Spain By Train

Trains in Spain and Portugal are generally comfortable, convenient, and reasonably swift. Almost all countries give students or youths (usually defined as anyone under 26) direct discounts on regular domestic rail tickets, and many also sell a student or youth card that provides 20-50% off for up to a year.

Reservations. While seat reservations are required only for selected trains (usually on major lines), you are not guaranteed a seat without one (usually US$5-30). You should strongly consider reserving in advance during peak holiday and tourist seasons (at the very latest, a few hours ahead). You will also have to purchase a supplement (US$10-50) or special fare for high-speed or high quality or trains such as Spain’s AVE. Supplements are often unnecessary for Eurail pass and Europass holders.

Overnight Trains. Overnight trains can be one of the most time-efficient ways to travel, saving you valuable daylight hours and possibly even hotel fare. That efficiency, however, comes at the cost of comfort, scenery, and safety. Sleeping arrangements differ, but you can typically either sleep upright or in couchettes (berths), which typically have four to six seats per compartment (supplement about US$10-50 per person). Sleepers (beds) in private sleeping cars offer more privacy and comfort, but are considerably more expensive (supplement US$40-150). If you are using a railpass valid only for a restricted number of days, inspect train schedules to maximize the use of your pass: an overnight train or boat journey often uses up only one of your travel days if it departs after 7pm.

There is no reason to buy a Eurail Pass if you plan to travel only within Spain and Portugal. Trains are cheap, so a pass saves little money. Visit www.raileurope.com for more specific information on the passes below.

Spain Pass: Offers 3 days of unlimited travel over a 2-month period. 1st-class US$296, 2nd-class $231. Each additional rail-day (up to 10 days total) $40-50 for 1st-class, $30-40 for 2nd-class.
Portugal-Spain Pass: Good for 3 days of unlimited 1st-class travel in Spain and Portugal within a 2-month period. Travel may be on consecutive or non-consecutive days. US$341. Each additional rail-day (up to 10 days total) $40-50.
Spain Rail ’n Drive Pass: Good for 3 days of unlimited 1st-class train travel and 2 days of unlimited mileage in a Hertz rental car within a 2-month period in Spain. Prices US$316 and up, depending on number of travelers, type of car, and type of train ticket. Up to 7 additional rail-days and 7 additional car days available.

In Spain

Spanish trains are clean, punctual, and reasonably priced, but tend to bypass many small towns. Spain’s national railway is RENFE (☎902 24 02 02; www.renfe.es). Avoid transvía, semidirecto, or correo trains—they tend to be slow. Alta Velocidad Española (AVE) high-speed trains connect several major Spanish hubs, soaring above trains in comfort, price, and speed. Student discounts are available. Consult the RENFE website for complete listings and schedules of all train destinations, but for the most part, buses are an easier and more efficient means of traveling around Spain.

In Portugal

Caminhos de Ferro Portugueses (☎213 18 59 90; www.cp.pt) is Portugal’s national railway, but for long-distance travel outside of the Braga-Porto-Coimbra-Lisboa line, the bus is better. The exception is around Lisboa, where local trains are fast and efficient. Most trains have first- and second-class cabins, except for local and suburban routes. Check the station ticket booth for the departure schedule; trains often run at irregular hours, and posted schedules (horarios) aren’t always accurate. You can save 10% by buying a return ticket, but unless you own a Eurail pass the return on round-trip tickets must be used before 3am the following day. Keep your ticket with you; if you’re caught without one, you’ll be fined. Though there is a Portugal Flexipass, it is not worth buying.