Rail Ninja is a reservation service for booking train tickets online. It is not a rail carrier, does not own or operate any trains, and does not represent an official website of any railway company. It is a commercial business that makes it easier for you to book train tickets online.

Our free app for every step of your journey — travel planning has never been easier!

Why Choose Travel by AVE Trains

AVE high-speed trains are operated by Renfe and connect over 10 major Spanish cities, including Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Malaga, and Seville. Plus, it is a top choice as traveling on AVE trains from Madrid to Barcelona and other popular railway routes in Spain is very convenient. All Renfe trains are fast, but the modern AVE train is the "superstar" among them, reaching the top speed of 350 kph (217 mph)! The name of the train is exceptionally fitting, although it stands for "Alta Velocidad Espanola" (meaning "Spanish high-speed"), as luck would have it, the word "ave" in Spanish can also be translated as "a bird'. Apart from quick AVE train speed and short travel times, the trains offer 3 travel classes as well as many routes and departure times to choose from. All coaches are air-conditioned and equipped with comfortable seats, have power outlets, TV screens, radio, as well as generous luggage space. Drinks and snacks can be purchased in onboard cafeterias, available on most trains. Plus, passengers can also enjoy entertaining multimedia, the audio system, newspapers, and magazines during the trip. For your convenience, we have put together answers to some often asked questions about this Spanish train.

Do I have to buy an AVE ticket in advance or can I buy it at the train station?

Of course, it's possible to buy an AVE train ticket (as well as any Renfe train tickets) at the railway station before departure, but there are several risks involved, including the already sold-out tickets, long queues at the ticket desk, and the possible language barrier. To avoid such potentially unpleasant situations, we advise considering purchasing your tickets online in advance on Rail Ninja. This user-friendly service will save you time, allowing to buy any AVE ticket in a matter of several minutes.

How do I buy a return ticket for a Renfe AVE train? The process of buying a return ticket is quite similar to buying a ticket for a one-way trip. For example, if you are booking a train ticket on Rail Ninja and already know when you are planning to go back, you can choose the "Round trip" option over the search bar, enter the dates of your supposed arrival/departure, and get an extensive list of possible ticket options to choose from. If you are not sure when you are going to return, there's no need to worry. You can go on the website and book a return train ticket the way you would buy any one-way ticket later when your plans are finalized.

How to make a reservation for the AVE train? The simplest way to make a train ticket reservation is online. Another pro of purchasing your tickets with Rail Ninja is that it allows you to book your tickets for as far as two years prior to the journey, making trip planning very easy.

In which cases are the seat reservations advisable? Without a doubt, a carefully planned trip is always less stressful than a spontaneous journey, and the seats reserved in advance are among the "must" things for worry-free travel. If you're booking AVE tickets on Rail Ninja, you may indicate your seat preferences and the best available option will be assigned to you. Another important thing to keep in mind is that making a reservation helps to save money because the "last-minute" tickets always cost more than the ones, purchased some time before the trip.

Where can I find the train timetable for the Renfe AVE trains?

You can look up the timetable for any AVE train, Spain's most spectacular mode of transport, on Rail Ninja. Just choose the stations of departure and arrival, the supposed date of your trip, press "Continue", and voila!

What are the benefits of First Class seating?

Regardless of the class you choose, you can be sure that you'll be provided with everything you need for a comfortable ride. But if you prefer to travel in absolute comfort, opt for the First Class seating. The class includes comfortable reclining seats, arranged 2 by 1, power sockets, an onboard media center as well as Wi-Fi and complimentary newspapers. There are also seats for travelers with special needs and a playground for children available. Apart from that, your First Class AVE ticket gives you access to the top-notch AVE lounges, available on some stations.

Is rail travel accommodating to disabled passengers? As mentioned above, AVE trains are suitable for physically challenged travelers. In fact, all Renfe trains offer a free ATENDO service, providing help to the passengers who require assistance to access or transit between the rail stations as well as need some help for boarding/disembarking from the trains.

What can be expected in terms of the luggage facilities onboard the trains?

It doesn't matter what class do you prefer to travel in, rest assured that the AVE trains offer very generous luggage space. All passengers are allowed to take up to 3 pieces of luggage on board. But keep in mind that the total dimensions for the items can not exceed 180 cm (5.9 ft) and the total weight can't be more than 25 kg (55 lbs).

Can I bring my pet on an AVE train?

Yes, you can travel with a beloved pet onboard a high-speed AVE train, but there are several rules to be followed. There is only one pet per passenger allowed and it must travel in a cage with the dimension not exceeding the parameters of 60 x 35 x 35 cm (23.6 x 13.8 x 13.8 in). You can take only small pets on board, such as cats, dogs, ferrets, and birds (not counting poultry) who weigh no more than 10 kg (22 lb).

Can I bring a bicycle on an AVE train? It is possible to bring your bicycle on an AVE train but only when folded/dismantled and placed in carrying cases. The important thing to remember is that its total dimensions of the bicycles can't be more than 180 cm (5.9 ft), otherwise it won't be allowed on board.

Travel Classes Onboard AVE Train

Economy Class Seat
This is the simplest class onboard AVE high-speed train. Reclining comfortable seats with individual folding tables and power sockets are arranged 2 by 2. The coach of such type also provides free WiFi and a media center. Snacks and drinks can be purchased in the buffet car. Passengers can also indicate their preference to sit in a silent car while booking the ticket.
Premium Class Seat
This is the most comfortable travel option available on AVE trains. The class includes traveling in spacious reclining seats with a lot of legroom arranged 2 by 1, taking advantage of WiFi, power sockets, onboard media center, and free newspapers. The coach is also equipped with a playground with kids. One meal (except Saturdays) is included in the ticket price, meanwhile, other snacks and beverages are available for purchase in the restaurant car or from a food trolley. In this class, it is also possible traveling with bikes (the dimensions should not exceed 180 cm) and transporting pets. The coach is equipped with seats for people with special needs. Passengers can also indicate their preference to sit in a silent car while booking the ticket. Apart from the services mentioned above, you can take advantage of the access to Renfe's VIP Rooms at some stations.
1st Class Seat
These class tickets allow you to enjoy traveling in absolute comfort, taking advantage of sitting in spacious reclining seats with a lot of legroom arranged 2 by 1 as well as using free WiFi and power sockets. Moreover, the coach provides some entertaining options like a media center and a playground for kids. In this class, it is also possible traveling with bikes (the dimensions should not exceed 180 cm) and transporting pets. The coach is equipped with seats for people with special needs. You can enjoy meals and beverages in a restaurant car. Passengers can also indicate their preference to sit in a silent car while booking the ticket.