Rail Europe

With Rail Europe, Spain’s RENFE network reaches far and wide

Over the last ten years, the Spanish rail network (RENFE), which serves all the major cities in Spain, has undergone a major refurbishment programme, cutting journey times by up to 50 per cent.

 The high-speed Tren de Alta Velocidad (AVE), which is also known as “Big Bird” by the Spaniards, operates from Madrid to Seville, Toledo, Zaragoza, Huesca and Lleida and is currently being extended countrywide.

When the high-speed network is complete, all of Spain’s provincial capitals will be within four hours of Madrid, and under six and a half hours from Barcelona.

The aim is for the AVE to become part of a Europe-wide, high-speed rail network connecting to the French and Portuguese rail networks.

 

The AVE trains offer rail passengers three classes to choose from: First class (Club), Business class (Preferente) and Tourist class (Turista), as well as sleeping accommodation for those embarking on international travel.

The high-speed trains are air conditioned and seats recline to a comfortable angle, while films are shown on television screens.

There is also a restaurant car serving hot and cold snacks and refreshments, and a trolley service too.

The Spanish railway system’s hub is Madrid, which has two main stations: Chamartin and Puerta de Atocha, which has recently been renovated.

Trains from Madrid’s Chamartin serve A Coruña, Albacete, Alicante, Barcelona, Bilbao, Cartagena, Irún, León, Lugo, Ourense, Oviedo, Salamanca, Santander, Soria, Vallodolid, Zamora and Zaragossa, as well as destinations in France and the local area.

Trains departing from the upgraded Puerta de Atocha will whisk passengers to Castilla-La Mancha, Andalusia and Extremadura, including Almeria, Badajoz, Cadiz, Ciudad Real, Cordoba, Cuenca, Granada, Malaga, Mérida, Salamanca, Seville, Toledo and Valencia, as well as destinations in Portugal and the local area.

From Madrid there are three lines which take passengers all over the country and beyond. Two lines extend to the French border and another line takes passengers to Andalusia and the Levante.

One of the most beautiful train journeys in southern Spain is on the RENFE line from Ronda to Jimena de la Frontera.

For those interested in International travel from Spain, RENFE also operates the Trenhotel, which is a long distance international service to France, Italy and Switzerland.

The Trenhotel offers sleeping compartments and couchettes and runs between Madrid and Paris, as well as between Barcelona and Milan, Barcelona and Paris and Barcelona and Zurich.

For any travellers to Spain, the RENFE network opens up huge possibilities to explore and discover the diverse and beautiful Spanish countryside, cities and towns.

From Milan to Barcelona, Barcelona to Seville, Seville to Valencia and to other European countries, Spain, and beyond, is possible with RENFE’s extensive rail network and Rail Europe.

 

Rail Europe & RENFE celebrate exceptional sales for Spanish train tickets in 2011

More high speed services, excellence in service and aggressive pricing have helped Renfe Operadora attract more travellers in 2011, thus gaining market shares against other mode of transportation. In a gloomy economic environment, the 2011 performance of Spain's National Railways was remarkable, with passenger numbers increasing by 2,9%, in excess of 468 million.

The impressive afflux of travellers from non-European countries boosted these results. With a growth in travellers' numbers approaching 70%, Rail Europe 4A, the largest distributor of train tickets in the world and primary distributor or Renfe products, opens the doors of Renfe high speed trains to more and more people.

All Rail Europe 4A markets are in the black, top 3 countries being Japan, Brazil and Argentina.

 

Enrike Urkijo, General Manager of Renfe Passenger Division & Pierre-Stéphane Austi, CEO of Rail Europe, celebrate the 2011 results in Madrid

"We are very proud of our results", says Pierre-Stéphane Austi, CEO of Rail Europe. "They demonstrate how an intelligent, win-win cooperation can bring great results to all parties, distributors and carriers alike".

The two companies indeed signed a direct agreement in April 2011, which proved instrumental in reaching such positive results. The agreement allowed among others a direct connexion between the two companies' distribution systems, access to a larger range of fares (including the "low cost" ones) and e-ticketing facilities.

"This agreement was a major step in our distribution strategy, allowing us to better serve our clients in the non-European markets thanks to Rail Europe presence. Today we are happy to celebrate an excellent first year, and look forward to repeating this performance in 2012", says Javier Casado Ucieda, Sales and Marketing Director at Renfe.

In 2012, Rail Europe expects sales of Renfe tickets to grow fast too. Acting as a one-stop-shop for rail products in Europe and in Spain in particular, the company will continue to promote train travel in Spain, and benefit from all improvements undertaken by Renfe. With faster trains between major cities -it now takes only 2h30 door to door between Madrid and Barcelona or 1h38 between Madrid and Valencia- and very low lead-in prices, trains are more than ever the best way to travel in Spain!

****************

Renfe-Operadora is the national railways of Spain and one of the largest rail carriers in the world. Operating the most modern fleet in the world, on the longest high speed rail network in Europe, it offers a seamless travel experiences thanks to excellent quality of service, numerous frequencies and unmatched punctuality. Its flagship train, the AVE, is the most punctual and fastest high speed train in Europe.

Rail Europe is the #1 distributor of train tickets and rail passes in the world, selling through appointed General Sales Agents and directly on the web through localised websites (local currency, local language, local service).

For more information about Rail Europe products, to purchase Renfe train tickets, any train tickets or rail passes, please consult your Rail Europe travel agent. Contact details to be found on www.raileurope.fr

 

Spanish trains now easier to book

The Alta Velocidad Española, known as the AVE, are the high speed Spanish trains, which travel around the country connecting large cities and its smaller towns on the RENFE rail network.

AVE trains are now even easier to book with Rail Europe as it has direct access to the Spanish RENFE booking system.

The RENFE Direct Connection means that Rail Europe can find you the cheapest fares, and live schedules making it really easy to book your tickets on the Spanish trains with Rail Europe. 

Travellers to Europe have embraced the high speed network as they can easily travel between Madrid, Barcelona and Seville, ticking off their must-see list of Spain, but also to the smaller more provincial towns.

Passengers who want to experience the fast and efficient AVE trains can book their journey with Rail Europe and go online to the Rail Europe website to check out the tips and advice on travelling in Spain.

There are several options for the train traveller to explore Spain on the AVE. Passengers can opt for point to point tickets if they are just making a couple of journeys on the high speed network between, for example, Madrid and Barcelona, but if they want to see more of Spain and have more flexibility the best option is to choose the Eurail Spain Pass. This pass gives unlimited travel on the Spanish rail for up to 2 months.

The Eurail Spain Pass, which can be booked with Rail Europe, allows passengers to jump on and off the AVE trains and visit the whole of Spain at their own pace.

Perhaps the success of the Spanish trains has also been the acceptance of the AVE with the local people, with many Spaniards choosing the quick, easy journeys by train, over driving or catching a flight.

The high speed network has been in development since the late 1980s and has been a resounding success. Spain has spent around AUS$55 billion on its high-speed network building and expanding the connections through both good times and bad.

The people who ride the AVE trains seem to enjoy them and the businesses which naturally grow around train stations and cross roads believe the trains are good for their cities and good for business, which make the Spanish trains very good for the country.

Today the Spanish train system has fast become one of Europe’s most extensive high speed networks – and third in the world after China and Japan.

 

 

Rail Europe drives you to the International Exhibition of Zaragoza.

Spain hosts this year the International Exhibition in Zaragoza until September 14th. Held every 5 years, the International exhibition is aimed to present to the public the Human activities’ realized or planned improvements.

2 000 experts and 140 pavilions welcome you around the theme of “Water and Sustainable Development”. Exhibitions, conferences and 5 000 spectacles are scheduled during the whole summer, making this exhibition a must for all. Already many visitors are expected to experience what is going to be the biggest water festival on earth.

Zaragoza has, besides the International exhibition, a lot to offer… Take the time to discover the capital of Aragon and its rich history. During more than 2 000 years , cultures such as the Roman, the Christian, the Arabic, the Jewish or Mozarabic have cohabited, leaving great remnants. Do not miss the square of el Pilar, with the Gothic Cathedral of La Seo and the Basilica del Pilar, one of the main places of worship to Virgin Mary of the Christianity, with frescoes by Francisco de Goya. Or the Arab palace of the Aljaferia, current headquarters of Aragon's Parliament, which is one of the best exponents of the Muslim art outside Andalusia…

Zaragoza can be very easily reached by train. It takes only 1h20 from Madrid and 1h35 from Barcelona by AVE, the Spanish high speed train. And while in Europe, why not heading to Zaragoza thanks to the Hotel Train Elipsos? It runs everyday from Paris to Madrid and Barcelona and there are also regular departures from Zurich and Milan. Save one hotel night, travel in style, and arrive in Spain fresh and ready to explore!

For more information about Elipsos and Spanish trains, to purchase a pass or a ticket, contact your Rail Europe travel agent. All contact details are on www.raileurope.fr

The new high speed line between Madrid and Barcelona opens tomorrow, the 20th of February: book your tickets with Rail Europe!

Rail Europe, the World leading distributor of European rail is delighted to announce that the high speed line between Madrid and Barcelona will finally open on February, 20th!

The two vibrant capitals, Madrid and Barcelona, are now connected with 17 daily services, in 2h38 instead of 3h55 today. Thanks to this new line, it will also take only 1h51 to go from Saragossa to Barcelona (39 minutes saved) and 1h03 from Lerida to Barcelona (27 minutes saved).

Enjoy this new European High Speed experience in total comfort, aboard the AVE trains, some of the most technically advanced trains of the Spanish Railways… and in the world!

Between Madrid and Barcelona, you will enjoy at high speed (300 km/h – 186 mph) the high quality services usually proposed onboard AVE trains such as individual sockets, reclining seats, movie screenings, etc. And if you travel in “Club” or “Preferente” class, you’ll even benefit from a new catering offer at your seat.

Just contact your Rail Europe travel agent to book your rail trip in Spain or just to get more information about Spanish trains and destinations.
Contact details to be found on www.raileurope.fr/wheretobuy.

Barcelona - ELIPSOS

The Spanish Railways have been operating a useful service since this summer that links Trenhotel Elipsos departures / arrivals at Barcelona-França station with Barcelona-Sants Station.
Trains leave every 30 minutes from each station and services are free for travellers with ELIPSOS tickets.

Spain: Madrid-Saragossa-Barcelona

For Spain’s 50 million visitors, Renfe, the Spanish Railways, reinforced services on the Madrid-Barcelon line. They recently launch ALVIA, a new service on the Madrid-Saragossa-Barcelona line. ALVIA runs 12 brand new train-sets, designed by CAF-Alstom, and cuts the journey time by 15 minutes between Barcelona-Madrid, which takes approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes on the direct service. As well as time savings, there are more frequent connections with six daily connections in each direction and one direct service between the two cities. The latter operates every day of the week except Saturdays.

Each train has 238 seats in air-conditioned carriages, with 82 seats in first class (there is a specially designed space for handicapped travellers) and 156 seats in second class. Each seat has plug-in facilities for listening to music or watching videos which can be hired in the dining carriage. First-class passengers are treated royally with extra privileges and services such as on-board meals and access to the Sala Club in the terminal train stations.

For more information on Rail Europe Passes to Spain or reserving your train seats on Alvia, please contact your agent: www.raileurope.fr/wheretobuy

Spain: AVE high speed trains run at 250km/h

More good news for travellers to Spain! Renfe, the Spanish Railways, who run AVE, the high speed train service announced that trains will circulate at 250km/h on the Madrid, Saragossa and Lleida line, heading northwards from Madrid.

Time savings between Madrid and Saragossa are 19 minutes with journey time now taking 1h40. On the Madrid to Lleida journey, time savings are 28 minutes with the trip now taking only 2h30.

In terms of comfort, the new series of carriages, built by the Talgo-Bombardier consortium, with its 316 seats has several comfort levels for passengers – 6 Tourist Class, 3 Preferential, 2 Club and I Restaurant carriage. Access to the carriages and seating have been adapted to ensure disabled travellers can manoeuvre on board with greater ease. Seats are reclinable and passengers can turn them around so that they can travel in the same direction as the train. Each passenger has its personal audio-video systems in his or her seat which operates via GPS technology and offers a selection of channels for relaxed journeys.
For more information on reserving train seats on the AVE or elsewhere in Spain, please contact your agent: www.raileurope.fr/wheretobuy

Elipsos: Spain, France, Italy with the train-hotel night service

Elipsos is the night-train service which runs between Barcelona and Paris, Barcelona and Zurich, Barcelona and Milan. In 2005, over 260,000 travellers used the night service to travel to and from their holiday destinations, with over 137,000 people travelling between Barcelona and Paris. Occupancy rates are very satisfactory (+80%) with primarily families and friends using the service – the joys of wakening up from a good night’s sleep in a choice of carriages ranging from Grand Class, Club Class, Tourist Class and Super Reclining Seats – and arriving in a foreign holiday destination.

Each train has a restaurant carriage open for dinner until 1am and re-opens for breakfast from 6am for travellers from the Grand Class and the Club Class…

Travellers with Spain, Spain-Portugal, France, France-Spain, France-Italy, France-Switzerland or Greece-Italy passes can use these services with a special pass holder fare. On all services arriving in Barcelona, travellers receive a book of discounted vouchers – Art Travel Pass, which offers a large range of discounts to some of Barcelona’s most well-known museums.

Spain – a foretaste of summer planning

Summer planning is a wonderful remedy for alleviating gloomy winter drear as it brings promises of warmer sunshine days as well as memories of summer activities.

For those not planning to sleuth through Paris, London and Scotland in search of the Da Vinci Code or those getting their soccer gear ready for Germany or those heading for Austria to attend the multitude of festivities to celebrate Mozart’s 250th anniversary, there are many fascinating places to visit in Spain.   

Looking at one of our favourite themes which of course does not exclude sporting, gastromic or other cultural pursuits, World Heritage Centres are numerous in Spain and provide a different approach to itinerary planning. An interesting circuit might include any or all of the following:

Start off in Salamanca, 2 hours and 20 minutes by train from Madrid, this renowned univeristy city was
founded in 3 BC and has architectural remnants from the Roman, Moorish, Renaissance and Baroque
periods of its history. Amongst its treasures, it has 2 universities (one of the oldest in Europe) and 2 cathedrals and beautiful main plaza as well as a number of palaces and churches.

Avila, just 1 hour and 3 minutes by train from Salamanca, is an 11th century city founded to protect the Spaniards from the Moors and has lost none of its severe medieval exterior. Its reputation as a city of Saints and Stones are due to the presence of St Theresa’s grave as well as the magnificient stone walling with its 82 towers intact and its 9 entry points to the city.

Segovia has a very well preserved Roman aqueduct which probably dates back to 50 BC. Also worth visiting in the historic city are the Alcazar, which was built from the 11th century onwards and the Gothic cathedral dating back to the 16th century. The trip from Avila to Segovia takes just under 2 hours.

Madrid is a mere 2 hours by train from Segovia and as with any capital city has something exciting for every visitor’s taste. One of the World Heritage buildings in Madrid which is built on an exceptionally beautiful site is the Escurial Monastery.

Within a short distance of Madrid, 50 minutes by train, is the university and historic are of Alcala de Henares, one of the first university towns planned at the beginning of the 16th century. It inspired numerous other university towns throughout Europe and was brought to the Americas by Spanish missionaries. One of its most renowned pupils was Cervantes, author of Don Quichotte.

Aranjuez – located between Madrid and Toledo – is a riverside royal city, where the kings of Spain took up their summer residence in the 18th century. The royal city boasts a superb vegetable garden where the first asparagus was cultivated.

Toledo is a melting pot of 2 thousand years of history, of conquerors, of influences and this is seen in its palaces and builidings. Built on a craggy round in the centre of the Iberian peninsula, it is built around the Tagus river, 70 km from Madrid and 234 km from Salamanca, where our tour of World Heritage Cities commenced. Its historic centre is one of the largest in Spain with over 100 historical monuments – palaces, convents, monasteries and gardens. A visit to Toledo is incomplete without tasting some of its infamous dishes – perdiz roja estofada (stewed partiridge) or gazpacho la mancha (a revered winter dish, called Galianos in Don Quixote) and its delightful wines. “Que aprovechen!”

To avail of rail travel in Spain, Rail Europe offers the Eurail Spain Pass with unlimited travel on the national rail network from 3 up to 10 days within a 2-month period. For further details, please contact your travel agent.