pyrenees Mountains separating the Iberian Peninsula from France are no obstacle for high-speed trains that link Barcelona and Madrid with several major rail stations in France.
In 2023, Renfe deployed their slick AVE trains to connect Madrid to Marseille (eight hours) and Barcelona to Lyon (five hours).
While the French operator, SNCF, runs high-speed services twice daily between Barcelona and Paris, clocking under seven hours on their TGV inOui trains.
Once in France – notably Paris, Lyon, and Marseilles – travelers can fan out across the continent on TGV services and cross borders onto other high-speed networks. France borders seven countries, while Eurostar trains put London a few hours away.
Drinking in the changing scenery as you cross borders on modern trains is a relaxing and time-saving way to go beyond a Spain itinerary and see some of Europe’s leading destinations.
Costa Brava To The French And Italian Rivieras
A daily direct Renfe train zips across the passportless borders from Barcelona to Marseille in under five hours. Additionally, several indirect (one change) TGV inOui trains complete the journey in just over five hours.
France’s second-largest city, Marseille, exudes restless Mediterranean energy. Spend a few nights dining on seafood in the magnificent Vieux Port (old port), marveling at the Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde, and sipping pastis while playing pétanque, two local inventions emblematic of France.
Three hours by high-speed train will take you to elegant promenades of Nice, gateway to the French Riviera. The city on the Baie des Anges is the birthplace of Henri Matisse and a fun beachside destination to dock for a couple of nights.
From Nice, regional TER trains trundle along the Côte d’Azur, the French Riviera, stopping at traditional fishing villages, glitzy resort towns, and the Principality of Monaco.
The same TER train continues across the French-Italian border, terminating in Ventimiglia, the western gateway to the Italian Riviera. It’s a mere 54-minute journey from Nice to Italy.
From Ventimiglia, switch to Trenitalia rail services to reach Italian resort towns and the breathtaking fishing villages of Cinque Terre (under four hours from Ventimiglia). Or join the Italian high-speed rail network in Genoa and head to Milan, Tuscany, and Rome to enjoy as much dolce vita as your vacation time allows. Check our pick of Italian rail tours for inspiration.
A Spanish Rail Vacation Through Paris And Beyond
Traveling from Madrid or Barcelona to Paris is a mouthwatering journey all of its own. The City of Light is a destination par excellence, a world center of art and gastronomy that has enamored travelers for centuries.
The French capital is also a high-speed launchpad to more European capitals. Extend a Spain itinerary from Barcelona to Paris with a seven-hour direct train with the option of stopping in France’s culinary capital, Lyon, en route.
From Paris, direct high-speed trains zip to London, Amsterdam, Brussels, Milan, and Zurich.
One of our popular ready-to-go rail tours is the South West Europe: From London to Madrid hotel and train package. It’s a 12-night odyssey that begins in the exuberant British Capital before heading to the romantic quartiers of Paris. Then a Spain itinerary can get underway, with stops in Barcelona and Madrid. Throw in an optional day trip to Toledo, where millennia of history is baked into the cityscape, and the potential of Europe’s interconnected rail network is manifold.
Or swap Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London for the canals and parks of the Dutch capital, Amsterdam, like on our Western Europe Tour: Amsterdam to Paris and Madrid.
Several examples of rail voyages that expand a Spain itinerary far beyond the Iberian Peninsula. However, you might want to give the Peninsula a second look, as our rail tour of Portugal is another spellbinding Iberian rail vacation.
Spain by Train: An Immersive Journey At Your Own Pace
As these rail journeys illustrate, trains can open the door to a Spain itinerary that ranges far and wide. One that lets you soak up the culture at your own speed.
Forget losing time and patience in airport lines or getting lost in a rental car. Food, beaches, art, or history; whatever fires your travel desires, rolling into the station minutes before departure and cruising between cities on modern and comfortable Spanish trains, couldn’t be more convenient or hassle-free.
To build your ultimate Spain itinerary, contact our rail travel specialists to lock in premium hotels near train stations and the rail connections you need for a seamless vacation.
