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Are you considering train travel? Spain Renfe trains offer different types of classes depending on the routes.
Once you decide to get your Renfe tickets (more about that in my step-by-step tutorial), you will notice that some trains, especially high-speed ones offer seats in different classes. Don’t confuse the train seat classes with the different types of tariffs.
As you would see when purchasing a plane ticket, each class (e.g. first class, business and economy) has a different tariff allowing two different people traveling in the same class to pay a different price for the same type of seat.
In Spain, Renfe high-speed trains have 3 classes:
Since there are currently several train models provided by different manufacturers, along with a bunch of types of trains (AVE, Alvia and Avant), the car you will travel in may have a different configuration. To keep with the airlines analogy, a business class seat may differ from one plane to another even if you travel with the same airline.
It is the most basic class and the one with the largest number of available seats. The seats’ configuration is 2 on the left | corridor | 2 on the right.
All seats have 220V sockets.
The cars are equipped with small TV monitors where movies are generally played (check out the current programming). You can choose to either watch the movie dubbed or in original language by selecting the audio channel. At the beginning of the trip the crew distributes complimentary headphones.
This class is very similar to the previous one. The main difference is that you have more space between the seats. The seats’ configuration is 2 on the left | corridor | 1 on the right.
Preferente offers a much more comfortable seats, displayed as following: 2 on the left | corridor | 1 on the right.
In addition to this, you can benefit from these extra services:
Unfortunately, as a Preferente passenger you are not entitled to a different baggage policy than any other passenger. You can read more about the luggage allowance.
In addition to the classes described above, Renfe started offering a Coche en silencio (Quiet car). This economy car has several restrictions allowing you to enjoy a more comfortable and relaxed trip.
In Spain, Renfe Media Distancia trains have a unique class: Turista or Economy.
It’s a basic class with no additional services. The seats’ configuration is 2 on the left | corridor | 2 on the right.
In Spain, Renfe Trenhotel trains have 5 classes:
The Salas Club are Renfe’s VIP lounges. Here is a complete list of all of them and their opening times. The list is in Spanish but you can still check the train station where there is one. As a Preferente or Gran Clase passenger, you can access any Salas Club up to two hours before your train departure.
This article is part of a complete tutorial about train travel in Spain where you can read all the information you need to organize your train journeys around the country.
Here is a complete summary of all the guide:
1. Renfe And The Different Types Of Trains
2. The Main Routes Covered By Renfe Trains
3. The Different Types Of Train Seat Classes
4. Renfe Train Tickets: Price Structure
5. How To Purchase Renfe Train Tickets Online
6. Renfe Train Tickets Availability. When Is It Best To Get Yours?
7. 10 Tricks For Cheap Train Travel In Spain
8. Renfe Luggage Requirements And Restrictions
9. The “Combinado Cercanías”
10. Renfe’s Punctuality Commitment
11. Experience An AVE Train Trip Before Setting Foot On The Train!
12. The Renfe Spain Pass
13. Traveling With Children Or A Disability