Is the AVE high-speed train worth it in Spain?

Yes — it's the fastest and most comfortable way between the major cities, reaching up to 310 km/h. Madrid to Barcelona or Seville takes about 2.5 hours, often quicker than flying once you count airport time. Book ahead, and compare Renfe AVE/AVLO with low-cost rivals Ouigo and Iryo for the cheapest fares.

How do I get from Seville to Granada?

By bus. There's no fast direct AVE between the two, so the ALSA coach (about 3 hours) is the simplest and cheapest option for this popular Andalusian link. The train is slower and less convenient. Book the bus online in advance in high season.

Getting Around Spain: AVE Trains, Buses & Flights

Spain is big but brilliantly connected, and for most trips the high-speed train does the heavy lifting. The country has the largest high-speed rail network in Europe, and recent low-cost competition has made it cheaper than ever to ride.

High-speed trains (AVE)

The national operator Renfe runs AVE high-speed services at up to 310 km/h from a hub in Madrid, putting the major cities within a few hours of each other: Madrid-Barcelona and Madrid-Seville take about 2.5 hours, Madrid-Valencia under 2 hours, and Madrid-Malaga and Madrid-Granada roughly 2.5 to 3.5 hours. Fares are cheapest booked weeks ahead, and the network now has low-cost competition — Renfe's own AVLO plus the rivals Ouigo and Iryo run on the busiest lines like Madrid-Barcelona and Madrid-Valencia — so it pays to compare all three.

Regional & slower trains

Beyond the high-speed lines, Renfe's Media Distancia and Cercanias (commuter) trains link smaller cities and airports. Note that not every city-to-city pair has a fast direct train: Seville to Granada, for instance, is slow and awkward by rail, and the bus is the better choice.

Buses & coaches

For routes the trains miss — and for the lowest fares — Spain's intercity coach network is excellent. ALSA is the dominant operator, with comfortable, cheap services reaching almost everywhere, including the handy Seville-Granada and other Andalusian links. Book online in advance for the best prices.

Flights & ferries to the islands

The Balearic Islands (Palma de Mallorca) and the Canaries are reached by air or sea. Short flights on Vueling, Iberia, Ryanair and easyJet connect the mainland cities with Palma in under an hour, while overnight and daytime ferries sail to Mallorca from Barcelona and Valencia if you'd rather take the car or save on a night's hotel.

City transport

Once you arrive, the big cities are easy without a car. Madrid and Barcelona have extensive metros; Valencia and Seville add metros, trams and bike-share; and historic centres are compact and walkable. Buy a rechargeable transit card or use contactless where it's supported.

Driving

A rental car isn't needed for the city-to-city core and is a liability in old-town centres, where parking is scarce and many streets are restricted. It comes into its own for touring rural Spain — Andalusia's white villages (pueblos blancos), the Rioja wine country, or the coastlines — where public transport thins out. Tolls apply on some motorways.

Quick recommendation

Build your trip around AVE trains for the main cities, comparing Renfe, Ouigo and Iryo for cheap advance fares; use ALSA buses for gaps like Seville-Granada; and fly or ferry to Mallorca. Add a car only for rural touring.

Getting Around Spain