Spain's modern day railway system makes travelling by train a delight. Thanks to excellent infrastructure, comfortable trains and good service, more and more people are choosing this relaxing, ecologically friendly form of transport in order to truly experience the best of southern Spain.
The Spanish railway network is run by the state owned company Renfe. In recent years Renfe has made a tremendous investment in Spain's railway network, particularly in the new High Speed (Alta Velocidad) rail system. By 2010, the company will have acquired a total of 560 new trains with 103 dedicated to high speed routes Renfe is also an excellent form of transport for merchandise both within the country and for companies wishing to export products abroad.
Following is a basic look at service, which should be complemented by a consultation with your travel agent or Renfe’s excellent online information service.
International Train Service to Andalucia
International trains from France terminate at either Madrid or Barcelona. From there you can catch a train to many of the cities in Andalucia - or anywhere else in Spain, for that matter. You can also travel by Renfe trains between some of the main provincial capitals on the Avant and Medium Distance trains in the south of Spain, and to some of the smaller villages as well, thanks to the numerous "Cercanías", local train routes.
High Speed Long Distance Trains in Andalucia
The magnificent AVE high speed (alta velocidad) trains runs on a special line between:
Madrid and Cordoba (1 hrs. 45 min.)
Madrid and Seville. (under 2 hrs. 30 min.)
Madrid and Málaga (2 hrs 30 min.) with service to Antequera and Puente Genil as well
Málaga and Barcelona (5 hrs. 30 min. appx.)
Seville and Barcelona (5 hrs. 30 min. appx.)
Medium Distance Trains in Andalucia
This service interconnects the entire country. In Andalucia it brings together such provincial capitals as Málaga, Córdoba and Seville.
There is also a service from:
Sevilla-Cádiz
Sevilla-Córdoba-Jaén
Huelva-Sevilla
Sevilla-Málaga
Sevilla-Granada-Almería
Granada-Linares Baeza
Algeciras-Granada
See these routes on the map below:
