Passenger train services • Main line services / Ticketing • High speed Rail • Spain
Summary: Spain’s high-speed rail network began in 1992 with the Madrid–Córdoba–Seville line. Unlike the traditional broad-gauge system, it mainly uses standard gauge, allowing international links to France via the Perthus Tunnel. The infrastructure is managed by ADIF, with AVE as the main service, alongside Avant, Alvia, Avlo, Euromed, Ouigo España, Iryo, and some InterCity trains. Renfe operates most services, but competition from Ouigo España and Iryo exists on major routes like Madrid–Barcelona under EU rules. Some trains, such as Alvia, run on both gauge types. By March 2026, Spain has Europe’s longest high-speed network at 3,973 km, second worldwide after China.
➤ See also:
High speed train in France –
High speed train in Germany –
High speed train in Italy –
High speed in Japan –
Economics
Note: For educational purpose only. This page is meant purely as a documentation tool and has no legal effect. It is not a substitute for the official page of the operating company, manufacturer or official institutions. It cannot be used for staff training, which is the responsibility of approved institutions and companies.
Key summary
Spain’s high-speed railway system has operated since 1992, when the first line linked Madrid, Córdoba, and Seville. Unlike the traditional Iberian broad-gauge network, most high-speed lines use standard gauge, enabling direct international connections, particularly through the Perthus Tunnel to France. The infrastructure is owned and managed by ADIF, while multiple services run on the network. The primary service is AVE, alongside others such as Avant, Alvia, Avlo, Euromed, Ouigo España, and Iryo, as well as some mid-speed InterCity trains.
Renfe operates AVE trains as Spain’s national high-speed provider, but competition exists. Companies like Ouigo España and Iryo run services on key routes such as Madrid–Barcelona, in line with European Union liberalization rules. French TGV inOui trains also connect across the border to Barcelona.
| NETWORK & SERVICES |
| Infrastructure manager: |
Adif AV
100% of Adif (Spanish state) |
| Headquarter: |
Madrid |
| First opening: |
April 1992 |
| Network lenght: |
3,973 kilometrers >250km/h
Trains does not run on the conventional rail network (except dual gauge train) |
| Operators: |
Renfe AVE, Renfe Avlo, Ouigo España, iryo |
Renfe additionally operates Alvia and Euromed services, which can run on both Iberian and standard gauge tracks, extending high-speed connectivity across the country.
By March 2026, Spain has Europe’s longest high-speed rail network at 3,973 km, second globally after China.
Definition of High Speed Train
The definition of a high-speed train varies by region, but generally, it refers to trains that operate at speeds of at least
250 km/h (155 mph) on newly built lines and 200 km/h (124 mph) on upgraded lines. In Europe, for example, the UIC (International Union of Railways) considers a commercial speed of
250 km/h as the principal criterion for high-speed rail. In the United States, the definition can include trains operating at speeds ranging from 180 km/h (110 mph) to 240 km/h (150 mph).
➤
See the UIC definition
National rolling stock (past and present)
AVE S100/S101
Alsthom
Renfe Class S100/S101
1992 –
…
The AVE S-100 is a variant of the TGV-Atlantique, consisting of an articulated train set flanked by two power cars fitted with synchronous motors. The nose is more rounded than that of its French counterparts. Engine cooling has been improved and the air-conditioning is certified for temperatures ranging from -20 to +50°C.
AVE S102/S112
Talgo, AD Tranz (†)
Renfe Class S102/S112
2005 –
…
Talgo partnered with ADtranz to supply power cars, with first power cars initially built in Munich by Kraus-Maffei using ICE-1 and ICE-2 designs. This led to the Talgo V350, notable for its duck-billed “Pato” nose. With the S112 variant, the total fleet led to 46 trainsets.
AVE S103
Siemens
Renfe Class S103
2006 –
…
In March 2001, Renfe decided to amend the plans for the 32 high-speed trains originally scheduled for 1998: Siemens was awarded a contract for 16 S-103 high-speed trains, to complement the 16 S-102 trains already supplied by the Talgo/Bombardier consortium. The train is based on the ICE BR406 and marks the introduction of rolling stock with distributed traction.
TGV 2N2 3UH
Alstom
Inoui SNCF
2013 –
…
Since December 2013, ten 3UH trainsets have been ordered to operate services between Paris and Barcelona. They are numbered 801 to 810, were delivered from 2013 onwards, and are dual-voltage. Some of these trainsets have been transferred to the Ouigo España fleet as part of a complex exchange of TGV trainsets.
TGV 2N2 3UF
Alstom
Ouigo España (SNCF)
2021 –
…
Since May 2021, around 30 TGV 2N2 3UH trains from the SNCF fleet have been operating services in Spain on behalf of the SNCF’s Spanish subsidiary, Ouigo España. These trains have been adapted for the Spanish market and are no longer authorised to operate in France.
ILSA S109
Hitachi Rail Europe
iryo Class S109
2021 –
…
The Trenitalia, Air Nostrum and Globalvia consortium launched ILSA as part of Lot B of the Spanish rail market liberalisation. This service led to the purchase of 30 ETR 1000 “Frecciarossa” trainsets, well known in Italy, which are classified as ILSA S109 in Spain. Iryo offers three classes of travel in Spain.
AVE S106
Talgo
Renfe Talgo Avril S106
2024 –
…
Since 2016, Renfe has ordered up to 40 Talgo Avril trains – an acronym for ‘Alta Velocidad Rueda Independiente Ligero’. This Talgo articulated train now features two power cars at each end, which was a new development for Talgo, as the company had planned to make the S106 an export product. First entry into service in May 2024 for Renfe.
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Infrastructure • High speed Rail • Lexical
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