Discover Spain from Alicante with Superfast and Affordable High-Speed Trains
Discover Spain from Alicante with Super Fast and Affordable High-Speed Trains
Do you dream of exploring Spain without spending a fortune? With the rise of low-cost carriers, you can now travel through this beautiful country for a fraction of the price! Imagine: a trip from Alicante to Valencia for just €9, or from Alicante to Madrid for only €17. Yes, you read that right – adventure and culture are within reach for a price that will make your wallet smile. Discover how these budget-friendly options make your travel plans more accessible than ever, and get inspired to experience Spain in a whole new way!
Alicante, located on the stunning Costa Blanca, is not only a popular destination for sun lovers but also an important hub for high-speed trains. From this city, Spain’s most beautiful cities are within easy reach, thanks to an extensive network of fast and affordable trains. Why choose one destination when you have easy access to northern, central, and southern Spain from Alicante? From Madrid to Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, and Malaga: explore it all, without worrying about time or budget!
Renfe and AVE: The Best of Spain Within Reach
Renfe, the Spanish national railway company, offers a range of high-speed trains that allow you to explore all of Spain. The AVE (Alta Velocidad Española) is the pride of Renfe, connecting Alicante with cities like Madrid and Barcelona in record time. The AVE trains are not only fast but also comfortable, with amenities such as spacious seats, free Wi-Fi, and onboard catering. In just over two hours, you can be in the heart of Madrid, while Barcelona is reachable in about 4.5 hours.
Alvia and Euromed: Regional High-Speed Trains
In addition to the AVE, there are also Alvia and Euromed trains, which are slightly slower but still offer excellent options for regional travel. Alvia trains combine high-speed lines with conventional railways, giving them a broader reach and the ability to take you to smaller towns. Euromed trains serve the cities along the eastern coast, such as Alicante, Valencia, and Barcelona, offering a fast and comfortable way to reach these popular destinations.
Low-Cost High-Speed Trains: Affordable Travel with Ouigo and Avlo
For the budget-conscious traveler, there are also low-cost options that combine high speed with affordability. Ouigo España is a French company that has expanded its services to Spain, offering high-speed trains between major cities like Madrid and Barcelona at very competitive prices. This is a great choice for those who want to travel quickly without breaking the bank.
Additionally, there is Avlo, the budget version of the AVE trains, operated by Renfe. Avlo offers the same speed and reliability as the AVE but with lower fares and fewer luxury amenities, making it an ideal option for travelers looking to save money without sacrificing travel time.
Why Choose When You Can Have It All?
With the many high-speed trains departing from Alicante, there’s no need to choose between the vibrant energy of Madrid, the cultural richness of Barcelona, the Mediterranean charm of Valencia, the historical grandeur of Seville, or the sun-drenched coast of Malaga. These cities are now all easily accessible from Alicante, and at very affordable rates.
Make Alicante your base and explore all of Spain with the ease and speed of modern high-speed trains. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer journey, the train options from Alicante offer you the freedom to explore multiple destinations without stress. So, what are you waiting for? Hop on board and start your Spanish adventure!
It’s fascinating to see how the arrival of low-cost carriers in Spain has led to significant savings for travelers. Before the pandemic, Renfe was indeed the dominant player on Spain’s high-speed rail networks. Since the liberalization of the rail market, other companies like Ouigo and Iryo have entered the scene, offering competitive rates.
Cost Comparison (Mid-2024):
Renfe:
- Madrid to Barcelona: Previously, a one-way ticket could range from about €60 to €150, depending on class and booking time.
- Madrid to Valencia: Prices typically ranged between €40 and €100, also depending on class and booking time.
Low-Cost Carriers (such as Ouigo and Iryo):
- Madrid to Barcelona: Prices start at around €37 for a one-way ticket, which is significantly cheaper than pre-pandemic Renfe rates.
- Madrid to Valencia: Prices can be as low as €22 for a one-way ticket, which is also much more affordable than the former Renfe prices.
- Alicante to Madrid: Prices can be as low as €17 for a one-way ticket.
- Alicante to Valencia: Prices can be as low as €9 for a one-way ticket.
When you compare the prices of low-cost carriers with those in Belgium and the Netherlands, it almost seems impossible. In this blog, we provide you with some useful links to these budget carriers, so you can see how you can explore all of Spain for a fraction of the cost.
Extra:
Websites to Compare and Book
- Renfe: The official site of the Spanish railways remains the primary source for information about their own fares and offers.
- Ouigo: The low-cost high-speed rail company that has been operating in Spain since 2021. They offer fares that often compete with those of Renfe.
- Iryo: Another new player in the Spanish market, also offering low prices for high-speed trains.
- Trainline: Compares prices from Renfe and other providers like Ouigo and Iryo, helping you find the best deals.
- Omio: A comparison platform that shows prices from different carriers, including Renfe, Ouigo, and Iryo.
Using these platforms, you can find the best deals and take advantage of lower fares, possibly up to 40% cheaper than before the pandemic. Don’t forget to book early and be flexible with your travel dates for the best rates.
