Barcelona Train Timetable

The rail network around Barcelona has developed enormously during recent years and, from being rather behind neighbours France in the development of train services, Spain can now stand comparison with any European country.

RENFE is the national Spanish rail company and they manage both international and national trains throughout the country. The rail ‘revolution’ began in 1992 when Felipe González initiated the idea of a high-speed line between Madrid and Seville. Since then, the AVE trains have really captured the imagination of the Spanish public. The opening of the line between Barcelona and Madrid has totally transformed travel between the two cities to such a degree that, after just one year, the passenger split between planes and trains is now almost 50/50.

RENFE offers passengers a choice of trains and service options. There are 2 types of First Class service – Club and Preferente. The former entitles you to a meal in your seat, drinks, newspapers, audio and video options, as well as access to the AVE lounges and discounts at station car parks.
Preferente tickets offer all of the above with the exception of drinks – and there is slightly less choice with your menu.

On the sleeper trains, known as Trenhotel, there is an additional Gran Clase, a truly luxury class.

Rodalies trains, identified by a red circle with a broker white ring inside it, are trains used to connect the city with suburban areas and, although primarily designed for commuters, they do give visitors cheap ways of getting out of town – perhaps to the nearby beaches of the Costa Brava. As well as using the major stations of França and Sants, they also stop at Arc de Triomf, Catalunya, Passeig de Gràcia and Plaça d’Espanya metro stations.

The company Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC) organises local train services in the Barcelona network.

Timetables for both RENFE and FGC are available on-line. The RENFE site has been updated considerably recently and the English version can be accessed at http://www.renfe.es/horarios/english/index.html.

There are telephone bookings available if you should have problems booking on line. The number 0034 90 224 0202 will enable you to do this, but not less than 2 days before your journey. If you’re going to book in advance, you’ll need your passport number or, if you’re a resident of Spain, your NIE number.

The government recently announced further discounts in prices of tickets booked in advance, in order to help people during what the Spanish know as ‘La Crisis’ but there is also an official English RENFE branch where you might be able to get even better deals. The official sales agent of RENFE in the UK can be found at http://www.spanish-rail.co.uk or on 0044 020 7725 7063 and they claim to save you up to 60% on advanced bookings and also offer good discounts for Senior Citizens.

It is still possible, though, to buy your ticket at the station on the day you want to travel but, for a guaranteed seat, a wider choice and a cheaper price, you are much better off booking in advance if you can.

The timetable and details of FGC can be found in English at http://www.fgc.cat/eng/index.asp.

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