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Spain to become leader in high-speed trains
Spain is tipped to become the world's leader in high-speed trains next year, surpassing Japan and France for the most kilometers of track.
With the rising costs and hassles of airfare, train travel has become more competitive. The high-speed train between Spain's two most important and visited cities, Madrid and Barcelona, takes just two-and-a-half hours. That's quicker than flying once you factor in taxi rides and waiting at the airport. Another advantage of trains is that you go from city center to city center.
This past summer the Madrid-Barcelona route proved its dominance by serving more customers than the airlines, and with more lines planned, including a much anticipated Madrid-to-Paris service, it looks like high-speed rail is the transportation of the future for Spaniards and visitors. In total more than 40,000 people use Spain's high-speed trains every day, enjoying a 99% on-time rate.
Having gone on many train journeys in Spain I have to say that Renfe, the state railroad company, gets high marks. The trains are much more comfortable than airplanes and many offer bars, dining cars, and other conveniences. Madrid is set in the dead center of the country and the lines branching out to all major cities are convenient for visitors. Prices are slightly higher than airline tickets, but the cost comes out to be about the same once airport transportation is taken into account. I personally prefer to travel by train because I get to see the country as I pass by, and you don't want to miss Spain's beautiful countryside.
Filed under: Europe, Spain, Transportation
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Craig Sep 22nd 2009 9:54PM
I wonder where Germany ranks? I wish the US would use its desire to be the best at everything to top these countries in train travel.
I have to admit, I'm a bit disappointed that the itinerary for my upcoming trip to Spain doesn't allow for a Madrid-Barcelona AVE train (I'm going a few other places in between).
nzm Sep 23rd 2009 8:11AM
Craig - not sure where Germany ranks, but we've used the ICE trains many times and found them to be a pleasant way to travel around the country. It sure beats having to run the gauntlet of zealous, over-authoritative security personnel that Germany places at all the airports!
However, the AVE trains are something else. If you book First Class which is often not much dearer than a normal class ticket, it comes with a hot meal that is delivered to your seat by friendly train staff! That's the experience that 2 sets of friends have received when travelling from Malaga to Barcelona on their way to visit us.
Sean McLachlan Sep 26th 2009 9:05AM
I took the Madrid - Barcelona AVE train last year and I was just so nice! Also, some of the long-distance trains use the AVE tracks for part of the journey. Another nice thing is that most of the long-distance trains, including the AVE, have a cafeteria, so you can stretch your legs and enjoy a cup of coffee, a bocadillo or a glass of wine.