First time in Spain and would like to find out what is the latest time the Ave runs between Madrid and Barcelona on a Sunday.

Grateful for any info

Thanks
Sharon

1) are we able to reserve a cabin with just 4 beds (bunk or otherwise) and not share with anybody else?

2) if we are able to reserve a 4 person cabin, does it have doors that can be closed for safety/privacy?

Any past experiences good/bad would be appreciated.

Thank you!!!

Cercanías (Rodalies in Catalonia)… which is like a regional metro network… it literally means “surroundings” or “close places”. These are the trains that you are supposed to use within your own region (that usually means whithin your province, but sometimes it’s also good for going to the contiguous provinces). There are sometimes (it’s not that common) special services named Civis that run only on the most important stations in the route (Have in mind that Civis is not the same as Civia, Civia is a new model of train that runs on Cercanías networks).

In Cercanías trains the fares are generally calculated by the number of crossed “zones” and usually the trains are very frequent (these trains gets often delayed by the Spanish standard, but almost nobody notices it is some routes as there are trains each 4 to 30 minutes). Except for Civis services, these trains make a stop each 5-10 mins.

Seat reservation is not possible in Cercanías.
——————————–
Media distancia (medium distance) are trains that runs to near regions… they sometimes stop in Cercanías stations but it’s a different service… and in less densely populated regions that don’t enjoy a cercanías network… it’s like a substitute or an extension of the nearest Cercanías network(s). Note that sometimes it is possible to make really long trips on these trains… but they are usually meant for shorter trips. These trains usually make a stop each ~20 mins but here the range is much more diffuse.

Media distancia trains include among others, Regional, Regional Express (less stations), TRD (generally better) and Avant (High Speed regional trains, up to 250Km/h). Media Distancia fares depends on the kilometrage and speed, Avant is usually noticeabely expensiver).

Seat reservation is not possible in Regional, I’m not sure about Regional Express and compulsory in Avant (you can do it in the station but I recomend booking it in advance).
———————————–
Larga distancia (long distance) are trains that usually run point to point with few stops (this is often also true for Avant, but Larga distancia trains cover much more extense distances). There are tons of different Larga distancia services and they are often run on specific routes…

Estrella: Night trains, this is an exception to the few stops rule as here the time is less important. Their main objetive is to depart in the night and arrive to the final destination early in the morning. These trains usually have beds (but you have to pay for them when you buy your ticket).

Trenhotel: Very similar to Estrella but more luxurious… I think that these trains were a mistake as it’s hard to make them profitable.

AVE: (Alta Velocidad Española or Spanish High Speed) high speed trains that only run on the high speed network… up to 320Km/h although some streches are ready for commertial speeds up to 350Km/h. These trains have the record of running at 403,7Km/h unmodified on the line Madrid-Barcelona… (the necessary speed to homologate the line and the trains to 350Km/h).

Alvia: These trains use the high speed network when availlable and the conventional network otherwise… they run up to 250Km/h. This is more impressive than in the rest of Europe as the track gauge in Spain is different between the high speed and the conventional network… and the trains change their gauge on the route without stopping.

Altaria: Similar to Alvia but up to 200Km/h… they use an independent locomotive and generally they have to change the locomotive (but not the cars) when a change of gauge is neccesary. Generally less confortable than Alvia.

Alaris: More or less the same than Alvia, but the speed is up to 200Km/h.

Arco / Talgo: Services that run only in conventional network…

Euromed: It’s supposed to be high speed but it rus on reformed conventional network through the Mediterranean sea instead of a new high speed network, so it’s not that fast.

You have to have in mind that Cercanías and Media distancia are usually subventionated while long distance trains aren’t (it’s illegal in the European Union) also as faster is the train, the service gets more expensive.

People in Spain usually don’t know all these details… they have a general notion and they usually choose the train that fits better their budget and schedule.

More on the new direct slower train from Barcelona to Madrid:

http://www.europebyrail.eu/new-direct-slow-train-from-barcelona-to-madrid

You’ll find the time and fares for the Barca to Madrid local trains (as well as the cheap Estrella services) on the RENFE website at http://www.renfe.es. Since we last commented on these rail options more than two months ago, there have been a couple of changes. It is no longer necessary to change in Zaragoza when you take the slow train. It now runs right through from Barcelona to Madrid. The flexible one-way fare (no need to pre-book, just turn up and buy tkt upon departure) has increased in price a little. It is now €54.70.

For the buses, just go to http://www.alsa.es On the Barca to Madrid bus routes, fares for the summer are if anything a little lower than when we commented in April. There are now tickets for less than €30 one way.

Nicky and Susanne
editors of hidden europe magazine
http://www.hiddeneurope.co.uk
AND
editors of Europe by Rail
http://www.europebyrail.eu

I would really appreciate your help.
Thank you.

Yes, you can certainly travel by local train from Barcelona to Madrid. It follows a very fine historic route. The most convenient daytime departure is that at 08.47, and you need to change trains just once (in Zaragoza). The standard flexible one-way fare is €50.50 and you can buy that right up to departure time. If you are happy to use an overnight train, the one-way fare on the Estrella overnight train is just €44.60.

There are also several express coaches each day. The principal operator is ANSA. That company alone has 16 departures each day. The one-way fare is generally €32.32.

We hope this helps. Enjoy your Spanish travels.

Nicky and Susanne
editors: Europe by Rail: The Definitive Guide for Independent Travellers
(Thomas Cook Publishing)